London during World War II was one of the most heavily bombed cities in the world. The bombing campaigns conducted by the German Luftwaffe resulted in widespread destruction and loss of life throughout the city.
So, what destroyed most of London during WW2? Let’s find out.
The Blitz
The primary reason for the destruction of London during WW2 was “The Blitz.” It was a German bombing campaign that lasted from September 7, 1940, to May 11, 1941.
The term “Blitz” is a shortened form of Blitzkrieg, which means “lightning war.” The Luftwaffe launched a sustained bombing campaign Targeting London and other major cities in England.
The Objectives of the Blitz
The objectives of the Blitz were to weaken British morale and force it to negotiate peace with Germany. The Germans hoped that by bombing civilian Targets, they could provoke a wave of panic and chaos throughout London, which would eventually lead to an end to the war.
The Impact on London
During the eight months that The Blitz lasted, more than 43,000 people were killed or injured in London alone. Many iconic buildings were damaged or destroyed, including Buckingham Palace, St. Paul’s Cathedral, and the Houses of Parliament.
The bombings also caused significant damage to residential areas across London. Many buildings were destroyed or severely damaged beyond repair. The impact on civilians was enormous as many lost their homes and had to live in overcrowded shelters or with relatives.
V-1 and V-2 Rockets
In addition to The Blitz bombings, London was also Targeted by V-1 and V-2 rockets towards the end of WW2. These rockets were designed by Germany as a last-ditch effort to turn back Allied forces’ advance into Europe.
V-1 rockets were pulse-jet-powered flying bombs that could travel up to 400 miles and carry a warhead of around 1,870 pounds. They were launched from German-occupied France and aimed at London and other cities in England.
V-2 rockets, on the other hand, were ballistic missiles that could travel at speeds of up to 3,500 miles per hour. They were much more powerful than V-1 rockets as they could carry a warhead of around 2,200 pounds. The V-2 rockets were launched from Germany and Targeted London towards the end of the war.
The V-1 and V-2 rockets caused widespread destruction in London.
Conclusion
In conclusion, The Blitz bombings and V-1/V-2 rocket attacks are what destroyed most of London during WW2. These sustained bombing campaigns caused widespread destruction, loss of life, and left an enduring impact on the city’s infrastructure and people. Despite the devastation caused by these bombings, Londoners showed great resilience and determination to rebuild their city after the war.