Plaque

Paradise Park - Mackenzie Road V2 rocket attack (1944)
Paradise Park is located on the site of a tragic loss of life during the Second World War (1939 - 45).
At 9.26pm on 26 December 1944, an enemy V2 rocket missile exploded at the junction of Mackenzie and Chalfont Roads. Over 340 people were casualties of this wartime attack, which included 73 deaths and 86 suffering from severe injuries. 20 buildings were destroyed or damaged beyond repair. One of these was the Prince of Wales public house at 144 Mackenzie Road, where many of the casualties were enjoying a night out.

The rocket was launched from Belgium towards London and took less than 20 minutes to reach this location. It hit without warning, causing a crater 9 metres wide and 4.5 metres deep .... Water pipes and gas mains were cut and the local sewer system broken. The crater quickly filled up with water and basements of nearby houses were flooded and escaping gas caught fire in numerous places. The evening was extremely foggy and thick smoke from several fires made visibility more difficult, hindering the already hazardous rescue efforts.

The traumatic impact of this attack was felt by many survivors. Some families suffered significant losses of life or homes. One family living opposite the Prince of Wales public house lost seven children and another family, celebrating an engagement, lost five of its members.

Islington remembers all those who suffered in this tragic incident and they will not be forgotten.