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

Temporary Sub Officer Kevin John Power

Temporary Sub Officer Kevin John Power

Kevin John Power was born on 29 March 1957. He was the son of John J. Power and Pauline Joan Power née Chambers (1933-2024). His birth was registered in the 2nd quarter of 1957 in the Willesden Reg...

Person, Emergency Services, Tragedy

1 memorial
Emily Wilding Davison

Emily Wilding Davison

Militant suffragette. Born Roxburgh House, Vanbrugh Park Road, Greenwich (see Running Past for info about the house). Brought up in Hertfordshire until aged 11 when the family returned to London. H...

Person, Gender Issues, Politics & Administration, Tragedy

4 memorials
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
Aziz Shamash

Aziz Shamash

Victim of the Marchioness tragedy, aged 20.

Person, Tragedy

1 memorial
George H. Hodgson

George H. Hodgson

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

Person, Exploring, Tragedy

1 memorial

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County of Middlesex

County of Middlesex

Former county. It became a shire in the 10th century, but much of the area was lost to the County of London with the passing of the Local Government Act of 1888 that came into effect on 21 March 18...

Place, Politics & Administration

2 memorials