Warwickshire, Coventry, Bomb Damage Schedules 1940-1941
Search for bomb damage reports from the German air raids over Coventry between 1940 and 1941.
See description
Search for bomb damage reports from the German air raids over Coventry between 1940 and 1941.
Learn more about these records
These bomb damages schedules from Coventry are arranged in districts and alphabetical order by street within each district. You may find information including -
- Occupier's first initial
- Occupier's last name
- Business name
- Address
- District
- Date
The image may also give additional information including the damage to each property.
Coventry Blitz was a series of bombing raids carried out by the Luftwaffe on the city of Coventry during the Second World War due to the various industries operating there. The most devastating took place from 14-15 November 1940. It was the single most concentrated attack on a British city during the Second World War and led to Nazi propagandists coining the term ‘coventrieren’ (to raze a city to the ground).
It was codenamed ‘Moonlight Sonata’ and lasted 11 hours. 500 tons of explosives were dropped as well as 30,000 incendiaries and 50 landmines. 43,000 houses were damaged or destroyed, the great medieval church of St Michael’s was destroyed, and 554 were killed (though the figure could be higher). Mass funerals were carried out in the following days, overseen by RAF fighter pilots as there was a fear that the Germans might continue bombing. It was a deeply traumatising event and one that has left scars on the city. It was said that George VI wept as he stood in the ruins of the cathedral.
On the night of the 8 and 9 April 1941, Coventry was hit by another large raid when 315 tons and 25,000 incendiaries were dropped by the Luftwaffe. 451 people were killed and over 700 injured. Several buildings were damaged or destroyed including the Coventry and Warwickshire hospital, King Henry VIII School, St Mary’s Hall, and Christ Church. After this raid, the Mayor led the reconstruction of the city.