Warehouse of the World

1880-1939

New Port, New City

1945 – present

Docklands at War

1939-1945

The docks were the first target in the London Blitz

Late in the afternoon of Saturday 7 September 1940, the Luftwaffe launched a massive daylight raid on London. Learn how the Port survived and aided the war effort from Dunkirk to D-Day.

Not to be missed on your visit

View slideshow

The Docklands ablaze

A photo taken during the Blitz of 7th September 1940, showing smoke rising from the London Docks and West India Docks. © Port of London Authority.

Iron column melted by in the Blitz

This column was discovered in the debris of London Dock in 1980. Its iron was melted in the fierce heat of the blaze caused by German incendiary bombs during the 1940 Blitz.

A workman recovers precious sugar burned during the bombing of the London dock warehouses during WWII. Copyright PLA.

Sugar salvage from the ruins of No. 7 Warehouse, 1940-44

This bombing of the docks set fire to huge quantities of sugar, in short supply during the war. This worker salvages some of the solidified sugar from the wreckage. © PLA collection.

Take cover in a Consol shelter

This bell-shaped air raid shelter is made from a single piece of steel bolted to a concrete base. It could hold two adults, protecting Port workers caught in an air raid from bomb blasts.

Model of the Maunsell Forts

These armed towers were built in the Thames estuary during the Second World War, to guard the entry to the river against German planes and ships.

Tanks being embarked onboard ship at the Port of London, ready for the D-Day invasion. Copyright PLA Archive/Museum of London.

Tanks prior to D-Day, 1944

Tanks arriving in the London Docks prior to embarkation for the D Day beaches. The port of London was a vital supply hub for the invasion and liberation of France. © PLA collection.

Telephone operator's gas mask

Telephone switchboard operators at the General Post Office needed to be able to work through an air raid, and were given these masks with built-in earpiece and microphone.

Door with message, Eastwood Cook, 2001

This artwork reflects an all too common sight in wartime London: the door of a family "bombed out" of their home, with only a short message to let friends know where they had fled.

Photograph of mobile canteen dispensing food on the London docks during WWII, copyright PLA Archive/Museum of London.

Mobile canteen for dockers, 1942

The crucial role of the dockers to the war effort brought some improvement in their working conditions, including the introduction of mobile canteens. © PLA collection

Section of pipeline developed for Project Pluto, to deliver fuel to the D-Day invasion of France.

Uncover Pipeline Pluto, a secret weapon against the Axis

This is a surviving section of a 130km long undersea pipeline, that carried fuel across the Channel to supply the invasion of France in 1944. Learn more about the astonishing story.

Gallery access

The gallery is open during the museum's normal hours:

10am – 5.30pm

The gallery is on the second floor and can be accessed by lift.

Entry free, no ticket required.

Docklands at War also of interest

Heroism on display at the Museum of London Docklands

Learn more about the story behind the George Cross display

Find Out More

Hear Londoners' war stories

The museum's oral history collection records the real life stories of everyday people

Explore

Free events at the Museum of London Docklands.

Free events for all the family

Free storytelling and tours at Docklands

Plan your visit

Discover London Through History

From Sierra Leone to Stalag Luft I: Remembering Johnny Smythe

Trick or treat? Things that go chomp in the night

Photographing black Britain: Roger Mayne and Henry Grant

Black British photography: Neil Kenlock and Armet Francis

Bestsellers

Beasts of London

Books

Reach every London schoolchild

Celebrate the London collection

Votes for Women