1 - The bombing of British cities

When did the Battle of Britain begin, and what was the initial German strategy?

On 31st July 1940, the Luftwaffe (German air force) began bombing airfields and shipping to weaken Britain’s air defences before a planned invasion.

How did the RAF compare to the Luftwaffe in terms of numbers?

The RAF was outnumbered, with only 2,900 planes compared to 4,550 German planes. By September 1940, the RAF had lost nearly 20% of its strength.

What caused the Luftwaffe to change its strategy from bombing airfields to cities?

In autumn 1940, the Luftwaffe began air raids over British cities, shifting away from attacking airfields. This saved the RAF from destruction and marked the beginning of the Blitz.

What does "Blitz" mean, and what types of bombs were used?

"Blitz" is short for the German "Blitzkrieg," meaning "lightning war". The Germans used high-explosive bombs and incendiary (fire) bombs to cause destruction.

How long did the Blitz last, and what was its impact?

The Blitz lasted from September 1940 to May 1941, resulting in:

• 45,000 civilian deaths

• 3.5 million houses damaged or destroyed

• For every civilian killed, 35 were made homeless.

What shelters did civilians use for protection during air raids?

• Anderson shelters – Metal sheets covered in soil, dug into the ground.

• Morrison shelters – Large steel boxes placed inside houses (e.g., under stairs).

• Public air raid shelters – Built in cities for those without private shelters.

Which city was the main target of the Blitz?

London, especially the East End, was bombed heavily, but attacks later spread to other cities.

When and how was Coventry attacked?

In November 1940, Coventry was bombed with incendiary bombs, destroying much of the city, including its cathedral.

Why did the Germans bomb Swansea?

Swansea’s docks and oil refinery were vital to British industry. Bombing Swansea was part of the Nazi strategy to destroy coal supplies and morale.

What happened in Swansea during the ‘Three Nights’ Blitz?

Between 19-21 February 1941, Swansea was bombed heavily, leading to:

• 230 deaths

• 409 injuries

• 7,000 people losing their homes

What preparations did Swansea’s council make for air raids?

Swansea had anti-gas training for the fire service, ARP (Air Raid Precautions) wardens, public air raid shelters, and Anderson shelters distributed to civilians.

Why was Clydebank (Glasgow) bombed, and what was the impact?

In March 1941, Clydebank was bombed due to its importance as a shipbuilding town, causing:

• 500 deaths

• Over 35,000 people left homeless

Why was Belfast bombed, and what was the damage?

Belfast’s factories and shipyards were key to the British war effort, producing naval ships, aircraft, and munitions. Between April-May 1941, Belfast was bombed four times, causing:

• Over 1,000 deaths

• 50,000 houses damaged

How did the British government use propaganda to maintain morale?

• Churchill gave patriotic speeches and visited bombed areas.

• Cinema and radio portrayed stories of courage and bravery.

• Censorship prevented newspapers from reporting casualties or destruction.

What was the ‘community spirit’ idea, and how did propaganda promote it?

Propaganda promoted the idea that Britons united and supported each other during the Blitz. Images of resilience and courage were shared to boost morale.

What do some historians argue about the Blitz?

Some argue that the idea of "togetherness" was a myth, as wealthy people could flee to country houses or expensive basement clubs, while the poor had to stay in cities with inadequate shelter.

Who were the ‘trekkers’ during the Blitz?

Some families, known as ‘trekkers’, avoided air raids by sleeping in parks or woodlands rather than staying in their homes