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

Charles Vanrenen

Charles Vanrenen

British, killed by the Bali bomb, age 26.

Person, Tragedy

1 memorial
Sapper Albert Edward Kells

Sapper Albert Edward Kells

Albert Edward Kells was born on 21 April 1882 in Kennington, Surrey (now Greater London), one of the fifteen children of Trumpet-Major Robert Kells, V.C. (1832-1905) and Sarah Ann Kells née Matthew...

Person, Armed Forces, Tragedy, France

War dead, WW1
1 memorial
Charles H. Osmer

Charles H. Osmer

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

Person, Exploring, Tragedy

1 memorial
Harrods bomb

Harrods bomb

Car bomb planted by the IRA in Hans Crescent, killed 3 police officers and 3 civilians, and injured 90 others.

Event, Terrorism, Tragedy

2 memorials
Michael McCarthy

Michael McCarthy

Nicknamed 'fox' because of his ginger hair. He was aged 19. The Islington Gazette reported "... McCarthy was attacked in revenge for abducting and torturing {a drug dealer}...".  6 weeks after that...

Person, Tragedy

1 memorial

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Diana Princess of Wales

Diana Princess of Wales

Born Lady Diana Frances Spencer in Norfolk. Married the Prince of Wales at St Paul's Cathedral in London on 29 July 1981, divorced 28 August 1996. Died in a car crash in Paris with Dodi Fayed. Abov...

Person, Royalty, Seriously Famous, France

12 memorials