The Blitz began on 7th September 1940, ‘Black Saturday’, when German bombers attacked London, leaving 430 dead and over 1,600 injured. London was then bombed for 57 consecutive nights, and often during daytime too. While London was bombed more heavily and more often than anywhere else in Britain, the Blitz was an attack on the whole country.
By the time this article was published on the 18th October 1940, London had endured 42 days of attacks by the Luftwaffe (German Air Force).
Air Battles over S.E. England
Several Raiders Down
Day and Night Terrorism goes on: Private Property Damaged
Spirit of the People Unbroken
Although the enemy’s terrorist raids on this country have continued daily and nightly this week, the spirit of the people is not only unbroken, but is more determined then ever to resist the onslaughts.
Raiders have loosed their bombs on districts far from Military or other legitimate objects, and damage had resulted to considerable private property. There have also been casualties among civilians some unfortunately fatal.
With almost incredible speed, A.R.P. personnel have dealt with the various incidents efficiently, and have won the admiration and gratitude of those affected.
Air battles have taken place over districts in South-East England, and while the number of enemy machines shot down has not been so high as when the enemy sent over large formations, several machines have been destroyed.
Source: Bromley & District Times, 18th October 1940 (page 5)
