The London Blitz, a sustained bombing campaign by the German Luftwaffe, stretched from the autumn of 1940 into the spring of 1941. Understanding its chronology helps visitors to the Churchill War Rooms appreciate the resilience of the city and the strategic decisions that shaped the outcome of the Second World War.
The Opening Night: 7 September 1940
At dusk on 7 September, the first major raid struck London, signalling the start of a period that would become known as the Blitz. The attack focused on the docks and industrial districts, but the resulting fires quickly spread into residential areas. Within hours, the city’s air‑raid sirens wailed, and civilians were ushered into underground shelters, including the very rooms that now form the Churchill War Rooms.
- First raid: primarily naval and industrial targets.
- Air‑raid warnings introduced across the capital.
- Public morale tested but largely held.
The Height of the Bombing: Autumn 1940
From October through December, the Luftwaffe intensified its campaign, shifting focus to civilian centres to break British morale. Night after night, waves of bombers dropped high‑explosive and incendiary ordnance. The most devastating night, often called the “Second Great Fire of London,” came in late December, when thousands of incendiaries ignited the East End.
Key Characteristics
- Average of 80–100 raids per night during the peak.
- Use of “window” (metal strips) to confuse radar.
- Widespread use of Anderson and Morrison shelters by civilians.
The Turning Point: Early 1941
By February 1941 the intensity of the raids began to wane. The Luftwaffe redirected resources to the Eastern Front and the forthcoming invasion of the Soviet Union. Nevertheless, sporadic attacks continued, and the city remained on high alert. This period also saw the emergence of the “Little Blitz,” a series of smaller, but still frightening, raids that kept the population on edge.
- Reduced frequency: roughly 30 raids per night.
- Improved British night‑fighter tactics.
- Increased efficiency of the Royal Observer Corps.
The Final Raids: March–May 1941
The last major wave of bombing arrived in March, culminating in a final series of attacks in early May. By then, London’s civil defence network was well‑practised, and the city’s industrial output had recovered sufficiently to support the war effort. The final raid of the Blitz is generally dated to the night of 10–11 May, after which the Luftwaffe’s focus shifted permanently.
After‑effects
- Approximately 43,000 civilians killed in the Blitz overall.
- Over one million homes damaged or destroyed.
- Significant rebuilding programmes launched after the war.
Legacy and How to Explore It Today
The Blitz left an indelible mark on London’s architecture, collective memory, and wartime heritage. Visiting the Churchill War Rooms offers a tangible glimpse of the command hub that survived the bombings. For those seeking a broader perspective, a guided Westminster WWII walking tour provides contextual anecdotes about the streets, shelters, and monuments that bore witness to the raids—just be sure to confirm availability and any booking details at checkout.
See Westminster's War Story on Foot
The best way to bring the Churchill War Rooms to life is a guided Westminster WWII walking tour — Whitehall, the bunkers and the streets Churchill knew.
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