It Happened Here

As a result of armed aggression against the occupation forces the Army Command West ordered the evacuation of the affected regions. Wool, Dorset on the A352 and the road to Bere Regis. Woolsbridge Manor is in the background. Nick Gilbey. Subsequent information tells us that the Manor in East Stoke dates back to the early 17th Century and was once owned by the Turberville Family and it was from here that Hardy obtained the idea for the title of his book 'Tess of the D'urbervilles'.

At the junction at Wool, Dorset of the A352 and the road to Bere Regis. Woolbridge Manor is in the background. Nick Gilbey. Well done Nick.

The evacuation forces enter the village. The village of Eashing just off the A3 south of Guildford, Surrey identified by Nick Gilbey. A similar shot appears in 'Moon Over the Alley'.

The village of Eashing just off the A3 south of Guildford, Surrey. Nick Gilbey

“The morale of the anti-partisan troops is high” This could be near Bovington, Dorset as vehicles borrowed from the local museum had to be pulled by hand in the initial stages of filming.

John Young relieves my concerns that such a fine house could have been lost by providing this shot and it stands today. Located he says just off Bovington Lane where it becomes King George V road, opposite the tank museum. (RL)

"Civilians will be sent to the demilitarized City of London." Victoria Road. Aldershot Town centre.

National Westminster Bank, Victoria Road. Aldershot Town centre copyright Google Street View.

"The army stands by to clear pockets of resistance…..". A train runs by a wide stretch of water.

John resolves another mystery and provides further detail and this shot and taken from a position about 100m away (area shown in capture 1) from original due to access issues. Also note it was taken lower down than original which was from the road surface of the A352. The water shown on the original is in fact flooding of the flood meadows of the River Frome. The green foreground on the now image is the same flood meadows, where, not clearly captured on the photo the River Frome flows. I managed to capture a train to give bearing to the original image. The now photo does not manage to capture the hills in the far distance (Povington Hill) as previously mentioned due to different position but the wooded area appears the same just behind the rail line. (RL)

....and makes its presence seen in the streets." Water Street, New Radnor looking south.

With thanks to Will Lloyd for pointing out exactly where the trees grew, just behind the car.

Ray and Ron Glenister have established the street as Acorn Place with the troops walking east towards Pemell's Place, Peckham, London SE15. The location was absorbed into the building development that was in course at the time of filming and revealed in other captures and now (2019), subject to development once again.

An establishing map to allow history to be recorded whilst past and current development obliterates the scene. Courtesy National Library of Scotland.

"Rooting out the resistance as they went." JT said Camberwell, south east London, slum clearance looked much the same as bomb damage. Kevin Brownlow also tells that this is Camberwell. In fact, Ray and Ron have proven this to be Peckham, London SE15 and Acorn Place looking north to Carlton Grove. Again, the location was absorbed into the building development that was in course at the time of filming to be known as the Acorn Estate. Christine Camplin of the Peckham Society advises that it was officially opened on the 20th July 1963. Once more (2019), it is subject to re-development and is just being completed as "Peckham Place".

An establishing map to allow history to be recorded whilst past and current development obliterates the scene. Courtesy National Library of Scotland.

"The army force makes its way to Salisbury." The spire of Salisbury Cathedral to the right. Tallest freestanding spire in Europe. Roy Barnacle.

Pauline (Pauline Murray) and Honor Hutton (Honor Fearson) discuss the criminality of burning down a barn just because Germans were camped there. Water Street, New Radnor. The lorry has H.J. PRICE & Son Builders KINGTON on the tail board.

There have been quite a few changes to the cottage as evidenced.

Pauline invites Honor in for a cup of tea. Water Street, New Radnor.

The villagers of New Radnor could not have been more friendly and helpful during our visit. Thank you all.

The evacuation continues. JT proposed New Radnor main road. Yes, it is Water Street again.

A somewhat quieter moment.

The lorries full of women and children depart. Water Street, New Radnor looking south.

Pauline (Murray was her maiden name) was, in real life, Pauline Jobson, wife of Dr Richard Jobson, they lived in the village. Will told me that Pauline moved into the house with white windows (and now for sale) after Richard died.

The local policeman rides off with the German soldier following the evacuation. Water Street, New Radnor.

Whilst debris was strewn in the street for the filming it certainly has a better surface now.

Pauline takes the few remaining villages for whom there was no transport back to her home. Water Street looking north.

Regrettably this had to be taken from ground level.

One lady suggests to Pauline that it might be worth walking into Salisbury while the firing is still in the hills. The idea is dismissed. Water Street, New Radnor looking north.

Once again thanks to the villagers who's involvement is clearly as strong now as it was all those years ago.

When the hopelessness of the situation is realized they all decide to make a break for it but the Germans appear unannounced and shoot all except Pauline who escapes to catch a train to London. The old Euston station.

On leaving the station she asks where she can catch a bus to Hendon. Euston Station in the background.

Looking across Acorn Place, London SE15 towards Pemell's Place with Carlton Grove in the background. Again, the location was absorbed into the building development that was in course at the time of filming to be known as the Acorn Estate. Christine Camplin of the Peckham Society advises that it was officially opened on the 20th July 1963. Once more (2019), it is subject to re-development and is just being completed as "Peckham Place".

The side wall also seen in Capture 21. Courtesy National Library of Scotland.

Pauline continues to walk through the ruins of London. Camera facing north from Acorn Place across cleared land to a partially demolished white building. The short smoke stack to the left must surely belong to the Canister Factory. Looming In the distance (only a deceptive 860 metres away) are two gas holders of the Southern Metropolitan Gas Works off the Old Kent Road, Peckham.

An establishing map to allow history to be recorded whilst past and current development obliterates the scene. Courtesy National Library of Scotland. Courtesy National Library of Scotland.

Ray and Ron place Pauline sitting at the corner of Acorn Place with Pemell's Place and Carlton Grove in the background. The location was absorbed into the building development that was in course at the time of filming to be known as the Acorn Estate. Christine Camplin of the Peckham Society advises that it was officially opened on the 20th July 1963. Once more (2019), it is subject to re-development and is just being completed as "Peckham Place".

An establishing map to allow history to be recorded whilst past and current development obliterates the scene. Courtesy National Library of Scotland.

After a brief rest Pauline continues her trek. Same location as Capture 7 so as Ray and Ron told us, Acorn Place with Pauline walking east towards Pemell's Place, Peckham, London SE15. The location was absorbed into the building development that was in course at the time of filming to be known as the Acorn Estate. Christine Camplin of the Peckham Society advises that it was officially opened on the 20th July 1963. Once more (2019), it is subject to re-development and is just being completed as "Peckham Place".

An establishing map to allow history to be recorded whilst past and current development obliterates the scene. Courtesy National Library of Scotland.

Ray Glenister rose to the challenge of brother Ron to find the location whilst he went away for a few days. No sooner said than done, Pauline is walking east along 71 and 63 Warden Road, London NW5..........

A somewhat changed scene.

...........towards the "Admiral Napier" pub at 84 Warden Road on the corner with Weedington Road, far left.

No longer the "Admiral Napier" but at least the building remains to provide a link to what was.

Pauline arrives at her London destination. JT guesses North London, Palmersey Green, New Southgate, but Kevin thinks perhaps more Stanmore. David Newman, having lived in Stanmore for over 23 years advises that there is no street with similar houses there.

She knocks on the door and is let in, she is sharing a room with her friend Honor.

A German army band march through London…along Chester Terrace…where "End of the Affair" was made, and where John Profumo, War Minister was living when the film was made. The butler had been sent to the door to enquire why Nazi troops were marching past and the band was playing. Ms Keeler didn't make an appearance, but she used to go to JT's brother's shop in Clapham, years later. Nice lady, he always said.

Now. Confirmed, 10 out of 10 to John Morrisy.

…..through the archway. Van Johnson walks through this arch on a couple of occasions in "The End of the Affair".

Now. Chester Terrace, off Regent's Park.

Pauline and Honor walk through London. JT thinks probably Parliament Square, London, or near about's.

Into Parliament Square and Big Ben. On the left is a "cabby's rest", a tea shop for cab drivers that remained there until the 80's, another one remains at Pembroke Road, Notting Hill Gate.

Looking down Broad Sanctuary, SW1. Area also seen in Regan. SJ.

Looking south across Broad Sanctuary towards Great Smith Street. Area seen in If Only (2004) and The Da Vinci Code. SJ

Looking south across Broad Sanctuary towards Great Smith Street. Area seen in If Only (2004) and The Da Vinci Code. SJ.

Methodist Central Hall, Storey's Gate, Westminster, London SW1

Storey's Gate. And film memorabilia fairs are held in the basement of the Methodist Hall. SJ.

And again.

Now. SJ.

German soldiers stand in a doorway ready to salute an officer whilst …. With thanks to Kevin Brownlow who recalled Hanway Place, London W1.

Added handrails but otherwise it remains very identifiable.

……… they watch another soldier fraternize with local girls. With thanks to Kevin Brownlow who recalled Hanway Place, London W1.

Pity about the bike but the lamppost appears to be the original.

Once again soldiers have little to do other than eye the passing girls. Houses of Parliament viewed from Albert Embankment.

Now. SJ.

These are the 'Signal' magazines that the Nazis published in every occupied country, often in full colour, an amazing achievement in the middle of a world war. JT has several of these magazines, see www.soldierssoldiers.com

Now. SJ. Originally added 06/09/2009.

Marching soldiers pass the Midland Bank branch in Methodist Central Hall, Storey's Gate, London SW1

The bank has now closed.

While another exits the Bank.

No Public Access now.

One couple take a seat to spend time together. With thanks once again to Kevin for advising this is Lincoln's Inn Fields, London WC2.

From the background I think that I have the correct tree.

Soldiers line up to have their boots polished in Leicester Square.

Leicester Square, a good tip from AG. SJ.

Two officers enter guarded offices. St. Martin's Vestry Hall, St. Martin-in-the-Fields Church Path, London WC2

The builders have not encroached too far onto the entrance.

A frame slightly previous to Capture 41 to provide a larger location comparison. St. Martin's Vestry Hall, St. Martin-in-the-Fields Church Path, London WC2

A return visit will have to be made in due course...........how do they select RS locations to work on?

A bus full of soldiers travels down Whitehall viewing the sites. Whitehall looking towards Trafalgar Square and Nelson on his column and the statue of Earl Haig on horseback.

From ground level and the safety of a central island.

They visit the Albert Memorial, Hyde Park.

The re-gilded monument was unveiled in 1998

And are backed by the Royal Albert Hall as they climb the steps....

A clearer and more colourful shot of this historic Hall.

....to view the detail of the Memorial. J. S Bach and Christoph Gluck. Handel out of picture to the right.

Handel appears on the right.

Ending the day by having their photograph taken on the steps of the British Museum, a location that also appears in several other films including ‘Night of the Demon’, 'The Mine and the Minotaur', ‘A Touch of Love’, ‘To The Devil, a Daughter’, ‘The Mummy Returns (2001)’ and ‘Percy’.

A little crowded and slightly off angle. SJ

Pauline is taken to discuss her proposed employment as a district nurse, having now little or no alternative but to be part of an organization, exactly what she wanted to avoid. The rear entrance of the 'The Prince of Wales' pub, Pottery Lane, London W11.

Now. Pic snapped by super sleuth John Morrisy. Thanks John ... this is from Portland Road although the pub's front is on Princedale Road. SJ

A fight starts even before they enter the pub. Capture 48 "now" will have to cover for this capture as well as the space has been completely built on.

Unable to telephone for help Pauline quickly gets a lift away from the trouble.

Some remodelling has taken place in that wall.

Arriving at “IA Headquarters West” (Immediate Action), Pauline is in time to see security forces leaving to deal with the problem. She is invited to jump onto the running board. Peter advises that this Goldington Crescent in London NW1.

And here's Peter's proof.

She is assigned to ringing the bell as they speed through the streets. George Pinto relieves us of our agony and finds the location to be Camley Street, NW1 and viewing the gates to St. Pancras Gardens and the St Pancras Coroner's Court.

Additional access to the gardens has been added to the left but two thirds matches. SJ

Before arriving back at the scene of the trouble. Junction of Portland Road looking down Pottery Lane, London W11

Showing the pub's replacement.

The fight breaks up as the forces arrive. Capture 48 "now" will have to cover for this capture as well as the space has been completely built on.

Every effort is made to ensure nobody escapes. Pottery Lane looking towards Portland Road, London W11

This is the south wall at the back of the Prince of Wales pub where Pottery Lane joins Portland Road, W11. The houses are on Portland Road. SJ

All exits are covered. The sign says F W Woolworths. PW advises that in the 1970's a Woolworth warehouse was located at L.M & S Granary, St Pancras Goods Station, Camley Street, London NW1 but part of the road's route was known as Cambridge Street at the time.

An ambulance arrives to attend to the injured. Portland Road, London W11 looking towards the junction with Ladbroke Road.

John Morrisy took the pic. Thanks John.

Pauline is involved in a dress rehearsal ambulance scramble… The barracks in Albany Road, London NW1, Kevin Brownlow lived just up the road.

John Morrisy took this one.

. . . . and then an indoctrination/training exercise.

After the passing out ceremony Pauline and a colleague disperse.......... 594 Fulham Road, SW6 at the corner of Kelvedon Road located by Christopher Matheson.

Replacing Christopher's Google from July 2017. SJ

......Pauline, with a view to catching a bus. This looks like the New Cross Road Bus Depot to JT. The bus behind is a number 73, if they were genuinely on route Essex Road was common to both. However, film support material tells us that the buses were on loan from the London Transport Museum. Nicholas Bennett tells us more specifically that it was indeed the Museum of British Transport, specifically the rear in Triangle Place now forming part of Sainsbury's car park.

She goes to meet with a friend Dr Fletcher (Sebastian Shaw) and his wife Helen (Fiona Leland). 'Belsize Square, London NW3' it says.

Now.

Still in Belsize Square Pauline turns the corner. Belsize Square, London NW3

Now.

And approaches the house with the brass plate. Belsize Square, London NW3

Now.

After the last patient leaves she is excitedly shown in by his wife Helen (Fiona Leland). Belsize Square, London NW3

Now, with taller plinth and added rail. SJ.

As she leaves she is asked whether she “found him all right”. Belsize Square.

Now. SJ.

Pauline looks out of the window of “the mess” to see a parade march by. Chester Terrace NW1, also seen in 'The End of the Affair'.

Chester Terrace NW1

She and a friend decide to go to the cinema. As they walk along the road young boys walk along side, ‘goose stepping’. Albany Street, London NW1 as they approach William Road, as was.

All now part of the Clarence Estate.

Pauline marches them away and runs to catch up with the group. Harrison Mark's famous model Pamela Green's husband, also a photographer, had a studio in this row of shops, and JT's brother, Brian, who helped with this site, and who lived just round the corner, had several of the photos from the shop. Small world!

Albany Street, London NW1 but now a very re-developed area.

They arrive at the cinema, where ‘In Answer Yes Tomorrow’ is showing along with a newsreel, ‘Mirror on the World’. With the help of Kevin Brownlow this is identified as the 'Astoria', Ruislip, then in Middlesex. The name changed to 'Embassy' in 1970 and was subsequently demolished.

Antony Blair returned to the redeveloped location.

‘Mirror on the World’, subtitle “Forward Together For The New Europe! London”, exhibiting the people paying tribute to the achievements in their country of national socialism. Trafalgar Square, London WC2.

Now an army of tourists.

"The startling achievements that have already been made." Admiralty Arch, London SW1

Another monument lost to an hotel and expensive residences.

"Thousands remember the day that changed their lives and the course of World history." St. Martin-in-the-Fields looking towards Trafalgar Square.

Somewhat less activity and signage.

"At last the World’s two great nations are united in more than race." St. Martin-in-the-Fields Church Path, London WC2 looking towards the National Gallery.

A greener frame to the same scene.

"From the crowd urges the cry “Germany and England”. North face of Nelson's column plinth base relief depicting the Battle of the Nile.

No 'black shirts' just red jumpers.

"After the war men vowed to avenge those years when brother slaughters brother…… " Wrotham Road, London NW1 looking across to the houses that were in Elm Road.

Hard to imagine that it is the same place.

"….by destroying the force that began the war." Looking down Wrotham Road with the Wrotham Arms public house visible left of the street light and Elm Road going off on the right. Wrotham Road, Elm Road and the Wrotham Arms also play a part in 'Police Dog'.

Times have certainly changed.

"Uniting the two nations together in a united Europe. Those men that saw the truth formed black shirt movements." The figure on the truck is Barrie Pattison, film journalist. Circa 70-76 Wrotham Road looking east.

Now.

"Again and again red front reactionaries try to break up the meetings". Again the figure on the truck is Barrie Pattison, film journalist. Foden EU3764 'Perseverance' comes into view top right." 31 -37 Wrotham Road in the background.

Plenty of room for 'Perseverance' now.

"One Bolshevik arrested." Wrotham Road looking east with the Caledonian Clock Tower showing towards top left.

A rather quieter site during my visit.

"The black shirts warn their fellow countrymen of the true danger......." What was the Westminster Bank, Southampton Buildings, London WC2

A now totally re-developed banking premises.

"....the second world war began. Those men who saw the truth were arrested." 180 Queen's Gate, London SW7, also seen in 'A Matter of WHO'.

A wider shot to show the complete change that has taken place.

"Germany was faced with an inexorable duty." Looking towards St. Paul's Cathedral, but from where? Bruce Fleming has located this as rarely seen clear view of the rear elevation of the Jewin Crescent ruin (C87) together with a half-view of the north elevation of Ironmongers' Hall behind to the right.

"Britain’s heroic defence was immeasurably costly." As the notice says, Holborn Viaduct Station, Holborn Viaduct, London EC1

"But with Europe threatened from the east Hitler saw that this internal fight could bring extinction for the entire continent." The statue of St. George and the Cavalry Memorial, at that time at Stanhope Gate, Park Lane, London W1. See LMA Collage 137402. Moved to Horse Ride beside Serpentine Road, near the Hyde Park bandstand when Park Lane was widened in 1960.

A much changed scene today after road widening and re-development.

City of London ruins. Looking towards Jewin Crescent, London EC2 also seen in 'The Weapon' and 'The Key Man'. Now incorporated fully into the Barbican development. An excellent post covering the ruined building, Jewin Crescent and the immediate area can be read at www.alondoninheritance.com - "Cripplegate Institute and Jewin Crescent".

"Britain’s government stubbornly rejected peace treaties." It may be distinctive but it took Ray and Ron to determine that the spire was that of the Wesleyan Church at the junction of Peckham High Street, Queens Road and Wood's Road. Damaged during the War renovations were completed in 1954 but subsequent running costs heralded its demolition in 1972. It is suggested that this shot was taken from Acorn Place, now subject to its second re-development.

Given a clear view from the development area over Queens Road would provide a view similar to this Google Earth View.

"Closing its eyes to the truth." Stanhope House, a Grade II listed building at 46-47 Park Lane W1, now converted into offices. (SR)

Tree growth meant stepping to the right to capture the building on Stanhope Gate. SJ

"The German army’s conquest was not over the people of Great Britain but over their corrupt rulers." Tothill Street marching towards Broad Sanctuary but a cut in the film sees them march out of Great George Street.

Capturing a moment without virtually stationary traffic is a unique shot in itself.

"They formed Britain’s first government with power to act." 'Pawsons & Leaf' were in St Paul's Churchyard in 1956. Adrian Grepnold.

And the building still stands, known as 10 Condor House. SJ

"By outlawing Bolshevism" Royal Fusiliers War Memorial on High Holborn.

All remains very much as it was.

"By establishing the corporate state." Looking towards Westminster Abbey from Tothill Street.

The building line of the property to the right has been changed.

"At the end of a party meeting Pauline makes her way back to see Dr Fletcher and his family." Edgware Underground Station, we are told, what was then in Middlesex .

Maybe some rebuilding has taken place. On a recent visit to the location, this is the only matching stairway that could be found. (PW)

She boards the waiting train as many troops crowd on behind her. Edgware Station again?.

Possibly, unless any of our viewers know better . . . (PW)

The evening did not turn out as she had expected when she found the Fletcher’s were harbouring a Partisan. 15 Belsize Square, London NW3

15 Belsize Square. SJ.

The next day Pauline returns to Dr Fletcher but without the morphine that she had hoped to obtain. From another side of Belsize Square.

Just round the corner of Belsize Square, John Morissy claims.

To find soldiers guarding his road…..

Pity about the bins.

…and is astounded to see… A reverse shot.

Now. Lancaster Drive, NW3.

…. an officers car arrives and Dr Fletcher and his family are taken away. Belsize Square, London NW3

It looks as if they could be the same trees.

In failing to report the harbouring of a partisan Pauline is demoted to that of a ward sister at a hospital. A car and driver (Bart Allison) is waiting for her. Hatch End Station in Pinner, Middlesex. Only a couple of miles from Grim's Dyke House where other scenes were filmed. Peter Wilton. In reality Bart could not drive and literally had a "crash course".

. . . . . and snapped by Peter. Excellent.

They pull up at the hospital’s main entrance. Grim's Dyke Hotel, Old Redding, Harrow Weald, Middlesex. Identified by Brian Tunstill.

Photo by Peter Wilton.

And Pauline views her new surroundings. Grim's Dyke House was used in 'The Blood Beast Terror', 'Endless Night', 'The Cherry Picker', Futtock's End' and 'Curse of the Crimson Altar' amongst many.

Yes, well done Peter Wilton.

The following morning she is alarmed to find that the patients who entered yesterday and whom she tended, were no longer there. Only to find their graves.

Grims Dyke House, Harrow Weald. Peter Wilton.

Taken by the army as a collaborator she finds herself helping the Royal Army Medical Corp.

Two detachments of SS troops surrender watched by members of the British Liberation Army. Identified by Richard and Indy as the village of Eashing, Surrey.

There are times when a drone would be so handy.

A lorry load of Liberation Army extremists cross the bridge and join their more conciliatory colleagues. Eashing Bridge, Eashing, Surrey over the River Wey and a carrier stream. Grade l listed.

Bridge crossing is now controlled by lights.

A jeep of American troops approach Eashing Bridge to the sound of gunfire. Identified by Richard and Indy who also advise that the building seen is no longer 'an old shed'. The bridge is Grade l listed.

For a moment I could risk standing in the road.