On 7 September 1940, the German Luftwaffe launched a major attack on London, beginning the sustained bombing campaign known as the Blitz.

On a Saturday afternoon, a large force of German aircraft approached the capital. Around 350 bombers, escorted by roughly 600 fighters, took part. The Port of London, the docks and the industrial districts of the East End were among the principal targets.

The bombers dropped hundreds of tons of high explosives as well as incendiaries. Warehouses, factories and homes were hit, and fires spread across parts of East London.

The attack continued into the night. Firefighters, air raid wardens, rescue workers and medical services worked amid the fires. They damaged buildings while further aircraft arrived over the city.

Around 430 Londoners were killed, and approximately 1,600 were injured.

The raid came during the Battle of Britain, when Germany had been attempting to weaken the RAF and establish control of the air. Concentrating such a large attack on London marked a significant change in the campaign.

German aircraft returned the following night and continued to attack the capital night after night. London was bombed for 57 consecutive nights. Other British towns and cities would also suffer major raids as the German bombing campaign expanded.

For London’s civilians and emergency services, 7 September was the beginning of a sustained air campaign that would continue into 1941.