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

Walklings Bakery bomb victims

Walklings Bakery bomb victims

killed on 17th April 1941 whilst sheltering in the cellars of Walklings Bakery.  The building, which stood on the corner of The Cut and Greet Street, suffered a direct hit killing all 54 people.

Group, Tragedy

1 memorial
Henry Sait

Henry Sait

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

Person, Exploring, Tragedy

1 memorial
Beatrice Lilian Vickery

Beatrice Lilian Vickery

Civilian killed in the crash of Hampden bomber P4399. Our colleague Andrew Behan has kindly researched this woman: Beatrice Lillian Daniels was born on 7 January 1891 in Warrington, Lancashire, a ...

Person, Tragedy

War dead non-military, WW2
1 memorial
Murat Gündüz

Murat Gündüz

22 years old, artist

Person, Tragedy, Turkey

1 memorial