This week in 1939: protective works on underground railways

Britain declared war on Germany in September 1939 and by December around 50 underground stations had been identified as being more at risk from flooding following air raids.

Flooding had already identified as a serious risk in 1938 and work had begun to rectify the situation but the outbreak of hostilities brought forward a temporary solution that saw floodgates closing in one minute or 4.5 minutes if closed by hand.

The solution was designed Mr. W.T. Halcrow, Consulting Engineer and built by Glenfield and Kennedy.

The following excerpt from The Engineer explains exactly how it worked: ‘One problem of some magnitude is the protection of the underground railways from any possible risk of flooding, either from the Thames or from the sewers or water mains, where they are in close proximity to the stations.

‘One method of protection adopted is the installation of floodgates at certain of the stations, and when the works at present in hand are completed, all the stations and sections of the line, at present closed, will be reopened and travel on the Underground will be as safe as hitherto.