Episode 635: Gordon Cummins: The Blackout Ripper (Part 1)

Jan 9, 2025

During the harrowing days of World War II, Londoners faced not only bombings but the terror of the Blackout Ripper, Gordon Cummins, whose gruesome crimes thrived in the cover of darkness. The psychological toll of complete blackouts is examined, showing how fear and chaos shaped society. The podcast details chilling discoveries and the brutal realities for women during this tumultuous time, intertwining historical context with the personal struggles of civilians. Grim narratives reveal the intersection of crime and vulnerability, leaving listeners in disbelief.

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Intro

00:00 • 2min

A Creamer Crisis: The Quest for Holiday Flavor

02:10 • 2min

The Chilling Case of the Blackout Ripper

04:11 • 8min

Exploring Darkness and Historical Chaos

12:20 • 5min

Crime and Morality in Wartime England

17:42 • 8min

A Chilling Discovery in War-Torn London

25:44 • 3min

Murders in the Shadows

29:04 • 11min

Unraveling the Horrors of the Blackout Ripper

40:12 • 5min

Wartime Shadows: The Hidden Struggles

45:29 • 4min

Shockingly Brutal Crimes and the Need for Relief

49:46 • 3min

In response to the onset of German bombing raids during World War II, many of England’s most vulnerable citizens evacuated or were temporarily evacuated out of urban areas to safer, more rural parts of the country. Those who remained in the cities would ultimately spend years enduring wartime blackouts, periods where the city was plunged into complete darkness in order to prevent German bombers from easily identifying their targets. The blackouts were a significant inconvenience and safety risk for everyone, but for at least one Londoner, they offered a perfect opportunity to enact his darkest fantasies.

Thank you to the Incredible Dave White of Bring Me the Axe Podcast for research and Writing support!

References

Bolton News. 1942. "Is 'killer' at large?" Bolton News, February 14: 1.

Campbell, Duncan. 2010. "London in the blitz: how crime flourished under cover of the blackout." The Guardian, August 28.

Driscoll, Margarette. 2022. "Ranmpage of the Blackout Ripper." Daily Mail, November 24.

Evening Standard. 1942. "Accused of murder of 4 women." Evening Standard (London, England), March 26: 8.

Evening Telegraph. 1942. "'Killer' theory in wave of London murders." Evening Telegraph (Derby, England), February 14: 8.

Herald Express. 1942. "Cadet's defense in murder trial." Herald Express (Devon, England), April 28: 1.

Hull Daily Mail. 1942. "London murders." Hull Daily Mail, February 11: 1.

Imperial War Museum. n.d. Imperial War Museum. https://www.iwm.org.uk/history/the-nation-at-a-standstill-shutdown-in-the-second-world-war.

Liverpool Daily Post. 1942. "Another London murder." Liverpool Daily Post, February 14: 1.

Storey, Neil. 2023. The Blackout Murders: Homicide in WW2. South Yorkshire, England: Pen and Sword.

The Citizen. 1942. "Cadet sent for trial." The Citizen (Gloucester, England), March 27: 1.

—. 1942. "'Evidence was overwhelming'." The Citizen (Gloucester, England), June 9: 8.

—. 1942. "Fresh Jury to be sworn in." The Citizen (Gloucester, England), April 24: 1.

The Times. 1942. "Airman charged with three murders." The Times (London, England), March 13: 2.

Venning, Annabel. 2017. "The Blackout Ripper; under cover of the Blitz." Mail on Sunday, January 29.

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