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

Sarah Smith

Sarah Smith

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

Person, Tragedy

1 memorial
John Strickland

John Strickland

Role on the lost expedition: Able seaman on SS Erebus. See John Franklin.

Person, Exploring, Tragedy

1 memorial
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
James Reid

James Reid

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

Person, Exploring, Tragedy

1 memorial
Harold Bride

Harold Bride

Born Harold Sidney Bride in Nunhead. He was trained by the Marconi Wireless Company and joined the RMS Titanic as junior wireless operator. After the ship's collision, he remained at his post until...

Person, Tragedy, Transport

1 memorial