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

Tracy Andrews

Tracy Andrews

The Times website advise that Tracy Lovick was born on 21 August 1964. In September 2001 she married John Andrews (1959-2004) in the Hertford and Ware registration district, Hertfordshire. Accord...

Person, Tragedy, Southeast Asia

1 memorial
Özlem Şahin

Özlem Şahin

17 years old, artist

Person, Tragedy, Turkey

1 memorial
John Gregory

John Gregory

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

Person, Exploring, Tragedy

1 memorial
Trident air disaster

Trident air disaster

Flight BE548 crashed within 3 minutes of taking off from Heathrow. It came down in a field near Staines. 188 died.

Event, Tragedy

1 memorial
Police Sergeant Noel Lane

Police Sergeant Noel Lane

Andrew Behan has researched this man: Police Sergeant Noel Joseph Lane was born on 7 November 1955, the son of Ernest George Lane and Mary Teresa Lane née Christmas. His birth was registered in the...

Person, Armed Forces, Tragedy

1 memorial

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Sir John Betjeman

Sir John Betjeman

Poet Laureate 1972 - 1984. Conservation campaigner. Credited with saving the Midland Grand Hotel (now St Pancras Chambers) and the station at St Pancras from demolition and helping to achieve their...

Person, Architecture, Poetry

11 memorials
Black History Walks

Black History Walks

Black History Walks offer guided Walking Tours London to include the African history of London.

Group, History, Race Issues, Tourism / Traditions

6 memorials
Burtons Menswear

Burtons Menswear

Clothing manufacturer and retailer. Montague Burton (1885 - 1952) was raised as Meshe David Osinsky,and emigrated from what is now Lithuania to England in 1900. He set up a business making and sell...

Group, Commerce

11 memorials