Blitz

The Blitz started in London in September 1940, but was extended to other important military and industrial centres, including Southampton.

During the Second World War there was sustained bombing of Britain by the German Luftwaffe between 7 September 1940 and 10 May 1941. This was known as the ‘Blitz’, from the German Blitzkrieg, an expression meaning ‘lightning raids’.

The main attacks on Southampton occurred in November and December 1940. In total there were 57 air raids over the city and, according to reports, 2,300 bombs were dropped as well as over 30,000 incendiary devices, causing damage to around 45,000 buildings and significant loss of life. The damage was immense and its effects are still visible around Southampton today.