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

Adam L. Howard

Adam L. Howard

Non-British, killed by the Bali bomb.

Person, Tragedy

1 memorial
Yosef Romano

Yosef Romano

Weightlifter. Also known as Yossef, Yossi or Joseph. Born in Benghazi, Libya. He was the Israeli weight-lifting champion in the light and middle-weight divisions for nine years. He started to compe...

Person, Sport / Games, Tragedy, Germany, Israel/Palestine, Libya

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
Roy Fitzsimmons

Roy Fitzsimmons

Possibly also known as Anthony Fitzsimmons.

Person, Tragedy

1 memorial
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

Previously viewed

John Wilkinson

John Wilkinson

Son of Uriah Wilkinson?

Person, Friend / family

1 memorial
Surrey Docks

Surrey Docks

The south bank of the Thames used to be in Surrey, now in Southwark. The first dock created here in 1696 was initially named Howland Great Wet Dock and then Greenland Dock due to the whaling ships ...

Place, Commerce, Transport

10 memorials
A. J. Phelps

A. J. Phelps

Architect associated with Surbiton. Also built  the 1871 Church of St John, Grove Lane, Kingston upon Thames.

Person, Architecture

1 memorial
Pablo Picasso

Pablo Picasso

Born Spain. Didn't like travelling, lived most of his live in France and died at home near Cannes. 1944 joined the Communist Party in France, lending his name and reputation to the cause. The Commu...

Person, Art, Seriously Famous, France, Spain

1 memorial
Victoria Palace Theatre

Victoria Palace Theatre

The first theatre on this site was built in 1832. The current one, designed by Frank Matcham, was erected in 1910. Our Picture source link no longer works and the current history page for the Vict...

Building, Theatre

2 memorials