Germany began to launch V-1 rockets at England, opening a new phase in terrorism against civilian populations. 8,000 missiles were fired at England, including more than 2,300 at London alone. They had a harsh psychological effect on the virtually defenseless population. The buzz that typified their flight was followed by a deafening explosion. The V-1 was 25 feet long, and carried a one-ton warhead. Its tremendous destructive force caused thousands of deaths and demolished more than a million buildings. Even more terrifying was the V-2, against which there was no defense at all. They savaged the population until their launching facilities were captured or destroyed.