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

Brian Holt

Brian Holt

Aged 62 Holt had worked as a porter at Mile End Hospital for 40 years. He had been commuting by bike the short journey of about a mile from his Stepney for just over a year in order to get fit. Th...

Person, Cyclist, Tragedy

1 memorial
37 victims of the Denmark Place arson attack

37 victims of the Denmark Place arson attack

See Denmark Place arson attack for information about the venue and the event. It is thought more than 150 people were inside the building when the attack happened. 37 died and 23 were injured.  T...

Group, Tragedy, Bolivia, Colombia, Libya, Mauritius, Scotland, Spain

1 memorial
David Stokoe

David Stokoe

David John Stokoe was born on 7 July 1966 and his birth was registered in the Havering registration district. His mother's maiden name was Woolgar. He was a firefighter attached to Silvertown fire...

Person, Emergency Services, Tragedy

3 memorials

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Michael Rizzello

Michael Rizzello

Sculptor and designer. Born Michael Gaspard Rizzello in London, to an Italian tailor. Served in the army 1944-8. Chose to follow his talent for art rather than that for singing. Began working for M...

Person, Sculpture

4 memorials