The London Blitz: The City Ablaze, December 29, 1940

by David R. Johnson

Recounts the experiences of Londoners who withstood a massive German firebombing of their city, and describes the efforts of firemen to contain the conflagration

Genres: Nonfiction, World War II, History

217 pages, Hardcover

First published July 1, 1982

Reviews

[Helen Ennis · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting account from both sides - the Germans planning it in France and the Londoners experiencing it on the ground. I found the maps very useful to work out what was going on where. The incendiary devices were able to do their worst as there were not the people on the ground, and the river was low so tackling the effects of the raid were limited. Fortunately the German heavy bombers were hampered by the weather on the night so London was spared even worse results.

[John · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well researched study of one night of the London Blitz. Taken as an example of the multiple attacks of the Luftwaffe on British cities, the difficulties and challenges are instructive. Fighting hundreds of fires simultaneously is an impossible task resulting in a tremendous loss of property and life. This is an example of war at its worst.

[JOHN KLEIN · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It was well researched and written. It flows very nicey and has great details and first-hand accoints. Having been to London several times, it was nice to be able to follow along and recognize many of the locations mentioned as I read it.