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

SINCE 9/11

SINCE 9/11

SINCE 9/11 is a UK educational charity which was set up on the tenth anniversary of September 11th 2001 to ensure that the legacy of 9/11 is one that builds hope from tragedy.

Group, Education, Tragedy

1 memorial
Antony Lee "Smudge" Smith

Antony Lee "Smudge" Smith

Graphic designer from Clitheroe, Lancashire. Cycling to work one morning was killed by a left-turning truck.  The ghostbikes.org website gives more details about this cyclist and our colleague And...

Person, Cyclist, Tragedy

1 memorial
James Fitzjames

James Fitzjames

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

Person, Exploring, Tragedy

1 memorial
Isis Choi
1 memorial
Brian Cooper

Brian Cooper

Driver of the Great Western express train involved in the Ladbroke Grove rail disaster. Died aged 52. Andrew Behan has kindly carried out further research: Brian Cooper was born on 15 July 1947 in...

Person, Tragedy

1 memorial

Previously viewed

Wendy Richard, MBE

Wendy Richard, MBE

Actor best known as Pauline Fowler in the soap, East Enders, and as Miss Brahms in Are You Being Served?, alongside John Inman. She also had a number 1 hit in 1962 with Mike Sarne, Come Outside, on...

Person, Humour, TV & Radio

2 memorials
Morgan

Morgan

Ava Gardner's dog.

Animal, Animals

1 memorial
E. Rumney Smith

E. Rumney Smith

Churchwarden of St Marys Rotherhithe in 1886.

Person, Politics & Administration

2 memorials
Anchor / Barclay Perkins Brewery

Anchor / Barclay Perkins Brewery

Thrale.com states that the Anchor name was acquired during Child's ownership, since he supplied the navy with "masts, yards and bowsprits as well as stores and beer." Wikipedia gives the early lif...

Place, Commerce, Food & Drink

3 memorials