Why was London a significant target during the Second World War?

Learning objective – to be able to identify the reasons why London was an important target in the Second World War. I can describe the key reasons why London was an important target in the Second World War. Grade 3 I can explain the key reasons why London was an important target in the Second World War. Grade 6 I can explain and assess the key reasons why London was an important target in the Second World War. Grade 9

Why was London a target in the Second World War? London was the capital city and centre of government. Destroying government buildings and killing officials would damage Britain’s war effort. London was Britain’s most significant port. Targeting the docks would destroy supply lines. London was a major industrial centre. London was Britain’s biggest city of a population nearly 9 million people. Geographical position – London is in the south east – the centre of Britain’s most densely populated area and close to Europe.

Why was London vulnerable as a target? The Thames and its estuary gave German bombers an easy route finder as the moonlight shone of the water which was clearly visible in the air.

What were the key sites in London as a target? The East End – densely populated in tight terraced housing. This is where the docks were with many factories and warehouses. This is where food, raw materials and weapons were unloaded and stored. Westminster – the hub of central government and where the royal family lived. This is where the war effort was organised. The City – a square mile in central London – the financial heart of the country. Suburban London – the suburbs of London surrounded the centre and was dominated by civilian housing. These would be a target to damage morale.

How were preparations for war in London organised? By October 1938, it was clear that war was inevitable and preparations were accelerated for London to be bombed. Preparations were shared between the London County Council and the 28 boroughs. The London County Council was responsible for the Fire Service, the Ambulance Service, the Heavy Rescue Service and care for those made homeless from the bombing. The boroughs were responsible for first aid and recruiting and managing the Air Raid Precaution [ARP] wardens. Both were involved in the recruitment of ARP wardens, fire and ambulance teams and WRVS in a programme called Civil Defence.

How were children evacuated? The government decided to evacuate children [with as many mothers as possible] out of London. This would reduce casualties as well as help those who were left behind concentrate on the war effort. Evacuation began on the 1st September, 1939 and 1.3 million people were evacuated by train and bus. The experience for those evacuated to mainly rural areas was very mixed. Some had good treatment and lived in conditions that they had never experienced before while others were cruelly treated and isolated. There were examples of mothers refusing to let their children be evacuated and some stayed in London.

Why was there a fear for a gas attack? Although the use of gas in warfare had been banned in an international agreement, there was a fear that this agreement would be broken. From 1938, gas masks were issued to all adults and children. Propaganda encouraged people to carry their gas masks at all times. At the beginning of the war people did, but as the war went on, research by Mass Observation, a research group recording civilian experiences and attitudes in wartime, found that many people ignored advice and left their gas masks at home when it became clear that a gas attack was less and less likely.

What were people sheltered from bombing? The government preferred not to build big deep shelters and encouraged people to build their own shelters in their own gardens and were given the materials to make one ina design called the Anderson Shelter. The government provided communal shelters for those who did not have a garden. Many people preferred to stay in their homes and in 1941 the Morrison Shelter was created – in effect a large metal framed cage in which people hid. The government did not want people to go underground fearing that people would not leave their shelter. Although, later around 20% of people in London would use Underground Tube stations as shelters.

What was a blackout? In July 1939, the government issued a leaflet explaining the need for a blackout and ARP wardens were appointed to enforce blackout measures. These blackout measures included – Having thick curtains to block the light that were fully drawn. No street lights. Only the faintest lights on vehicles were allowed.

Evacuation Gas attack Shelter Blackouts List in order of effectiveness the different measures London put in place to prepare for war. Give one reason to explain your judgement Evacuation Gas attack Shelter Blackouts

Use the map below to explain the different reasons why London was bombed. Sketch the map to illustrate your points.

Plenary Write one sentence definitions for each picture on how it links to the lesson. Homework Complete – 3 links that link 2 pictures together. 3 links that link 3 pictures together. 2 links that link 4 pictures together.

Plenary – My Brain Subheading – My Brain Draw an outline of your brain. Fill your drawn brain with all the things you have learnt in this lesson. This can be in the form of key words, drawings, bullet points, lists – anything you like so long as it summarises your learning and that others can understand it.