The Blitz in photographs | Imperial War Museums

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</header> <main role="main"> <a id="main-content" tabindex="-1"></a> <div class="layout-content"> <div> <div class="iwm-drupal-messages"> <div data-drupal-messages-fallback class="hidden"></div> </div> <div id="block-iwm-theme-content"> <article about="/history/the-blitz-in-photographs"> <div class="season-link"> <div class="text-only text-only--center" id=""> <div class="text-only__container"> <div class="text-only__row"> <div class="text-only__content"> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div> <div class="text-with-media" id="text_with_media_48464"> <div class="text-with-media__row"> <h2 class="text-with-media__title"> <p>Remembering the Blitz</p> </h2> <div class="text-with-media__media-item"> <div class="text-with-media__media-item__contain"> <div class="media-image"> <div class="media-image__wrap"> <div class="image-wrapper"> <picture> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/text_with_media_large_desktop_1x/public/2023-05/the_blitz_book-cover_0.jpg.webp?itok=DoIfGF53 1x" media="all and (min-width: 1350px)"/> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/text_with_media_desktop_1x/public/2023-05/the_blitz_book-cover_0.jpg.webp?itok=oW-IOAUt 1x" media="all and (min-width: 1024px)"/> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/text_with_media_tablet_1x/public/2023-05/the_blitz_book-cover_0.jpg.webp?itok=i3TnQpfY 1x" media="all and (min-width: 768px)"/> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/text_with_media_mobile_/public/2023-05/the_blitz_book-cover_0.jpg.webp?itok=EEZpL8Nn 1x" media="all and (min-width: 500px)"/> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/text_with_media_mobile_1x/public/2023-05/the_blitz_book-cover_0.jpg.webp?itok=ku48AI9C 1x, /sites/default/files/styles/text_with_media_mobile_2x/public/2023-05/the_blitz_book-cover_0.jpg.webp?itok=ML2iSMIl 2x" media="all and (min-width: 0px)"/> <img loading="eager" width="730" height="730" class="lazyload" data-aspectratio="2197/2197" src="/sites/default/files/styles/text_with_media_desktop_1x/public/2023-05/the_blitz_book-cover_0.jpg.webp?itok=oW-IOAUt" alt="The Blitz from IWM's Photography Collection series book cover " typeof="foaf:Image" /> </picture> </div> <div class="credit"> <div class="credit__contain"> © IWM </div> </div> </div> <div class="media-image__caption"> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="text-with-media__text"> <p>From the autumn of 1940 the people of Britain faced almost unimaginable dangers. For months on end, nightfall brought droning aircraft overhead, showering towns and cities with bombs. Explosions ripped through homes and workplaces, and firebombs sparked devastating blazes.</p> <p>By spring 1941, more than 40,000 people had been killed. For a period defined by sudden thunderous violence from the sky, the name ‘Blitz’ – from the German word for lightning – could hardly be more apt. Few people in Britain remember the nights the bombs fell.</p> <p>As the Blitz – and indeed the Second World War as a whole – passes out of living memory and into history, it becomes more important to study and share the historic records of that time.</p> <p>These striking photographs tell the stories of those who experienced the Blitz and highlight the bravery and determination of civilians in wartime Britain.</p> <p>IWM's new book, The Blitz, documents the impact of the Blitz through a vivid collection of photographs from IWM's Collections. The book is <a href="https://shop.iwm.org.uk/p/28637/The-Blitz---IWM-Photo-Collection">available to buy from the IWM Shop</a>. </p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="text-with-media" id="text_with_media_48072"> <div class="text-with-media__row"> <h2 class="text-with-media__title"> <p>The first raid of the Blitz</p> </h2> <div class="text-with-media__media-item"> <div class="text-with-media__media-item__contain"> <div class="media-image"> <div class="media-image__wrap"> <div class="image-wrapper"> <picture> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/text_with_media_large_desktop_1x/public/2023-04/c_005422.jpg.webp?itok=3YlOKe61 1x" media="all and (min-width: 1350px)"/> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/text_with_media_desktop_1x/public/2023-04/c_005422.jpg.webp?itok=xcnYa-P2 1x" media="all and (min-width: 1024px)"/> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/text_with_media_tablet_1x/public/2023-04/c_005422.jpg.webp?itok=UCYO4l0A 1x" media="all and (min-width: 768px)"/> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/text_with_media_mobile_/public/2023-04/c_005422.jpg.webp?itok=CjK09RPP 1x" media="all and (min-width: 500px)"/> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/text_with_media_mobile_1x/public/2023-04/c_005422.jpg.webp?itok=K6K6Uy-1 1x, /sites/default/files/styles/text_with_media_mobile_2x/public/2023-04/c_005422.jpg.webp?itok=PE7ED19N 2x" media="all and (min-width: 0px)"/> <img loading="eager" width="730" height="712" class="lazyload" data-aspectratio="4642/4528" src="/sites/default/files/styles/text_with_media_desktop_1x/public/2023-04/c_005422.jpg.webp?itok=xcnYa-P2" alt="A German Heinkel 111 bomber in flight over east London on 7 September 1940, in the first raid of the Blitz." typeof="foaf:Image" /> </picture> </div> <div class="credit"> <div class="credit__contain"> © IWM C_005422 </div> </div> </div> <div class="media-image__caption"> <div class="caption"> <div class="caption__contain"> <p>A German Heinkel 111 bomber in flight over east London on 7 September 1940.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="text-with-media__text"> <p>The Blitz formed a key phase in Britain’s experience of the Second World War. On 7 September 1940, the German Air Force – the Luftwaffe – made a large daylight attack on London.</p> <p>Over the previous two months, the Luftwaffe had struggled to defeat the Royal Air Force in the Battle of Britain.</p> <p>Believing that the preceding two months of intense aerial combat  had neutralised the Royal Air Force, the German Luftwaffe shifted its focus to attack Britain’s capital.</p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="text-with-media" id="text_with_media_48071"> <div class="text-with-media__row"> <h2 class="text-with-media__title"> <p>Nightly blackouts</p> </h2> <div class="text-with-media__media-item"> <div class="text-with-media__media-item__contain"> <div class="media-image"> <div class="media-image__wrap"> <div class="image-wrapper"> <picture> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/text_with_media_large_desktop_1x/public/2023-04/d_000712.jpg.webp?itok=c7Al3dWj 1x" media="all and (min-width: 1350px)"/> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/text_with_media_desktop_1x/public/2023-04/d_000712.jpg.webp?itok=ExU9Jhue 1x" media="all and (min-width: 1024px)"/> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/text_with_media_tablet_1x/public/2023-04/d_000712.jpg.webp?itok=UXdsiT1e 1x" media="all and (min-width: 768px)"/> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/text_with_media_mobile_/public/2023-04/d_000712.jpg.webp?itok=lQtNrvOs 1x" media="all and (min-width: 500px)"/> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/text_with_media_mobile_1x/public/2023-04/d_000712.jpg.webp?itok=lqFKThYp 1x, /sites/default/files/styles/text_with_media_mobile_2x/public/2023-04/d_000712.jpg.webp?itok=FXi-aSLW 2x" media="all and (min-width: 0px)"/> <img loading="eager" width="730" height="529" class="lazyload" data-aspectratio="4961/3594" src="/sites/default/files/styles/text_with_media_desktop_1x/public/2023-04/d_000712.jpg.webp?itok=ExU9Jhue" alt="Nightly blackouts at Piccadilly Circus in 1940 during the Blitz. " typeof="foaf:Image" /> </picture> </div> <div class="credit"> <div class="credit__contain"> © IWM D (000712) </div> </div> </div> <div class="media-image__caption"> <div class="caption"> <div class="caption__contain"> At London’s Piccadilly Circus in 1940, traffic passes the boarded-up statue of Eros during The Blitz. </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="text-with-media__text"> <p>To prevent enemy bombers locating towns by their lights, a nightly blackout was imposed, obliging people to curtain off their windows and plunging the streets into darkness.</p> <p>With city street lights switched off and motorists required to shade their headlights, thousands of people were injured in night-time traffic accidents. </p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="text-with-media" id="text_with_media_48073"> <div class="text-with-media__row"> <h2 class="text-with-media__title"> <p>Trench shelters</p> </h2> <div class="text-with-media__media-item"> <div class="text-with-media__media-item__contain"> <div class="media-image"> <div class="media-image__wrap"> <div class="image-wrapper"> <picture> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/text_with_media_large_desktop_1x/public/2023-04/trench_shelter_during_the_blitz.jpg.webp?itok=paFFCoXj 1x" media="all and (min-width: 1350px)"/> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/text_with_media_desktop_1x/public/2023-04/trench_shelter_during_the_blitz.jpg.webp?itok=6nCQKXdE 1x" media="all and (min-width: 1024px)"/> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/text_with_media_tablet_1x/public/2023-04/trench_shelter_during_the_blitz.jpg.webp?itok=W-6ea_nK 1x" media="all and (min-width: 768px)"/> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/text_with_media_mobile_/public/2023-04/trench_shelter_during_the_blitz.jpg.webp?itok=1QixY_d_ 1x" media="all and (min-width: 500px)"/> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/text_with_media_mobile_1x/public/2023-04/trench_shelter_during_the_blitz.jpg.webp?itok=fAIeH8-4 1x, /sites/default/files/styles/text_with_media_mobile_2x/public/2023-04/trench_shelter_during_the_blitz.jpg.webp?itok=7ctPAOWs 2x" media="all and (min-width: 0px)"/> <img loading="eager" width="730" height="1118" class="lazyload" data-aspectratio="3239/4961" src="/sites/default/files/styles/text_with_media_desktop_1x/public/2023-04/trench_shelter_during_the_blitz.jpg.webp?itok=6nCQKXdE" alt="A trench shelter during the Blitz, waterlogged by rain, photographed in 1940, people sleep on hard, narrow benches." typeof="foaf:Image" /> </picture> </div> <div class="credit"> <div class="credit__contain"> © IWM D_001553 </div> </div> </div> <div class="media-image__caption"> <div class="caption"> <div class="caption__contain"> <p>In a trench shelter waterlogged by rain, photographed in 1940, people sleep on hard, narrow benches.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="text-with-media__text"> <p>When Britain prepared for war, air raids were expected to be brief and occur in daylight.</p> <p>Councils distributed millions of gas masks, and erected public bomb shelters. Householders dug up their back gardens to install corrugated steel Anderson shelters.</p> <p>Few shelters were designed to provide sleeping accommodation, and many were extremely uncomfortable.</p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="text-with-media" id="text_with_media_48076"> <div class="text-with-media__row"> <h2 class="text-with-media__title"> <p>Plymouth raids: 1940</p> </h2> <div class="text-with-media__media-item"> <div class="text-with-media__media-item__contain"> <div class="media-image"> <div class="media-image__wrap"> <div class="image-wrapper"> <picture> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/text_with_media_large_desktop_1x/public/2023-04/naval_fuel_depot_at_turnchapel.jpg.webp?itok=mCRM1-lm 1x" media="all and (min-width: 1350px)"/> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/text_with_media_desktop_1x/public/2023-04/naval_fuel_depot_at_turnchapel.jpg.webp?itok=lTAbyQba 1x" media="all and (min-width: 1024px)"/> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/text_with_media_tablet_1x/public/2023-04/naval_fuel_depot_at_turnchapel.jpg.webp?itok=eS4GH5x5 1x" media="all and (min-width: 768px)"/> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/text_with_media_mobile_/public/2023-04/naval_fuel_depot_at_turnchapel.jpg.webp?itok=ho4ENi6y 1x" media="all and (min-width: 500px)"/> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/text_with_media_mobile_1x/public/2023-04/naval_fuel_depot_at_turnchapel.jpg.webp?itok=vT9oHtPp 1x, /sites/default/files/styles/text_with_media_mobile_2x/public/2023-04/naval_fuel_depot_at_turnchapel.jpg.webp?itok=yWRoaRDB 2x" media="all and (min-width: 0px)"/> <img loading="eager" width="730" height="551" class="lazyload" data-aspectratio="4961/3744" src="/sites/default/files/styles/text_with_media_desktop_1x/public/2023-04/naval_fuel_depot_at_turnchapel.jpg.webp?itok=lTAbyQba" alt="Standing amid rubble, two young schoolboys watch a column of black oil smoke rise from a naval fuel depot at Turnchapel, near Plymouth, following a raid on 27 November 1940. " typeof="foaf:Image" /> </picture> </div> <div class="credit"> <div class="credit__contain"> © IWM HU 140002 </div> </div> </div> <div class="media-image__caption"> <div class="caption"> <div class="caption__contain"> <p>Standing amid rubble, two young schoolboys watch a column of black oil smoke rise from a naval fuel depot at Turnchapel, near Plymouth, following a raid on 27 November 1940.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="text-with-media__text"> <p>In targeting Britain’s port cities – including London, Liverpool, Manchester, Hull, Glasgow, Belfast, Swansea, Bristol, Plymouth and others – German strategists hoped their bombers could impose an aerial blockade, complementing the efforts at sea of the German Navy’s submarine captains, preying upon British merchant ships.</p> <p>As a south-coast port housing the vital Devonport naval base, Plymouth was raided repeatedly.</p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="text-with-media" id="text_with_media_48074"> <div class="text-with-media__row"> <h2 class="text-with-media__title"> <p>Manchester raids: Christmas 1940</p> </h2> <div class="text-with-media__media-item"> <div class="text-with-media__media-item__contain"> <div class="media-image"> <div class="media-image__wrap"> <div class="image-wrapper"> <picture> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/text_with_media_large_desktop_1x/public/2023-04/manchester_raids_in_the_blitz.jpg.webp?itok=pQHAAogj 1x" media="all and (min-width: 1350px)"/> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/text_with_media_desktop_1x/public/2023-04/manchester_raids_in_the_blitz.jpg.webp?itok=Hvs-DG4r 1x" media="all and (min-width: 1024px)"/> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/text_with_media_tablet_1x/public/2023-04/manchester_raids_in_the_blitz.jpg.webp?itok=psV3z877 1x" media="all and (min-width: 768px)"/> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/text_with_media_mobile_/public/2023-04/manchester_raids_in_the_blitz.jpg.webp?itok=XMkcNjWJ 1x" media="all and (min-width: 500px)"/> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/text_with_media_mobile_1x/public/2023-04/manchester_raids_in_the_blitz.jpg.webp?itok=KnS4o7qI 1x, /sites/default/files/styles/text_with_media_mobile_2x/public/2023-04/manchester_raids_in_the_blitz.jpg.webp?itok=vU_h2i_t 2x" media="all and (min-width: 0px)"/> <img loading="eager" width="730" height="715" class="lazyload" data-aspectratio="4632/4538" src="/sites/default/files/styles/text_with_media_desktop_1x/public/2023-04/manchester_raids_in_the_blitz.jpg.webp?itok=Hvs-DG4r" alt="Firemen fight fires in the centre of Manchester during the Blitz after two nights of raids." typeof="foaf:Image" /> </picture> </div> <div class="credit"> <div class="credit__contain"> © IWM H_006324 </div> </div> </div> <div class="media-image__caption"> <div class="caption"> <div class="caption__contain"> <p>Here firemen fight fires in the centre of the city.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="text-with-media__text"> <p>Manchester was heavily bombed shortly before Christmas 1940. In two nights of raids almost 700 people were killed, and more than 8,000 homes destroyed or rendered uninhabitable. </p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="text-with-media" id="text_with_media_48077"> <div class="text-with-media__row"> <h2 class="text-with-media__title"> <p>Glasgow: 1941</p> </h2> <div class="text-with-media__media-item"> <div class="text-with-media__media-item__contain"> <div class="media-image"> <div class="media-image__wrap"> <div class="image-wrapper"> <picture> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/text_with_media_large_desktop_1x/public/2023-04/glaswegian_civilians_in_clydebank.jpg.webp?itok=ErpZ2s7b 1x" media="all and (min-width: 1350px)"/> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/text_with_media_desktop_1x/public/2023-04/glaswegian_civilians_in_clydebank.jpg.webp?itok=utcs3izx 1x" media="all and (min-width: 1024px)"/> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/text_with_media_tablet_1x/public/2023-04/glaswegian_civilians_in_clydebank.jpg.webp?itok=YRVK9fmx 1x" media="all and (min-width: 768px)"/> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/text_with_media_mobile_/public/2023-04/glaswegian_civilians_in_clydebank.jpg.webp?itok=pPegrKeD 1x" media="all and (min-width: 500px)"/> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/text_with_media_mobile_1x/public/2023-04/glaswegian_civilians_in_clydebank.jpg.webp?itok=LNK-6dsb 1x, /sites/default/files/styles/text_with_media_mobile_2x/public/2023-04/glaswegian_civilians_in_clydebank.jpg.webp?itok=aDS12HoW 2x" media="all and (min-width: 0px)"/> <img loading="eager" width="730" height="578" class="lazyload" data-aspectratio="4961/3928" src="/sites/default/files/styles/text_with_media_desktop_1x/public/2023-04/glaswegian_civilians_in_clydebank.jpg.webp?itok=utcs3izx" alt="Glaswegian civilians in Clydebank during the Blitz, 1941. They pass bombed tenement houses. A woman pushes a pram laden with suitcases. " typeof="foaf:Image" /> </picture> </div> <div class="credit"> <div class="credit__contain"> © IWM HU 036232 </div> </div> </div> <div class="media-image__caption"> <div class="caption"> <div class="caption__contain"> <p>Glaswegian civilians pass bombed tenement houses in 1941. 35,000 people were rendered homeless. A woman pushes a pram laden with suitcases.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="text-with-media__text"> <p>In March 1941, Glasgow and neighbouring Clydebank in Scotland were bombed.</p> <p>Despite being far from the Luftwaﬀe’s air bases, Glasgow was hit by more than 900 tonnes of bombs and incendiaries. In Clydebank 35,000 people were rendered homeless.</p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="text-with-media" id="text_with_media_48075"> <div class="text-with-media__row"> <h2 class="text-with-media__title"> <p>Bombing in Liverpool: 1942</p> </h2> <div class="text-with-media__media-item"> <div class="text-with-media__media-item__contain"> <div class="media-image"> <div class="media-image__wrap"> <div class="image-wrapper"> <picture> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/text_with_media_large_desktop_1x/public/2023-04/bomb_damage_in_liverpool_during_the_blitz.jpg.webp?itok=fZyAkixn 1x" media="all and (min-width: 1350px)"/> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/text_with_media_desktop_1x/public/2023-04/bomb_damage_in_liverpool_during_the_blitz.jpg.webp?itok=VnN9FjY1 1x" media="all and (min-width: 1024px)"/> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/text_with_media_tablet_1x/public/2023-04/bomb_damage_in_liverpool_during_the_blitz.jpg.webp?itok=5ULrCgno 1x" media="all and (min-width: 768px)"/> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/text_with_media_mobile_/public/2023-04/bomb_damage_in_liverpool_during_the_blitz.jpg.webp?itok=jldMfUrn 1x" media="all and (min-width: 500px)"/> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/text_with_media_mobile_1x/public/2023-04/bomb_damage_in_liverpool_during_the_blitz.jpg.webp?itok=emJgy_PN 1x, /sites/default/files/styles/text_with_media_mobile_2x/public/2023-04/bomb_damage_in_liverpool_during_the_blitz.jpg.webp?itok=ssjbxoQS 2x" media="all and (min-width: 0px)"/> <img loading="eager" width="730" height="287" class="lazyload" data-aspectratio="4961/1952" src="/sites/default/files/styles/text_with_media_desktop_1x/public/2023-04/bomb_damage_in_liverpool_during_the_blitz.jpg.webp?itok=VnN9FjY1" alt="A panorama of bomb damage in Liverpool, taken in 1942. The two towers of the city’s famous Royal Liver Building can be seen on the skyline." typeof="foaf:Image" /> </picture> </div> <div class="credit"> <div class="credit__contain"> © IWM 005984 </div> </div> </div> <div class="media-image__caption"> <div class="caption"> <div class="caption__contain"> <p>The two towers of the city’s famous Royal Liver Building can be seen on the skyline.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="text-with-media__text"> <p>A panorama of bomb damage in Liverpool, taken in 1942. A key port, Liverpool was the most heavily bombed British city after London, struck by almost 3,000 tonnes of high explosive bombs and 300 tonnes of incendiaries. </p> <p><br>  </p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="text-with-media" id="text_with_media_48078"> <div class="text-with-media__row"> <h2 class="text-with-media__title"> <p>Wildflowers</p> </h2> <div class="text-with-media__media-item"> <div class="text-with-media__media-item__contain"> <div class="media-image"> <div class="media-image__wrap"> <div class="image-wrapper"> <picture> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/text_with_media_large_desktop_1x/public/2023-04/woman_picking_flowers_on_bombsite_during_the_blitz.jpg.webp?itok=q6xC7huw 1x" media="all and (min-width: 1350px)"/> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/text_with_media_desktop_1x/public/2023-04/woman_picking_flowers_on_bombsite_during_the_blitz.jpg.webp?itok=NLKVzYMd 1x" media="all and (min-width: 1024px)"/> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/text_with_media_tablet_1x/public/2023-04/woman_picking_flowers_on_bombsite_during_the_blitz.jpg.webp?itok=s9guLhfC 1x" media="all and (min-width: 768px)"/> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/text_with_media_mobile_/public/2023-04/woman_picking_flowers_on_bombsite_during_the_blitz.jpg.webp?itok=32ryLJe0 1x" media="all and (min-width: 500px)"/> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/text_with_media_mobile_1x/public/2023-04/woman_picking_flowers_on_bombsite_during_the_blitz.jpg.webp?itok=K6Frt-sw 1x, /sites/default/files/styles/text_with_media_mobile_2x/public/2023-04/woman_picking_flowers_on_bombsite_during_the_blitz.jpg.webp?itok=cEdBt9VN 2x" media="all and (min-width: 0px)"/> <img loading="eager" width="730" height="524" class="lazyload" data-aspectratio="4961/3558" src="/sites/default/files/styles/text_with_media_desktop_1x/public/2023-04/woman_picking_flowers_on_bombsite_during_the_blitz.jpg.webp?itok=NLKVzYMd" alt="Woman picks flowers on a bombsite near St Paul’s Cathedral. Bombed buildings were fertile ground for wildflowers." typeof="foaf:Image" /> </picture> </div> <div class="credit"> <div class="credit__contain"> © IWM HU 110876A </div> </div> </div> <div class="media-image__caption"> <div class="caption"> <div class="caption__contain"> <p>Woman picks flowers on a bombsite near St Paul’s Cathedral.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="text-with-media__text"> <p>Bombed buildings were fertile ground for wildflowers, and rosebay willowherb became so widespread that people called it ‘bombweed’.</p> <p>Wildflowers attracted insects and unusual bird species, such as black redstarts and wheatears, which would nest among broken buildings.</p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="text-with-media" id="text_with_media_48079"> <div class="text-with-media__row"> <h2 class="text-with-media__title"> <p>A pivotal period of modern British history</p> </h2> <div class="text-with-media__media-item"> <div class="text-with-media__media-item__contain"> <div class="media-image"> <div class="media-image__wrap"> <div class="image-wrapper"> <picture> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/text_with_media_large_desktop_1x/public/2023-04/london_october_1940.jpg.webp?itok=kGtAedbR 1x" media="all and (min-width: 1350px)"/> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/text_with_media_desktop_1x/public/2023-04/london_october_1940.jpg.webp?itok=G5u8YWsk 1x" media="all and (min-width: 1024px)"/> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/text_with_media_tablet_1x/public/2023-04/london_october_1940.jpg.webp?itok=-nTlUiGp 1x" media="all and (min-width: 768px)"/> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/text_with_media_mobile_/public/2023-04/london_october_1940.jpg.webp?itok=xxqDFGMJ 1x" media="all and (min-width: 500px)"/> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/text_with_media_mobile_1x/public/2023-04/london_october_1940.jpg.webp?itok=SFcdSong 1x, /sites/default/files/styles/text_with_media_mobile_2x/public/2023-04/london_october_1940.jpg.webp?itok=DGNgmUKu 2x" media="all and (min-width: 0px)"/> <img loading="eager" width="730" height="518" class="lazyload" data-aspectratio="4961/3518" src="/sites/default/files/styles/text_with_media_desktop_1x/public/2023-04/london_october_1940.jpg.webp?itok=G5u8YWsk" alt="More than 30,000 tonnes of bombs and incendiaries were dropped on Britain between 1940 and 1941, killing more than 40,000 people. But a single bomb could cause incomprehensible personal tragedy. In London in October 1940, a member of a stretcher party carries a bundle containing a dead baby." typeof="foaf:Image" /> </picture> </div> <div class="credit"> <div class="credit__contain"> © IWM HU 131368 </div> </div> </div> <div class="media-image__caption"> <div class="caption"> <div class="caption__contain"> <p>In London in October 1940, a member of a stretcher party carries a bundle containing a dead baby.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="text-with-media__text"> <p>The Blitz was a pivotal period of modern British history. Its memory – of solidarity, common eﬀort, sacriﬁce and courage – has been frequently invoked by politicians and journalists.</p> <p>More than 30,000 tonnes of bombs and incendiaries were dropped on Britain between 1940 and 1941, killing more than 40,000 people. But a single bomb could cause incomprehensible personal tragedy.</p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="text-only text-only--center" id="text_only_48066"> <div class="text-only__container"> <div class="text-only__row"> <div class="text-only__content"> <p>The Blitz is available to buy now from the<strong> </strong><a href="https://shop.iwm.org.uk/p/28637/The-Blitz---IWM-Photo-Collection">IWM Shop</a>. </p> <p>It is the sixth title in the IWM Photography Collection series. Purchase other titles in the series below: </p> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div id="teaser_listing_48252"> <div class="product-teaser-listing"> <div class="product-teaser-listing__row"> <h2> <p>IWM Photography Collection series</p> </h2> <div class="product-teaser-listing__list"> <div class="product-teaser-listing__item"> <div class="product-teaser"> <div class="product-teaser__wrapper"> <div class="product-teaser__image"> <div class="product-teaser__image-wrap"> <a href="https://shop.iwm.org.uk/p/28182/The-Spitfire---IWM-Photo-Collection" target="_blank"> <article> <div class="image-wrapper"> <img loading="lazy" src="/sites/default/files/2023-04/book-cover-iwm-the-spitfire.jpeg" width="600" height="800" alt="The Spitfire cover from the IWM Photography Collection series" typeof="foaf:Image" /> </div> </article> </a> </div> </div> <div class="product-teaser__content"> <div class="teaser__top-line"> Books </div> <h6 class="product-teaser__title"> The Spitfire </h6> <span class="product-teaser__price">£12.99</span> <div class="product-teaser__description"> </div> </div> <div class="product-teaser__cta"> <a href="https://shop.iwm.org.uk/p/28182/The-Spitfire---IWM-Photo-Collection" target="_blank">Buy now</a> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="product-teaser-listing__item"> <div class="product-teaser"> <div class="product-teaser__wrapper"> <div class="product-teaser__image"> <div class="product-teaser__image-wrap"> <a href="https://shop.iwm.org.uk/p/28184/Animals-in-Wartime---IWM-Photo-Collection" target="_blank"> <article> <div class="image-wrapper"> <img loading="lazy" src="/sites/default/files/2023-04/book-cover-iwm-animals-in-wartime.jpeg" width="600" height="800" alt="Animals in Wartime front cover - IWM Photography Collection Series" typeof="foaf:Image" /> </div> </article> </a> </div> </div> <div class="product-teaser__content"> <div class="teaser__top-line"> Books </div> <h6 class="product-teaser__title"> Animals in Wartime </h6> <span class="product-teaser__price">£12.99</span> <div class="product-teaser__description"> </div> </div> <div class="product-teaser__cta"> <a href="https://shop.iwm.org.uk/p/28184/Animals-in-Wartime---IWM-Photo-Collection" target="_blank">Buy now</a> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="product-teaser-listing__item"> <div class="product-teaser"> <div class="product-teaser__wrapper"> <div class="product-teaser__image"> <div class="product-teaser__image-wrap"> <a href="https://shop.iwm.org.uk/p/28183/The-Royal-Family-in-Wartime---IWM-Photo-Collection" target="_blank"> <article> <div class="image-wrapper"> <img loading="lazy" src="/sites/default/files/2023-04/book-cover_the-royal-family-in-wartime.peg_.jpeg" width="600" height="800" alt="The Royal Family in Wartime cover from the IWM Photography Collection series" typeof="foaf:Image" /> </div> </article> </a> </div> </div> <div class="product-teaser__content"> <div class="teaser__top-line"> Books </div> <h6 class="product-teaser__title"> The Royal Family in Wartime </h6> <span class="product-teaser__price">£12.99</span> <div class="product-teaser__description"> </div> </div> <div class="product-teaser__cta"> <a href="https://shop.iwm.org.uk/p/28183/The-Royal-Family-in-Wartime---IWM-Photo-Collection" target="_blank">Buy now</a> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="product-teaser-listing__more"></div> </div> </div> </div> <div id="teaser_listing_48070"> <div class="teaser-listing teaser-listing--standard"> <div class="teaser-listing__wrap"> <div class="teaser-listing__row"> <div class="teaser-listing__title-container"> <div class="teaser-listing__title"> <h2> <p>Related content</p> </h2> </div> </div> <div class="teaser-listing__list"> <div class="teaser-listing__item teaser-listing__item--normal"> <div class="teaser"> <div class="teaser__wrapper"> <div class="teaser__card-part"> <div class="teaser__media teaser__media--fix-ratio"> <div class="teaser__media-wrap"> <div class="media-image"> <div class="media-image__wrap"> <div class="image-wrapper"> <picture> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/teaser_desktop_1x/public/2020-08/iwm_art_017977_a_copy.jpg.webp?itok=dXioH-ZF 1x" media="all and (min-width: 768px)"/> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/teaser_tablet_1x/public/2020-08/iwm_art_017977_a_copy.jpg.webp?itok=diSIfugO 1x" media="all and (min-width: 500px) and (max-width: 767px)"/> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/teaser_mobile_1x/public/2020-08/iwm_art_017977_a_copy.jpg.webp?itok=rXfZNjVc 1x, /sites/default/files/styles/teaser_mobile_2x/public/2020-08/iwm_art_017977_a_copy.jpg.webp?itok=5Bj4GmGs 2x" media="all and (min-width: 0px)"/> <img loading="eager" width="1405" height="1023" class="lazyload" data-aspectratio="1405/1023" src="/sites/default/files/2020-08/iwm_art_017977_a_copy.jpg" alt="‘Shelter Drawing’ by Henry Moore. One reclining figure with a baby, a blanket draped over the legs. Another seated couple huddled together under a blanket." typeof="foaf:Image" /> </picture> </div> <div class="credit"> <div class="credit__contain"> © Art.IWM ART 17977 </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="teaser__media-controls teaser__media-controls--none"></div> </div> </div> <div class="teaser__content"> <div class="teaser__top-line">The Blitz</div> <h3 class="teaser__title h6"><a href="/history/art-and-photography-in-the-blitz"><p>Art and Photography in the Blitz</p> </a></h3> <div class="teaser__body"><p>The Blitz is one of the most dramatic chapters in Britain's wartime history. The sights and scenes that played out in the sky and on the ground during the Blitz were witnessed not only by civilians and servicemen, but also by artists and photographers.</p></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="teaser-listing__item teaser-listing__item--normal"> <div class="teaser"> <div class="teaser__wrapper"> <div class="teaser__card-part"> <div class="teaser__media teaser__media--fix-ratio"> <div class="teaser__media-wrap"> <div class="media-image"> <div class="media-image__wrap"> <div class="image-wrapper"> <picture> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/teaser_desktop_1x/public/2018-06/2_54.jpg.webp?itok=6fbs6Hqh 1x" media="all and (min-width: 768px)"/> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/teaser_tablet_1x/public/2018-06/2_54.jpg.webp?itok=Oj86C7-p 1x" media="all and (min-width: 500px) and (max-width: 767px)"/> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/teaser_mobile_1x/public/2018-06/2_54.jpg.webp?itok=6bkLHeLj 1x, /sites/default/files/styles/teaser_mobile_2x/public/2018-06/2_54.jpg.webp?itok=Hl-rSLk_ 2x" media="all and (min-width: 0px)"/> <img loading="eager" width="800" height="632" class="lazyload" data-aspectratio="800/632" src="/sites/default/files/2018-06/2_54.jpg" alt="St Paul's Cathedral, rising above the bombed London skyline, is shrouded in smoke during the Blitz. The photograph was taken from the roof of the Daily Mail offices in Fleet Street." typeof="foaf:Image" /> </picture> </div> <div class="credit"> <div class="credit__contain"> © IWM (HU 36220A) </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="teaser__media-controls teaser__media-controls--none"></div> </div> </div> <div class="teaser__content"> <div class="teaser__top-line">The Blitz</div> <h3 class="teaser__title h6"><a href="/history/10-incredible-stories-of-bravery-during-the-blitz"><p>10 Incredible Stories Of Bravery During The Blitz</p> </a></h3> <div class="teaser__body"><p>The huge volume of explosives that were dropped by the Luftwaffe (German Air Force) on Britain during the Blitz called for incredible feats of bravery. Targeted aerial attacks on towns and cities began on 7 September 1940 and wrought huge devastation until they temporarily drew to a close in May 1941.</p></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="teaser-listing__item teaser-listing__item--normal"> <div class="teaser"> <div class="teaser__wrapper"> <div class="teaser__card-part"> <div class="teaser__media teaser__media--fix-ratio"> <div class="teaser__media-wrap"> <div class="media-image"> <div class="media-image__wrap"> <div class="image-wrapper"> <picture> <source srcset="https://media.iwm.org.uk/cantaloupe/iiif/2/578||899||large_HU_067287.jpg/full/510,/0/default.jpg 1x" media="all and (min-width: 768px)"/> <source srcset="https://media.iwm.org.uk/cantaloupe/iiif/2/578||899||large_HU_067287.jpg/full/340,/0/default.jpg 1x" media="all and (min-width: 500px) and (max-width: 767px)"/> <source srcset="https://media.iwm.org.uk/cantaloupe/iiif/2/578||899||large_HU_067287.jpg/full/455,/0/default.jpg 1x, https://media.iwm.org.uk/cantaloupe/iiif/2/578||899||large_HU_067287.jpg/full/910,/0/default.jpg 2x" media="all and (min-width: 0px)"/> <img loading="eager" width="800" height="565" class="lazyload" data-aspectratio="800/565" src="https://media.iwm.org.uk/ciim5/578/899/large_HU_067287.jpg" alt="The Blitz." typeof="foaf:Image" /> </picture> </div> <div class="credit"> <div class="credit__contain"> © IWM (HU 067287) </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="teaser__media-controls teaser__media-controls--none"></div> </div> </div> <div class="teaser__content"> <div class="teaser__top-line">Second World War</div> <h3 class="teaser__title h6"><a href="/history/amazing-colour-footage-of-london-during-the-blitz"><p>Amazing Colour Footage Of London During The Blitz</p> </a></h3> <div class="teaser__body"><p>From Piccadilly Circus to shop windows in Mayfair, discover what the scenes were like in London during The Blitz in these short clips filmed by amateur filmmaker Rosie Newman as part of her film<em> Britain At War.</em></p></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="teaser-listing__item teaser-listing__item--normal"> <div class="teaser"> <div class="teaser__wrapper"> <div class="teaser__card-part"> <div class="teaser__media teaser__media--fix-ratio"> <div class="teaser__media-wrap"> <div class="media-image"> <div class="media-image__wrap"> <div class="image-wrapper"> <picture> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/teaser_desktop_1x/public/2022-02/Blitz.jpg.webp?itok=_emOjXT2 1x" media="all and (min-width: 768px)"/> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/teaser_tablet_1x/public/2022-02/Blitz.jpg.webp?itok=T-NMMMxf 1x" media="all and (min-width: 500px) and (max-width: 767px)"/> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/teaser_mobile_1x/public/2022-02/Blitz.jpg.webp?itok=qEAbjTZq 1x, /sites/default/files/styles/teaser_mobile_2x/public/2022-02/Blitz.jpg.webp?itok=NUdgZ4t5 2x" media="all and (min-width: 0px)"/> <img loading="eager" width="1120" height="720" class="lazyload" data-aspectratio="1120/720" src="/sites/default/files/2022-02/Blitz.jpg" alt="Winston Churchill visiting the ruins of Coventry Cathedral" typeof="foaf:Image" /> </picture> </div> </div> </div> <div class="teaser__media-controls teaser__media-controls--none"></div> </div> </div> <div class="teaser__content"> <div class="teaser__top-line">Second World War</div> <h3 class="teaser__title h6"><a href="/history/could-the-blitz-have-worked"><p>Could the Blitz have made Britain surrender?</p> </a></h3> <div class="teaser__body"><p>London, Coventry, Manchester and many more were bombed. But could the Blitz have worked?</p><p>In this episode of IWM Stories, Senior Curator Ian Kikuchi answers that very question by looking at one the deadliest nights of the Blitz, the bombing of Coventry.</p></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="teaser-listing__item teaser-listing__item--normal"> <div class="teaser"> <div class="teaser__wrapper"> <div class="teaser__card-part"> <div class="teaser__media teaser__media--fix-ratio"> <div class="teaser__media-wrap"> <div class="media-image"> <div class="media-image__wrap"> <div class="image-wrapper"> <picture> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/teaser_desktop_1x/public/2024-03/how_the_blitz_made_london_richer_teaser.jpg.webp?itok=7G2wm1aU 1x" media="all and (min-width: 768px)"/> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/teaser_tablet_1x/public/2024-03/how_the_blitz_made_london_richer_teaser.jpg.webp?itok=UBY6Psqd 1x" media="all and (min-width: 500px) and (max-width: 767px)"/> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/teaser_mobile_1x/public/2024-03/how_the_blitz_made_london_richer_teaser.jpg.webp?itok=GpVXdT5F 1x, /sites/default/files/styles/teaser_mobile_2x/public/2024-03/how_the_blitz_made_london_richer_teaser.jpg.webp?itok=JuyB4n_s 2x" media="all and (min-width: 0px)"/> <img loading="eager" width="1120" height="720" class="lazyload" data-aspectratio="1120/720" src="/sites/default/files/2024-03/how_the_blitz_made_london_richer_teaser.jpg" alt="Black and white image showing the aftermath of a bombing raid on the city of London. " typeof="foaf:Image" /> </picture> </div> <div class="credit"> <div class="credit__contain"> © Public Domain - Wikimedia Commons </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="teaser__media-controls teaser__media-controls--none"></div> </div> </div> <div class="teaser__content"> <div class="teaser__top-line">Second World War</div> <h3 class="teaser__title h6"><a href="/history/did-the-blitz-make-london-richer"><p>Did the Blitz make London richer?</p> </a></h3> <div class="teaser__body"><p>The Blitz, the German bombing campaign against Britain during the Second World War, had a profound impact on London. From September 1940, the German Luftwaffe dropped some 20,000 bombs on the city, killing thousands, and leaving many more homeless. But for all its human cost, new research has revealed that the London Blitz may also have had some positive effects on the capital. </p></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div><div id="social_share_47982"> <div class="social-share "> <div class="social-share__content"> <span>Share this </span><span class="social-share__twitter"><a href="https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=The%20Blitz%20in%20photographs&url=https%3A//www.iwm.org.uk/history/the-blitz-in-photographs&via=I_W_M">Share on twitter</a></span> <span class="social-share__facebook"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=https%3A//www.iwm.org.uk/history/the-blitz-in-photographs&title=The%20Blitz%20in%20photographs">Share on facebook</a></span> </div> </div> </div></div> </div> </article> </div> </div> </div> </main> <footer class="footer"> <div class="footer__contain"> <div class="footer__logo"> <a href="/" title="Imperial War Museums Home"> <img 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