During World War I, London was heavily bombed by German forces. The bombing campaign, known as the First Blitz, began on June 13th, 1917 and lasted for more than a year, ending in May of 1918. The attacks caused significant damage and casualties throughout the city.
The First Blitz
The First Blitz was a strategic bombing campaign carried out by German air forces against British Targets during World War I. The campaign focused primarily on London, though other British cities were also Targeted. The attacks were intended to weaken British morale and disrupt the country’s war effort.
The Impact of the Attacks
The bombing raids had a significant impact on London and its residents. A total of 658 people were killed and over 1,500 were injured as a result of the attacks. More than 10,000 buildings were damaged or destroyed, including many historic landmarks such as St. Paul’s Cathedral and the Houses of Parliament.
The psychological impact of the bombings should not be underestimated either. Londoners lived in fear of further attacks and many people suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) long after the war had ended.
The Response
The British government responded to the bombings by implementing a range of measures to protect citizens from future attacks. This included building air raid shelters and establishing an early warning system to alert people to incoming raids.
In addition, British air forces retaliated with their own bombing campaigns against German Targets. This tactic was controversial at the time but was seen as necessary by many in order to deter further attacks on British soil.
Conclusion
In conclusion, London did indeed get bombed during World War I, with devastating consequences for both its citizens and its historic landmarks. The First Blitz serves as a reminder of the destructive power of warfare and highlights the importance of taking steps to protect civilians from harm during times of conflict.