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

Terry Ainsworth

Terry Ainsworth

Terence John Richard Ainsworth was born on 3 December 1928, the elder son of James Richard Ainsworth and Florence Ada Ainsworth née Clark (1905-1986). His birth was registered in the 1st quarter of...

Person, Tragedy

1 memorial
Jennifer Solomons

Jennifer Solomons

We are grateful to Jane Taylor who sent this photo of her "lovely friend Jenny Solomon who died in the Boxing Day Tsunami aged 46. She was a much loved wife, mother and friend to many. She is still...

Person, Tragedy

1 memorial
Harold Bride

Harold Bride

Born Harold Sidney Bride in Nunhead. He was trained by the Marconi Wireless Company and joined the RMS Titanic as junior wireless operator. After the ship's collision, he remained at his post until...

Person, Tragedy, Transport

1 memorial
Archway V2 attack, 1944

Archway V2 attack, 1944

The bomb landed at the junction of Boothby, Giesbach and Grovedale Roads, with residents from the adjacent St John’s Way also suffering in the attack. 35 adults and children died, and 219 were inju...

Event, Tragedy

1 memorial
Thomas Becket

Thomas Becket

Chancellor, Archbishop and Martyr. Born Cheapside of French parents. son of Gilbert Becket, mercer. Archbishop of Canterbury, 1162 to his death. Assassinated after his erstwhile friend, Henry II, d...

Person, Politics & Administration, Religion, Tragedy

2 memorials

Previously viewed

The Lady Vanishes

The Lady Vanishes

Director: Alfred Hitchcock. Filmed at Gainsborough Film Studios.

Media, Cinema

1 memorial
Henry Hugh Armstead

Henry Hugh Armstead

Sculptor and illustrator. Born Bloomsbury. Executed a large number of public statues and funerary works, and worked closely with George Gilbert Scott on the Albert Memorial. Died at home 52 Circus ...

Person, Art

68 memorials