November 1940: During the last half of the year night raids became frequent and much damage was done to property with considerable loss of life. The building opposite St Etheldreda’s suffered a direct hit. May 10th and 11th 1941: On Saturday night another long disastrous raid. St Etheldreda’s was hit by an explosive bomb which tore a hole in the original roof about six feet in diameter, stripped a good part of the tiling off the roof and sent three beams hurtling to the floor of the Church. The explosion also blew out what was left of the stained glass windows … a number of people were in the Crypt when the bomb fell but mercifully no one was injured.