The British Experience of the War: The Battle of Britain and the Blitz
Once it became clear that Germany could not achieve air superiority over the English Channel and southern England, Hitler tried another tactic. On September 7, 1940, the Luftwaffe launched its first nighttime attack on London. The wail of the air raid sounded across the city, driving Londoners to bomb shelters. What would follow was more or less nightly attacks all the way until May 1941 in what became known as the Blitz. Thought the Germans soon abandoned plans for an invasion of Britain, they did aim to disrupt manufacturing, transport, and administration systems in London, while also striving to break civilian morale and to encourage the British government to seek peace terms. In London alone, the bombing killed tens of thousands of civilians and destroyed more than two million homes. In addition to in London, the Germans launched devastating air raids on Coventry and along the southern coast of England.
Once it became clear that Germany could not achieve air superiority over the English Channel and southern England, Hitler tried another tactic. On September 7, 1940, the Luftwaffe launched its first nighttime attack on London. The wail of the air raid sounded across the city, driving Londoners to bomb shelters. What would follow was more or less nightly attacks all the way until May 1941. Thought the Germans soon abandoned plans for an invasion of Britain, they did aim to disrupt manufacturing, transport, and administration systems in London, while also striving to break civilian morale and to encourage the British government to seek peace terms. In London alone, the bombing killed tens of thousands of civilians and destroyed more than two million homes. In addition to in London, the Germans launched devastating air raids on Coventry and along the southern coast of England.