The Blitz
During WWII it was very dangerous to be living in a big city. Cities were the target of enemy bombers that flew over at night and dropped bombs.
At 4:56pm on 7 September 1940, the air raid sirens wailed as the German Air Force, the luftwaffe, launched a massive raid on London. One the first night alone over 350 bombers flew across the Channel from airfields in France and dropped 300 tonnes of bombs on the docks and streets of London.
At 4:56pm on 7 September 1940, the air raid sirens wailed as the German Air Force, the luftwaffe, launched a massive raid on London. One the first night alone over 350 bombers flew across the Channel from airfields in France and dropped 300 tonnes of bombs on the docks and streets of London.
Air Raid Siren:
What was the Blitz?
The heavy and frequent bombing attacks on London and other cities was known as the 'Blitz'. Night after night, from September 1940 until May 1941, German bombers attacked British cities, ports and industrial areas. London was bombed every night, bar one, for 11 weeks straight. One third of London was destroyed during the Blitz. The aim of the Blitz was to demoralise the people of Britain before an invasion, but in reality it had the opposite effect.
Class Activity:
Children can perform a drama depicting a family hiding in a bomb shelter during the Blitz.