London In The Second World War Flashcards
Why was London a target during the Blitz?
Political importance - capital and the centre of government
Industrial importance - London had Britain’s most important port and was a huge industrial centre
Large population
Geographical position - close to France and bombers could easily follow the river Thames
What was evacuation?
To take all children out if London. Children were organised in schools and sent to rural areas. The local authorities would organise the reception of the children and asked families to register if they could take in children.
What were Anderson shelters?
Made from steel, they could be built in people’s back gardens.
When was the first German air raid on London?
25 August 1940. This was a test air raid.
When did the Blitz begin?
7 September 1940
When did the Blitz end?
10 May 1941
How many people were killed in the Blitz?
28,556
At the start of the Blitz what were the bombing targets?
Military installations, industrial areas, energy supply centres and communication centres.
On 19th September what dod the bombing targets for tne Blitz change to?
Civilians, homes, national treasures, industry and communications
What did the government use propaganda for?
Raise morale Encourage people to act in the way the government wanted Stress the importance of the war effort Warn of the dangers of spies Win support from other countries
How many houses were destroyed in the Blitz?
39,193
What was “The Lull”
Lasted from May 1941 to January 1944. When air raids weren’t happening very night. They often followed after Allied raids on German cities.
What was a V1 bomb?
A V1 Bomb was a pilotless aeroplane. They were launched towards London from France or the Netherlands. They would be given enough fuel so that they world run out of London. Fall out of the sky, and detonate.
What was a V2?
The V2 was the first ballistic missile. They arrived and exploded before people heard it coming. They travelled so fast they were unable to be stopped.
