The Bethnal Green Tube Disaster | A Short Documentary | Fascinating Horror

[@jaxkovak]

My fathers family came from this area, and his cousin was at the top of the stairs, waiting to file down when the crush happened. She was 16, and when she saw people fall she turned and pushed her way out of the crowd and ran through the streets to get home, where there was an Anderson shelter in the garden next door. She was roundly told off for running home instead of taking shelter and no-one believed her when she told them what she had seen, especially when news released suggested that the deaths were caused by a bomb. I only met this lady twice, and once I was too young to remember her at all, but I do remember seeing her at a family wedding when I was in my teens. She was very quiet and sat alone with her husband in a corner. My father (who was fighting in Africa at the time of the incident) was one of the only family members to talk to her. I never knew if he believed her story or not but he didn't seem to care either way saying "She survived. Doesn't matter how or why, she's still here". He was less than impressed with those members of the family who would not speak to her. Its very sad that she spent her entire life being shunned and called a liar when she was actually telling the truth.

[@justusbar7597]

Sad story, thank you for sharing!

[@jaman8916]

Ehhhhhh ok

[@00poopmonster]

She spent her whole life being shunned even when the truth came out? Doesn't make sense

[@jaman8916]

@@00poopmonster yeah, this lame tried to be as overdramatic as possible. Very pathetic

[@QueenOfTheNorth65]

@@00poopmonster He said news of what happened wasn’t made public for many years.

[@edaturk7529]

It’s called the ‘Stairway to Heaven’ memorial. The concept of the design is an inversion of the negative space of the stairwell. It bears the names of the 173 victims, and has the same number of pinhole spots in its canopy. Underneath is a polished concrete plinth, fixed with bronze plaques and extracts of the accounts of survivors and the victims’ families. 84 women, 62 children and 27 men were killed. Rest in Peace to all

[@deprofundis3293]

Thank you for the additional information!

[@delilasloan8914]

Thank you Im going to look that memorial up, it sounds fascinating.

[@AK-jt7kh]

Rest In Peace… 🙏

[@dand4139]

He always leaves out all the stuff that is actually the most interesting, despite his name. It bothers me a lot

[@edaturk7529]

@@dand4139 it’s okay.. That’s what we are here for- to give you that extra information when needed 😉

[@Unownshipper]

8:12 "But his request had been turned down as it was considered far too expensive." Alright ladies and gents, check that one off your Fascinating Horror Bingo card. In all seriousness, what an incredibly shocking story. I wonder if the terror of the incident or the lingering trauma/feeling of not being believed was harder for the survivors. I think the memorial looked both beautifully conceived and poignant.

[@peterf.229]

At the time they were a little busy fighting the Nazis , much like the Russians . The US military didn’t enter til Dec of 41 so about when the proposals were made the US might not have been fighting yet . Just Russia and the UK .

[@janethollman7894]

It was well known locally despite the incident being kept quiet. You cannot keep this sort of thing silent people talk. No treatment for those who suffered PTSD or anything like it.

[@Erin-rg3dw]

Can we get bingo cards? I think that would be a nice gift for a viewer 😅

[@eadaoinmurphy20]

Can imagine the feeling of thinking that because you're in a shelter you're safe from the bombings, only to lose your life that night. Truly tragic

[@annarice9063]

I would be extremely pissed tbh.

[@sayless7133]

To be honest I don't think anyone felt safe while those bombs were dropping I can imagine they all felt terrified !

[@freshrot420]

But they weren't safe inside yet and that's what spurred them to rush.

[@SerTasera]

My maternal grandmother was a survivor of the Blitz and had to take shelter in one of these subway tunnels. I only asked her about it once before she died, and all she would say was that it was "absolutely dreadful". I later found out that she was forced to give birth to my Aunt Pat in the subway while bombs were landing above ground.

[@JaneAustenAteMyCat]

Blimey!

[@mariannasimon9366]

Oh I'm so sorry

[@yowtfputthemaskbackon9202]

one of the nearby towns from where I live was bombed to absolute shreds. the entire center of the town was turned into a crater, by some very large bomb designated for a nearby airfield that missed its mark. it landed in the open town square but still leveled several rows of buildings, my hometown was on the other hand not bombed much since it had a POW camp at the outskirts and the Americans knew how imprecise their bombs can be. further east one of the larger cities was also completely peppered with bombs, but they did mostly miss the big church in the middle. on the other hand, in the city west of here, a single bomb was dropped, hitting the city church directly and killing the people that were hiding inside. we didn't have bomb shelters or subway stations. so many people decided they would rather hide in a house of God than their own house, hoping for, if nothing else, divine intervention, in that particular case though, it led to their demise. the bombing raids, especially near the end of the war were brutal, it's not often talked about, even the Wikipedia pages are lackluster for the most part, making them often just a side mark or mentions of them here and there. in the town that was bombed to bits, they after the war put up a statue commemorating the V2 attacks on England, which really didn't go down well with the locals, since they themself took irrecoverable losses, yet were putting up statues for, in their mind, one of the countries that were to blame for their fate.

[@sueparras6028]

I'll bet that many babies were born in unusual places during the wars both 1 and 2. Back in those days being born in a hospital was not the norm. Most people were born at home. My mother was born in the family farmhouse in Saskatchewan Canada 🇨🇦 in 1919. That's just how things were done. But yes I can see how having to give birth to your child in a bomb shelter would be especially unsettling.

[@Elena-tq9vs]

@@sueparras6028 - but if you're at home and knew a baby was on the way you would have clean sheets and towels, clean water, adequate lighting, probably access to a midwife or doctor in an emergency situation... and probably not bombs and rubble falling all around you, in full view of hundreds of terrified strangers in a dark, dirty, damp underground tunnel.

[@jessicad83]

The thought of suffocating to death due to being trapped in a mass of human beings just defies imagination.. how tragically horrific.. especially the fact that children were amongst the casualties... may they all rest in peace 🕊

[@volvo09]

It's something you don't even think could happen until you hear about it, and think about all the forces involved. And yeah, couldn't imagine being stuck there with a dying child or person pressed up against you that you can't help as you yourself struggle for air.

[@jessicad83]

@@volvo09 oh for sure and to then also learn that this incident was the single greatest civilian loss of the entire war is mind blowing! 🤯

[@gary1961]

I am a survivor of Hillsborough. What you say is 100% true.

[@jessicad83]

@@gary1961 Wow, that's amazing, I am sure you feel very blessed. I hope time has afforded you some comfort and time to heal. I understand that surviving something tragic like this can sometimes be as bad as not surviving it... things like "survivor's guilt" and other forms of PTSD, my father is a veteran so I understand this well. I wish you a long, happy, healthy joy filled life. ❤

[@Gameboy-Unboxings]

@@jessicad83 how was this the greatest civilian loss of the war?? What about the bombing of Hiroshima?

[@rilmar2137]

War is terrifying on its own, but to find death in the place that was supposed to give you shelter... This is just tragic.

[@derekwhite9932]

Plus it was caused by something to protect them...

[@alison4316]

Btw "Mrs Chumbley" is possibly the best name for a woman who saved a little boy.

[@Eagle_the_18th]

She sounds like she worked as a teacher at a kindergarten in her day job

[@logann7942]

Most Englishy name ever

[@futurecat]

Straight outta potter.

[@lv7118]

The BEST name.....and of course she tried to dislodge him by pulling on his hair very hard.

[@nicomonkeyboy]

Her name was Mrs Cholmondeley - pronounced Chumly, but seems very weird to have misspelled it the way it's pronounced.

[@2jackdolan]

Just want to say I appreciate this channel and how it presents these events.

[@dangerousandy]

Probably the best channel on KZbin

[@sdraper2011]

@@dangerousandy Agreed.

[@chadcovey1626]

The best

[@brucewayne1894]

Couldn't agree more.

[@IRL_Lore]

No, I think it should be more vulgar, tasteless and disrespectful to the dead

[@hugewangsan3060]

I am going to take a look at that memorial next time I'm around Bethnal Green. 173 people? Wow. We almost don't think of crushes as dangerous at all these days unless you have been affected by one. Thanks for this great look.

[@nancyaustin9516]

How soon we forget. "On 24 September 2015, an event described as a 'crush and stampede' caused deaths estimated at well over 2,000 people, suffocated or crushed during the annual Hajj pilgrimage in Mina, Mecca, Saudi Arabia, making it the deadliest Hajj disaster in history."

[@hugewangsan3060]

@@nancyaustin9516 but to our western sensibilities it didn't happen. You know that. The same way over there they have never heard of the Bethnal green crush. Bit melodramatic.

[@grmpEqweer]

The Astroworld show, with Travis Scott and others, was held recently at a big Houston, Tx venue. Iirc about 14 people died due to a crush incident, and the rest of the event was cancelled.☹️

[@Ozymandias1]

In Britain the Hillsborough disaster is still well remembered which saw many people being crushed to death.

[@hugewangsan3060]

@@grmpEqweer I think this is the one that is in the public consciousness yes. But nor was it a mass casualty event. I'm not saying they don't happen, I'm saying they don't capture the public consciousness.

[@What.99]

It never fails to amaze me when companies and governments are given safety recommendations, but choose not to implement them because they were “too expensive”. Like saving lives isn’t worth the cost until AFTER a disaster has happened and caused casualties…

[@Ozymandias1]

In the town where I went to school there was a dangerous crossing. A kid was killed by traffic trying to cross it. Nothing happened. Then after some time another kid was killed at the same crossing. Within a week there were traffic lights installed at the crossing.

[@bemusedbandersnatch2069]

In fairness this is one of the few times I'd sorta get that logic though. They were in the middle of a massive war fighting for the survival of their country. What if that money could've been used for more medicines for the wounded? Or more guns for the soldiers? Or developing better technologies to intercept the Germans? Clearly it was the wrong call and also somebody should've thought to warn the civies about the weapons test nearby but the people making these decisions were in the middle of fighting a war and getting bombs dropped on their heads. I'd cut them a little more slack than the average cost cutting developer who is worried about their finances.

[@What.99]

@@bemusedbandersnatch2069 But that’s the thing: the people making these decisions AREN’T getting bombs dropped on their heads. They’re often in a very safe area, maybe in their own bunker or even in another town, far away from the bombs. They’re not making these “hard” decisions as bombs are dropping right outside their windows, they’re making them in between the attacks, during much calmer times. Keeping the people in charge safe at all times as best as possible is the top priority at all times, so saying they’re making these decisions as “bombs are dropping on their heads” is an interesting way of looking at it. On top of that, it literally took 50 years (1993) for any sort of remembrance to be put up, and it was just a plaque (the “Stairway to Heaven” memorial wasn’t created until 2017, 74 years after the Bethnal Green tragedy had happened). It didn’t take 50 years for that city to start making a profit so they could honor the people that died. No, it took so long for “other reasons”, and that also tells me it was never actually about money. They likely wouldn’t have implemented those railings and other safety futures when they were recommended even if there wasn’t a war going on and finances being spent elsewhere. Obviously, this is a personal opinion and I have no way of actually knowing why certain decisions were made, but history has a way of repeating itself, so it seems far more likely to me that the safety measures were cut just to save money, and not actually because they were too expensive at the time.

[@bemusedbandersnatch2069]

@@What.99 look, all i know is that it was a shit time to be a Brit and particularly a Londoner and i wouldn't have wanted to be one of the people in charge of figuring out how to allocate resources in that mess. People were dying from all kinds of things like falling buildings and fires and shortages of medical equipment exacerbating those problems. When the height of elitist luxury is being somewhere safe enough that bombs aren't falling on your head it's a bad time.

[@Mike--Oxmall]

In 2003 at my high school we had these very old double doors that led out to the different buildings. They were swinging really heavily, one kid was walking through the door too slowly and ended up getting smacked in the head with the heavy door, he didnt die but his head was cracked open. The school tried to deny responsibility but replaced the doors the next day, I think it took the kids family over a year to get even an apology and I dont think they received much compensation.

[@kam2894]

truly a tragic story. the thought of safety in the shelter, only to be crushed and die right when you almost made it. rest in peace to all the victims.

[@rafanifischer3152]

A few tips to avoid being a casualty in a crush. If you see that the group ahead of you stops moving be careful a crush may be forming. Move to the outside of the group, avoid the center. Try to get out even if you have to move against the flow. Plan ahead, search for any possible escape route. If you are trapped in a crowd and can't move you must avoid falling down. Some suggest removing your shoes and raising your knees so you can move with the ebb and flow of the crowd.. The best advice is to avoid large crowds even if you have to miss the concert or the event. This is info I have learned from reading about crushes so it is not exact science. Be careful out there.

[@p4ngolin]

That can be tricky if you're on a stair where the side is either a wall or a fall. I was in a minor crush taking place on a floating escalator. Your options are pretty much limited to "try and be on top". I now avoid those escalators if too crowded.

[@rafanifischer3152]

@@p4ngolin The important thing is to be alert and try to anticipate the danger.

[@nlwilson4892]

In most cases the crush happens partly because the crowd is too dense for people to see far in front. Move to the side if you can, it is about the only thing likely to work.

[@izzymarie8987]

Also if you see a large crowd in front of you start to sway back and forth in wave-like patterns that’s a sign to back tf out while you still can. This happens when crowds get so tightly packed that there’s no room for individual movement, and instead start to exhibit almost fluid behavior. it becomes a literal sea of people.

[@AK-jt7kh]

If you’re in a crush I seriously doubt you will be able to remove your shoes, but if you did, I’m sure that could be a very big mistake. Your feet are now going to be major targets for injury and you will have less surface area and less traction. If you’re unlucky enough to be walking over bodies beneath you, it will be even harder. Imagine trying to climb over a bunch of large rocks with bare feet? I think your advice to try to get to the side is spot on though. Maybe you could try to put your hands on your hips and stick your elbows out to create space…hard to say. These could be great tips - or they could be a mistake. I think the best thing we can do is learn about these situations because it triggers us to imagine them, which helps our brains process strategies before they ever happen.

[@anitralarae_mahjacat]

Connie Willis' books _Blackout_ & _All Clear_ both have great passages of "The Blitz" as experienced by Civilians.

[@osmvivify]

Very enjoyable and fascinating reads!

[@devildog3575]

Thank you!!

[@paperj6822]

She’s such a great writer! Will check those two out. Loved the doomsday book.

[@barbaramcgee8933]

I, too, immediately thought of Connie Willis' books.

[@Ravynwulf1]

I was expecting maybe 20-40 people in that amount of space, but 173 dead?! How?! That's crazy! Makes me think of older people who would always say things like "We were stuffed in like sardines in a can." Gives me a whole new perspective of that.

[@vustvaleo8068]

the messed up part is the survivors and witnesses was forced to say silent of the incident until years later so they didn't cause panic and demoralize the public during times of war.

[@wirhannah]

Terrifying to think the truth of this was covered up for so long. Also clicked the link in the description to Alf's story and that was heartbreaking too.

[@infinitecanadian]

It had to be covered up.

[@lloydhawkins538]

@ Infinitecanadian Yeah keep telling yourself those Lies!! Millions of Lies throughout history to cover something up to Benefit only a few Elite’s and here we are today living in a world of Lies to Benefit Who??? I’ll tell you who the Parasites that are in Control of this World! Don’t believe me we’ll the same ones who financed the Axis’s in WW2 also financed the Allie’s in WW2!!! Factual information take a look yourself!

[@infinitecanadian]

@@lloydhawkins538 Sorry, I don't have my tinfoil hat on.

[@Subject_Keter]

@@infinitecanadian Got to love how they "say" but dont "do anything" - Ya they had to cover it up.. really want people to panic even harder during bombing raids? Also Truth and War cant go together... one little thing can destory your balance.

[@3a.m.284]

Nothing "needs" to be covered up, also lole Europeans couldn't be scared by the Germans but got shook to death by their own military

[@FlorSilvestre12]

That memorial is really something. Not just a plaque but a full work of art with so much love and meaning crafted into it.

[@blue8913]

My great grandad was there for this. We have a copy of one of the old news paper articles who interviewed him. He'd helped save a babies life, and held a ladies head up so they could help her breathe from what I remember. It's terrifying to think about, and knowing as always, the government didn't give a damn about safety because of costs : I

[@DjVortex-w]

One thing I have learned from these videos: If you see a crowd of people rushing to some direction, avoid going with the crowd if at all possible. Or, at a very minimum, keep a distance from the crowd and see where it's going and what's happening. Do not rush into the crowd.

[@rabidmidgeecosse1336]

sound advice in the calm of a internet chat, having been in a near mass panic, trust me it is absolutely terrifying and thinking straight is very hard.

[@Jared_Wignall]

What I love about this channel is learning about events that I didn’t know happened around the world. Keep up the great work!

[@dylanhuculak8458]

It's very conflicting how when I see a new video of yours, I get really excited over such tragic events. It's kind of like getting hyped up for a well-delivered eulogy.

[@emordnilap4747]

I always feel that way about liking any of these videos. On one hand, they're well made, unbiased, respectful, and informative. On the other, there's this irrational part of me that feels liking the video implies I approve of whatever happened in said video. I am literally lol, because seeing it typed out makes it so much clearer just how absurd that is.

[@ghostcityshelton9378]

@@emordnilap4747 Likeing (thumbing up) helps to tell You Tube that you like the channel and helps the creator of the video to keep making the videos. If 'ad' s aren't watched the creator doesn't get paid, though if you watch the 'ad' for at least 30 seconds they get paid. Liking videos here simply means one likes to learn history & events, and watching some videos here may help one to avoid getting killed in some cases.

[@kaycwtchmahoney2940]

The day to day normal people were and still are treated as collateral damage during war . Thanks for bringing their harrowing story back to life

[@1JamesMayToGoPlease]

This truly is a horrific story. I hope that somehow, those lost are resting in peace.

[@jeffbarnes54]

Your speaking voice is fantastic, I could sit and listen to you talk all night. You do such a wonderful job with this channel, and it is definitely appreciated.

[@britt.any_time]

my heart feels heavier this morning after learning about this tragedy; I began to tear up toward the end and as soon as you mentioned the 2006 inverted staircase memorial / 1 hole for each life lost ~ I lost it! Glad they finally got the honor and recognition they deserved. *Communication is Key* rings true with this unfortunate event + obviously SAFETY FIRST and YOU CAN'T PUT A PRICE ON A LIFE/LIVES. Shame on those responsible for neglecting to handle their respective duties + those who participated in the huge cover-up afterward. It's difficult to fathom just how much tragedy in the past/present/likely future occurs largely due to the incompetence &/or negligence of those in charge. Thanks for uploading

[@daffers2345]

I often cry when watching these. This is a great channel whose narrator shows respect and care without being sensational. I wish there were more like this.

[@eazye519]

Imagine dating you lol

[@31webseries]

JFC, could we just have one mandatory assembly in every junior high that talks about these safety issues, not just drunk driving but like alll the issues like this a teen can face. Because I definitely didn't know surges and crushes were this dangerous when I went to GA concerts or Mardi Gras. I thought it was fun, naive idiot that I was. Luckily no one was killed. But it might've helped at the ones where people were.

[@stanislavkostarnov2157]

Remember this story about an 8 year old girl on holiday who saved herself and many others from a beach during The Indian Ocean Tsunami, simply because her Geography teacher talked about Tsunamis and what to do.

[@bakomusha]

Agreed! Crush's are just as big a threat as natural or industrial disasters, and often come hand in hand with them!

[@deprofundis3293]

Excellent idea!

[@Luubelaar]

Crushes from a panicking crowd are definitely deadly. If you've got the nerve, read about the Hillsborough stadium disaster. It was a football match in the UK where people died in a crush.

[@31webseries]

@@Luubelaar I did I've gone through just about all the the FH vids. It's incredible. Even when there's a fire a lot of times the crush at the doors kills most of the people. Insane.

[@britaggies2365]

A word of thanks for your work. Some may think viewers like me are fixated on the macabre but I find them powerfully uplifting. Your stories always feature actions by heroic people who sacrifice for their fellows; critiques of past greed or neglect; strategies that reduce future risks; and, most importantly, subtle calls to action for us to demand safe environments in the present. Thank you!

[@ridethasno]

2:15 AM here on the west coast USA. Sending love to whoever reads this. ❤️

[@benjaminosterloh3605]

5:20 in the Midwest and East Coast

[@jenr3563]

In iowa at 422am sending love back!

[@rolly4x4]

6:30pm here in Western Australia

[@tomjoad3868]

5:27 AM in Ohio. Sending love and good vibes back.✌❤

[@morganosborne9258]

5:31 am in southeastern NC. I'm a misplaced native Oregonian. Lol

[@craigdurso3005]

I often think of the people who have died in these tragic events that you chronicle , and I feel the only true way I could honor them is if take to heart what happened to them , and do my very best to recognize that a similar situation may be brewing for me

[@iStylesOG]

Of all of your videos, the ones about crushes have been the most fascinating and horrifying. Especially after what happened at Astroworld

[@jhaustrick2535]

So awful. It is hard to comprehend just how much suffering took place outside the obvious theatre of war.

[@JabaActual]

Been watching this channel for so long that the background music evokes a sense of doom for me

[@anitralarae_mahjacat]

I actually find it Soothing at this point...

[@wryalways985]

Ominous but dang catchy.

[@GandalfTheTsaagan]

I understand the secretism arround new weaponry in times of war, but the government really should have taken responsibility asap. Especially considering that the victims went along with the cover-up for the greater good.

[@filanfyretracker]

"Defensive emplacements have been put in the neighborhood for this raid, And there will be loud noises similar to explosions" is probably what they could have done, does not reveal anything but would still warn. Of course hindsight is 20/20.

[@whatcaniwriteinhere7407]

Thank you for recognizing and researching this tragedy. I always like listening to your calm voice as you talk about these horrible stories

[@cyberflotsam]

I knew about this disaster already, but your video includes a number of details that I wasn't previously aware of. Thanks very much for this.

[@deprofundis3293]

Yet another important incident that I'd never heard of. Thank you for providing these videos! I feel like they not only teach us to be cautious but also honor the dead, who otherwise would go unknown to the vast majority of the modern population.

[@CircleThinker]

I'd never heard this story before despite being a Brit, that's why I love this channel. So many well researched, well narrated stories that we just otherwise wouldn't know. Also that picture of people sitting/lying on the tube tracks - amazing!

[@peterf.229]

As an American but also an avid WWII history buff I hadn’t heard of it either . Sorry to all who lost their lives. War is horrible and civilians suffer the most

[@len8504]

My nan was from Bethnal Green, and took shelter in this very tunnel every night during the blitz. Over Christmas she was telling us about this exact tragedy, and that every other night she and her sisters and friend had been first in to get a good spot, but on this day, her friend had convinced her to go with her to meet a couple of lads they had a fancy for first, so they were later getting to the tunnel than usual. Thank God, otherwise undoubtedly they would not have survived. That chap may not have turned out to be my grandad but I'll be forever grateful to him!

[@bakomusha]

Thanks to this channel I try to eye the exits of every building I enter, and pressure my friends not to get lazy with safety at work. Crush's are a unique kind of hell, and they are entirely preventable!

[@richardgonzales5606]

Recently my wife and I went to a small club to watch a band play. In addition to the filled tables around the dance floor, there were a lot of people standing and congregating in the bar area. I found myself checking for exits and the best path out in that limited space in case of a fire due to these videos.

[@chrischarlescook]

Started watching this channel during the first lockdown in the UK. Now the intro music brings back memories of panic buying, empty streets and that whole "end of the world" feeling.

[@Moorandmist]

The memorial is so beautiful. I believe a lot of the victims are buried at tower hamlets cemetery park nearby which is a lovely place to visit if you are ever in East London

[@Joffar]

These videos almost always should be titled "How Greed and/or Incompetence Cost Lives".

[@QT5656]

"...and often despite prior warnings".

[@thejudgmentalcat]

I'd never heard of this, but then I always wondered if there were crowd crushes or unintentional fires in the London tube shelters during WWII.

[@nancyjones6780]

Aside from being eaten by a shark I can't imagine a more terrible way to die than a human crush! Thanks for your hard work, Fascinating Horror! I'm always fascinated! 💜

[@EGReviews]

I'd say drowning is my top, human crush a very close second. Eaten by a shark would be over quite quickly

[@ruthmeow4262]

I saw a video about a cave explorer who got wedged head down in a narrow passage. He was stuck for hours before he died. That made my top 5 ways I never want to die.

[@LancasterResponding]

Fire. Death by fire is the worst. You don’t want to burn to death.

[@daffers2345]

@@ruthmeow4262 Fascinating Horror did a video on that guy. I don't have the guts to watch it again.

[@ironpanther9409]

@@ruthmeow4262 john Jones was his name

[@DavidStarrUSA]

I pray to whatever there is out there that we never see the horrors of war like this ever again. And for peace for those that still live under these conditions in the Middle East.

[@cedarcam]

Soldiers write the songs that soldiers sing The songs that you and I won't sing Let's not look the other way Taking a chance 'Cause if the bugler starts to play We too must dance We must all remember this and never ignore the things going on in our fragile world today

[@MegaMesozoic]

There was a dramatisation of this incident on TV many years ago called "It's a Lovely Day Tomorrow". I remember it as being very good.

[@rcatkin1]

I totally understand why this was hushed up. Descending into the underground system during the bombing saved so many lives, so it would have been a disaster if people started becoming reluctant to go into them after hearing about this disaster. Much respect to the families who didn't speak out and went along with the official story - it must have been terrible for them but their silence during the war may have saved lives.

[@sdraper2011]

Very good points.

[@redeye4516]

I have to disagree. People in London were used to sheltering in the Underground from bombs by then, and almost everyone had behaved themselves doing so without incident. This incident was caused by the crowd panicking and forming a crush as they tripped down the stairs rather than simply walking single file down the stairwell. It could be phrased as a cautionary tale of why you must be calm and orderly when doing these procedures, because in a sense it is just that, as unfortunate as it is that such a lesson was written in blood.

[@smittysmeee]

No. You ought to trust people enough to tell them the truth and let them decide for themselves how they want to respond. Lying does nothing but allow people to take uniformed risks. Understanding it was possible for yourself and others to be killed if you panicked in a shelter, or in any situation where people are packed together, is valuable information to have and a reality we should not be shielded from.

[@tw6534]

I also disagree. Respect for the families who didn’t speak out. What about respect for the ones who died? What the authorities did was wrong. People aren’t stupid. It was a horrible tragedy but I don’t think they would have stood around debating on what to do. There were only 2 choices. Either go underground or get blown to smithereens.

[@bruticus0875]

I agree. It's fine to second guess things that happened in war time. But hard decisions have to be made during war time for the sake of the entire country. How many people would be sentenced to death for "truth"? Even if only 1 life was saved by covering it up, would you change this and condemn that 1 person to death? Truth or Lie, 173 are still dead and cannot be brought back. A lie that saves lives, or a truth that condemns people to die..........I think this thread shows you what happens when normal people are "trusted" with the truth. They lack the wisdom of living through painful choices. They would condemn untold numbers to death just so they can have their "truth".

[@loordimus]

I visited the memorial a few years back by chance and it certainly left an impression. I remember trying to search for a video back then telling the full story, but didn't find anything satisfactory. Thank you for making a proper one!

[@StunningHistory]

Amazing how they continued their day-to-day routines even when taking cover in a bomb shelter. That teacher at 2:23 somehow managed to keep a smile on her face for the kids despite the terrible circumstances.

[@mikesmith-po8nd]

You have to do just that. If you give in to fear then the enemy has won.

[@Subject_Keter]

Had to spite the Germans and say "fite me 1v1 m8" lol, if they win by making you give up just keep laughing at them

[@franceskronenwett3539]

The thing that has always impressed me the most about WW2 is the bravery of the normal British people. The tragedies they suffered were beyond belief. Yet they still managed to carry on their day to day lives.

[@hebneh]

You don't think you can do it until you have to do it, and then you cope to the best of your ability. All us humans have this capability but fortunately, we rarely have to put it to use.

[@christopherweise438]

Yet another incredible incident that I've never heard of before. Man....i love this channel.

[@milesshepard7743]

I like the sincerity behind the permanent memorial and who it stands for; I'm a real big fan of symbolism

[@normajoe]

I’m devouring your content - love it so much. Thank you for the concise storytelling, great accompanying imagery and sound design.

[@michaelbeholder]

That’s a beautiful memorial. RIP to all those poor people.

[@wandat7275]

It’s 219am in Cali and I can’t sleep. Im glad this just popped up.

[@ridethasno]

Hope you get some sleep…Oh and me too. 😏

[@tomjoad3868]

5:30 in Ohio and just woke up haha. Hope you get some rest soon.

[@Thundersnowy]

Another fantastic story. Well told. A positive twist at the end. Thank you to the creator. Brilliantly done.

[@StillWatersASMR]

These sorts of stories affect me so much more since I had a baby. Like before I'd be horrified but now hearing that the first person to fall was a mother carrying her baby I just instantly knew where this was going and felt physically sick. They don't warn you about that before you have kids.

[@rickshawwheelchair]

Some people are ignored for their safety suggestions, thanks for letting us all know about this tragic story so we can learn from it

[@dilloninja]

Kristian, this one was so interesting to me, I used to work for the rail watchdog and new nothing about this incident. Brilliant research!

[@darabennett4316]

Is it wrong of me, to look forward to these videos every week? Idk, but I'm not stopping now!

[@kennashan]

One of the survivors of this was in a Tony Robinson documentary, and told her story. She was just a little girl, and she and her sister were pulled out of the crush, but couldn't find their mum. The older girl, in her early teens, was taken to a room and told "Look and see if your mother is in here". A makeshift morgue. I often think of that young girl, alone, having to search the faces of the dead, for her mum. They all made it, and were reunited, but still.

[@justturner9702]

Happy new year everyone May this year be the best so far for each and everyone of you

[@megiab]

My knowledge of the air raids in London is pretty much limited to reading (and later watching) the first page of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, but I think of the people who lived through it often. This is such an unfortunate story, but I do appreciate your methods of storytelling and citation of sources. Thank you for your research and your work.

[@Tavibear]

The best part of the week is when I see a new video come out from this channel! Keep it up!

[@KezanzatheGreat]

A slight correction. This might have been the worst incident in Britain, but this wasn't the worst loss of civilian life in a single incident in the entire war. That "honor" actually goes to the sinking of the Wilhelm Gustloff, which claimed easily upwards of 9000 lives of civilians, injured veterans, and many more. It's a horrific story, and one of the worst maritime disasters in human history. Perhaps that would be a good subject to cover someday? Outside of that little nitpick, the video was respectful and informative, as your videos always are, and wonderfully in-depth so as to explain exactly what happened. Thank you for that, and for all the hard work which has gone into this channel overall. It is very much appreciated. :) Happy New Year!

[@Sanakudou]

Crushes absolutely terrify me, they sound like an awful way to go 😣 Also, I honestly can’t imagine what it was like to live during the war and the constant need to seek shelter from bombs. I hope that never has to happen again, for any of us or our descendants.

[@melissasaint3283]

Through the tragedy, I feel like you can still hear his pride in the Londoners who were able to stay calm and do their duty that day to save as many lives as possible in the face of a terrible disaster.

[@Straswa]

Great vid FH. I had no idea London suffered this tragedy during WWII. RIP to the victims.

[@sdraper2011]

Well done as usual, FH. Happy New Year to you.

[@daveryall5919]

And crushes still happen today, only on this morning's news 140 people have died in a crush in South Korea. Just to many people on the street walking through an alleyway.

[@user-hm9uq8gk5x]

Who'd have thought the day would come that something like this would make my day better?

[@seanmcdonald5859]

im here after reading about this in the book " Rummage" by Emily Cockayne where its mentioned that the removal of railings possibly contributed to the accident and right there in this video is a photo with the railings removed and yep, no centre rail would DEFINITELY have been a contributing factor . . . . . . Awesome video btw, excellent quality and yet another dive into the strange world of human tragedy . . . . .

[@bethanoni95]

Public air raid shelters always make me think of the Durning Road Tragedy. I'm from Liverpool, so I learned a lot about the blitz and how much Liverpool was bombed, and I always remember being told that story. Absolutely tragic and an awful loss of life.

[@morganosborne9258]

Such heartbreaking terror the victims mist have felt in the last few minutes of their lives. Tragic.

[@chatteyj]

This is why we're told not to panic in an emergency, all it takes is for one person to fall at the front.

[@saragrant9749]

The British government refused to admit culpability… gee what a shocking surprise. Much like the US government, there’s no way they could ever admit they screwed up. It also demonstrates, yet again how cost cutting usually ends up costing lives.

[@kenguyii9108]

This is so sad. My heart goes out to all the families who suffered and died in this horrible event. 😔

[@mariaday8040]

Very unique memorial! I'm always fascinated by how these disasters are memorialised for future generations.

[@knightofthelivingdrones2646]

I love to learn about forgotten history. This is my favorite channel. If I die in some horrific disaster, I want you to do the narration.

[@StamfordBridge]

Those fatality numbers are staggering. The mind simply boggles at what must have been the scale of the horror.

[@calamnitty]

This upload is such a blessing ✌ I'm currently fighting covid and haven't been able to sleep so this is a welcome distraction ❤

[@SharpingtonTheGreat]

As an adult I know those underground classrooms were very important and an impressive accomplishment. But if I had been a kid then I would have been so incredibly pissed that I STILL had go to school, even with all of this happening. Death is literally raining from the sky and I have to write 3 paragraphs describing what I did last summer. But on a more serious note, they must have been too terrified to learn anything. I assume classes were meant to support kids psychologically rather than teach? Gives them a familiar setting, routine, structure and order. It also something to occupy their time and thoughts so they are not panicking and waiting to die 24/7. But if I had to learn algebra I would have had a complete meltdown

[@NYLazyme]

I by no mean live in a war zone but I did grow up in a really dangerous area where seeing a headless body on the street while buying your groceries was no biggie, and the house next to you could be destroyed the next morning by high caliber firearms and all I can tell you is that you get used to it yk, like I really didn’t feel much about it, it was just daily life I was still concerned about homework or dinner even though I saw a girl get taken right in front of me (I was 8) it doesn’t really face you anymore, it might no be the same for everyone but even one of my classmates who had to hide in a bush in a park during a confrontation between the military and the cartel said it just made him sad that he missed dinner, after years of that it’s just your reality I guess.

[@SharpingtonTheGreat]

@@NYLazyme That's true. Your brain and body does whatever it needs to survive, and it sounds like a person wouldn't make it through one day if they were overwhelmed by every tragedy. I am glad you made it out alive, and I hope you are in a better place now. Stay safe.🙏

[@TheeEnglishKnight]

i mean the term ‘keep calm and carry on’ came from britain during the blitz, they tried to keep things as normal as they could

[@timd4524]

I do remember learning of this, but I've never heard that personal account. Fascinating as always.

[@apinakapina]

I was today years old when I learned about this incident, and I've been interested in WW2 for years now. Thanks for the video!

[@Aluciel286]

How sad. Governments literally adding insult to injury seems to be what they do best.

[@Yuengling777]

This channel has taught me about crushes. Thank you greatly because it gives me a solid understanding of the anxiety that I feel in crowds. 🙏

[@__darsoyea5149]

I look forward to your videos every Tuesday, so it’s even better that I get to watch this new video on my birthday:)

[@soshiangel90]

when you first mentioned that they were calm and used to it, i literally thought "ah well at least there won't be a crush like in other large crowd, narrow path stories"...what a shame....those poor lives lost and the government refusing to even be a little bit sorry...

[@asteverino8569]

Thanks again. I seem to understand all points of view, in this time of war. I am happy the truth came to light eventually also. Live and learn, hopefully.

[@lovestorm475]

I love ur channel..I wait for every Tuesday for it..there r other channels trying to copy urs but none r as informative as you..keep up the good work ur # 1 fan

[@mishalesauer5074]

While this once I could kind of understand the penny-pinching because it was the war...time and time again we see some people bring up suggestions or warnings of issues that could escalate to something worse and someone decides that's not worth listening to And it's ever so often down to "it's too expensive" 👀 I do wonder what is the price of a human life to some, and if companies / authorities calculate the initial costs of safety vs compensation in the event something does go wrong... Again, sort of understand that this is the war and losses are to be excepted but it's still so heartwrenching to hear

[@Aaron_Hanson]

At times I often wonder if volunteering your labour and donating time and/or materials in such a case as this would save lives or if fate would see to it that 173 lives would be taken in another raid or tragedy. It’s a curious thing the mind 🤔

[@britt.any_time]

@@Aaron_Hanson interesting. very Final Destination-ish

[@Aaron_Hanson]

@@britt.any_time it’s like when someone catches and releases a fish only for the fish to get nailed by a shark. Or instead of killing a rodent you relocate it to outside only to see it picked up and carried away in the talons of an owl or eagle. That sort of thing 🤷‍♂️

[@keltzy]

@@Aaron_Hanson Pretty reductive take here. If Joe Shmoe had decided to put up those railings and paint the floors himself, because "By golly, someone's gotta!" he probably would have gotten fined, and his work undone. It's not as easy as having a can-do attitude and a little bit of free time. Those same regulations that keep us safe from things like poor structural integrity or hazardous building materials also make it a lot more complicated for some rando off the street to fix a problem that isn't being addressed.

[@Aaron_Hanson]

@@keltzy whilst I understand your point, I meant for the authorities to contract it out still but no money exchange takes place. Besides, we’re talking 1945 here, not 2015. People weren’t as quick to sue each other for their own stupidity. There weren’t warning signs to warn you about the warning sign ahead, like today. People actually owned their own stupidity rather than looking for an opportunity at early retirement from someone else’s hardwork.

[@IslandMarigold]

The stories about crushes are always some of the most terrifying. 😬😖

[@knickd1979]

Just one of 10,000 “fascinating horrors” of WW2, great job Kristian, keep em coming bro!

[@erictroxell715]

The new memorial is beautiful in a sad and somber way because I certainly wish we never would have had to have that kind of memorial. May God have comforted all those involved

[@gladitsnotme]

What a powerful memorial design. If you stand underneath it for shelter from the rain, you will still get wet because of all the holes. Poignant.

[@gsdalpha1358]

My mother and I were caught in a crush after the Indianapolis 500 race in the mid-1980's. It happened quickly, and we absolutely couldn't get away: people were stopped in front, and people in back just kept pushing forward. I had a small portable ice chest which was ripped out of my hands and never seen again. I don't think anyone fell down - we were so crushed together it was hard to breath, let alone fall down! There were shouts and screams everywhere. And people just kept *pushing*! We were close to a tall chain-link security fence, and I literally pictured being pushed through the links in pieces. Somehow the crush eased, and we were able to escape. We never attended the race again. To this day, I have a phobia of large crowds.

[@squiddiot5477]

Human crushes are some of the most terrifying things to me. Sheer, unbridled, primal panic leading to suffocation, stampedes, and trampling… horrifying

[@XM177ColtCommando]

Imagine hurrying to a bomb shelter and dying in the ensuing crush, only for the house you previously fled from to remain undamaged.

[@jaylockwood5030]

Do the Belham Tube flooding 1940.

[@janbadinski7126]

Hitler always believed that his blitz tactics would break the will to fight. What it really did was strengthened the resolve of the British to fight on.