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

Simon Wood

Simon Wood

A project worker for a charity for homeless children. Killed in the Ladbroke Grove rail disaster, aged 40. Andrew Behan has kindly carried out further research: Simon Edward Wood was born on 30 Ju...

Person, Tragedy

1 memorial
Rebecca Goossen

Rebecca Goossen

Trainee architect, 29, died after she was caught on the inside of a left-turning cement mixer as she cycled to work at Metropolitan Workshop in Cowcross Street. She was living in Bethnal Green but ...

Person, Cyclist, Tragedy, Germany

1 memorial
Lee Anthony Sexton

Lee Anthony Sexton

Non-British, killed by the Bali bomb.

Person, Tragedy

1 memorial
Sara Zelenak

Sara Zelenak

Killed in the 2017 London Bridge attack. A 21-year old Australian au pair, she was on a night out with a friend.

Person, Tragedy, Australia

1 memorial
Charles F. des Voeux

Charles F. des Voeux

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

Person, Exploring, Tragedy

1 memorial

Previously viewed

Francis Thompson

Francis Thompson

Poet and cricket lover, author of 'The Hound of Heaven'. Born Preston, Lancashire into the middle classes. Went through a period as a down-and-out and opium addict before being discovered as a poet...

Person, Jack the Ripper suspects, Poetry

1 memorial
Morris Singer Foundry

Morris Singer Foundry

Founded by John Webb Singer as the Frome Art Metal Works. Cast many of the best known sculptures in London, including the statue of Justice on the Central Criminal Court, 1906. Merged with the Morr...

Place, Commerce, Craft / Design

22 memorials