The London Road viaduct bombing.

On 25 May 1943, a formation of 24 German Focke-Wulf Fw 190 fighter-bombers carried out a fast, low-level raid on Brighton. It was one of the ‘tip and run’ raids which saw Luftwaffe bombers fly in at speed drop their bombs and then fly off quickly before the RAF fighters or anti-aircraft guns could respond. Among the targets was the London Road railway viaduct, part of the main line connecting Brighton with London.

How was the viaduct damaged?
From the bombs dropped, one bounced off nearby Campbell Road, went through a house on Argyll Road before exploding and demolishing two arches and one pier at the west end of the viaduct. As you can see in the photographs the damage left a section of track hanging in the air.

Why was the viaduct targeted?
By damaging the viaduct, the enemy were disrupting a vital transport link which was used to move workers, supplies and military equipment not only to London but across the south east. The height of the viaduct made it clearly visible to attacking German bombers and so it was an easy target.

How was the viaduct repaired?
The line had to be inspected and repaired before trains could safely run again. Railway staff, police, ARP wardens and Civil Defence workers responded while other services in the town were called upon to deal with casualties and bomb damage.

Was anyone hurt?
The raid killed 24 people and injured more than 130.

Image credits:

• Royal Pavilion & Museums, Brighton & Hove