The Legends: Hitler, Swastikas and the Balham Berghof
There is a persistent, widely circulated and entirely unsubstantiated legend that Du Cane Court escaped the Blitz because Adolf Hitler had earmarked it for use as his British headquarters in the event of a successful German invasion.
The legend exists in several variant forms. In one version, Hitler was attracted to Du Cane Court by its supposed architectural resemblance to the Berghof, his private retreat in the Bavarian Alps above Berchtesgaden. In another, the building was deliberately spared because of a structural similarity to a swastika when viewed from above. In a third, German spies had been placed among the residents, and the Luftwaffe was under orders to avoid the building as a consequence of their presence and its planned future use.
These stories have circulated for decades, repeated in local history accounts, guided tours and general interest journalism. They are not supported by any documented historical evidence. There is no entry in the surviving German military planning records, no intercepted communications, no post-war testimony from any German officer or official that references Du Cane Court or any specific plan to establish a command headquarters in Balham. The claim that the building resembles a swastika from the air has been examined against aerial photography and dismissed, in the words of one local historian, simply as “bunkum.”
What can be said with more confidence is that the building’s distinctive footprint and the pale colour of its brick made it a recognisable feature in aerial photographs, and that it may well have served as a navigational reference point for Luftwaffe crews seeking to orient themselves over south London. Whether this contributed to its survival during the Blitz is impossible to determine. London was a large city and not every building that happened to remain standing had a dramatic explanation for its survival.
The legends deserve to be recorded for what they are: vivid examples of the kind of narrative that large, distinctive, and slightly mysterious buildings attract to themselves over time. Du Cane Court is unusual enough, and survived enough, to have earned its mythology. The responsible thing is simply to be clear about the distinction between the myth and the documented record.
It is also worth noting, as a small counterpoint to the grander conspiracy theories, that the Du Cane Court website, which has engaged seriously with the history of these legends, found that records from the wartime Bomb Sight project confirm a bomb landing very close to the building. The Luftwaffe, whatever their navigational uses of the structure, were not quite as careful about its preservation as the legend suggests.
Du Cane Court has garnered several other legends and stories over the years, adding to its mystique and cultural significance. Here are a few notable legends associated with the building:
Secret Tunnels and Espionage:
One popular legend suggests that Du Cane Court housed secret tunnels during World War II, which were used for espionage and clandestine operations. According to the tale, these tunnels connected the building to other strategic locations in London. While the exact existence of such tunnels remains unverified, it adds an air of intrigue to the building’s history.
Famous Residents and Celebrity Tales:
Du Cane Court’s history includes a range of famous residents, leading to tales and anecdotes about their time spent in the building. Stories of encounters with notable figures like Margaret Rutherford, the renowned actress, and Anton Walbrook, the actor, have been passed down through the years, further enhancing the building’s allure.
The Ghost of Du Cane Court:
Like many historic buildings, Du Cane Court has its fair share of ghostly legends. Some residents and visitors claim to have experienced paranormal activities within the building, including sightings of a ghostly figure believed to be a former resident. These ghost stories, though unverified, contribute to the building’s reputation as a place with a touch of the supernatural. These rumours are not helped by the Du Cane Court Dungeons.
Time Capsule and Hidden Treasures:
Another legend surrounding Du Cane Court revolves around the idea of hidden treasures or a time capsule within the building. The tale suggests that during its construction, valuable artifacts or documents were sealed within the walls, waiting to be discovered by future generations. While no concrete evidence of such treasures has been found, the legend adds an element of excitement and mystery to the building’s history.
It’s important to note that legends and stories associated with historic buildings often emerge from a mix of factual information, embellishments, and imaginative storytelling. While these legends contribute to the cultural significance and folklore surrounding Du Cane Court, it’s advisable to approach them with a sense of fascination and skepticism.
