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

Christine Egan

Christine Egan

United Kingdom citizen who died in the terrorist attacks in America on 11 September 2001. She was the sister of Michael Egan who also died in the attack. Christine Egan was born on 20 June 1946 a...

Person, Tragedy, Canada, USA

1 memorial
William Dickson Mackie

William Dickson Mackie

Junior 5th 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, Above Bar...

Person, Engineering, Tragedy, Scotland

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
Alexandra Koppke

Alexandra Koppke

Non-British, killed by the Bali bomb.

Person, Tragedy

1 memorial
Ivan Tarassenko

Ivan Tarassenko

Ivan Tarassenko was born on 14 October 1962. He died, aged 25 years, on 18 November 1987 in the King's Cross Underground Station fire. The subsequent fire investigation report described his occupa...

Person, Tragedy

1 memorial