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

Fireman Derek Thomas Potts

Fireman Derek Thomas Potts

Firefighter who died as a result of a fire at Compton Road, N1. Derek Thomas Potts was born on 28 May 1946 in Islington, London, the youngest of the three children of Frederick Arthur Potts (1908-...

Person, Emergency Services, Tragedy

1 memorial
Leah Dearl

Leah Dearl

Drowned in the 1898 HMS Albion disaster, aged 23. Buried in grave 3 at the memorial in East London Cemetery.

Person, Tragedy

1 memorial
Ralph Joscelyne

Ralph Joscelyne

Only 10 when caught in the cross-fire during the Tottenham Outrage.

Person, Children, Tragedy

1 memorial
Roy Fitzsimmons

Roy Fitzsimmons

Possibly also known as Anthony Fitzsimmons.

Person, Tragedy

1 memorial
Moira Gemmill

Moira Gemmill

Gemmill was killed by a tipper truck while cycling to work at 9.30am on a Thursday. 55 years old, a designer, she had led the recent acclaimed re-design and refurbishment of the V&A.  She had a...

Person, Cyclist, Tragedy

1 memorial

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Sir Malcolm Sargent

Sir Malcolm Sargent

Conductor, nick-named "Flash Harry" in recognition of his dapper appearance and flamboyant style.

Person, Music / songs

1 memorial