From Tennis Majors · · 50s
Wimbledon Bombed in WWII
Wimbledon Centre Court destroyed by German bombs during The Blitz in 1940.
In brief
Wimbledon Centre Court destroyed by German bombs during The Blitz in 1940. Wimbledon Centre Court was bombed on October 11, 1940, destroying 1,200 seats during World War II. Originally reported by Tennis Majors.
Wimbledon Bombed in WWII
On October 11, 1940, during The Blitz, the Centre Court at Wimbledon was bombed by the Germans.
Centre Court Destroyed
One bomb tore through the roof destroying 1,200 seats in the Centre Court stand.
Nine Years to Repair
It took nine years for the All England Lawn Tennis Club to fully repair Centre Court.
Championships Resumed in 1946
The Championships restarted in 1946 after Centre Court was fully repaired.
First Post-War Champion
Frenchman Yvon Petra won the first post-war Wimbledon championship.
Wimbledon During WWII
The All England Club used the site for food production and military services during the war.
The big picture
Wimbledon Centre Court was bombed on October 11, 1940, destroying 1,200 seats during World War II.
