Pictured above is Albert Crescent in c1940. Chingford was in the grips of the Second World War with the centre having a sand-bagged warden’s post installed together with public shelters.

An air raid siren can be seen mounted at the top of a large pole.

The Crescent was lucky to have escaped bomb damage, unlike other parts of the borough.

East London and West Essex Guardian Series:

How the Crescent looks in the modern day

You can follow Gary Stone on Twitter @chingfordhist