London Autumn 1941

1941
Sound
10m

Stirring portrait of London in autumn 1941- its streets and monuments battle-scarred, but its spirit intact.

The 'Blitz spirit' is alive and well in these wonderfully evocative snapshots of London in autumn 1941. Despite the evidence of German bombing in the boarded-up shop fronts and damaged buildings, West End department stores throng with shoppers, and it's business as usual along the East End's Commercial Road. Watch out for some mesmerising tracking shots as the camera captures ordinary life unfolding before it.

The vigorously patriotic and rather breathless commentary is spoken by Sir Giles Gilbert Scott, a president of the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) from 1933 until 1935. As well as being a renowned architect - his projects included Liverpool Cathedral and Battersea Power Station - Sir Giles was also the designer of the iconic 'K2' red telephone box.

Life Under Fire

The horror of Luftwaffe bombs coloured daily life in Britain's cities and beyond, and war brought myriad daily hardships besides. But Britain could take it!

The Blitz receded after May 1941, but even after the Battle of Britain, the nation faced a barrage of incendiary bombs, V-1s and V-2s. While young men fought Axis powers across three continents, their families listened anxiously to the wireless, while many worried too about children far from home. But in the face of the destruction, sirens, blackouts and hours in shelters, the now-legendary 'Blitz spirit' kept despair at bay. Britain held her nerve thanks to mutual support, defiance and wit - plus a good grumble and as many cups of tea as rationing allowed.