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

Herbert McConaghey / Herbert Maconoghu

Herbert McConaghey / Herbert Maconoghu

For more information about this hero click on the picture of his plaque.

Person, Tragedy

1 memorial
Prince of Wales pub, Mackenzie Road

Prince of Wales pub, Mackenzie Road

144 Mackenzie Road. This photo dates from the 1930s. Destroyed by a WW2 V2 rocket.

Building, Community / Clubs, Food & Drink, Tragedy

1 memorial
those killed and injured by the Hazelhurst Road WW2 bomb

those killed and injured by the Hazelhurst Road WW2 bomb

From Summerstown182: The V2 rocket landed at 8.30 on a Sunday morning "on the homes almost directly opposite the front of Smallwood School." and "At least thirty five people were killed and over on...

Group, Tragedy

1 memorial
Pat McDonald

Pat McDonald

Lived and worked in North Kensington, 1960s - her death.  She was the driving force behind the campaigns for better housing, more play-space and new nurseries.  At It's your Colville we were shock...

Person, Children, Community / Clubs, Tragedy

1 memorial
Beatrice Bishop

Beatrice Bishop

Drowned in the 1898 HMS Albion disaster, aged 24. Buried in grave 4 at the memorial in East London Cemetery.

Person, Tragedy

1 memorial

Previously viewed

World War 1

World War 1

We'd always assumed that this war was known as the Great War until WW2 came along at which point it was renamed as World War One or the First World War. But the term was first used in print in 1920...

Event, Armed Forces, Tragedy

402 memorials
Islington Boat Club

Islington Boat Club

The club has provided safe boating for thousands of youngsters on City Road Basin.

Group, Children, Sport / Games

1 memorial