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.

Comments are provided by Facebook, please ensure you are signed in here to see them

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...

Read More

Balham Station bombing - 1

In memory of the 64 people killed at this station by a wartime bomb 14th Octo...

Read More

Balham Station bombing - 2

{Beneath the London Transport logo:} In remembrance of the civilians and Lond...

Read More

Balham Station bombing - 3

In remembrance of the civilians and London Transport staff who were killed at...

Read More

Bank Station WW2 bomb

{Above the London Underground roundel:} In remembrance of the fifty six peopl...

Read More

Show all 53

Other Subjects

Mochamad Khotib

Mochamad Khotib

Non-British, killed by the Bali bomb.

Person, Tragedy

1 memorial
Amanda Lowe
1 memorial
Milutin Alexander Velimirovich

Milutin Alexander Velimirovich

Milutin Alexander Velimirovich was born on 14 October 1953 in Pisek, Okres Písek, Jihočeský, Czechoslovakia (now called South Bohemia, Czech Republic), a son of Dr Alexander and Elisabeth Velimirov...

Person, Aviation, Tragedy, Czechoslovakia, Scotland, USA

1 memorial
Muthulingam Thayaparan

Muthulingam Thayaparan

Killed in the Ladbroke Grove rail disaster, aged 26. Andrew Behan has kindly carried out further research: Muthulingam Thayaparan was born on 11 August 1973. He lived in Tooting, south west London...

Person, Tragedy

1 memorial
Thomas Work

Thomas Work

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

Person, Exploring, Tragedy

1 memorial

Previously viewed

Emily Davies

Emily Davies

Suffragist and promoter of higher education for women. Born Sarah Emily Davies in Southampton. She edited a feminist publication and became active on the London School Board. She was instrumental i...

Person, Education, Gender Issues

1 memorial
Alexandra Palace

Alexandra Palace

The materials used in the construction of the 1861 International Exhibition were sold and re-used in this building. Named after Princess Alexandra, newly married to the Prince of Wales, opened as "...

Place, Community / Clubs, Gardens / Agriculture

2 memorials