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© Transport for London
Collection of London Transport Museum
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Air raid damage to tram tracks at Plumstead. This view shows the deep, water-filled crater formed in the road by the bomb. The severed tram tracks can be seen rearing into the air on either side of the crater. Two uniformed London Transport officials and several workmen stand in and around the crater. Note the extent of the damage to the houses in the background.

Photographed by Topical Press, 22 Apr 1941

Location: Plumstead, Greenwich, SE18

Image no: U32937

Inventory no: 1998/35000

20th Century London caption: This photograph shows air-raid damage to a road in Plumstead. The houses in the background are partially destroyed; the severed tram tracks rear into the air on either side of the water-filled bomb crater. Two uniformed London Transport officials and several workmen stand in and around the crater. The bombing of residential area caused a huge problem of homelessness. Over 500,000 Londoners were made homeless by air raids. Central government made empty properties available to some families, others stayed with friends, family or other Londoners while they waited to be re-housed. The authorities also helped to organise basic repairs so that where possible people could move back into their homes. There were also public laundries and canteens serving cheap and nutritious food. These were available at first in the bombed out areas, but soon spread to other parts of the capital.

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