FEATURED IN THE RECENT BBC 1 TELEVISION PROGRAMME 'THE WEEK WE WENT TO WAR'
In 1940, London and many other cities in Britain suffered a period of sustained air raids that tested the determination and courage of the civilian population of this country. Although most of the physical damage to buildings has been repaired it is still possible to see evidence of that period in our history. Why not join one of our Historical Footsteps Tours for a two and a half hour guided walk through some of the areas affected by the Blitz. Tour group numbers are limited to a maximum of 25 people. Tours start at Bank Underground Station.
In the summer of 1940 Hitler decided to invade Britain (Operation Sealion). He first planned to take control of the English Channel by destroying the RAF and defence installations on Britain's southern coast. Hitler then intended to land troops on the coast to take control. The air battles that took place over the south coast and southern England during the summer and autumn of 1940 became known as the Battle of Britain.
At the beginning of September 1940 Hitler decided to try a different tactic to get Britain to submit. Hitler decided that by targeting civilians he could force Britain to surrender or sue for peace. On 7th September the Luftwaffe commenced its daily bombing campaign against British cities.
The main target was London but several other cities were subjected to these raids (e.g. Coventry, Leeds etc.). The bombing raids at first took place in daylight but after a few weeks the emphasis shifted to night raids. These it was hoped would create fear in the minds of the civilian population and would also disrupt their daily life including preventing them from getting a good night's sleep.
Many Londoners were forced to sleep in underground stations or Anderson shelters that they had built themselves in their gardens.
The British Government tried to confuse the German raiders by enforcing a blackout policy whereby street lamps were turned off, buildings were to have their windows and doors etc. covered in a black material that would exclude light.
The raids continued until May 1941 targeting docks, factories, public buildings and transport networks. Whether by accident or design a large amount of residential housing was destroyed. After May 1941 Hitler became pre-occupied with invasion plans for Russia. The raids over Britain became less frequent.
The Blitz had devastating effects on Britain, 60,000 people were killed and 87,000 people were badly injured. In total approximately 2 million homes were destroyed.
Why not learn more about the Blitz by booking one of our walking tours?
THE BLITZ WALKING TOUR
The Blitz Walking Tour starts at 2 pm from outside Bank Underground station and finishes at St Paul's Underground Station. Tour group size is set to a maximum of 25 people. The tour lasts for approximately 2 - 3 hours. Comfortable walking footwear should be worn. Bookings must be made by 11.30 am on day of your chosen tour.
Please read our terms and conditions before booking your tour. If you need to cancel a tour please go to our terms and conditions web page.
COST OF TOUR: £7 per person
Walks may be booked through our online shop or by telephone within UK 07855948976 or outside UK +447855948976).
PLEASE MAKE SURE THAT YOU BRING YOUR BOOKING REFERENCE NUMBER TO GIVE TO THE GUIDE.
IF YOU ARRIVE LATE FOR THE TOUR PLEASE TELEPHONE THE GUIDE ON 07855948976 AND YOU WILL BE GIVEN INSTRUCTIONS ON WHERE TO MEET THE GUIDE AND TOUR PARTY.