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.

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 49

Other Subjects

Lieutenant Charles Campbell Wood

Lieutenant Charles Campbell Wood

Hero. R.A.F (South African Artillery). On 27 December 1919 he dived into the Thames from the upstream footway of Hammersmith Bridge and saved a drowning woman. He contracted tetanus as a consequenc...

Person, Armed Forces, Tragedy, South Africa

1 memorial
Anthony Richard Petch

Anthony Richard Petch

Anthony Richard Petch was born on 22 August 1945 in East Appleton, North Yorkshire, a son of Hugh Herbert Petch (1914-1996) and Peggie Petch née Smith (1921-1979). His birth was registered in the 4...

Person, Commerce, Tragedy

1 memorial
Fm. Alfred Charles Smee

Fm. Alfred Charles Smee

Fireman killed in the Dudgeon's Wharf explosion. Andrew Behan has researched Smee: Fireman Alfred Charles Smee was born on 16 September 1921 and his birth was registered in Islington. He was the t...

Person, Emergency Services, Tragedy

2 memorials
Luke Puddy
1 memorial
James Rioden

James Rioden

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

Person, Exploring, Tragedy

1 memorial