The Battle of Britain

From September 1940 to May 1941, cities all over the United Kingdom, starting with London (57 days in a row), sustained heavy bombing from German aircraft. By the end of the Blitz, over 43,000 British civilians were dead.


Holborn Circus burning


St. Paul's Cathedral in smoke


A German Heinkels 111 over the River Thames


London's dock area and Tower Bridge


Evacuating children passed by arriving troops


Aircraft spotter on a London rooftop


London Necropolis Railway Station


Southeast air raid shelter


Double decker silhouetted against fire


Life carries on

(Photo credits: U.S. National Archives)