Blogger’s Note: My mother’s family were bombed-out of Lewisham in the Nazi German blanket-bombing of Lewisham in September, 1940. Tens of thousands had to fircibly relocate to the Chislehurst Caves (then situated in Kent). They went on foot – walking miles to gain safety as the UK government had nowhere to put them. Eventually, the owner of the caves agreed to this – and the government assisted the people to establish an underground town which lasted until 1948 – when the Labour Party finished building new Council Houses. As for my mother’s family – they were relocated to Oxford on the grounds that one of their relatives already lived there (I think a cousin had moved there at some point before this). Obviously, Lewisham still possessed a working-class population – as the plaque discussed in this article commemorates the 51 people killed when a VI hit the Market Area during 1944. By this time, my family had established themselves in Oxford (the men joining the military) – and a large part of the Lewisham population was now living in the Chislehurst Caves. Remember, Hitler targetted the British working-class – thinking he would break their spirit – but it did the exact opposite. ACW (30.7.2026)
With the impending permanent closure of the Lewisham branch of Marks & Spencer many have wondered what will happen to a plaque outside the store.
In response to a question last week on the matter Lewisham responded to state that “the council will ensure commemorative plaques will be protected as regeneration plans progress.”
The plaque is on the left of the Lewisham High Street frontage and commemorates 51 people who died when a German V1 flying bomb hit on 28th June 1944.
The bomb hit at 9:41am or 9:44am (accounts vary) at the market area destroying adjacent shops such as Marks & Spencer, Sainsbury’s, and Woolworths. Running Past took a look at what happened, including images of the devastation along the High Street.
An extensive post on the attack, including images before the bomb struck, can be seen at the Long & Lazy Lewisham site. It shows the impressive M&S store beforehand.
Plaque
A plaque was originally installed on the ground though became extremely worn over time before a replacement was attached to the front of Marks & Spencer where it’s resided for around 35 years.
The retail giant announced earlier this year they will permanently close the Lewisham High Street branch on 1st August leaving questions about the plaque.
Whilst the shopping centre area is set for wider redevelopment, that is not impacting the Lewisham M&S site for some time to come.
The initial stage will be further north closer to the station and include Boots, which has now moved to a new site within the shopping centre just over from M&S.
Lewisham V1 rocket attack – original
Inscription
This plaque commemorates the fifty-one people killed by a V1 flying bomb which landed on the market place in Lewisham High Street on the 28th June 1944, installed by the generous support of Marks and Spencer.
This brass plaque on the pavement had become badly worn and a new one was erected on a nearby wall.
Site: Lewisham V1 rocket attack (2 memorials)
SE13, Lewisham High Street, 122, Marks and Spencer
Credit for this entry to: Alan Patient of http://www.plaquesoflondon.co.uk
SANGHA KOMMUNE (SSR) 