Event    From 7/9/1940  To /5/1941

The Blitz

Categories: Tragedy

During WW2 Britain came under heavy bombing from Germany for 8 months, 1940-1941. This was called 'the Blitz' from the German word Blitzkrieg meaning 'lightning war'. London was particularly badly hit, especially at the start, being attacked every day/night of the first 57 days, except one. The objectives were the destruction of industrial targets, and to break the morale of the civilian population. But the Blitz failed, on both fronts, leaving London with extensive physical damage but a new psychological weapon, the Blitz spirit.

This interactive map shows all of the bombs dropped on London during the Blitz.

2019: Spitalfields Life posted a number of central London buildings that bear the scars of war.

This section lists the memorials where the subject on this page is commemorated:
The Blitz

Commemorated ati

Abbey Road Depot - WW2 ARP members lost

Bill Wallis is described on the plaque as 'ARP Stretcher Bearer'. Which we ta...

Read More

Balham Station bombing - 1

In memory of the 64 people killed at this station by a wartime bomb 14th Octo...

Read More

Balham Station bombing - 2

{Beneath the London Transport logo:} In remembrance of the civilians and Lond...

Read More

Balham Station bombing - 3

In remembrance of the civilians and London Transport staff who were killed at...

Read More

Bank Station WW2 bomb

{Above the London Underground roundel:} In remembrance of the fifty six peopl...

Read More

Show all 49

Other Subjects

Patricia Johnson

Patricia Johnson

Our colleague, Andrew Behan, has researched this young woman: Patricia Denise Johnson was born on 16 May 1965 and died, aged 15 years, on 18 January 1981 in a fire at party being held at 439 New Cr...

Person, Tragedy

2 memorials
Svitlana Tereschenko

Svitlana Tereschenko

Born Ukraine.  Killed on a Friday at about 16:30 when hit by a left-turning tipper lorry at the treacherous Bow roundabout, local to where she lived.  Aged 34.  The lorry driver was arrested on sus...

Person, Cyclist, Tragedy, Ukraine

1 memorial
John S. Peddie

John S. Peddie

Role on the lost expedition: Officer on SS Terror. See John Franklin.

Person, Exploring, Tragedy

1 memorial
Jimmy Mizen

Jimmy Mizen

The day after his 16th birthday he was attacked and killed at the Three Cooks bakery on Burnt Ash Hill.

Person, Tragedy

1 memorial
Philip Lawrence

Philip Lawrence

Teacher.  Born Ireland.  1993 appointed headteacher of St George's School.  Stabbed to death when he tried to help a pupil who was being attacked by a gang.  The 15-year-old killer, Learco Chindamo...

Person, Education, Tragedy, Ireland

1 memorial