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.

The Library Time Machine has a lovely post about the Home front volunteers in Chelsea, 1940s.

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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...

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Balham Station bombing - 1

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

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Balham Station bombing - 2

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

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Balham Station bombing - 3

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

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Bank Station WW2 bomb

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

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Show all 53

Other Subjects

Daniel Bryant

Daniel Bryant

Role on the lost expedition: Royal marine on SS Erebus. See John Franklin.

Person, Exploring, Tragedy

1 memorial
Ignacio Echeverria

Ignacio Echeverria

Killed in the 2017 London Bridge attack. Worked at HSBC bank. 39-year-old, from Spain, he had been on his way home after skating in a park with friends.

Person, Tragedy, Spain

1 memorial
Isla Carroll

Isla Carroll

Victim of the Marchioness tragedy, aged 22.

Person, Tragedy

1 memorial
Yosef Romano

Yosef Romano

Weightlifter. Also known as Yossef, Yossi or Joseph. Born in Benghazi, Libya. He was the Israeli weight-lifting champion in the light and middle-weight divisions for nine years. He started to compe...

Person, Sport / Games, Tragedy, Germany, Israel/Palestine, Libya

1 memorial

Previously viewed

Edmund William Richardson

Edmund William Richardson

Company Secretary of the Planet Building Society.  c.1871 he demolished the old Friary House and built the present house in which he lived until his death. British History Online details some prop...

Person, Politics & Administration, Property, Religion

1 memorial
Robert Horner

Robert Horner

Last private owner of Spitalfields fruit and vegetable market.  Came from Essex, worked in the market and managed to buy the lease in 1875.  Forced to sell to the City of London in 1920.

Person, Commerce, Property

2 memorials
Lewisham train disaster

Lewisham train disaster

The colision actually happened at St John's station, one stop to the north-west) which is close to Lewisham. It was a very foggy night and an electric train was being held at a red signal. It was s...

Event, Tragedy

1 memorial
Union Chapel, Islington

Union Chapel, Islington

From Union Chapel: "Our story ... started in 1799 when dissenting congregants from St Mary’s, Upper Street began worshipping together in a private house in Highbury Grove."  This was number 18.  "E...

Building, Religion

3 memorials
Sir Sydney H. Waterlow

Sir Sydney H. Waterlow

Philanthropist. Born in Crown Street, now Sun Street, EC2. Brought up in Mile End. Followed his father and brothers into the stationery and printing business. 1963 founded, and chaired, the philan...

Person, Lord Mayor, Philanthropy, Politics & Administration

5 memorials