 Two years after the bridge 's opening the Second World War broke out . Because of their close proximity to Chelsea Barracks it was expected that enemy bombers would target the three road bridges in the area , and a temporary bridge was built parallel to Chelsea Bridge . As with the four other temporary Thames bridges built in this period , it was built of steel girders supported by wooden stakes ; however , despite its flimsy appearance it was a sturdy structure , capable of supporting tanks and other heavy military equipment . As it turned out , no enemy action took place in the area , and all three bridges survived the war undamaged . The temporary bridge was dismantled in 1945 . 
