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

Jonathan Shepherd

Jonathan Shepherd

Junior Assistant 2nd Engineer on the RMS Titanic. A full résumé of his life can be found on the Encyclopedia Titanica website. He is also commemorated on the Engineers Memorial, Andrews East Park,...

Person, Engineering, Tragedy

1 memorial
Melanie Louise de Vere

Melanie Louise de Vere

United Kingdom citizen who died in the terrorist attacks in America on 11 September 2001. Melanie Louise de Vere was born on 15 March 1971 in Plymouth, Devon. She was the second of the three child...

Person, Tragedy, USA

1 memorial
Szmul Zygielbojm

Szmul Zygielbojm

Politician. Born in Borowica, Poland. He became involved in the Jewish labour movement (Bundism), and in 1917, represented Chełm at the first Bundist convention in Poland. He was invited to serve a...

Person, Tragedy, Poland

1 memorial
Mark Slavin

Mark Slavin

Wrestler. Born in Minsk, Belarus SSR. Winner of the Soviet Greco-Roman wrestling middleweight junior championship in 1971. He moved to Israel to join their Olympic team. Murdered by Palestinian ter...

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

1 memorial
Robert Bell
1 memorial

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John Cowie

John Cowie

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

Person, Exploring, Tragedy

1 memorial
Catherine Laugel

Catherine Laugel

Sculptor. She was born in Paris and moved to London to pursue her career.

Person, Sculpture, France

1 memorial
King Richard I

King Richard I

Richard the Lionheart.  Born Oxford, son of Henry II. King of England 6 July 1189 - death. Also ruled parts of France. More French than English, he spent much of his live in Southern Europe, mainly...

Person, Royalty, Cyprus, France, Israel/Palestine

1 memorial