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

Arthur Strange

Arthur Strange

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

Person, Tragedy

1 memorial
Sunni Hah

Sunni Hah

Barrister. Injured in the Ladbroke Grove rail disaster. She died four weeks after the accident, aged 25. Andrew Behan has kindly carried out further research: Sun Yoon Hah was born on 15 February ...

Person, Tragedy

1 memorial
Fm.John Victor Appleby

Fm.John Victor Appleby

Fireman killed in the Dudgeon's Wharf explosion. Andrew Behan has researched Appleby: Fireman John Victor Appleby was born on 20 June 1946 and his birth was registered in Poplar. He was the son of...

Person, Emergency Services, Tragedy

3 memorials
Joseph William Onslow

Joseph William Onslow

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

Person, Tragedy

1 memorial

Previously viewed

Westminster Hospital

Westminster Hospital

Originally established as a charitable society, over the years it has occupied various premises: Petty France (1720 – 24); Chappell Street, renamed Broadway (1724 – 35); Buckingham Gate (1735 - 183...

Group, Medicine

2 memorials
Bankers Clearing House

Bankers Clearing House

Cheque & Credit Clearing Company (or, in the form of a booklet) is very helpful: "Daily cheque clearings began around 1770 when the bank clerks met at the Five Bells, a tavern in Lombard Street...

Building, Commerce

7 memorials
Heritage Foundation

Heritage Foundation

We believe this group now encompasses Comic Heritage, Musical Heritage, Sports Heritage and Films and Television Heritage. Its aim is to pay tribute to Britain's entertainers and raise funds for go...

Group, Cinema, History, Humour, Music / songs, Sport / Games, Theatre, TV & Radio

64 memorials
St Augustine church, Hackney

St Augustine church, Hackney

Built as St Augustines by the end of the 13th century, probably on grounds belonging to the Knights Templar. When this order was taken over by the Order of St John, the church was renamed St John a...

Building, Religion

1 memorial
London Bridge

London Bridge

Four stone bridges have spanned the Thames at this point. The first was built in about 1210 and lasted right through the medieval period. This was the one that had the spikes and is shown in some d...

Building, Transport, USA

25 memorials