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

Peter Bradbury

Peter Bradbury

Peter Bradbury was born on 13 April 1951 the son of Jack Bradbury (1912-1972) and Lilian Mary Bradbury née Warburton (1912-1979). His birth was registered in the 2nd quarter of 1951 in the Leeds, W...

Person, Tragedy

1 memorial
James Berkeley Hardman

James Berkeley Hardman

Non-British, killed by the Bali bomb.

Person, Tragedy

1 memorial
Ignacio Echeverria

Ignacio Echeverria

Killed in the 2017 London Bridge attack. Worked at HSBC bank. 39-year-old, from Spain, he had been on his way home after skating in a park with friends.

Person, Tragedy, Spain

1 memorial
Peter Record

Peter Record

British, killed by the Bali bomb, age 32.

Person, Tragedy

1 memorial
Francis Ernest George Coy

Francis Ernest George Coy

Junior Assistant 3rd Engineer on the RMS Titanic. A résumé of his life can be found on the Encyclopedia Titanica website. He is also remembered on a stone in Plot 24 of the Kensico Cemetery, 273 L...

Person, Engineering, Tragedy

1 memorial

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Fenner Brockway

Fenner Brockway

Pacifist, Labour MP, life peer, CND founder, free-thinker, campaigner for peace and racial equality. President of Liberation. Born Calcutta. Died Watford General Hospital, Hertfordshire. Until at l...

Person, Journalism / Publishing, Peace, Politics & Administration, India

3 memorials
Robert Horner

Robert Horner

Last private owner of Spitalfields fruit and vegetable market.  Came from Essex, worked in the market and managed to buy the lease in 1875.  Forced to sell to the City of London in 1920.

Person, Commerce, Property

2 memorials
William Booth

William Booth

Founded the Salvation Army.  Born Nottingham.  Came to London in 1849 to find better paid work and became a travelling lay preacher for the Methodists.  Married Catherine Mumford in 1855.  With his...

Person, Religion, Social Welfare

6 memorials
Walter Scrimgeour

Walter Scrimgeour

Extremely rich stockbroker. He bought Parkfield from his brother-in-law, Alan Block, when his own home at nearby no. 6 The Grove became too small for his eight children. He then bought the neighbou...

Person, Commerce

1 memorial