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

Lee Rigby

Lee Rigby

Soldier. Born as Lee James McClure (he later took his stepfather's surname) in Crumpsall, Manchester. He joined the army in 2006, and was selected to be a member of the Corps of Drums, serving in C...

Person, Armed Forces, Tragedy

3 memorials
Brian Dorling

Brian Dorling

Killed by a tipper lorry on a Monday 8.30 am on his daily cycling commute from Hounslow to his job as a senior cost consultant at the Olympic site. Andrew Behan has kindly carried out further rese...

Person, Cyclist, Tragedy

1 memorial
Charles Lightoller

Charles Lightoller

Born Charles Herbert Lightoller in Chorley, Lancashire. He joined the White Star Line in 1900 and served on several ships before being appointed second officer on the Titanic. As the ship was aband...

Person, Armed Forces, Tragedy, Transport

1 memorial
David Berger

David Berger

Weightlifter. Born David Mark Berger in Cleveland, Ohio. He emigrated to Israel, and was chosen to represent the country in their 1972 Olympic team. He was one of eleven members of the Israeli team...

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

1 memorial
Fm.John Victor Appleby

Fm.John Victor Appleby

Fireman killed in the Dudgeon's Wharf explosion. Andrew Behan has researched Appleby: Fireman John Victor Appleby was born on 20 June 1946 and his birth was registered in Poplar. He was the son of...

Person, Emergency Services, Tragedy

3 memorials

Previously viewed

Speedie

Speedie

SE13, Embleton Road, 125

Speedie, resident tortoise, 1978 to 2014, is buried nearby. Slayer of bananas & busy lizzies.

1 subject commemorated
Bethnal Green Station

Bethnal Green Station

E2, Cambridge Heath Road

The station is on the Central line. It has four staircase exits/entrances, but no exterior building. Although it didn't actually open unt...

4 subjects commemorated, 1 creator
Regina Fong

Regina Fong

NW1, Camden High Street, 171, The Black Cap Public House

The plaque is in the first floor garden terrace bar. Our colleague Alan Patient informs us that the Black Cap closed suddenly in about A...

1 subject commemorated, 1 creator
Aldgate

Aldgate

Originally a Roman gate it was rebuilt a number of times:  1108–47, 1215, 1607-09. As a customs official Chaucer lived in the rooms above the gate, 1374-1386. The Cass Charity school used the upper...

Building, London Wall

2 memorials
National Sporting Club

National Sporting Club

Founded by John Fleming and A. F. "Peggy" Bettinson. First president Hugh Cecil Lowther, Fifth Earl of Lonsdale. It became the home of modern glove boxing, with bouts taking place in silence, after...

Group, Community / Clubs, Sport / Games

1 memorial