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

V1 flying bomb attack on Dartford

V1 flying bomb attack on Dartford

The V1 flying bomb,(also known as a doodlebug), fell in Carrington Road, killing 10 people and injuring 107. It destroyed 20 homes and caused damage to a further 700 in the surrounding area. Our pi...

Event, Tragedy

1 memorial
Lee Christopher Harris

Lee Christopher Harris

Lee Christopher Harris was born on 13 November 1974 in Hereford, Herefordshire, the son of Brian Harris and Lynne Harris née Williams. He and his girlfriend, Samantha Hilary Badham, lived together ...

Person, Tragedy

3 memorials
Patricia Johnson

Patricia Johnson

Our colleague, Andrew Behan, has researched this young woman: Patricia Denise Johnson was born on 16 May 1965 and died, aged 15 years, on 18 January 1981 in a fire at party being held at 439 New Cr...

Person, Tragedy

2 memorials
Francis Pocock

Francis Pocock

Role on the lost expedition: Able seaman on SS Erebus. See John Franklin.

Person, Exploring, Tragedy

1 memorial
Staff Sergeant Roberts

Staff Sergeant Roberts

Royal Engineer killed by an exploding bomb while assisting in the attempt to disarm it. Andrew Behan has kindly carried out some research on this man: Staff Serjeant Charles Roberts was born on 25...

Person, Armed Forces, Tragedy, Scotland

War dead, WW2
1 memorial

Previously viewed

World War 2

World War 2

Sorry, we've done no research on WW2, it's just too big a subject. But do visit the picture source web site - it has a fascinating collection of maps.  And we enjoyed these photos of current WW2 ev...

Event, Armed Forces, Tragedy

376 memorials
Private Howard Washbrook

Private Howard Washbrook

Howard Washbrook was born in 1895 in Wednesfield, Staffordshire (now West Midlands), one of the ten children of Isaac Washbrook (1860-1945) and Eliza Washbrook née Brindley (1860-1920). His birth w...

Person, Armed Forces, Egypt

War dead, WW1
1 memorial
John Nash

John Nash

Born in London. Notable works: Regent Street, Royal Opera Arcade and the Royal Pavilion, Brighton. Much of his work was for the Prince Regent but we've heard that Mrs Nash gave birth to an illegiti...

Person, Architecture, Seriously Famous

7 memorials
Anchor Iron Wharf - history

Anchor Iron Wharf - history

SE10, Ballast Quay, By 4 - 6

{On the base of the monument:} Anchor Iron Wharf In 964 King Edgar granted this land to the abbey of St Peter's in Ghent, Flanders. Henry...

10 subjects commemorated, 2 creators
Roz Flint

Roz Flint

Architect/designer/landscape designer.

Person, Architecture

1 memorial