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

George Elliott

George Elliott

For more information about this hero click on the picture of the distillery plaque.

Person, Tragedy

1 memorial
John Light

John Light

John Light was born on 27 April 1967, the son of Dennis H. Light (b.1931) and Betty Lilian Light née James (b.1934). His birth was registered in the 2nd quarter of 1967 in the Plymouth registration...

Person, Tragedy

1 memorial
Gülender Akça

Gülender Akça

25 years old, artist

Person, Tragedy, Turkey

1 memorial
Thomas Watson

Thomas Watson

Role on the lost expedition: Petty officer on SS Erebus. See John Franklin.

Person, Exploring, Tragedy

1 memorial
Fm. Alfred Charles Smee

Fm. Alfred Charles Smee

Fireman killed in the Dudgeon's Wharf explosion. Andrew Behan has researched Smee: Fireman Alfred Charles Smee was born on 16 September 1921 and his birth was registered in Islington. He was the t...

Person, Emergency Services, Tragedy

3 memorials