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

Samuel Rabbeth

Samuel Rabbeth

Find a Grave has an entry for Rabbeth, whose grave is in Barnes Cemetery. For more information about this hero click on the picture of his plaque.

Person, Tragedy

1 memorial
PC Alfred Smith

PC Alfred Smith

From Islington Tribune: "PC Smith heard the German Gotha G.V aircraft approaching and warned panicking factory workers in Central Street, Finsbury, to stay inside. He died when a bomb exploded a fe...

Person, Emergency Services, Tragedy

War dead non-military, WW1
2 memorials
Robert J. Halligan

Robert J. Halligan

United Kingdom citizen who died in the terrorist attacks in America on 11 September 2001. Robert John Halligan was born on 11 June 1942 in Amersham, Buckinghamshire. He was a son of William John H...

Person, Tragedy, USA

1 memorial
Claudia Dietlinde Theile

Claudia Dietlinde Theile

Non-British, killed by the Bali bomb.

Person, Tragedy

1 memorial
Ketut Cindra

Ketut Cindra

Non-British, killed by the Bali bomb.

Person, Tragedy

1 memorial

Previously viewed

W. Allcock

W. Allcock

WW2 civilian death in Loughton.

Person

War dead non-military, WW2
1 memorial
Clapham fire station

Clapham fire station

Designed by Edward Cresy (architect, 1792–1858). In the days before telephones, the service provided by the local brigade was not known for its rapid response. If there were a fire, the address of ...

Building, Community / Clubs

1 memorial
Ena Dorothy Nash

Ena Dorothy Nash

aged 17, of 8 Banstead Road, Nunhead Green

Person

War dead non-military, WW2
1 memorial
Poplar Borough Council

Poplar Borough Council

In 1855, Poplar joined with neighbouring Bromley and Bow to form the Poplar District of the Metropolis. This became the Metropolitan Borough of Poplar in 1900. In 1965 it merged with the Metropolit...

Group, Politics & Administration

3 memorials