The nature of the Blitz

• What was the primary target of the First Blitz?

  Industry and transport
• What was the goal of the Germans after 19 September during the Blitz?

  To destroy civilian morale
• What were the stages of the Blitz?

  1. 25 August-19 September 1940: Targeted military and industry
  2. 20 September 1940-10 May 1941: Shift to civilians and morale
  3. The ‘Lull’, May 1941-January 1944: Irregular raids
  4. The ‘Baby Blitz’, January-April 1944: Increased casualties
  5. V1 and V2 raids, June 1944-March 1945: Pilotless aircraft attacks
• What were the dates of the First Blitz?

  7 September 1940 to 10 May 1941
• What types of bombs were used during the Blitz from 1940-41?

  Incendiaries, high explosives, and mines
• What was the primary effect of incendiary bombs during the Blitz?

  Started fires causing 90% of damage
• How did the government respond to the V1 and V2 rockets initially?

  They censored information to prevent panic
• What was the impact of the V1 and V2 attacks on civilian morale?

  Morale was very low among civilians
• How many houses were destroyed due to the V1 and V2 attacks?

  Over 30,000 houses
• What was the date of Black Saturday during the Blitz?

  7 September 1940
• What were the casualties on Black Saturday?

  Over 400 killed and 1600 injured
• What was the significance of the V1 'flying bomb' during the Blitz?

  It caused extensive damage without warnings
• What was the first ballistic missile used by Germany?

  The V2 rocket
• What happened during the V2 attack on Deptford on 25 November 1944?

  Woolworths was struck, causing casualties
• How many people were killed in the V2 attack on Deptford?

  About 160 people
• What was the effect of the V1 and V2 attacks on the Underground system?

  It filled with civilians seeking shelter
• How did the shift from aircraft to rocket attacks affect civilian safety?

  Rockets were harder to detect and avoid
• What were the overall impacts of the Blitz on London?

  • Significant civilian casualties and injuries
  • Destruction of homes and infrastructure
  • Decreased government popularity
  • Increased evacuations and shelter usage