Collecting London
at War Memorabiliaat War Memorabilia
invaded Russia, offering the capital some much-needed respite.
Although the city largely escaped any bombing in 1942, this was
far from the end of London’s ordeal; in retaliation for RAF Bomber
Command’s growing campaign against the Nazi heartland, Luftwaffe
fighters carried out raids on the capital throughout 1943. Then,
from January 21 to April 18, 1944, the Germans attempted to
recreate their damage of four years earlier, via the ‘Baby Blitz’ or
Steinbock Raids.http://www.britainatwar.com^67ABOVEARP and Civil Defence personnel in the London Region wore borough chest
title insignia. From 1939-1941, they took the form of red ARP embroidered titles
(upper) and after that date, old gold, worn on Civil Defence uniforms (lower).
(ALL IMAGES VIA AUSTIN J RUDDY)
ABOVE RIGHTThe dramatic story of London’s firefighters in the Blitz was told
in this 1941 London County Council publication, Fire Over London. Packed with
powerful black and white photos, it sells for £10-£15 today.
For six long years, between 1939 and 1945, Britain’s capital city became the
focus of friend and foe alike. Home to millions of citizens and visiting
allies, London endured the nation’s biggest Blitz and suffered the most
casualties. It emerged from the conflict bloodied, scarred but resolute.
Austin J Ruddy explores a wide selection of objects that exemplify the
capital’s struggle during World War Two.London in 1939 was the nation’s beating heart,
with the greatest economic, and possibly industrial,
output in Britain. It had a population of almost
nine million people living in an area of 750sq miles
(1,942km^2 ). With the onset of war, this powerhouse
turned much of its production from civil to military
use and in doing so became the largest single
target in western Europe at that time.
Militarily, Britain was ill-prepared for war. London’s
sheer size was near impossible to defend outright.
Politician Stanley Baldwin had prophesised back in
1932 that “the bomber will always get through” –
and it did. From September 7, 1940, London was
systematically bombed by the Luftwaffe for 56 days
and nights. The Blitz lasted until May 11, 1941,
killing more than 18,000 Londoners. Then, without
warning, Hitler focused his forces eastwards and