Hitler Tried (and Failed) To Destroy London in 1940 At the end of 1940, heavy German air raids led to the Great London Fire Blitz that nearly destroyed the city. Here's What You Need to Know: Everything, every street and every building to the north and northeast of St. Paul’s Cathedral, would burn in one vast fire. The bombers seemed to arrive overhead with much less warning than on any past air raid. Olive Bayliss, who lived with her family over at London Wall, in London’s City District, was certain that the Luftwaffe came in faster than usual tonight, catching everyone by surprise.