| Hameln, Hamich, Hamm, Hannover, Hanau, Hattingen, Heilbronn, Heinsberg, Heligoland, Herne, Hildesheim, Homberg, Hückelhoven, Hürtgen, Immenstadt, Ingolstadt, Innsbruck, Isny and Itzehoe |
Hameln (Hamelin) rests on the river Weser in Lower Saxony and the gateway to the surrounding
Weserbergland mountains. Around 851 AD, a monastery was founded here, which grew into a
village which then grew into a town by the 12th century. Hameln was a minor member of the
Hanseatic League and there was a battle here during the Thirty Years War. The town became quite
wealthy in the mid-17th century and Hameln's four fortresses made it the heaviest protected city in
the Kingdom of Hanover until the time of Napoleon. The medieval folk tale of "Der Rattenfänger
von Hameln" a.k.a. "The Pied Piper" originated here.
Weserbergland mountains. Around 851 AD, a monastery was founded here, which grew into a
village which then grew into a town by the 12th century. Hameln was a minor member of the
Hanseatic League and there was a battle here during the Thirty Years War. The town became quite
wealthy in the mid-17th century and Hameln's four fortresses made it the heaviest protected city in
the Kingdom of Hanover until the time of Napoleon. The medieval folk tale of "Der Rattenfänger
von Hameln" a.k.a. "The Pied Piper" originated here.
| Hameln |
| Hamm |
Hamm is on the Lippe River. Founded in 1226, Hamm was once a member of the Hanseatic League
as well. It passed to Cleves in the 14th century and then to Brandenburg in 1614. Hamm's history is
full of sadness from plague, flooding, fire and the harshness inflicted by the French in Napoleonic
times. It rebounded in the 19th century with the railroad.
as well. It passed to Cleves in the 14th century and then to Brandenburg in 1614. Hamm's history is
full of sadness from plague, flooding, fire and the harshness inflicted by the French in Napoleonic
times. It rebounded in the 19th century with the railroad.
55 Allied air raids destroyed 60 % of the old part of Hamm, starting with devastating daylight air
raids from March 4 and 6, 1943 that killed 154 people. The first large-scale attack on the entire city
followed in the evening hours of April 22, 1944 by 750 bombers and 100 fighters dropping 8,000
high explosive bombs and 3500 incendiary bombs. Within 45 minutes, the city was a sea flame and a
desert of rubble. While a marshaling yard was hit, so were the residential areas. 240 buildings were
destroyed and 350 heavily damaged. 300 civilians died in this attack. On May 31, 1944 another large
scale attack followed, killing with 200 more civilians. Hamm lost 1,029 civilians to bombing.
raids from March 4 and 6, 1943 that killed 154 people. The first large-scale attack on the entire city
followed in the evening hours of April 22, 1944 by 750 bombers and 100 fighters dropping 8,000
high explosive bombs and 3500 incendiary bombs. Within 45 minutes, the city was a sea flame and a
desert of rubble. While a marshaling yard was hit, so were the residential areas. 240 buildings were
destroyed and 350 heavily damaged. 300 civilians died in this attack. On May 31, 1944 another large
scale attack followed, killing with 200 more civilians. Hamm lost 1,029 civilians to bombing.
| Hannover |
In 1170, medieval Hannover, on the banks of the river Leine, became a city and by the 14th century
was a member of the Hanseatic League. Its city walls, main gates and churches were built in the 14th
century. It was the capital of the Duke of Braunschweig-Lüneburg from 1636. In 1692, the duke
received the additional title of elector and was thus known as the "Elector of Hanover."
was a member of the Hanseatic League. Its city walls, main gates and churches were built in the 14th
century. It was the capital of the Duke of Braunschweig-Lüneburg from 1636. In 1692, the duke
received the additional title of elector and was thus known as the "Elector of Hanover."
Since the beginning of World War Two, there were 428 raids on old Hannover. In October of 1943,
the British dropped 3,000 high- explosives bombs, 28,000 phosphorus bombs and 230,000 staff
incendiary bombs, destroying 4,000 houses and killing 1,245 humans in one night. Witnesses reported
later that when the scorching fire wind blew, people frantically fled on pavement which was actually
on fire. Time fused bombs from three of the attacking airplanes still released their deadly charges for
up to 144 hours after the attack. Ten days later, another 23,051 tons of bombs fell on Hannover, and
left 6.3 million cubic meters of rubble. The Ebstorfer map of the world was the largest and most
contents-rich map of the Middle Ages, created between 1230 and 1250 and was also the oldest map
of Germany. It was destroyed along with the federal state library in Hannover.
the British dropped 3,000 high- explosives bombs, 28,000 phosphorus bombs and 230,000 staff
incendiary bombs, destroying 4,000 houses and killing 1,245 humans in one night. Witnesses reported
later that when the scorching fire wind blew, people frantically fled on pavement which was actually
on fire. Time fused bombs from three of the attacking airplanes still released their deadly charges for
up to 144 hours after the attack. Ten days later, another 23,051 tons of bombs fell on Hannover, and
left 6.3 million cubic meters of rubble. The Ebstorfer map of the world was the largest and most
contents-rich map of the Middle Ages, created between 1230 and 1250 and was also the oldest map
of Germany. It was destroyed along with the federal state library in Hannover.
His descendants later became not only Kings of Hannover, but Kings of England, the first of which
was George 1, who ascended the British throne in 1714.Three kings of Great Britain were at the
same time Electoral Princes of Hannover. From 1803, Hannover was controlled by France for ten
years. Napoleon installed 30,000 French soldiers in Hanover who looted and plundered the city and
disbanded the Hannover army. As a result, a great number of soldiers of Hannover eventually
emigrated to England and joined the King's German Legion which later played an important role in
the victory at the Battle of Waterloo.
was George 1, who ascended the British throne in 1714.Three kings of Great Britain were at the
same time Electoral Princes of Hannover. From 1803, Hannover was controlled by France for ten
years. Napoleon installed 30,000 French soldiers in Hanover who looted and plundered the city and
disbanded the Hannover army. As a result, a great number of soldiers of Hannover eventually
emigrated to England and joined the King's German Legion which later played an important role in
the victory at the Battle of Waterloo.
| Hanau |
The birthplace of the Brothers Grimm, Hanau, east of Frankfurt, was first mentioned in 1143 and
grew into a city by 1303. At the end of the 16th century, Count Philipp Ludwig II let in Walloons,
Protestant refugees from the Netherlands, who founded their own settlement, bringing jewellery
making skills with them which helped Hanau evolve in to a gold and silver makers' city.
grew into a city by 1303. At the end of the 16th century, Count Philipp Ludwig II let in Walloons,
Protestant refugees from the Netherlands, who founded their own settlement, bringing jewellery
making skills with them which helped Hanau evolve in to a gold and silver makers' city.
It was unnecessarily destroyed by British airstrikes on March 19, 1945 a mere few days before it was
inevitably taken by the US Army. 85% of the city was blown up. The number of its inhabitants sank
to under 10,000. Hanau lost its most important monuments, and the medieval section of the city was
burned into oblivion. The ancient city castle was ruined, the historic arsenal and the city theater were
in pieces. Only half of the historical Walloon church still stands today, but as a ruin. Today, more
than 30% of the inhabitants are foreign nationals.
inevitably taken by the US Army. 85% of the city was blown up. The number of its inhabitants sank
to under 10,000. Hanau lost its most important monuments, and the medieval section of the city was
burned into oblivion. The ancient city castle was ruined, the historic arsenal and the city theater were
in pieces. Only half of the historical Walloon church still stands today, but as a ruin. Today, more
than 30% of the inhabitants are foreign nationals.
| Heilbronn |
| Helgoland |
It was in 1248 that the counties around the Brenner pass unified. Duke Friedrich IV built the castle
Schloss Tirol at Meran, and Innsbruck became the capital of all Tirol in 1429. Emperor Maximilian I
turned the city into a vibrant, thriving cultural and financial center in the 15th and 16th centuries. He
built das Goldene Dachl, a magnificent Renaissance building which is Innsbruck's most famous
landmark. The Tirol line of the Habsburgs died out in 1665, but Maria Theresa helped the old city
retain its glory by building more fabulous buildings.
Schloss Tirol at Meran, and Innsbruck became the capital of all Tirol in 1429. Emperor Maximilian I
turned the city into a vibrant, thriving cultural and financial center in the 15th and 16th centuries. He
built das Goldene Dachl, a magnificent Renaissance building which is Innsbruck's most famous
landmark. The Tirol line of the Habsburgs died out in 1665, but Maria Theresa helped the old city
retain its glory by building more fabulous buildings.
| Innsbruck |
In 1919, the Allied victors at Versailles vindictively severed South Tirol from its homeland and gave
it to Italy. During the Second World War, all of the Austrian Tirol suffered massive damage from air
attacks. From 1943 until April, 1945, Innsbruck experienced 21 bomb attacks and suffered heavy
damage. By May 1945, Innsbruck lost hundreds of civilians to the Allied bombing. The Innsbruck
cathedral, with its domes and Baroque interior featuring a high altar painting by Lucas Cranach the
Elder, the Bahnhof and Maria-Theresienstrasse were destroyed. 20,000 tons of bombs were dropped
on Vorarlberg and north and South Tirol, killing 1500 civilians. The Allies made sure that South Tirol
remained severed from her cultural and historic roots with Austria and the rest of Tirol.
Andreas Hofer The Manesse Codex and Walther von der Vogelweide Michael Gaismair
it to Italy. During the Second World War, all of the Austrian Tirol suffered massive damage from air
attacks. From 1943 until April, 1945, Innsbruck experienced 21 bomb attacks and suffered heavy
damage. By May 1945, Innsbruck lost hundreds of civilians to the Allied bombing. The Innsbruck
cathedral, with its domes and Baroque interior featuring a high altar painting by Lucas Cranach the
Elder, the Bahnhof and Maria-Theresienstrasse were destroyed. 20,000 tons of bombs were dropped
on Vorarlberg and north and South Tirol, killing 1500 civilians. The Allies made sure that South Tirol
remained severed from her cultural and historic roots with Austria and the rest of Tirol.
Andreas Hofer The Manesse Codex and Walther von der Vogelweide Michael Gaismair
The events unleashed by the military force in just the first few months of War were strong enough to
change weather conditions in Northern Europe, resulting in the coldest winter for 110 years. Tens of
thousands of massive explosions from bombs and depth charges were employed since September 1,
1939 as well as a number of aerial bombs released over the sea, shelling, anti-aircraft fire and other
activities that confused the normal pattern of life at sea to such an extent that it quickly reacted by
cooling out too early for the forthcoming winter season. Arctic air was then allowed to penetrate
Northern Europe without resistance. The war at sea actually modified the weather, sending Europe
into a temporary Ice Age. The first British bomb in the war dropped on German soil was here.
To Kill an Island The Helgoland Light Pirates
change weather conditions in Northern Europe, resulting in the coldest winter for 110 years. Tens of
thousands of massive explosions from bombs and depth charges were employed since September 1,
1939 as well as a number of aerial bombs released over the sea, shelling, anti-aircraft fire and other
activities that confused the normal pattern of life at sea to such an extent that it quickly reacted by
cooling out too early for the forthcoming winter season. Arctic air was then allowed to penetrate
Northern Europe without resistance. The war at sea actually modified the weather, sending Europe
into a temporary Ice Age. The first British bomb in the war dropped on German soil was here.
To Kill an Island The Helgoland Light Pirates
There are traces of stone age human settlement in and around Heilbronn on the fertile banks of the
Necker, sites of the Bronze age within the city and evidence that ancient Celts mined salt in the
region. The Romans then built villas and lived here until overtaken by the Alamanni in 260AD. The
area became part of the Frankish realm between the 4th and 7th centuries, and the present town
grew. Heilbronn is first mentioned in 741 and was incorporated into the Hohenstaufen Empire in
1225. In the 13th century most of the town became part of the Deutsche Orden. City status was
given to Heilbronn in the 13th century, and by the 14th century it beckoned growth and prosperity.
Heilbronn became an Imperial Free City in 1371, and was eyed by the house of Württemberg.
Necker, sites of the Bronze age within the city and evidence that ancient Celts mined salt in the
region. The Romans then built villas and lived here until overtaken by the Alamanni in 260AD. The
area became part of the Frankish realm between the 4th and 7th centuries, and the present town
grew. Heilbronn is first mentioned in 741 and was incorporated into the Hohenstaufen Empire in
1225. In the 13th century most of the town became part of the Deutsche Orden. City status was
given to Heilbronn in the 13th century, and by the 14th century it beckoned growth and prosperity.
Heilbronn became an Imperial Free City in 1371, and was eyed by the house of Württemberg.
The city suffered terribly in the Thirty Years War, and was later reoccupied by the French for
several months in 1688 during the French Revolutionary Wars. Heilbronn grew again in the 18th
century, and played host to notables such as Schiller and Goethe. The Duke of Württemberg had lost
his holdings on the left bank of the Rhine to the French, but received the right bank in compensation,
and Heilbronn together with other formerly Imperial Free Cities became part of Württemberg in
1803. Heilbronn was industrialized in the mid-19th century. It was the second largest city in
Württemberg by the 1930's and its citizens enjoyed industry and prosperity. Their port turned into an
important transfer station on the Neckar and one of the 10 largest interior ports in the country. This
would unfortunately target the city for an intentionally crafted firestorm: Heilbronn Fried
several months in 1688 during the French Revolutionary Wars. Heilbronn grew again in the 18th
century, and played host to notables such as Schiller and Goethe. The Duke of Württemberg had lost
his holdings on the left bank of the Rhine to the French, but received the right bank in compensation,
and Heilbronn together with other formerly Imperial Free Cities became part of Württemberg in
1803. Heilbronn was industrialized in the mid-19th century. It was the second largest city in
Württemberg by the 1930's and its citizens enjoyed industry and prosperity. Their port turned into an
important transfer station on the Neckar and one of the 10 largest interior ports in the country. This
would unfortunately target the city for an intentionally crafted firestorm: Heilbronn Fried
In World War Two, several small airstrikes were directed at Hamelin in 1940, but they resulted in
only minor property damage. The first concentrated attack was on June, 1941 when a British bomber
night attack hit residential houses and killed 24 people. Almost two years later, in July of 1944, the
RAF attacked again, hitting another few residential houses, killing 20 more civilians. In March and
April 1945, there were constant, increasing threats from the air.
only minor property damage. The first concentrated attack was on June, 1941 when a British bomber
night attack hit residential houses and killed 24 people. Almost two years later, in July of 1944, the
RAF attacked again, hitting another few residential houses, killing 20 more civilians. In March and
April 1945, there were constant, increasing threats from the air.
On Wednesday, March 14, 1945, the sky was beautifully blue at lunchtime. Many of the people
coming and going to work or shopping were at the railway station in hopes of catching the midday
trains. They did not know the trains has stopped running in the area because of bomber activity.
When enemy bombers were first spotted over the horizon, they flew in the direction of Hanover, and
the people breathed a sigh of relief, but 12 British bombers suddenly reappeared from the east,
gunning for the crowded train station. People had no time to react. Immediately, bombs rained their
death on the station grounds, dropping 93 spring- loaded bombs and 1200 incendiaries.
coming and going to work or shopping were at the railway station in hopes of catching the midday
trains. They did not know the trains has stopped running in the area because of bomber activity.
When enemy bombers were first spotted over the horizon, they flew in the direction of Hanover, and
the people breathed a sigh of relief, but 12 British bombers suddenly reappeared from the east,
gunning for the crowded train station. People had no time to react. Immediately, bombs rained their
death on the station grounds, dropping 93 spring- loaded bombs and 1200 incendiaries.
Some 200 deaths were reported at the train station and 60 from the surrounding residential area. One
entire family, a mother with her six children, was killed and twelve other families lost two or more
family members in the attack. There was no colorful stranger to lead them out of town to safety. 700
people were left homeless. The victims were laid in long rows of the dead on the pavement opposite
the local hotel. For 3 years, suitcases, bags and personal belongings of the victims were unclaimed,
and desperate relatives searched them for clues as to the fates of their loved ones. Just after the
Second World War, Hameln prison was used by the British Occupation Forces for the detention of
German prisoners, more than 200 of whom, including women, they hanged after quick, mock
trials.Famed British hangman Albert Pierrepoint was recruited for the messy job. The old prison is
now a fancy hotel.
entire family, a mother with her six children, was killed and twelve other families lost two or more
family members in the attack. There was no colorful stranger to lead them out of town to safety. 700
people were left homeless. The victims were laid in long rows of the dead on the pavement opposite
the local hotel. For 3 years, suitcases, bags and personal belongings of the victims were unclaimed,
and desperate relatives searched them for clues as to the fates of their loved ones. Just after the
Second World War, Hameln prison was used by the British Occupation Forces for the detention of
German prisoners, more than 200 of whom, including women, they hanged after quick, mock
trials.Famed British hangman Albert Pierrepoint was recruited for the messy job. The old prison is
now a fancy hotel.
The city prospered greatly in the 15th century, and many of the city's buildings were erected then. In
1528, the Augsburg Confession was accepted by the city council and residents and the Heilbronn
Catechism of 1536 is the second oldest catechism in the Protestant Church. Heilbronn in the 16th
century, above
1528, the Augsburg Confession was accepted by the city council and residents and the Heilbronn
Catechism of 1536 is the second oldest catechism in the Protestant Church. Heilbronn in the 16th
century, above
| Hildesheim (see under Featured Cities) |
| Ingolstadt |
Ingolstadt is an ancient university town located on the banks of the Danube in the center of Bavaria.
It was spared bombing until the beginning of 1945, when 650 people met their death from the first
attacks in January by the 640 long-range American bombers. 782 fighters dropping 480 spring loaded
bombs and 330 fire bombs. 70% of the buildings were damaged and 22 people dead. .
It was spared bombing until the beginning of 1945, when 650 people met their death from the first
attacks in January by the 640 long-range American bombers. 782 fighters dropping 480 spring loaded
bombs and 330 fire bombs. 70% of the buildings were damaged and 22 people dead. .
On March 1, the Americans struck again and dumped 603.3 tons of explosives and fire bombs in just
4 minutes from a height of about 5,500 meters in three successive waves, killing 133 more people
and wounding hundreds By now, large parts of the historic city were in ruins. Yet, on March 4,
1945, they struck again...and then on April 5th again, dropping 1,575 Spring loaded bombs with a
total load of 621.4 tons as well as numerous propaganda pamphlets. 92 more civilians were killed, 56
seriously injured and 170 left homeless. On April 9, 1945, no allied air attack on Ingolstadt was
planned, but as 212 American "Flying Fortresses" were returning from another mission, ten of them
made a surprise u-turn and decided to dump their loads on Ingolstadt. From an altitude of about 7000
meters, they dumped 29 tons of explosives and fire bombs on the antique Augustinian church with its
adjoining Franciscan monastery. 73 bodies were later pulled from its ruins, mostly refugees from
Pomerania who had fled to the church for protection. Only one young woman, after ten hours of
being trapped, could be saved. 100 elderly people taking refuge in their home also died. This attack
destroyed the municipal theater, the Rathaus square and numerous other residential and commercial
buildings. Attack after attack then followed: on April 10, 11, 16 and 20th, each successively bigger,
more violent and destructive. The residents were no more than trapped rats in a cage, unable to
change their fates. On the 21st, 30 U.S.bombers attacked in B-17s in five waves over the surviving
urban area, dropping firebombs and more high-explosives on the defenseless city and even its rural
surroundings. 2,000 people were now homeless .Yet, even then, U.S. low flying bombers picked off
any moving life forms below and at least 28 deaths by their shelling were recorded.
4 minutes from a height of about 5,500 meters in three successive waves, killing 133 more people
and wounding hundreds By now, large parts of the historic city were in ruins. Yet, on March 4,
1945, they struck again...and then on April 5th again, dropping 1,575 Spring loaded bombs with a
total load of 621.4 tons as well as numerous propaganda pamphlets. 92 more civilians were killed, 56
seriously injured and 170 left homeless. On April 9, 1945, no allied air attack on Ingolstadt was
planned, but as 212 American "Flying Fortresses" were returning from another mission, ten of them
made a surprise u-turn and decided to dump their loads on Ingolstadt. From an altitude of about 7000
meters, they dumped 29 tons of explosives and fire bombs on the antique Augustinian church with its
adjoining Franciscan monastery. 73 bodies were later pulled from its ruins, mostly refugees from
Pomerania who had fled to the church for protection. Only one young woman, after ten hours of
being trapped, could be saved. 100 elderly people taking refuge in their home also died. This attack
destroyed the municipal theater, the Rathaus square and numerous other residential and commercial
buildings. Attack after attack then followed: on April 10, 11, 16 and 20th, each successively bigger,
more violent and destructive. The residents were no more than trapped rats in a cage, unable to
change their fates. On the 21st, 30 U.S.bombers attacked in B-17s in five waves over the surviving
urban area, dropping firebombs and more high-explosives on the defenseless city and even its rural
surroundings. 2,000 people were now homeless .Yet, even then, U.S. low flying bombers picked off
any moving life forms below and at least 28 deaths by their shelling were recorded.
Herne, a city in North Rhine-Westphalia in the Ruhr area directly between the cities of Bochum and
Gelsenkirchen, was like most other cities in the region, a tiny village until the 19th century. The
villages of the Ruhr area were targeted by the RAF on June 4, 1940, early in World War II. Three
high-explosive bombs were dropped and one house was damaged
Gelsenkirchen, was like most other cities in the region, a tiny village until the 19th century. The
villages of the Ruhr area were targeted by the RAF on June 4, 1940, early in World War II. Three
high-explosive bombs were dropped and one house was damaged
| Herne |
| Hattingen |
Hattingen is located at the south bank of River Ruhr in the southern of the Ruhr Area and was first
mentioned in 1396 when the Duke of Mark granted permission to build a city wall. It has a
picturesque Old Town with half-timbered houses originating from the 14th to 16th century, but it was
not spared bombing. On February 13, 1945, Hattinger station was the target Allied bombers, and it
was later occupied by French troops. The war did not end for Hattingen, Germany: a Second World
War bomb exploded in September of 2008, injuring 60 people.
mentioned in 1396 when the Duke of Mark granted permission to build a city wall. It has a
picturesque Old Town with half-timbered houses originating from the 14th to 16th century, but it was
not spared bombing. On February 13, 1945, Hattinger station was the target Allied bombers, and it
was later occupied by French troops. The war did not end for Hattingen, Germany: a Second World
War bomb exploded in September of 2008, injuring 60 people.
| Homberg |
Homberg is a small town in northern Hesse with about 15,000 inhabitants, and it was founded by the
Hessian-Thuringian Landgraves. It's first documented mention as a town was in 1231.The town's
name comes from the Hohenburg, the castle above Homberg. The well is Germany's third deepest
castle well. Allied bombing killed 70 civilians.
Hessian-Thuringian Landgraves. It's first documented mention as a town was in 1231.The town's
name comes from the Hohenburg, the castle above Homberg. The well is Germany's third deepest
castle well. Allied bombing killed 70 civilians.
Itzehoe is the oldest town in Holstein. Its nucleus was a castle, built in 809 by Egbert, one of
Charlemagne's counts, to protect them from marauding Danes. In October, 1941, nine Allied bombs
were dropped on Itzehoe. From July 1943, after the attacks on Hamburg and Kiel, homeless people
streamed into the pristine area and the population of the city climbed. Then in 1944, refugees from
the East flooded in. In May 1945, almost 12,000 more people lived in the city than in May 1943,
resulting in an extreme housing emergency.
Charlemagne's counts, to protect them from marauding Danes. In October, 1941, nine Allied bombs
were dropped on Itzehoe. From July 1943, after the attacks on Hamburg and Kiel, homeless people
streamed into the pristine area and the population of the city climbed. Then in 1944, refugees from
the East flooded in. In May 1945, almost 12,000 more people lived in the city than in May 1943,
resulting in an extreme housing emergency.
| Itzehoe |
Heinsberg in the west of North Rhine-Westphalia is another victim of bombing. Until World War II,
a medieval mill stream flowed through the town. Following bomb attacks, the creek bed was
destroyed and has never been repaired. The grave of the Dukes of Heinsberg from the early 15th
century were destroyed as well. Heinsberg and Geilenkirchen merged in 1932.
a medieval mill stream flowed through the town. Following bomb attacks, the creek bed was
destroyed and has never been repaired. The grave of the Dukes of Heinsberg from the early 15th
century were destroyed as well. Heinsberg and Geilenkirchen merged in 1932.
| Heinsberg |
| Isny (see under Allgäu) |
| Immenstadt (see under Allgäu) |
| Hückelhoven ( see under Heinsburg ) |
| Hamich ( see under Düren ) |
| Hürtgen ( see under Düren ) |
The 8th U.S. Air Force was to bomb the fortifications around Eschweiler and Aldenhoven, while the
medium bombers of the 9th U.S. Air Force were assigned to the second line of defense around Jülich
and Langerwehe. At the same time the RAF Bomber Command was to hit the traffic centres of
Jülich and Düren hard; the smaller towns of Heinsberg, Erkelenz and Hückelhoven were designated
as secondary targets. The offensive began on November 16, 1944. 1,204 heavy bombers of the 8th
U.S. Air Force hit Eschweiler, Weisweiler and Langerwehe with 4,120 bombs, while 339 fighter
bombers of the 9th U.S. Air Force attacked Hamich, Hürtgen and Gey with 200 tons of bombs. At
the same time 467 Halifax and Lancaster Bombers attacked Düren and Jülich; 180 British bombers
hit Heinsberg.
medium bombers of the 9th U.S. Air Force were assigned to the second line of defense around Jülich
and Langerwehe. At the same time the RAF Bomber Command was to hit the traffic centres of
Jülich and Düren hard; the smaller towns of Heinsberg, Erkelenz and Hückelhoven were designated
as secondary targets. The offensive began on November 16, 1944. 1,204 heavy bombers of the 8th
U.S. Air Force hit Eschweiler, Weisweiler and Langerwehe with 4,120 bombs, while 339 fighter
bombers of the 9th U.S. Air Force attacked Hamich, Hürtgen and Gey with 200 tons of bombs. At
the same time 467 Halifax and Lancaster Bombers attacked Düren and Jülich; 180 British bombers
hit Heinsberg.
Hückelhoven is today a town in the district Heinsberg, named for its village founder Reinhard von
Huckilhoven in the 13th century. There was a wonderful old castle first mentioned in 1248, Schloß
Rurich. The town was bombed on November 16, 1944 during Operation Queen, a joint
British-American bomb operation carried out between Aachen and the Rur river in November
1944.The castle above survived the immense destruction caused by "Operation Queen" only to be
hit by a grenade attack on Christmas of 1944, which caused immense, and in part irreparable
damage. The valuable castle library of over 18,000 volumes was thoroughly looted by American GIs.
Huckilhoven in the 13th century. There was a wonderful old castle first mentioned in 1248, Schloß
Rurich. The town was bombed on November 16, 1944 during Operation Queen, a joint
British-American bomb operation carried out between Aachen and the Rur river in November
1944.The castle above survived the immense destruction caused by "Operation Queen" only to be
hit by a grenade attack on Christmas of 1944, which caused immense, and in part irreparable
damage. The valuable castle library of over 18,000 volumes was thoroughly looted by American GIs.
