| Danzig, Darmstadt, Dessau, Dorsten, Dortmund, Duisberg, Dülmen, Düren, Düsseldorf, Dresden, Eilenburg, Eisenach, Elbing, Ellingen, Emden, Emmerich, Erfurt, Esen, Essen and Flensburg |
| Essen |
| Dorsten |
| Dortmund |
| Duisberg |
| Düren |
| Düsseldorf |
| Eilenburg |
| Erfurt |
| Emden and Esen |
Darmundestat first appears towards the end of the 11th century and it
was chartered as a city by Ludwig the Bavarian in 1330. From 1567 to
1806, it was ruled by descendants of Philip the Magnanimous, a leading
figure in the German Reformation. Its population grew in the 19th
century and Darmstadt was a center for Jugenstil, or Art Nouveau in the
early 20th century. Hesse-Darmstadt joined the newly founded German
Empire in 1871, but it continued under its own dynasty until 1918.
was chartered as a city by Ludwig the Bavarian in 1330. From 1567 to
1806, it was ruled by descendants of Philip the Magnanimous, a leading
figure in the German Reformation. Its population grew in the 19th
century and Darmstadt was a center for Jugenstil, or Art Nouveau in the
early 20th century. Hesse-Darmstadt joined the newly founded German
Empire in 1871, but it continued under its own dynasty until 1918.
Over 900 years of history were all but erased on September 11th and 12th, 1944
when Darmstadt was extinguished by a ferocious British bombing attack. Preceded
by over 35 air raids and 1,567 air alarms between June 1940 and March 1945, its
destruction was finally at hand. Within one half hour, 234 bombers dropped 500,000
high explosive bombs, over 300,000 incendiary bombs and 300 aerial mines in a so
called "fan attack." Darmstadt was targeted as the terrible "test run" for the inferno of
Dresden. The consequence for Darmstadt was terrible: over 12,000 people died, a
huge number were missing and 70,000 humans were left shelterless. 80 per cent of the
population lost everything that they had possessed. It was a ruin for ten years.
when Darmstadt was extinguished by a ferocious British bombing attack. Preceded
by over 35 air raids and 1,567 air alarms between June 1940 and March 1945, its
destruction was finally at hand. Within one half hour, 234 bombers dropped 500,000
high explosive bombs, over 300,000 incendiary bombs and 300 aerial mines in a so
called "fan attack." Darmstadt was targeted as the terrible "test run" for the inferno of
Dresden. The consequence for Darmstadt was terrible: over 12,000 people died, a
huge number were missing and 70,000 humans were left shelterless. 80 per cent of the
population lost everything that they had possessed. It was a ruin for ten years.
It would barely survive World War Two. It was choked with desperate refugees from
the eastern regions fleeing communist murder. On April 17, 1945 many of these
refugees joined the town's citizens and fled this city, too. About 4,500 others looked
for protection in the old mountain beer cellars. For nine days the city was under heavy
bombardment from Americans. In vain, some people frantically hung white sheets and
cloths from their windows and church steeples desperately signalling surrender. 200
people were lost, a great many of them young boys. More than 90 percent of the
buildings were turned to debris and ash. The town was absolutely flattened before
being handed over to the Red Army. Martin Rinkart Franz Abt
the eastern regions fleeing communist murder. On April 17, 1945 many of these
refugees joined the town's citizens and fled this city, too. About 4,500 others looked
for protection in the old mountain beer cellars. For nine days the city was under heavy
bombardment from Americans. In vain, some people frantically hung white sheets and
cloths from their windows and church steeples desperately signalling surrender. 200
people were lost, a great many of them young boys. More than 90 percent of the
buildings were turned to debris and ash. The town was absolutely flattened before
being handed over to the Red Army. Martin Rinkart Franz Abt
A sacrificial stone was dedicated Donar, Germanic God of Thunder and Fruitfulness, at that place. At
the beginning of 8th century, Dursten was a Carolingian estate.
the beginning of 8th century, Dursten was a Carolingian estate.
16 urns from the Neolithic Age and 124 urns of the Bronze Age were
found near Dorsten, where Roman Legions once built a large camp.
Around the year 500, a settlement spelled Durstinon was growing up
on the south side of Lippe river.
found near Dorsten, where Roman Legions once built a large camp.
Around the year 500, a settlement spelled Durstinon was growing up
on the south side of Lippe river.
When merchant shipping improved on the Lippe in the 15th century, Dorsten became member
of the Hanseatic League. Apart from the trade, the timber economy and ship building once
flowered in prosperous little Dorsten, but after the Thirty Years War, Dorsten never regained
her significance.In March, 1945 only 412 out of 2959 buildings were left standing in Dorsten
after 5,600 bombs destroyed 80% of the ancient city, including its old Rathaus. It took 3
years to remove rubble.
of the Hanseatic League. Apart from the trade, the timber economy and ship building once
flowered in prosperous little Dorsten, but after the Thirty Years War, Dorsten never regained
her significance.In March, 1945 only 412 out of 2959 buildings were left standing in Dorsten
after 5,600 bombs destroyed 80% of the ancient city, including its old Rathaus. It took 3
years to remove rubble.
An imposing castle and Rathaus were built in the 16th century. Under Elector Johann Wilhelm II,
Düsseldorf grew and thrived, becoming a cultural and trade center, but when Elector Carl Theodor,
1742-1799, decided to move his court to Munich, Düsseldorf lost much importance. The Seven
Years War and the Napoleonic Wars caused destruction and poverty. The French occupied the city
and burned it to the ground. Prussia acquired it in 1815, and designed magnificent gardens and
elaborately landscaped boulevards. In the early 19th century, at the Kunstakademie, the Düsseldorf
School of Art gained a worldwide reputation.
Düsseldorf grew and thrived, becoming a cultural and trade center, but when Elector Carl Theodor,
1742-1799, decided to move his court to Munich, Düsseldorf lost much importance. The Seven
Years War and the Napoleonic Wars caused destruction and poverty. The French occupied the city
and burned it to the ground. Prussia acquired it in 1815, and designed magnificent gardens and
elaborately landscaped boulevards. In the early 19th century, at the Kunstakademie, the Düsseldorf
School of Art gained a worldwide reputation.
Düsseldorf was first mentioned in 1135. Barbarossa's small settlement of
Kaiserswerth at the site of today's Dusseldorf became a fortified outpost of
the Empire. It was granted city rights in 1288, and a market square sprang
up. By 1380 Düsseldorf was capital of the Duchy of Berg. The collegiate
church of St. Lambertus dated back to this period.
Kaiserswerth at the site of today's Dusseldorf became a fortified outpost of
the Empire. It was granted city rights in 1288, and a market square sprang
up. By 1380 Düsseldorf was capital of the Duchy of Berg. The collegiate
church of St. Lambertus dated back to this period.
During World War 2, round the clock air attacks and a 2,000 ton raid reduced Düsseldorf
to rubble. Starting from May 1940 there were numerous air raids, but without substantial
casualties. In 1942, attacks increased and whole bomber fleets were set on the city. Large-
scale attacks took place on July 31 and August 1, 1942 leaving 290 dead over 1,000 missing.
The old city center was attacked on November 10, 1942, leaving 132 dead and 550 injured.
Further large-scale attacks on January 27, 1943, June 12, 1943, April 22, 1944 and April
24, 1944 killed around 1,000 people. 243 attacks were counted, killing 5,863 civilians
to rubble. Starting from May 1940 there were numerous air raids, but without substantial
casualties. In 1942, attacks increased and whole bomber fleets were set on the city. Large-
scale attacks took place on July 31 and August 1, 1942 leaving 290 dead over 1,000 missing.
The old city center was attacked on November 10, 1942, leaving 132 dead and 550 injured.
Further large-scale attacks on January 27, 1943, June 12, 1943, April 22, 1944 and April
24, 1944 killed around 1,000 people. 243 attacks were counted, killing 5,863 civilians
The degree of destruction in the old city center, was tremendous. Over 176,000 dwellings were destroyed. All three
Rhine bridges, numerous roads, as well as the drainage system had been virtually destroyed. There was 10 million cubic
meters of rubble. The number of inhabitants plummeted from 540,000 in 1939 to approximately 235,000 in 1945.
Rhine bridges, numerous roads, as well as the drainage system had been virtually destroyed. There was 10 million cubic
meters of rubble. The number of inhabitants plummeted from 540,000 in 1939 to approximately 235,000 in 1945.
Karl der Große was often in battle with the unruly Saxons in the
area of today's Dortmund, and he built a large road for his troops
with food supplies along the way which developed into small
towns, Dortmund among them. It is first mentioned in written
history as Throtmani, and was a small village at that time.
area of today's Dortmund, and he built a large road for his troops
with food supplies along the way which developed into small
towns, Dortmund among them. It is first mentioned in written
history as Throtmani, and was a small village at that time.
The first two large-scale attacks on May 5th and 24th of 1943, caused over 9,000 fires, killed approximately 1,400
people, left approximately 130,000 shelterless and destroyed cultural monuments, hospitals, schools and industrial plants.
The third large-scale attack on May 23,1944 was applied methodically to the residential areas in the south, southeast and
the east of the city.
people, left approximately 130,000 shelterless and destroyed cultural monuments, hospitals, schools and industrial plants.
The third large-scale attack on May 23,1944 was applied methodically to the residential areas in the south, southeast and
the east of the city.
From May 5, 1943 to March 12, 1945, 22,242 tons of bombs were dumped over Dortmund. After each bomb attack,
people would write short message for their friends and relatives on the doors or walls of their destroyed houses in chalk,
hoping they would find them later.
people would write short message for their friends and relatives on the doors or walls of their destroyed houses in chalk,
hoping they would find them later.
On the evening October 6, 1944, a fourth large-scale attack left 60,000 more people
shelterless and 1,015 dead in 40 minutes. High-explosive bomb attacks now started to
increase. The most terrible attack took place on March 12, 1945 when 1,069 bombers
dropped nearly 5,000 tons of explosives over Dortmund. For 43 minutes, the earth
trembled and the buildings and homes could be heard creaking and collapsing all around,
while the smoke clouds finally seeped into the cellars and shelters, choking the terrified
people huddling in the cold, dark holes filling with groundwater. Civil records estimated
6,341 deaths by the bombing. 70 % of all dwellings were destroyed, as was the entire
historic town center and the residential area where in former times about a quarter of a
million humans lived. Rubble and broken roads blocked traffic. Water, gas and electric
supply lines were gone, and the drainage system inoperable. The once beautiful Hanseatic
city filled with romantic Gothic churches and monuments was gone. The majority of the
inhabitants lost homes and property and were soon hungry and freezing in miserable
emergency accommodation. 15,520 of their sons, fathers and husbands were soldiers
that never came home.
shelterless and 1,015 dead in 40 minutes. High-explosive bomb attacks now started to
increase. The most terrible attack took place on March 12, 1945 when 1,069 bombers
dropped nearly 5,000 tons of explosives over Dortmund. For 43 minutes, the earth
trembled and the buildings and homes could be heard creaking and collapsing all around,
while the smoke clouds finally seeped into the cellars and shelters, choking the terrified
people huddling in the cold, dark holes filling with groundwater. Civil records estimated
6,341 deaths by the bombing. 70 % of all dwellings were destroyed, as was the entire
historic town center and the residential area where in former times about a quarter of a
million humans lived. Rubble and broken roads blocked traffic. Water, gas and electric
supply lines were gone, and the drainage system inoperable. The once beautiful Hanseatic
city filled with romantic Gothic churches and monuments was gone. The majority of the
inhabitants lost homes and property and were soon hungry and freezing in miserable
emergency accommodation. 15,520 of their sons, fathers and husbands were soldiers
that never came home.
A Frankish settlement first mentioned in 748, Düren grew from the Villa Duria of Frankish King
Pippin the Short. Under Charlemagne, it was subsequently the seat of diets and synods and the base
for several of his Saxon campaigns. In about 1242, it was destroyed in a war between Wilhelm V of
Jülich and the Holy Roman emperor Karl V in 1543 and then rebuilt. In the industrial age, Düren's
prosperity increased. By 1900, Düren was among Germany's richest cities with 42 millionaires and
93 factories. It's population had grown from 5,000 in 1800 to 27,168.
Pippin the Short. Under Charlemagne, it was subsequently the seat of diets and synods and the base
for several of his Saxon campaigns. In about 1242, it was destroyed in a war between Wilhelm V of
Jülich and the Holy Roman emperor Karl V in 1543 and then rebuilt. In the industrial age, Düren's
prosperity increased. By 1900, Düren was among Germany's richest cities with 42 millionaires and
93 factories. It's population had grown from 5,000 in 1800 to 27,168.
On November 16, 1944, the entire sky over Duren was covered with bombers overloaded with deadly incendiaries and
high explosive bombs. They had only one goal: the destruction of Duren.
high explosive bombs. They had only one goal: the destruction of Duren.
Afterwards, the release of heavy liquid incendiary bombs created fire towers
and suffocated those who fled below ground. Burning phosphorus, which
turned people into living candles, blanketed any area of possible escape.
Duren had 6,431 houses before the assault, and only 131 after. The whole
medieval core of town was totally destroyed. There is no building in Duren
today which dates from before 1945/46. L:Duren marketplace, before, after
and suffocated those who fled below ground. Burning phosphorus, which
turned people into living candles, blanketed any area of possible escape.
Duren had 6,431 houses before the assault, and only 131 after. The whole
medieval core of town was totally destroyed. There is no building in Duren
today which dates from before 1945/46. L:Duren marketplace, before, after
A few quick snaps and the town was engulfed in a tower of fire, houses
collapsed into rubble, and the tar on the roads became so hot that the soles
of the shoes worn by panicked people stuck to it. 1,200 heavy US bombers
joined 498 British bombers, and within two hours dropped over 9,000 tons of
bombs on the ancient town. The idyllic city life as well as the beautiful, old
buildings were obliterated. Of 45,000 humans who lived there, 3,127 who
didn't evacuate in time were painfully extinguished. The aerial mines sucked
off rooftops, opening the houses up for total destruction from within and
without by the heavy pounding of heavy, high-explosives bombs, which
brought the houses to their helpless collapse and broke water, sewer and
gas pipelines, while smaller high-explosives bombs spread panic and forced
people into cellars.
collapsed into rubble, and the tar on the roads became so hot that the soles
of the shoes worn by panicked people stuck to it. 1,200 heavy US bombers
joined 498 British bombers, and within two hours dropped over 9,000 tons of
bombs on the ancient town. The idyllic city life as well as the beautiful, old
buildings were obliterated. Of 45,000 humans who lived there, 3,127 who
didn't evacuate in time were painfully extinguished. The aerial mines sucked
off rooftops, opening the houses up for total destruction from within and
without by the heavy pounding of heavy, high-explosives bombs, which
brought the houses to their helpless collapse and broke water, sewer and
gas pipelines, while smaller high-explosives bombs spread panic and forced
people into cellars.
Archaeological studies show that nearby Duisburg had a market-place already in use in the before the
birth of Christ. A major central trading place of the city since the 5th century, the city was located at
an important medieval trade route, the "Helwig," a ford across the Rhine once guarded by Romans.
birth of Christ. A major central trading place of the city since the 5th century, the city was located at
an important medieval trade route, the "Helwig," a ford across the Rhine once guarded by Romans.
Like the rest of the Ruhr, Duisburg's industries made it a primary target of Allied bombers, but the residential areas were
attacked with vengeance. Starting in 1941, there were daily bombing raids as British bombers drop a total of 445 tons of
bombs. Another 1,599 tons were dropped in 1943 which left 96,000 homeless, another 2,000 tons in 1944, and then
doubled to 4,000 tons again in 1944. In one massive assault, 2,000 bombers attacked at once, dropping 9,000 bombs
and killing 3.000 civilians. Attacked repeatedly, the city was under constant barrage until April 3,1945. A grand total of
299 bombing raids had all but completely destroyed the historic cityscape. 80% of all residential buildings were lost.
attacked with vengeance. Starting in 1941, there were daily bombing raids as British bombers drop a total of 445 tons of
bombs. Another 1,599 tons were dropped in 1943 which left 96,000 homeless, another 2,000 tons in 1944, and then
doubled to 4,000 tons again in 1944. In one massive assault, 2,000 bombers attacked at once, dropping 9,000 bombs
and killing 3.000 civilians. Attacked repeatedly, the city was under constant barrage until April 3,1945. A grand total of
299 bombing raids had all but completely destroyed the historic cityscape. 80% of all residential buildings were lost.
Essen, founded about 845, remained an insignificant
agricultural town until the 19th century when cargo
shipping developed and the Ruhr became the busiest
river in Europe. Coal and ore mining led to the
industrial growth of the city and of the entire Ruhr area.
agricultural town until the 19th century when cargo
shipping developed and the Ruhr became the busiest
river in Europe. Coal and ore mining led to the
industrial growth of the city and of the entire Ruhr area.
On September 1,1939, the first air-raids started in Essen, mostly on military targets.
The Rhine Ruhr was then exposed to bomb attacks from May, 1940. On March
5th,1943, the inner city of Essen experienced one of the heaviest air-raids, killing 461
people and injuring 1,593, and leaving 50,000 inhabitants homeless. On the 26th,
another 700 bombers flew over the city and unloaded 1,000 high-explosives bombs,
160,000 staff and 30,000 incendiary bombs. Another 550 people died, and 1,500
injured. 7,000 more homes, 2 hospitals, 4 churches and 6 schools were destroyed..
The Rhine Ruhr was then exposed to bomb attacks from May, 1940. On March
5th,1943, the inner city of Essen experienced one of the heaviest air-raids, killing 461
people and injuring 1,593, and leaving 50,000 inhabitants homeless. On the 26th,
another 700 bombers flew over the city and unloaded 1,000 high-explosives bombs,
160,000 staff and 30,000 incendiary bombs. Another 550 people died, and 1,500
injured. 7,000 more homes, 2 hospitals, 4 churches and 6 schools were destroyed..
By 1944, the RAF and the USA both took part and "round the clock bombing" took place by the combined forces night
and day. The industrial and city landscape, in which over four million humans lived in 1939, sank into debris and ash. The
number of inhabitants of Essen was halved. On October 15, 1944, Essen was hit with large-caliber "Tallboys," so-called
earthquake bombs with a weight of about five tons. On October 25, 1944, the ruins of Essen were the goal for about
1,800 bombers. Two "1000 bomber raids" were executed over Essen by March 11, 1945 when 1,079 RAF aircraft
departed for a daylight operation on the city in what was recorded as the second largest bombing attack of the second
world war, surpassed only by the following night's 1,108 plane attack on Dortmund. The numbers of allied aircraft
involved in this operation was reported to be eight miles long and five miles wide. RAF Bomber Command record for the
largest tonnage dropped on a single target in a single day was 4,661 tons of bombs dropped on Essen. The 9th American
army took control over the city anyway a month later. More on the so-called Battle of the Ruhr
and day. The industrial and city landscape, in which over four million humans lived in 1939, sank into debris and ash. The
number of inhabitants of Essen was halved. On October 15, 1944, Essen was hit with large-caliber "Tallboys," so-called
earthquake bombs with a weight of about five tons. On October 25, 1944, the ruins of Essen were the goal for about
1,800 bombers. Two "1000 bomber raids" were executed over Essen by March 11, 1945 when 1,079 RAF aircraft
departed for a daylight operation on the city in what was recorded as the second largest bombing attack of the second
world war, surpassed only by the following night's 1,108 plane attack on Dortmund. The numbers of allied aircraft
involved in this operation was reported to be eight miles long and five miles wide. RAF Bomber Command record for the
largest tonnage dropped on a single target in a single day was 4,661 tons of bombs dropped on Essen. The 9th American
army took control over the city anyway a month later. More on the so-called Battle of the Ruhr
They would either escape farther west or be thrown into captivity for decades. Luther's
land was in peril. A British bombing raid on February 25, 1945 destroyed much of the
Augustinerkloster monastery, killing 267 people who had taken shelter and huddled
together in the cellars beneath the library and were subsequently crushed to death when the
building above was hit. The only survivor was a young girl who lost an arm. The Allied
Operation Clarion was carried out with the goal of helping Stalin and erasing German
cultural symbols and objects of national pride. In the process, thousands of years of history
were needlessly lost to the world. The surrounding historical buildings dating from the 15th
to the 16th Century were also destroyed completely by English bombardment. The strong
pressure wave caused large damage to the west wing of the monastery, to the Priory, to the
Augustinerkirche and to the other buildings of the Renaissance yard. Protestant
Michaeliskirche, built in 1183, which later served as the official church of Erfurt University
was also mostly destroyed.
land was in peril. A British bombing raid on February 25, 1945 destroyed much of the
Augustinerkloster monastery, killing 267 people who had taken shelter and huddled
together in the cellars beneath the library and were subsequently crushed to death when the
building above was hit. The only survivor was a young girl who lost an arm. The Allied
Operation Clarion was carried out with the goal of helping Stalin and erasing German
cultural symbols and objects of national pride. In the process, thousands of years of history
were needlessly lost to the world. The surrounding historical buildings dating from the 15th
to the 16th Century were also destroyed completely by English bombardment. The strong
pressure wave caused large damage to the west wing of the monastery, to the Priory, to the
Augustinerkirche and to the other buildings of the Renaissance yard. Protestant
Michaeliskirche, built in 1183, which later served as the official church of Erfurt University
was also mostly destroyed.
From 1940, historically priceless Erfurt was bombed at least 14 times. On February 25, 1945, British bombers destroyed
74% of the medieval center and killed 8,800 civilians, or 21% of its population. By April 1945, there were also 37,430
war refugees from the east who had lost their homes temporary encamped within in the city.
74% of the medieval center and killed 8,800 civilians, or 21% of its population. By April 1945, there were also 37,430
war refugees from the east who had lost their homes temporary encamped within in the city.
Erfurt took its name from "Erpha," which meant "brown water" and was the river's name until
modern times. The Gera River Valley has been inhabited for at least 100,000 years. Erfurt's earliest
written records date from 742 A.D., when a diocese was established. Erfurt grew into an important
trading center over the next few centuries. Religion and education always played an important role in
the city's history, and at its height, Erfurt had 90 churches, monasteries, chapels and convents. Its
university, founded in 1362, was the fourth oldest in Germany. Martinus Ludher came to Erfurt in
1502 to study and he received his master's degree in 1505 and was ordained as a priest in the
Mariendom, Erfurt's Cathedral, in 1507. Erfurt was occupied by the Swedes after the 30 Years' War,
then turned over to the Prussians, then seized by Napoleon and then handed back to the Prussians.
modern times. The Gera River Valley has been inhabited for at least 100,000 years. Erfurt's earliest
written records date from 742 A.D., when a diocese was established. Erfurt grew into an important
trading center over the next few centuries. Religion and education always played an important role in
the city's history, and at its height, Erfurt had 90 churches, monasteries, chapels and convents. Its
university, founded in 1362, was the fourth oldest in Germany. Martinus Ludher came to Erfurt in
1502 to study and he received his master's degree in 1505 and was ordained as a priest in the
Mariendom, Erfurt's Cathedral, in 1507. Erfurt was occupied by the Swedes after the 30 Years' War,
then turned over to the Prussians, then seized by Napoleon and then handed back to the Prussians.
East Frisia was part of the Kingdom of Holland during the Napoleonic
era, and then was ceded to the Kingdom of Hanover. Emden, a city in
East Frisia, existed since before the 8th century. Emperor Maximilian I
granted Emden its city rights in 1495. Dutch immigrants helped bring
Emden early prosperity, and during the 17th century it was a center of
reformed Protestantism, producing the first Bible translation in Dutch.
era, and then was ceded to the Kingdom of Hanover. Emden, a city in
East Frisia, existed since before the 8th century. Emperor Maximilian I
granted Emden its city rights in 1495. Dutch immigrants helped bring
Emden early prosperity, and during the 17th century it was a center of
reformed Protestantism, producing the first Bible translation in Dutch.
In the morning of September 27,1943, all three bomber divisions of the heavy
combat flier corps of the 8 USAAF were assigned with altogether 308 "flying
fortresses" to attack the city Emden again. At the same time 24 bombers were sent
out as diversion over the channel. "Thunderbolts" from the 8th USAAF escorted
the entire operation as protection for the heavy bombers. The air raid did not run
well for the Americans, because only 180 combat aircraft were able to drop their
bomb load on the city.
combat flier corps of the 8 USAAF were assigned with altogether 308 "flying
fortresses" to attack the city Emden again. At the same time 24 bombers were sent
out as diversion over the channel. "Thunderbolts" from the 8th USAAF escorted
the entire operation as protection for the heavy bombers. The air raid did not run
well for the Americans, because only 180 combat aircraft were able to drop their
bomb load on the city.
The first air raid on Emden took place on July 13, 1940 and the last on April 25, 1945. The old city was hit 94 times by
Allied bombs. On April 1,1941, British Wellingtons dropped their first Blockbuster bomb (known as "cookies") in an
attack on Emden. They were 8,000 and 12,000 pound high-capacity bombs with very thin casings that allowed them to
contain approximately three-quarters of their weight in explosives. The 4,000 pounder contained over 3,000 pounds of
explosive filling, while their other regular bombs contained only 50% explosive by weight, the rest being made up of the
bomb casing. These bombs were designed for blowing off the buildings roof tiles so that the smaller incendiary bombs
could reach the building interiors.
Allied bombs. On April 1,1941, British Wellingtons dropped their first Blockbuster bomb (known as "cookies") in an
attack on Emden. They were 8,000 and 12,000 pound high-capacity bombs with very thin casings that allowed them to
contain approximately three-quarters of their weight in explosives. The 4,000 pounder contained over 3,000 pounds of
explosive filling, while their other regular bombs contained only 50% explosive by weight, the rest being made up of the
bomb casing. These bombs were designed for blowing off the buildings roof tiles so that the smaller incendiary bombs
could reach the building interiors.
By far, the heaviest bombardment experienced by the civilian inhabitants of the city was on September 5,1944 when five
hundred years of history was destroyed within a few minutes. The entire city center was levelled and burned. 63 children
in a school cellar died with the first attack. The bombers dropped 1,500 high explosive bombs, 10,000 incendiary bombs
and 3,000 phosphorus bombs. The city was 85% destroyed. Numerous air raids on Emden claimed 370 civilian, but the
death toll would have been much higher had it not been for a series of safe, protective bunkers.
hundred years of history was destroyed within a few minutes. The entire city center was levelled and burned. 63 children
in a school cellar died with the first attack. The bombers dropped 1,500 high explosive bombs, 10,000 incendiary bombs
and 3,000 phosphorus bombs. The city was 85% destroyed. Numerous air raids on Emden claimed 370 civilian, but the
death toll would have been much higher had it not been for a series of safe, protective bunkers.
For the small town of Esens (not to be confused with Essen), it would be a bad day when 36 disappointed American
bombers, having failed to finish off Emden, saw the small town below and angrily unloaded their destruction and death
upon it. Within minutes, one third of all houses of Esens were destroyed or damaged and 490 humans left shelterless at
the end of the day. Far worse, 165 unprepared civilians were dead, among them 108 children whose bodies were found
along with their dead teachers in the rubble of the local orphanage.
bombers, having failed to finish off Emden, saw the small town below and angrily unloaded their destruction and death
upon it. Within minutes, one third of all houses of Esens were destroyed or damaged and 490 humans left shelterless at
the end of the day. Far worse, 165 unprepared civilians were dead, among them 108 children whose bodies were found
along with their dead teachers in the rubble of the local orphanage.
| Eisenach |
In 1944 and 1945, there were
several attacks on the old hamlet
of Eisenach which caused severe
damage. The house Luther stayed
in 1498 was destroyed along with
the birthplace of Bach, which has
been rebuilt, before and after, left
several attacks on the old hamlet
of Eisenach which caused severe
damage. The house Luther stayed
in 1498 was destroyed along with
the birthplace of Bach, which has
been rebuilt, before and after, left
| Ellingen |
Ellingen is a small farming hamlet in Bavaria in the vicinity of Mad
King Ludwig's castle. It had 1,500 inhabitants, most of whom were
farmers, and nothing of military value to attack. It was totally
unprepared on February 23, 1945 when, for no good reason, 25
American bombers violently dumped 285 high explosive bombs on
the small town in a surprise attack which left 120 bomb craters. The
assault killed the town's farm animals and 98 villagers.
King Ludwig's castle. It had 1,500 inhabitants, most of whom were
farmers, and nothing of military value to attack. It was totally
unprepared on February 23, 1945 when, for no good reason, 25
American bombers violently dumped 285 high explosive bombs on
the small town in a surprise attack which left 120 bomb craters. The
assault killed the town's farm animals and 98 villagers.
In 1152, Barbarossa came to the region and rebuilt the town, which had been destroyed in a fire,
and for two years it was his residence. By the 13th century it had become one of the most important
towns of the Hanseatic League. After 1320, the wealthy trading city started to appear in writing as
Dorpmunde. Until 1803, the town had the status of a free imperial town. After 1806, it was ruled by
Nassau-Orange, and in 1808, it came under French rule and became part of the Grand Duchy of
Berg. Dortmund sided with Prussia against Napoleon, and this ended the harsh French occupation in
1813. After the railroad was built and the Dortmund-Ems canal opened between 1892 and 1899,
Dortmund was the largest and most important industrial town of the Ruhr region.
and for two years it was his residence. By the 13th century it had become one of the most important
towns of the Hanseatic League. After 1320, the wealthy trading city started to appear in writing as
Dorpmunde. Until 1803, the town had the status of a free imperial town. After 1806, it was ruled by
Nassau-Orange, and in 1808, it came under French rule and became part of the Grand Duchy of
Berg. Dortmund sided with Prussia against Napoleon, and this ended the harsh French occupation in
1813. After the railroad was built and the Dortmund-Ems canal opened between 1892 and 1899,
Dortmund was the largest and most important industrial town of the Ruhr region.
There is evidence of human settlement in Eilenburg from
the middle paleolithic age. Beginning in the 10th Century,
King Heinrich I. replaced the Sorb castle with one of his
own. The unbroken Saxon dynasty of Wettin that started
with the Counts of Ilburg in the 11th century lasted until
1918, the longest a European house ever ruled a land.
Eilenburg flourished in the Middle Ages.
the middle paleolithic age. Beginning in the 10th Century,
King Heinrich I. replaced the Sorb castle with one of his
own. The unbroken Saxon dynasty of Wettin that started
with the Counts of Ilburg in the 11th century lasted until
1918, the longest a European house ever ruled a land.
Eilenburg flourished in the Middle Ages.
| Dresden (see under Featured Cities) |
click
| Darmstadt |
| Dessau |
Dessau is a Saxon town on the junction of the rivers Mulde and Elbe. It was first mentioned in 1213 and became an
important center in 1570 when the principality of Anhalt was founded. Dessau became the capital of this state within the
Holy Roman Empire. Anhalt was dissolved in 1603, but Dessau remained a prosperous town. Because of its industry, the
city was almost completely destroyed by over 20 Allied air raids beginning in 1940, the worst of which was on March
7th, 1945 when 84% of the city was destroyed and 1,136 civilians lost their lives and thousands were injured.
important center in 1570 when the principality of Anhalt was founded. Dessau became the capital of this state within the
Holy Roman Empire. Anhalt was dissolved in 1603, but Dessau remained a prosperous town. Because of its industry, the
city was almost completely destroyed by over 20 Allied air raids beginning in 1940, the worst of which was on March
7th, 1945 when 84% of the city was destroyed and 1,136 civilians lost their lives and thousands were injured.
| Emmerich |
Emmerich am Rhein is an old Hanseatic city mentioned as early as the year 700. It is on the lower part of the River Rhine
in North Rhine-Westphalia. On October 7, 1944, 97 % of the magnificent ancient city, including its 9th century churches,
was destroyed by a British air raid. Very few historical elements remained intact.
in North Rhine-Westphalia. On October 7, 1944, 97 % of the magnificent ancient city, including its 9th century churches,
was destroyed by a British air raid. Very few historical elements remained intact.
| Flensburg |
Flensburg is the third largest town in Schleswig-Holstein. Founded around 1200 by Danish settlers, its town rights were
confirmed in 1284 and the town quickly rose to become one of the most important in the Duchy of Schleswig. During the
Second World War, the town was left almost unscathed by the raids that laid other German cities waste. However, in
1943, 20 children died when their nursery school was suddenly bombarded.
confirmed in 1284 and the town quickly rose to become one of the most important in the Duchy of Schleswig. During the
Second World War, the town was left almost unscathed by the raids that laid other German cities waste. However, in
1943, 20 children died when their nursery school was suddenly bombarded.
Darmstadt produced less than two-tenths of one percent of Germany's total war production, yet, a minimum of ten
percent of Darmstadt's civilian population died as a result of the intentionally created firestorm. Hurdy-Gurdy Girls
percent of Darmstadt's civilian population died as a result of the intentionally created firestorm. Hurdy-Gurdy Girls
| Danzig (see elsewhere) |
| Elbing (see elsewhere) |
| Dülmen (see under Wuppertal) |
