World War II - The Blitz

1. The Blitz came from the German word blitzkrieg meaning lightning war.

2. The Blitz was the name given to the German bombing campaign on major British cities and towns.

3. This was focussed on areas where there were factories and key manufacturing industries.

4. It took place between 7th September 1940 and 11th May 1941.

5. Over one million houses were destroyed or damaged during the Blitz.

6. The attacks happened at night-time to increase the fear factor as well as to avoid being shot down.

7. It also meant that people were exhausted, having to leave their homes for the safety of air-raid shelters every night.

8. Air-raid sirens became a part of everyday life and life was very hard and frightening.

9. London was attacked on fifty-seven consecutive nights between 7th September and 2nd November.

10. Barrage balloons were used to force the enemy planes higher and make their aim less accurate.

11. Britain relied on anti-aircraft guns, searchlights and radar, which could warn of an attack in advance, for defence.

12. Despite the Blackout the bombers found London easily by following the route of the Thames.

13. This directed the bombers to the docks at the East End.

14. Over one million bombs were dropped in two months.

15. On the first night, 340 bombers supported by 600 fighters dropped bombs on the London Docks area.

16. Over 480 people were killed and many thousands seriously injured during this raid.

17. Many Londoners took refuge in the Underground.

18. An all-clear siren would go at the end of the raids.

19. Even after the raids, people were not safe as there were many unexploded bombs.

20. People found they no longer had jobs as factories, ports and dockyards had been destroyed.

21. Water, gas and electricity were cut off and roads and railways were wrecked.

21. Over 43,000 people were killed across Britain during the Blitz.

22. Other cities that suffered badly included Coventry, Plymouth, Manchester, Glasgow and Liverpool.

23. Hitler called off the attack in 1941 in order to concentrate his resources on Russia.