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.

Comments are provided by Facebook, please ensure you are signed in here to see them

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...

Read More

Balham Station bombing - 1

In memory of the 64 people killed at this station by a wartime bomb 14th Octo...

Read More

Balham Station bombing - 2

{Beneath the London Transport logo:} In remembrance of the civilians and Lond...

Read More

Balham Station bombing - 3

In remembrance of the civilians and London Transport staff who were killed at...

Read More

Bank Station WW2 bomb

{Above the London Underground roundel:} In remembrance of the fifty six peopl...

Read More

Show all 53

Other Subjects

Anthony Frey

Anthony Frey

Anarchist and anti-fascist. Killed while rock climbing in France, aged 31. Andrew Behan has kindly provided this research: His full name was Anthony Christopher Frey. He was born in January 1977 i...

Person, Politics & Administration, Tragedy

1 memorial
M. V. Rudi M

M. V. Rudi M

While berthed in Limehouse Basin undergoing a conversion, on 25 January 1980 a fire on this 1,000-ton petroleum gas tanker caused the death of Leading Fireman Stephen Maynard. Our colleague Andrew...

Vehicle, Industry, Tragedy

1 memorial
V1 Flying Bomb - Walthamstow

V1 Flying Bomb - Walthamstow

The bomb fell just before 10am when shopping was in full swing. Its approach was heard and people in the vicinity took what shelter they could. Some dived into shops and doorways, others into an ar...

Event, Tragedy

1 memorial
James McMullan

James McMullan

James Alexander Meregillano McMullan from Hackney was killed trying to help Sara Zelenak, another victim, during the 2017 attack at London Bridge. A Filipino-British citizen, he was the only Britis...

Person, Tragedy, Philippines

2 memorials

Previously viewed

Charles Holden

Charles Holden

Architect. Born Bolton. c.1897 he moved to London and worked briefly for C. R. Ashbee. 1899 he moved to H. Percy Adams' practice where he stayed for the rest of his career. c.1906 moved to Harmer G...

Person, Architecture

13 memorials
Dan Cox

Dan Cox

Killed, aged 28, following a collision with a lorry while cycling through Dalston Junction. Died two days later at the Royal London Hospital. A Goldsmiths graduate, Dan had been working part-time a...

Person, Cyclist, Tragedy

1 memorial