The Blackout Ripper: A Serial Killer in London 1942

Before the start of WWII, the British government implemented blackout regulations to prevent air raids from German cities. These restrictions included covering windows with dark materials and prohibiting vehicle headlamps. However, these measures inadvertently made life safer for criminals like Gordon Cummins, who was able to carry out attacks on women without being caught by the police. Cummins became known as the Blackout Ripper and targeted prostitutes during the hours of darkness when the blackout was in place.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 15 July 2022
Publisher: Pen & Sword Books Ltd

Two days before the outbreak of the Second World War, the British government imposed blackout regulations across the nation, believing that in the event of war, Germany would launch air raids on British towns and cities swiftly. The measures included covering windows with dark, thick material at night to prevent any light from the outside. Additionally, the use of vehicle headlamps was prohibited, resulting in numerous accidents and pedestrians being killed. These restrictions, enforced by Air Raid Precaution wardens and the police, were intended to safeguard the British public's well-being. However, they inadvertently made life safer for members of the criminal fraternity, allowing them to conduct their regular nighttime activities with reduced chances of being caught by the police.

As a result, during one week in February 1942, Gordon Cummins, an RAF (Royal Air Force) officer, was able to move around freely to carry out his attacks and return to his billet without being caught or stopped by the police. The very restrictions put in place to protect the British public from German bombers actually placed women in danger from men like Cummins. Three of his victims were known prostitutes, and at least one of the two women he is known to have attacked but survived was also a prostitute. All of Cummins' victims were attacked during the hours of darkness while the blackout was in place, leading to him becoming known as the Blackout Ripper.

Weight: 348g
Dimension: 156 x 233 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781526711786