The Blitz | |
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A Heinkel He 111 bomber over the Surrey Commercial Docks in South London and Wapping and the Isle of Dogs in the East End of London on 7 September 1940 | |
Date 7 September 1940 – 11 May 1941 (8 months, 5 days) Location United Kingdom Result German strategic failure | |
Belligerents | |
United Kingdom | Germany |
Which areas of London were targeted in the Blitz?
The raids on London primarily targeted the Docklands area of the East End. This hub of industry and trade represented a legitimate military target for the Germans, and some 25,000 bombs were dropped on the Port of London alone.
What areas did the Blitz affect?
Around 17 British towns and cities were the targets of major bombing raids during the Blitz. The most affected towns and cities were London, Liverpool, Birmingham, Glasgow & Plymouth. Over 1,000 tons of high explosives were dropped on each of these cities, causing incredible damage and loss of life.
Where did people hide in the London Blitz?
During almost nightly German air raids (known as “the Blitz”) on London, the civilian population of the city sought refuge–as shown in this footage–in air raid shelters and in London’s subway system (called the “Underground” or the “Tube”).
Why was London targeted in the Blitz?
Nearly 350 German bombers (escorted by over 600 fighters) dropped explosives on East London, targeting the docks in particular. The intention was to completely destabilise the economic backbone of London which included docks, factories, warehouses and railway lines, in a bid to destroy and weaken the infrastructure.
What was the most bombed city in the Blitz?
While London was bombed more heavily and more often than anywhere else in Britain, the Blitz was an attack on the whole country. Very few areas were left untouched by air raids. In relatively small compact cities, the impact of a severe air raid could be devastating.
Where did the royal family stay during the Blitz?
The Princesses’ destination was Windsor Castle. During the war, Windsor Castle once again became a fortress, designed to keep those inside safe. Loudspeakers were installed to warn of approaching air-raids, while basements were transformed into shelters.
How much of London was destroyed in the Blitz?
The Blitz | |
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Casualties and losses | |
~40,000–43,000 civilians killed ~46,000–139,000 injured Two million houses damaged or destroyed (60 percent of these in London) | Unknown 3,363 aircrew 2,265 aircraft (summer 1940 – May 1941) |
How long did the London blitz last?
nine months
Beginning in September 1940, the Blitz was an aerial bombing campaign conducted by the Luftwaffe against British cities. Over a period of nine months, over 43,500 civilians were killed in the raids, which focused on major cities and industrial centres.
What was the worst day of the Blitz?
The most devastating raid on London took place on the night of 10/11 May 1941. The moon was full and the Thames had a very low ebb tide. These two combined with a maximum effort by the Germans, before the moved east to attack the Soviet Union, to produce one of the most devastating raids on the capital.
Did people leave lights on during the Blitz?
Blitz blackout resistance
One of the most significant public safety measures introduced during the war, the blackout required all citizens to keep their homes completely darkened at night to obscure the vision of bombers overhead.
How many times was Buckingham Palace bombed in the Blitz?
Letter from Queen Elizabeth to Queen Mary describing the bombing of Buckingham Palace on 13 September 1940, and her visit with the King to the East End of London later that day 13 September 1940. Buckingham Palace was bombed nine times during the course of the Second World War.
How did people stay safe in the Blitz?
People carried gas masks to protect themselves against a possible gas attack. People built air raid shelters in their gardens. All windows and doors were blacked out to make it harder for the enemy planes to spot where they lived.
What was Hitler’s goal in bombing London?
In October, Hitler ordered a massive bombing campaign against London and other cities to crush British morale and force an armistice. Despite significant loss of life and tremendous material damage to Britain’s cities, the country’s resolve remained unbroken.
Did Buckingham Palace get bombed?
In 1940, Buckingham Palace was hit by a bomb during a German raid. In an earlier attack, the Germans dropped a time bomb on the palace on Sept. 8 and the bomb exploded two days later.
Did the Queen stay in London during the Blitz?
Rather than move away from the danger, the King and Queen decided to remain at Buckingham Palace in solidarity with those living through the Blitz. The Queen is reported to have said: ‘I am glad we have been bombed.
What is the most bombed country in WW2?
Malta
But they also ended the war devastated: Malta holds the record for the heaviest, sustained bombing attack: some 154 days and nights and 6,700 tons of bombs.
What cities did not get bombed in WW2?
15 Beautiful German Cities Not Destroyed That Survived WW2 Almost Untouched
- 1 – Goslar, Lower Saxony.
- 2 – Heidelberg, Baden-Württemberg.
- 3 – Regensburg, Bavaria.
- 4 – Tübingen, Baden-Württemberg.
- 5 – Bamberg, Bavaria.
- 6 – Lüneburg, Lower Saxony.
- 7 – Göttingen, Lower Saxony.
- 8 – Celle, Lower Saxony.
Which city got bombed the most in WW2?
Hiroshima lost more than 60,000 of its 90,000 buildings, all destroyed or severely damaged by one bomb. In comparison, Nagasaki – though blasted by a bigger bomb on 9 August 1945 (21,000 tonnes of TNT to Hiroshima’s 15,000) – lost 19,400 of its 52,000 buildings.
Where did Churchill go during the Blitz?
Churchill would walk through the bombed sections of London following a raid. He did it often. He would visit a city that had been bombed, and the people would flock to him. There is no question in my mind that these visits were absolutely important to helping Britain weather this period.
Where did the children go during the Blitz?
Between June and September 1940, 1,532 children were evacuated to Canada, mainly through the Pier 21 immigration terminal; 577 to Australia; 353 to South Africa and 202 to New Zealand. The scheme was cancelled after the City of Benares was torpedoed on 17 September 1940, killing 77 of the 90 CORB children aboard.