The London Blitz: When Did the Germans Decide to Play Blitz-krieg with Britain's Biscuits?
Buckingham Palace singed? Big Ben chiming a slightly off tune? Yep, that'd be the time Adolf decided to turn London into a right kerfuffle. But when exactly did this aerial botheration all kick off? Let's dust off the history books and take a trip down memory lane, wartime edition.
What Year Was London Bombed In Ww2 |
Here's the TL;DR for the impatient:
- London got blitzed like a forgotten leftover: World War 2 (duh).
- The year to remember (or not, depending on if you like dodging bombs): 1940. Specifically, September 7th, 1940.
Why September 7th, 1940? Buckle up, history buffs!
Well, things were getting a bit spicy in Europe, as they tend to do every now and then. Hitler, not a huge fan of crumpets and queuing, decided to take a swing at Britain. Initially, the Luftwaffe (that's the German air force) targeted airfields and whatnot. But Hitler, ever the gracious host, decided to up the ante with a surprise visit to London.
Tip: Rest your eyes, then continue.
Operation "Let's Bake London into a Pie": The Blitz Begins
Imagine going about your day, sipping your tea, when suddenly the sky fills with more metal birds than a Hitchcock movie. That's what happened to London on September 7th. The Luftwaffe rolled in, bombs rained down, and for the next 57 nights, Londoners got a taste of the Blitz-krieg life (cue Benny Hill theme song... maybe not the most fitting choice).
But why London? Did they have a particularly dodgy batch of scones?
Not exactly. Hitler figured that by blitzing London, he could cripple Britain's morale and force them to throw in the towel. Let's just say it didn't quite work out that way. The Londoners, bless their stiff upper lips, dug in, carried on, and showed Hitler what a good cuppa and a stiff drink could do for the spirit.
Tip: Read once for flow, once for detail.
So there you have it! The mystery of the bombed Brits is solved. Now, on to some frequently asked questions, because who doesn't love a good FAQ?
How to dodge a falling bomb?
This one's a tricky one. Best bet: have a good friend named Sherlock and a knack for disappearing acts. Otherwise, a sturdy umbrella and a healthy dose of optimism might do the trick.
Tip: Read aloud to improve understanding.
How to tell the difference between a German bomber and a particularly grumpy pigeon?
Generally, the pigeon won't be trying to level your house. But hey, if you're unsure, best to err on the side of caution and take cover.
How to make the best of a bomb shelter?
Tip: Reread if it feels confusing.
Channel your inner interior designer! Fairy lights, comfy cushions, maybe a board game or two. You can turn even the most unpleasant situation into a cozy get-together (minus the whole "bombs falling from the sky" thing).
How to survive on wartime rations?
Get creative! Turn that leftover turnip into a masterpiece (or at least something vaguely edible). Remember, necessity is the mother of invention (and probably some questionable culinary choices).
How to cheer up a bombed-out friend?
A cup of tea, a good chinwag, and the knowledge that you'll get through this together. The Blitz may have knocked London down, but its spirit remained firmly in place.