| Olpe, Osnabrück, Ottbergen, Paderborn, Pforzheim, Pirmasens and Plauen |
| Ottbergen |
When an unexpected American air raid directed its fury at the small Saxon
town of Ottbergen on February 22,1945, it only destroyed a few houses, but
many people fled in panic to a town shelter to find protection. This being
calculated, the shelter was suddenly bombed, killing the 91 civilians who had
fled there for safety. The principal target of this attack was purportedly
defense cannons at a nearby plant, but they were left largely undamaged.
Ottbergen would lose 79 more of its people before war's end.
town of Ottbergen on February 22,1945, it only destroyed a few houses, but
many people fled in panic to a town shelter to find protection. This being
calculated, the shelter was suddenly bombed, killing the 91 civilians who had
fled there for safety. The principal target of this attack was purportedly
defense cannons at a nearby plant, but they were left largely undamaged.
Ottbergen would lose 79 more of its people before war's end.
| Paderborn |
Their order read: 'Destruction of city center'. 1,200 years of history
turned to ashes in a mere thirty minutes under the hellish bombardment
of 200 aerial mines, 11,000 high-explosive bombs and more than
92,000 incendiary bombs. The target was supposedly the railroads, but
they had already been hit. The old city center was an instant
apocalypse, the large churches, including the 11th century cathedral,
were lost in a sea of flame. The 1613 Rathaus, with all the splendor of
the Renaissance, toppled into cinders. Thousands of rare books and
irreplaceable manuscripts were lost forever both by the bombing and by
the looting afterward. 85% of Paderborn was destroyed on Palm
Sunday. Hundreds were killed.
turned to ashes in a mere thirty minutes under the hellish bombardment
of 200 aerial mines, 11,000 high-explosive bombs and more than
92,000 incendiary bombs. The target was supposedly the railroads, but
they had already been hit. The old city center was an instant
apocalypse, the large churches, including the 11th century cathedral,
were lost in a sea of flame. The 1613 Rathaus, with all the splendor of
the Renaissance, toppled into cinders. Thousands of rare books and
irreplaceable manuscripts were lost forever both by the bombing and by
the looting afterward. 85% of Paderborn was destroyed on Palm
Sunday. Hundreds were killed.
Later, the ruins of one of Charlemagne's palaces was discovered beneath rubble
Paderborn belongs to the list of the most destroyed cities in Germany. Only burned out ruins and
mountains of rubble remained of the medieval city center after March 27, 1945, when 275 heavy
British bombers accompanied by 115 American fighters set their sites on Paderborn.
mountains of rubble remained of the medieval city center after March 27, 1945, when 275 heavy
British bombers accompanied by 115 American fighters set their sites on Paderborn.
| Pforzheim |
| Osnabrück |
The city of Osnabrück was founded in 780
by Charlemagne, and became seat of the
Bishopric of Osnabrück by 803, making it
the oldest bishopric in Saxony.
by Charlemagne, and became seat of the
Bishopric of Osnabrück by 803, making it
the oldest bishopric in Saxony.
It was given merchant, customs and coinage privileges in 889 by King Arnulf of Carinthia, and first
mentioned as a "city" in 1147. Barbarosa granted the city fortification privileges (Befestigungsrecht)
in 1147, and the medieval fortification was built. Osnabrück became a member of the Hanseatic
League in the 12th century.
mentioned as a "city" in 1147. Barbarosa granted the city fortification privileges (Befestigungsrecht)
in 1147, and the medieval fortification was built. Osnabrück became a member of the Hanseatic
League in the 12th century.
Like most German cities, Osnabrück was all but destroyed by Allied
bombing in the Second World War. The flight paths of both the British
and American bombers from London to Berlin and Central Germany were
directly over Osnabrück. Thus, on their return flights they casually
dumped their leftover bombs on the city, not for any military significance,
but merely for its use as their trash can. Osnabrück was among the first
and the last bombed German cities. On September 4, 1939, sirens howled
in Osnabrück for the first time, the first of 2,400 trips to shelters and
cellars for Osnabrückers during the course of the war (Germany did not
attack Coventry until 1940).
bombing in the Second World War. The flight paths of both the British
and American bombers from London to Berlin and Central Germany were
directly over Osnabrück. Thus, on their return flights they casually
dumped their leftover bombs on the city, not for any military significance,
but merely for its use as their trash can. Osnabrück was among the first
and the last bombed German cities. On September 4, 1939, sirens howled
in Osnabrück for the first time, the first of 2,400 trips to shelters and
cellars for Osnabrückers during the course of the war (Germany did not
attack Coventry until 1940).
78 air raids later, and Osnabrück was no more. The last bombing took place on March 25, 1945.
181 aerial mines, nearly 25,000 high explosives bombs, over 650,000 incendiary bombs and nearly
12,000 liquid incendiary bombs were dumped between 1942 and 1945 over Osnabrück. The
bombing killed a couple thousand people, including 268 Allied prisoners of war, and injured 2000.
750 major and 3600 smaller fires incinerated the city. The old part of town was 85% destroyed.
14,000 dwellings were destroyed, leaving 87,000 humans shelterless. All industrial and public plants
such as post offices and all public utilities were trashed. 141 public buildings, 7 churches, 13 schools
and a hospital went up in flames. 900,000 cubic meters of rubble was left.
181 aerial mines, nearly 25,000 high explosives bombs, over 650,000 incendiary bombs and nearly
12,000 liquid incendiary bombs were dumped between 1942 and 1945 over Osnabrück. The
bombing killed a couple thousand people, including 268 Allied prisoners of war, and injured 2000.
750 major and 3600 smaller fires incinerated the city. The old part of town was 85% destroyed.
14,000 dwellings were destroyed, leaving 87,000 humans shelterless. All industrial and public plants
such as post offices and all public utilities were trashed. 141 public buildings, 7 churches, 13 schools
and a hospital went up in flames. 900,000 cubic meters of rubble was left.
American eye-witness account: "The Group Headquarters entered Pirmasens late the night of the
23rd and here at close range saw the devastating effects of allied aerial bombing. The town of
perhaps fifty thousand was practically leveled. German families were huddled together wherever they
could find shelter. Others wandered in a daze through still smoking rubble Broken water mains
spouted water and the smell of death was everywhere. That night the Group found a place to
bivouac near a mausoleum and cemetery at the edge of town. In back of the buildings were row
upon row of coffins of the unburied dead and within the mausoleum was a large room completely
filled with corpses. We were glad to soon move on. The following day the results of allied air power
could be seen again along a mountain road. For well over a mile were at least two hundred dead
horses from a German supply column that had been strafed, still harnessed to their wrecked wagons.
I for one was not ashamed to feel the same deep sorrow and anguish that I had felt on seeing our
dead GIs, and for that matter the young teen age dead German soldiers."
23rd and here at close range saw the devastating effects of allied aerial bombing. The town of
perhaps fifty thousand was practically leveled. German families were huddled together wherever they
could find shelter. Others wandered in a daze through still smoking rubble Broken water mains
spouted water and the smell of death was everywhere. That night the Group found a place to
bivouac near a mausoleum and cemetery at the edge of town. In back of the buildings were row
upon row of coffins of the unburied dead and within the mausoleum was a large room completely
filled with corpses. We were glad to soon move on. The following day the results of allied air power
could be seen again along a mountain road. For well over a mile were at least two hundred dead
horses from a German supply column that had been strafed, still harnessed to their wrecked wagons.
I for one was not ashamed to feel the same deep sorrow and anguish that I had felt on seeing our
dead GIs, and for that matter the young teen age dead German soldiers."
Pirmasens, the site of Germany's oldest shoe factory, was first mentioned in 860AD
as a cloister. It was chartered by Landgrave Ludwig IX. who built his residence and
a military garrison there in 1763. When he died, the garrison was disbanded and the
townspeople had no way to make a living, so the ex-soldiers fashioned the old
leather uniform parts into simple shoes which their wives peddled. In the early and
mid 19th century, the town experienced prosperity and Europe's first shoe factories
were built.
as a cloister. It was chartered by Landgrave Ludwig IX. who built his residence and
a military garrison there in 1763. When he died, the garrison was disbanded and the
townspeople had no way to make a living, so the ex-soldiers fashioned the old
leather uniform parts into simple shoes which their wives peddled. In the early and
mid 19th century, the town experienced prosperity and Europe's first shoe factories
were built.
| Pirmasens |
Paderborn's documented history began in the year 777 when Charlemagne convened the first
Frankonian Imperial Diet here after defeating the Saxons. In 799, it was the meeting place of
Charlemagne and Pope Leo III who had just fled Rome because of a rebellion, and he created a
bishopric here in Paderborn. Catholicism played a critical role in Paderborn, and the old city was full
of relics, rare manuscripts, ancient churches, including a large cathedral which dominated the city
center. One of the earliest recorded partnership between two cities was formed in 839, when the
remains of St. Liborius were moved from Le Mans, France to Paderborn. In the 11th century, a
series of buildings were erected by a member of the Saxon royal family.
Frankonian Imperial Diet here after defeating the Saxons. In 799, it was the meeting place of
Charlemagne and Pope Leo III who had just fled Rome because of a rebellion, and he created a
bishopric here in Paderborn. Catholicism played a critical role in Paderborn, and the old city was full
of relics, rare manuscripts, ancient churches, including a large cathedral which dominated the city
center. One of the earliest recorded partnership between two cities was formed in 839, when the
remains of St. Liborius were moved from Le Mans, France to Paderborn. In the 11th century, a
series of buildings were erected by a member of the Saxon royal family.
Paderborn was an important trading town and became a member of the Hanseatic League in 1295.
The city was badly damaged during the 30 Years War, but rebounded and was later adorned with
lovely baroque architecture. Paderborn became part of Prussia in the 19th century and linked in with
the German railway.
The city was badly damaged during the 30 Years War, but rebounded and was later adorned with
lovely baroque architecture. Paderborn became part of Prussia in the 19th century and linked in with
the German railway.
Osnabrückers were influenced to join the Reformation, and this resulted in conflict with the Catholic
bishops until the 17th century. Negotiations here at the Friedenssaal following the Thirty Years War
led to the Peace of Westphalia, and when the Catholic and the Protestant delegations refused to
negotiate in person, the Catholics were seated in Munster, and the Protestants in Osnabrück. For the
city, it was compromised that it would be governed alternately by a Roman Catholic and a Protestant
bishop, with the Protestant bishops being nominated by the Dukes of Braunschweig-Luneberg, and
this led to the last Prince-bishop, Friedrich, Duke of York and Albany, 1763- 1827, being elected at
the age of 196 days old to enable him to hold the position for as long as possible. After secularization
following the dissolution of the Holy Roman Empire, the Bishopric was appropriated into the
Kingdom of Hannover in 1803, as confirmed by the Congress of Vienna in 1815, and then became
part of Prussia in 1866. Britain's King George1 was born here, as was Erich Remarque.
bishops until the 17th century. Negotiations here at the Friedenssaal following the Thirty Years War
led to the Peace of Westphalia, and when the Catholic and the Protestant delegations refused to
negotiate in person, the Catholics were seated in Munster, and the Protestants in Osnabrück. For the
city, it was compromised that it would be governed alternately by a Roman Catholic and a Protestant
bishop, with the Protestant bishops being nominated by the Dukes of Braunschweig-Luneberg, and
this led to the last Prince-bishop, Friedrich, Duke of York and Albany, 1763- 1827, being elected at
the age of 196 days old to enable him to hold the position for as long as possible. After secularization
following the dissolution of the Holy Roman Empire, the Bishopric was appropriated into the
Kingdom of Hannover in 1803, as confirmed by the Congress of Vienna in 1815, and then became
part of Prussia in 1866. Britain's King George1 was born here, as was Erich Remarque.
Pforzheim is one of the smallest towns in Baden, and would not even be memorable, had it not been
for its ruin. Located at the confluence of the Wurm, Enz and Nagold Rivers at the northern rim of
the eastern part of the Black Forest, the "Pforte zum Schwarzwald" or "Gateway to the Black
Forest" once held a Roman settlement.
for its ruin. Located at the confluence of the Wurm, Enz and Nagold Rivers at the northern rim of
the eastern part of the Black Forest, the "Pforte zum Schwarzwald" or "Gateway to the Black
Forest" once held a Roman settlement.
A ford was built here through the river for the Roman military highway. Pforzheim later on became a
center for timber rafting from the Black Forest via the rivers Nagold, Enz and Wuerm, and then the
Necker and Rhine to far away lands for use in shipbuilding. It was an important medieval trade
center, often changing hands until it passed to the Margraves of Baden in the 13th century, and it
served as their residence until 1565.
center for timber rafting from the Black Forest via the rivers Nagold, Enz and Wuerm, and then the
Necker and Rhine to far away lands for use in shipbuilding. It was an important medieval trade
center, often changing hands until it passed to the Margraves of Baden in the 13th century, and it
served as their residence until 1565.
The post-war British Bombing Survey Unit called the bombing destruction of Pforzheim "probably
the greatest proportion in one raid during the war." It was a "smashing" success.
the greatest proportion in one raid during the war." It was a "smashing" success.
Pforzheim was damaged in the Thirty Years War and devastated by the French in the War of the
Grand Alliance in 1689. But, the little city rebounded and maintained life as a quiet hamlet on the
edge of the Black Forest. It was called the "Paris of the Black Forest" because of its medieval charm,
and the "City of Gold" because of its jewelry and clockmaking.
Grand Alliance in 1689. But, the little city rebounded and maintained life as a quiet hamlet on the
edge of the Black Forest. It was called the "Paris of the Black Forest" because of its medieval charm,
and the "City of Gold" because of its jewelry and clockmaking.
The long winter months and abundance of wood gave birth to a huge industry in the Black Forest,
and by 1808 there were already 688 clock makers and 582 clock peddlers in this neck of the forest.
Clock peddlers would peddle the gaily painted and embellished clocks in summer.
and by 1808 there were already 688 clock makers and 582 clock peddlers in this neck of the forest.
Clock peddlers would peddle the gaily painted and embellished clocks in summer.
Until the mid-17th century, sundials and
hourglasses kept time. Franz Anton
Ketterer is usually credited for making the
first Black Forest Cuckoo Clock in the
small village of Schönwald near Triberg in
the Schwarzwald. For over hundred years,
clock making was a local tradition.
hourglasses kept time. Franz Anton
Ketterer is usually credited for making the
first Black Forest Cuckoo Clock in the
small village of Schönwald near Triberg in
the Schwarzwald. For over hundred years,
clock making was a local tradition.
1643
| Plauen |
Medieval Plauen, on the Elster river, won its city charter in the early 13th century. St. Johann's
Church was dedicated in 1122 and the Rathaus built in 1508.
Church was dedicated in 1122 and the Rathaus built in 1508.
There was once a rich cotton dealer, Baumgärtel, whose stuccoed festive hall dated from 1786. He
was a Schleierherren or veil man of Plauen, and sold woven fashion merchandise in the 18th
century. Plauen lace became famous throughout the world after 1880. The Lutheran church at the
northern edge of the old city had existed since 1722, and was the oldest significant Baroque building
left in Saxony. Its four-winged altar, which was in the St. Thomas Church of Leipzig until 1722, was
created around 1500 near Erfurt.
was a Schleierherren or veil man of Plauen, and sold woven fashion merchandise in the 18th
century. Plauen lace became famous throughout the world after 1880. The Lutheran church at the
northern edge of the old city had existed since 1722, and was the oldest significant Baroque building
left in Saxony. Its four-winged altar, which was in the St. Thomas Church of Leipzig until 1722, was
created around 1500 near Erfurt.
However, in these closed cellars crowded with people, the air supply became
dangerous during 2-3 hour air raids. Ancient St Johann's Church was all but
totally destroyed. From April 16 to June 30, 1945, the American army
occupied Plauen and the Vogtland, containing the people before handing them
over to the communists on July 1. The ancient city entrances were later
blown up by Soviets.
dangerous during 2-3 hour air raids. Ancient St Johann's Church was all but
totally destroyed. From April 16 to June 30, 1945, the American army
occupied Plauen and the Vogtland, containing the people before handing them
over to the communists on July 1. The ancient city entrances were later
blown up by Soviets.
5,700 tons of weapons were dropped by British and American bombers on
Plauen, destroying 75% of the city and killing 2,443 humans in 14 air raids. In
the bombing, the citizens had ingeniously fortified old rock cellar areas under
a former factory. The underground halls held 7,000 to 8,000 persons and it
had its own water and electric supply.
Plauen, destroying 75% of the city and killing 2,443 humans in 14 air raids. In
the bombing, the citizens had ingeniously fortified old rock cellar areas under
a former factory. The underground halls held 7,000 to 8,000 persons and it
had its own water and electric supply.
| Olpe |
There are many towns we never hear about, such as the town of Olpe in the southern Sauerland in
North Rhine-Westphalia. The first archaeological finds in the Olpe area date to about AD 900. Olpe
was first mentioned in 1220 and in 1311 was granted town rights by the Archbishop of Cologne,
Count Heinrich II of Virneburg. History records evidence of witch trials being held in the Olpe
judicial area between 1587 and 1697 and Olpe had its first school teacher in 1615. Another medium
sized county town in the Olpe district is Attendorn. The town lies at the crossroads of two former
long-distance roads, the Heidenstraße and the so-called Königsstraße. Here, in Charlemagne’s time,
arose a parish. Under the St.-Johannes-Kirche lie the foundations of an old missionary church. In
1072, Archbishop Anno of Cologne endowed the Monastery here several royal rights. Both were
typical very old timber framed German towns holding nothing of military importance.
North Rhine-Westphalia. The first archaeological finds in the Olpe area date to about AD 900. Olpe
was first mentioned in 1220 and in 1311 was granted town rights by the Archbishop of Cologne,
Count Heinrich II of Virneburg. History records evidence of witch trials being held in the Olpe
judicial area between 1587 and 1697 and Olpe had its first school teacher in 1615. Another medium
sized county town in the Olpe district is Attendorn. The town lies at the crossroads of two former
long-distance roads, the Heidenstraße and the so-called Königsstraße. Here, in Charlemagne’s time,
arose a parish. Under the St.-Johannes-Kirche lie the foundations of an old missionary church. In
1072, Archbishop Anno of Cologne endowed the Monastery here several royal rights. Both were
typical very old timber framed German towns holding nothing of military importance.
On March 28, 1945, a Wednesday in the Holy Week during the dying days of the War, at a time
when Germany was basically defenseless, Olpe and Attendorn were heavily bombed in a major
American attack to assist the Soviet offensive. 46 American Mitchell and Boston bombers dropped
309, or 32,000 pounds of, high-explosive bombs on Olpe's residential and commercial district and on
Attendom from a height from 4300 to 3600 meters. The whistling of falling carpet bombs drowned
out the shrill warning sirens in Olpe. Crowds of frightened people frantically sought shelter from the
waves of bombers, but 119 civilians died, with 80 foreign workers/prisoners adding more to the death
rate. In addition, 75 people were seriously injured. 215 dwellings were destroyed in Olpe and 42 in
Attendorn, with hundreds more in severe disrepair.
when Germany was basically defenseless, Olpe and Attendorn were heavily bombed in a major
American attack to assist the Soviet offensive. 46 American Mitchell and Boston bombers dropped
309, or 32,000 pounds of, high-explosive bombs on Olpe's residential and commercial district and on
Attendom from a height from 4300 to 3600 meters. The whistling of falling carpet bombs drowned
out the shrill warning sirens in Olpe. Crowds of frightened people frantically sought shelter from the
waves of bombers, but 119 civilians died, with 80 foreign workers/prisoners adding more to the death
rate. In addition, 75 people were seriously injured. 215 dwellings were destroyed in Olpe and 42 in
Attendorn, with hundreds more in severe disrepair.
The majority of the death in Attendom took place in the Bahnhofstrasse, where women and girls
were standing in line to shop with their Easter special food allocations. They were literally mowed
down by the bombs in the surprise attack. Official findings said 150 people were killed immediately
or soon succumbed to their injuries. Seven were missing. Survivor's account
were standing in line to shop with their Easter special food allocations. They were literally mowed
down by the bombs in the surprise attack. Official findings said 150 people were killed immediately
or soon succumbed to their injuries. Seven were missing. Survivor's account
When War was over, Attendorn had another terrible terrible misfortune. At the time there was a part
of the town hall in which the food office was located where many people went to pick up their food
ration cards. In the basement was a large ammunition dump where, on the orders of the occupying
Americans, bombs, grenades and other military equipment was collected and stored. OnJune 15 at
10:30 a clock, an Allied soldier with a lighted cigarette went down into the basement and shortly
after, a large part of the town hall blew up. The huge explosion claimed 35 more lives.
of the town hall in which the food office was located where many people went to pick up their food
ration cards. In the basement was a large ammunition dump where, on the orders of the occupying
Americans, bombs, grenades and other military equipment was collected and stored. OnJune 15 at
10:30 a clock, an Allied soldier with a lighted cigarette went down into the basement and shortly
after, a large part of the town hall blew up. The huge explosion claimed 35 more lives.