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

Alla-Uddin Nasim

Alla-Uddin Nasim

Alla-Uddin Nasim would also appear to have been known as Nasim Shamialpuri and also as M. Alaudin Nasim. His death was registered as Alla-Uddin Nasim in the 2nd quarter of 1975 of the London City ...

Person, Tragedy

1 memorial
Alexandre Pigeard

Alexandre Pigeard

Killed in the 2017 London Bridge attack. Aged 27, he was working as a waiter at the Boro Bistro.

Person, Tragedy, France

1 memorial
Edward Morris

Edward Morris

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

Person, Tragedy

1 memorial
Susan Ford
1 memorial
George J. Cann

George J. Cann

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

Person, Exploring, Tragedy

1 memorial

Previously viewed

Stanley Ross

Stanley Ross

Killed in the Camberwell Green air-raid, aged 14.

Person, Tragedy

War dead non-military, WW2
1 memorial
Greater London Council

Greater London Council

Replaced the LCC. The GLC was abolished, some say, because Mrs Thatcher could not abide its left-wing politics, nor its leader, Ken Livingstone.  On its 50th anniversary Diamond Geezer posted a goo...

Group, Politics & Administration

241 memorials
Lee J. Hatley

Lee J. Hatley

Stabbed to death at a flat in Canonbury. Lived in Morland Mews for 25 years. Good friends with another local young knife victim,  J. J. McPhillips. Both attended nearby Highbury Grove school and sp...

Person, Tragedy

1 memorial
Dr. William Martin

Dr. William Martin

Shakespeare scholar. Doctor of Law and Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries.  Active in 1909.

Person, Craft / Design

1 memorial
London Parochial Charities

London Parochial Charities

In 1880 a report by a royal commission led to the City of London Parochial Charities Act. This provided that the five largest parishes of London could continue to administer their own charitable en...

Group, Benefactor

3 memorials