The bombing starts

Just days after Hitler’s promise of retaliation for the RAF bombing of Berlin, on the 7th September, London was hit with the first co-ordinated attacks on the city by German bombers. The legendary manager of the Troxy, Maurice Cheepen, led wartime audiences in community singing.

“In the Troxy Cinema, the audience was trapped by the raid. The manager called on them to sing “There’ll Always Be An England”. As he spoke, a bomb fell nearby. “I’m not so sure of that!” shouted a joker. There was much laughter and the sing-song went on till after midnight.” – excerpt from London at War 1939 – 1945 by Philip Ziegler.

Here, ARP (air raid precaution) wardens, use the roof of Troxy to tackle resulting fires in surrounding buildings. Photo copyright Cinema Theatre Association.