Expert: Joseph Logue - 6/21/2009

Question
Was the Blitz the beginning of life in wartime Britain, in World War 2?

I've just said that in my essay; would it be correct to say so?

I know the war had obviously started already, but wasn't the Blitz the first time the people back in England were actually affected?

Thank you very much for your time.

-Sarah

Answer
Hello Sarah,

Until the Germans began bombarding Britain in the early summer of 1940, the country was not directly affected by the war.  In fact, until that time it was called "the Phoney War" as there were relatively few battles between the invasion of Poland in September, 1939 and the invasion of France in May, 1940.  The Luftwaffe began intensive bombing of various parts of the UK and this was the first time average Britons were attacked on their home turf in centuries.

Yes, you were correct in saying that in your essay.  If you've already handed it in there may not be much to gain from it, but Wikipedia has a very good entry for the Battle of Britain;

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_britain

Sincerely,

Joseph Logue