London Blitz

Definition

The London Blitz was the sustained bombing of Britain's capital by the German and Italian air forces from September 1940 to May 1941 during the Second World War (1939-45). The objective was to bomb Britain into submission, but despite almost 100,000 civilians being killed or injured in the nightly raids, Londoners resisted, and the war went on.

More about: London Blitz

Timeline

  • 24 Aug 1940
    German Heinkel He 111 bombers accidentally bomb London when aiming for an oil refinery.
  • 25 Aug 1940
    RAF bombers attack Berlin in retaliation for the Luftwaffe's bombing of London the previous night.
  • Sep 1940 - May 1941
    The London Blitz when the British capital was repeatedly hit by Axis bombers of Germany and Italy.
  • 7 Sep 1940
    300 German bombers hit London. It marks the Luftwaffe's change in strategy to attack British cities in the Battle of Britain and the start of the London Blitz.
  • 30 Dec 1940
    The 'Second Great Fire of London' during the London Blitz.
  • 19 Apr 1941
    The heaviest bombing raid of the Luftwaffe during the London Blitz.
  • 10 May 1941
    The final Luftwaffe raid of the London Blitz.
Membership