London, 1940
English Lit: AQA A Level Atonement - Specification B, topic 9.1.3
Historical Context for Atonement: London in 1940
Throughout 1940, Britons lived in fear of a German invasion.
If the Invader Comes
- The Ministry of Information issued over 14 million copies of a leaflet entitled If the Invader Comes.
- In June, German forces landed in the Channel Islands which they would occupy for the next five years.
Luftwaffe bombing raid
- The Luftwaffe (German Air Force) began its bombing raids in July, 1940.
- The Battle of Britain would last until the end of October, with London enduring 57 consecutive nights of bombing during the Blitz.
Bombing of Balham tube station
- On 14 October, 1940, at least 64 people were killed when Balham tube station, which was being used as an air-raid shelter, was bombed.
- McEwan uses this incident as the cause of Cecilia’s death in the novel.
Test yourself on London, 1940
What leaflet did the Ministry of Information issue over 14 million copies of?
Complete the facts about the Balham tube bombing.