Previous edition: 2010. Includes bibliographical references.
Contents:
Introduction -- Preparing for war -- The first days -- Raiders overhead and continuing preparations -- The London Blitz -- Second phase -- New strategies -- Baedekker Raids and the 'Little Blitz' -- V-1s and V-2s -- Clearing up -- Postscript.
Summary:
Blitz Diary is a remarkable series of accounts from the war's darkest days, with heart-warming stories of survival, perseverance, solidarity and bravery, the preservation of which becomes increasingly important as the Blitz fades from living memory. War with Germany seemed increasingly likely throughout the 1930s. The British Government and the general population believed that bombs and poison gas would be dropped on civilians in major towns and cities with the aim of terrifying them into surrendering. Today the Blitz, far from breaking civilian morale, is seen as achieving the opposite; it helped galvanise public opinion to carry on fighting the war. But in 1937, preparations to protect the population were hopelessly inadequate, and the British government was far from confident that people would respond in this way. This expanded edition includes new chapters on the civil defence contribution of rescue parties, first aiders and nurses, and much more besides.
This resource is supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by State Library of Iowa.