| Hameln, Hamm, Hannover, Hanau, Heilbronn, Heligoland, Hildesheim, Ingolstadt and Innsbruck |
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. The Brothers Grimm
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. The Brothers Grimm
| 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.
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.
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.
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.
| 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."
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."
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.
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.
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
helping the English win 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
helping the English win 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.
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.
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 sunk to under 10,000. Hanau lost its most important
monuments, and the medieval section of the city was needlessly blown 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.
days before it was inevitably taken by the US Army. 85% of the city was blown up.
The number of its inhabitants sunk to under 10,000. Hanau lost its most important
monuments, and the medieval section of the city was needlessly blown 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 |
| Heligoland |
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.
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.
| Innsbruck |
In 1943, German speaking South Tyrol, which the victors at Versailles severed from its
homeland and gave to Italy, was annexed to the Reich. 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. South Tirol was once again severed from her
cultural roots by the Allies.
homeland and gave to Italy, was annexed to the Reich. 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. South Tirol was once again severed from her
cultural roots by the Allies.
Life became very difficult in Tirol after 1945. Bombing destruction was substantial, and daily
rations were below 1000 calories. The French occupied Nord-tirol until 1955. East Tirol was
occupied by the British until 1953.
rations were below 1000 calories. The French occupied Nord-tirol until 1955. East Tirol was
occupied by the British until 1953.
The events unleashed by the military force in just the first few months of World War Two 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 had actually modified the weather, setting Europe back into
a temporary Ice Age. That was nothing.... To Kill an Island Pirates
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 had actually modified the weather, setting Europe back into
a temporary Ice Age. That was nothing.... To Kill an Island 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 this is when 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 with it the right to construct dams, mills and
harbors, and by the 14th century it beckoned growth and prosperity. Heilbronn became an Imperial
Free City of the Holy Roman Empire 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 this is when 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 with it the right to construct dams, mills and
harbors, and by the 14th century it beckoned growth and prosperity. Heilbronn became an Imperial
Free City of the Holy Roman Empire 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 act as an unfortunate detriment in the city's future, 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 act as an unfortunate detriment in the city's future, 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 in the form of low
fliers terrorizing the people and sending Hamelin citizens scrambling to their cellars.
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 in the form of low
fliers terrorizing the people and sending Hamelin citizens scrambling to their cellars.
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. People, including a very large number
of young recruits, were also waiting for the weekly allocation of cigarettes. 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.
work or shopping were at the railway station in hopes of catching the midday trains. People, including a very large number
of young recruits, were also waiting for the weekly allocation of cigarettes. 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. Below:
Hameln railway station before and after, and the neighborhood around it, just weeks before war's end.
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. Below:
Hameln railway station before and after, and the neighborhood around it, just weeks before war's end.
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 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 (with a ghastly past).
prison was used by the British Occupation
Forces for the detention of German
prisoners, more than 200 of whom 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 (with a ghastly past).
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, left
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, left
| Hildesheim |
| Ingolstadt |
Ingolstadt is an ancient town located along 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. 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.
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.
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.
240 buildings were completely 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. Click, left
another large scale attack followed, killing with 200 more civilians. Hamm lost 1,029 civilians to bombing. Click, left
| (see under Featured Cities) |