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

James Stanley Richer

James Stanley Richer

Major James Stanley Richer was born on 4 July 1836 in Clerkenwell, London the son of James and Sophia Richer. He was baptised on 28 July 1836 at St James's Church, Clerkenwell and the family reside...

Person, Tragedy

1 memorial
George Alexander Chisnall

George Alexander Chisnall

A boilermaker on the RMS Titanic. A résumé of his life can be found on the Encyclopedia Titanica website. He is also commemorated on a memorial at Craigton Cemetery, Berryknowes Road, Glasgow, and...

Person, Engineering, Tragedy, Scotland

1 memorial
Ola Bratlie

Ola Bratlie

A telecommunications engineer from Gavdik in Norway. Killed in the Ladbroke Grove rail disaster, aged 26. Andrew Behan has kindly carried out further research: Ola Bratlie was born in Norway on 6 ...

Person, Tragedy, Norway

1 memorial
Carrie Louise Taylor

Carrie Louise Taylor

Carrie Louise Taylor was born on 28 May 1981 in Sidcup, Kent the daughter of John F. Taylor and June M. Taylor née Stephens. In 1985 they moved to Billericay, Essex and electoral registers from 200...

Person, Tragedy

2 memorials
Benedetta Ciaccia

Benedetta Ciaccia

Benedetta Ciattia was born on 15 December 1974 in Italy and came to the UK in 1995. She lived in Norwich, Norfolk and was a business analyst at Pearson Publishing. Her obituary can be found on the ...

Person, Tragedy, Italy

2 memorials