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

William Donald

William Donald

Crew member of the 'Olga'. Died during the voyage bringing Cleopatra's Needle to London.

Person, Tragedy

1 memorial
Domingos Vasconcellos

Domingos Vasconcellos

Portuguese victim of the Marchioness tragedy, aged 28. He was the brother of Antonio Vasconcellos whose birthday was being celebrated on the boat.

Person, Tragedy, Portugal

1 memorial
Sjt. Robert Alexander Livingstone

Sjt. Robert Alexander Livingstone

Born in Bedford. Died aged 31 years, killed by the IRA Regent's Park bomb.

Person, Armed Forces, Tragedy

1 memorial
Emily Rose Jenkins

Emily Rose Jenkins

Emily Rose Jenkins was born on 24 July 1980 in Hammersmith, the youngest of four children of Nicholas Jenkins and Sarah Jenkins née Newcomb. An elder brother, Barnaby Guy Jenkins, was born in 1978....

Person, Tragedy

3 memorials
Mervin Popadynec

Mervin Popadynec

Non-British, killed by the Bali bomb.

Person, Tragedy

1 memorial

Previously viewed

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
St Olav's Church - 1992

St Olav's Church - 1992

SE16, St Olav's Square, St Olav's Church

Harold had been king for less than two years when this visit was made.

1 subject commemorated
Mary Lowndes

Mary Lowndes

Artist, suffragette and founder of Artist Suffrage League in 1909. Born Dorset. Trained in stained-glass work. Lived and worked in Chelsea. The photo shows Lowndes in 1890.

Person, Art, Craft / Design, Gender Issues

1 memorial
Victor Fairlie

Victor Fairlie

Former chairman of the Greenwich Enterprise Board.

Person, Community / Clubs

1 memorial
John Henderson

John Henderson

Known as John the book man, he sold second-hand books on West End Lane outside West Hampstead Thames Link station for about 20 years. Born near Glasgow, he moved to London c.1990 and for a long ti...

Person, Friend / family, Scotland

2 memorials