| Potsdam, Prenzlau, Prüm, Rathenow, Recklinghausen, Regensburg, Remscheid, Reutlingen, Ronsdorf, Rositz, Rostock, Rothenburg, Saarbrücken, Saarlautern, Salzburg, Schwandorf, Schwäbisch Hall, Schweinfurt |
| Regensburg |
From 1532, Regensburg was often the meeting place of the Imperial Diet, and it became the
permanent seat of the Perpetual Diet or 'Immerwährender Reichstag', around 1663, around the time
its commerce had declined. Unlike the 190 other medieval German cities completely flattened by
World War Two Allied bombing, many of Regensburg's ancient buildings amazingly survived,
including the famous cathedral. However, it was not for lack of trying. Regensburg suffered from 20
British bomb attacks and 8 American air assaults from 1943-1945. In 1943, an RAF attack killed 402
civilians. In total, 3,000 civilians here were killed by Allied bombing, including many prisoners of
war. The Romanesque 9th century church of Obermünster was completely destroyed at the tail end
of the War by a violent, senseless bombing in March of 1945. Only the belfry still stood. The church
could not be rebuilt.
permanent seat of the Perpetual Diet or 'Immerwährender Reichstag', around 1663, around the time
its commerce had declined. Unlike the 190 other medieval German cities completely flattened by
World War Two Allied bombing, many of Regensburg's ancient buildings amazingly survived,
including the famous cathedral. However, it was not for lack of trying. Regensburg suffered from 20
British bomb attacks and 8 American air assaults from 1943-1945. In 1943, an RAF attack killed 402
civilians. In total, 3,000 civilians here were killed by Allied bombing, including many prisoners of
war. The Romanesque 9th century church of Obermünster was completely destroyed at the tail end
of the War by a violent, senseless bombing in March of 1945. Only the belfry still stood. The church
could not be rebuilt.
Regensburg, also known as Ratisbon, is one of the oldest German cities and a cultural center with
historic monuments dating back to Celtic times. It was an important Roman outpost. An abbey was
founded there in the mid 7th century, and St. Boniface established an Episcopal See in 739.
historic monuments dating back to Celtic times. It was an important Roman outpost. An abbey was
founded there in the mid 7th century, and St. Boniface established an Episcopal See in 739.
| Remscheid (Lennep) |
Remscheid-Lennep was the birthplace of Wilhelm Röntgen . Remscheid was founded in the 12th
century, but remained a small village until the 19th century, as did Lennep, a delightful medieval
village of small squares and narrow, crooked streets with an old church as its architectural
centerpiece. Lennep, Roentgen's actual birthplace, was damaged by fire in 1746 and rebuilt by its
stubborn citizens, who insisted on rebuilding it according to the original ancient plans. In 1929,
Lennep merged with the town of Remscheid, and its official name today is Remscheid - Lennep. On
July 31, 1943, Remscheid-Lennep was almost completely destroyed during a British fire bombing
raid which caused a horrible firestorm that killed 1,220 people. Today, Remscheid reflects the trend
in Europe: one fifth of its inhabitants are foreign.
century, but remained a small village until the 19th century, as did Lennep, a delightful medieval
village of small squares and narrow, crooked streets with an old church as its architectural
centerpiece. Lennep, Roentgen's actual birthplace, was damaged by fire in 1746 and rebuilt by its
stubborn citizens, who insisted on rebuilding it according to the original ancient plans. In 1929,
Lennep merged with the town of Remscheid, and its official name today is Remscheid - Lennep. On
July 31, 1943, Remscheid-Lennep was almost completely destroyed during a British fire bombing
raid which caused a horrible firestorm that killed 1,220 people. Today, Remscheid reflects the trend
in Europe: one fifth of its inhabitants are foreign.
| Rostock |
| Saarbrücken |
From October 5th, Britain's "Butcher" Harris planned a solid double
impact against the city: The first wave applied to the railway facilities, the
second to the whole city. Old Saarbruecken went down, its residential
areas foremost. A federation of 325 Lancaster bombers aimed at
Saarbruecken in three waves, dumping approximately 2,500
high-explosive bombs as well as over 350,000 staff incendiary bombs in
about a half hour. In the closely settled quarters of old Saarbruecken, the
incendiary bombs released an enormous fire tower. Many Saarbrueckers
who couldn't reach shelters tried to survive the attack in their cellars, and
hundreds died of suffocation or burned in their houses. 45,000 people
became shelterless. Saarbruecken's landscape was death and devastation.
impact against the city: The first wave applied to the railway facilities, the
second to the whole city. Old Saarbruecken went down, its residential
areas foremost. A federation of 325 Lancaster bombers aimed at
Saarbruecken in three waves, dumping approximately 2,500
high-explosive bombs as well as over 350,000 staff incendiary bombs in
about a half hour. In the closely settled quarters of old Saarbruecken, the
incendiary bombs released an enormous fire tower. Many Saarbrueckers
who couldn't reach shelters tried to survive the attack in their cellars, and
hundreds died of suffocation or burned in their houses. 45,000 people
became shelterless. Saarbruecken's landscape was death and devastation.
Authorities ordered the evacuation of the city. Even more attacks followed, and the British shifted to
the use of sporadically released mines. When it was over, 1,334 more people were dead. After World
War II, France again occupied the coveted Saar until 1957.
the use of sporadically released mines. When it was over, 1,334 more people were dead. After World
War II, France again occupied the coveted Saar until 1957.
Celts and Germanic Franks were the earliest known inhabitants of the eastern Frankish area which
became part of Charlemagne's and Barbarossa's empire. By the Middle Ages, the Saar consisted of
several little territories, the largest of which was the city of Saarbrücken. The counts of Nassau-
Saarbrücken ruled from 1381 to 1793 and although the area was German, after the Thirty Years War
it would be influenced by France.
became part of Charlemagne's and Barbarossa's empire. By the Middle Ages, the Saar consisted of
several little territories, the largest of which was the city of Saarbrücken. The counts of Nassau-
Saarbrücken ruled from 1381 to 1793 and although the area was German, after the Thirty Years War
it would be influenced by France.
The Saar became a French province in 1684, but in 1697, France was forced to surrender all of the
Saar except the town of Saarlouis. Then, from 1792 to until the final defeat of Napoleon in 1815,
France again occupied the Saar, together with the entire west bank of the Rhine. France was forced
to cede most of the Saar to Prussia and Alsace-Lorraine was given back to the German empire in
1871. After World War I, France was awarded the Saar coal mines and the Saarland was placed
under the administration of the League of Nations. At the end of 15 years, a plebiscite was held on
Jan. 13, 1935, giving the inhabitants the choice between being part of France or Germany, and more
than 90 percent of the inhabitants of the Saar voted for its return to Germany.
Saar except the town of Saarlouis. Then, from 1792 to until the final defeat of Napoleon in 1815,
France again occupied the Saar, together with the entire west bank of the Rhine. France was forced
to cede most of the Saar to Prussia and Alsace-Lorraine was given back to the German empire in
1871. After World War I, France was awarded the Saar coal mines and the Saarland was placed
under the administration of the League of Nations. At the end of 15 years, a plebiscite was held on
Jan. 13, 1935, giving the inhabitants the choice between being part of France or Germany, and more
than 90 percent of the inhabitants of the Saar voted for its return to Germany.
| Salzburg |
Although Salzburg had cleverly escaped the ravages of the Thirty Years
War and the Turkish invasion, Salzburg was bombed in World War Two,
albeit "lightly". Although she posed no military threat, she was a cultural
target. On October 14, 1944, 900 American bombers took the city by
complete surprise and unloaded more than 9,000 high-explosive bombs on
the historic city center, aiming for the cathedral dome, causing its collapse.
Bombs falling on Salzburg, left (click)
War and the Turkish invasion, Salzburg was bombed in World War Two,
albeit "lightly". Although she posed no military threat, she was a cultural
target. On October 14, 1944, 900 American bombers took the city by
complete surprise and unloaded more than 9,000 high-explosive bombs on
the historic city center, aiming for the cathedral dome, causing its collapse.
Bombs falling on Salzburg, left (click)
The land south of the Danube was occupied by the Romans and they
marked out roads, founded towns and turned the territory into a province
belonging to Noricum. Christianity was introduced by artisans, soldiers
and others, but the area was then devastated by barbarians, and
Christianity vanished until 700AD. and the emergence of Archbishops
as sovereigns thanks to Charlemagne. Salzburg grew wealthy from salt.
marked out roads, founded towns and turned the territory into a province
belonging to Noricum. Christianity was introduced by artisans, soldiers
and others, but the area was then devastated by barbarians, and
Christianity vanished until 700AD. and the emergence of Archbishops
as sovereigns thanks to Charlemagne. Salzburg grew wealthy from salt.
| Schwandorf |
Although Celts distilled salt at "Schwäbisch" Hall from the fifth century BC., Schwäbisch Hall is first
mentioned in 1156, and the settlement was ruled by the Counts of Comburg-Rothenburg, followed
by the Hohenstaufens around 1116. Barbarossa founded the imperial mint and started coining Hellers
here, and Schwäbisch Hall produced salt and coins. After the fall of the house of Hohenstaufen,
Habsburg king Rudolph 1 granted it rights of a free Imperial city in 1280 under the Holy Roman
Empire. Louis IV the Bavarian granted a constitution in 1340 and after this the city was governed by
a council composed of noblemen and craftsmen, headed by a Stättmeister, or mayor, until 1510.
After then, it was governed by another group of citizens.
mentioned in 1156, and the settlement was ruled by the Counts of Comburg-Rothenburg, followed
by the Hohenstaufens around 1116. Barbarossa founded the imperial mint and started coining Hellers
here, and Schwäbisch Hall produced salt and coins. After the fall of the house of Hohenstaufen,
Habsburg king Rudolph 1 granted it rights of a free Imperial city in 1280 under the Holy Roman
Empire. Louis IV the Bavarian granted a constitution in 1340 and after this the city was governed by
a council composed of noblemen and craftsmen, headed by a Stättmeister, or mayor, until 1510.
After then, it was governed by another group of citizens.
Schwäbisch Hall steadily acquired territory from the 14th to the 16th century from noble families and
the Comburg monastery and its prosperity grew. Fires destroyed much of the city in 1680 and 1728,
giving way to Baroque architecture. Hall came under control of Württemberg in 1802, and its salt
works was ceded to the state, leaving economic problems leading to the emigration of much of its
population in the 19th century. Schwäbisch Hall never full rebounded to the level of its old glory.
the Comburg monastery and its prosperity grew. Fires destroyed much of the city in 1680 and 1728,
giving way to Baroque architecture. Hall came under control of Württemberg in 1802, and its salt
works was ceded to the state, leaving economic problems leading to the emigration of much of its
population in the 19th century. Schwäbisch Hall never full rebounded to the level of its old glory.
On February 23, 1945, 24 "Liberator"bombers hit an air base near Schwäbisch Hall. American air
raids aimed for the town center, and on February 25, 1945 nearly destroyed it. 53 civilians died.
Again, on April 17, 1945, at the very tail end of the war, the age old Rathaus was hit with incendiary
bombs, leaving it in smoking rubble.
raids aimed for the town center, and on February 25, 1945 nearly destroyed it. 53 civilians died.
Again, on April 17, 1945, at the very tail end of the war, the age old Rathaus was hit with incendiary
bombs, leaving it in smoking rubble.
| Schweinfurt |
| Rothenburg au Tauber |
A high light on the heavily touristed "romantic road", Rothenburg au Tauber
has been so cleverly rebuilt that it is often described as having avoided the
brutal Allied bombing. At the end of the second World War, there was a rush to
destroy as many remaining towns as possible to insure the ground was cleared
for "liberation" without any real struggles. March 31, 1945, the day before
Easter, an allied bombardment destroyed the east of the old town and 40%
of the original city. But, who would know? Old Rathaus 1945, inset
has been so cleverly rebuilt that it is often described as having avoided the
brutal Allied bombing. At the end of the second World War, there was a rush to
destroy as many remaining towns as possible to insure the ground was cleared
for "liberation" without any real struggles. March 31, 1945, the day before
Easter, an allied bombardment destroyed the east of the old town and 40%
of the original city. But, who would know? Old Rathaus 1945, inset
World War Two came early to the Saar, when 185 people were killed by bombing in July, 1942.
Since then, the British and Americans both hammered the Saar. A heavy daylight attack of the
American "flying fortresses", supposedly aimed at the railway facilities, but of course just happened
to hit residential areas and killed over 200 civilians. Twelve bomb attacks in three months would be
the prelude to a series of another twelve attacks in three months, killing over 400 more civilians.
While rubble of the last attack blocked the roads, another attack would commence, and the
destruction grew larger and larger with each attack. In September of 1944, a new threat came from
the air. Fighter bombers dive bombed the city, shooting at buildings and humans.
Since then, the British and Americans both hammered the Saar. A heavy daylight attack of the
American "flying fortresses", supposedly aimed at the railway facilities, but of course just happened
to hit residential areas and killed over 200 civilians. Twelve bomb attacks in three months would be
the prelude to a series of another twelve attacks in three months, killing over 400 more civilians.
While rubble of the last attack blocked the roads, another attack would commence, and the
destruction grew larger and larger with each attack. In September of 1944, a new threat came from
the air. Fighter bombers dive bombed the city, shooting at buildings and humans.
| Potsdam |
In April of 1945, Potsdam was horribly bombarded by 512
RAF bombers. 7,000 civilians died as a result of bombings,
and most historic buildings and palaces were either gravely
damaged, destroyed or extensively and joyfully looted by
marauding troops. Even the bones of the great king were
moved, and Potsdam was turned over to the communists as
earlier agreed upon by the Allies. The Humboldts
RAF bombers. 7,000 civilians died as a result of bombings,
and most historic buildings and palaces were either gravely
damaged, destroyed or extensively and joyfully looted by
marauding troops. Even the bones of the great king were
moved, and Potsdam was turned over to the communists as
earlier agreed upon by the Allies. The Humboldts
For more than 3 centuries the rulers of Brandenburg hired the very best artists of their time to build
and enhance the Royal buildings in and around Berlin with elaborate palaces and gardens with
building activity under the Prussian rulers from Joachim II to the last of the German emperors. Sans
Souci, in Potsdam, was built by George Wenzeslaus von Knobelsdorff, army officer turned
architect, on the orders of the Prussian King.
and enhance the Royal buildings in and around Berlin with elaborate palaces and gardens with
building activity under the Prussian rulers from Joachim II to the last of the German emperors. Sans
Souci, in Potsdam, was built by George Wenzeslaus von Knobelsdorff, army officer turned
architect, on the orders of the Prussian King.
Potsdam is a former fishing village on the Havel River only
16 miles from Berlin, and it contained more than 20 glorious
palaces, 19 lakes, fountains and verdant parks. The small
town dates from 993, but its real growth accelerated in 1713,
under Friedrich and his father. Rococo Sans Souci,
surrounded by terraced vineyards, stands majestically on a
hill in the middle of a 725 acre park.
16 miles from Berlin, and it contained more than 20 glorious
palaces, 19 lakes, fountains and verdant parks. The small
town dates from 993, but its real growth accelerated in 1713,
under Friedrich and his father. Rococo Sans Souci,
surrounded by terraced vineyards, stands majestically on a
hill in the middle of a 725 acre park.
Prenzlau is a city in Brandenburg first mentioned in a document at the close of the 2nd century, and
it received its municipal charter in 1235. As the capital of the old Uckermark, it was a frequent object
of dispute between Pomerania and Brandenburg until incorporated with the latter about 1480. On
April 25, 1945, almost the entire city of Prenzlau was destroyed by American bombers On the day
before there were about 1,850 houses and two days late only 870 still stood. The population fell in
the same period from 28, 500 to 15, 700.
it received its municipal charter in 1235. As the capital of the old Uckermark, it was a frequent object
of dispute between Pomerania and Brandenburg until incorporated with the latter about 1480. On
April 25, 1945, almost the entire city of Prenzlau was destroyed by American bombers On the day
before there were about 1,850 houses and two days late only 870 still stood. The population fell in
the same period from 28, 500 to 15, 700.
| Prenzlau |
Rathenow is a town in Brandenburg. Its Protestant church of St Mary and St Andrew, originally a
basilica, was transformed to the Gothic style in 1517-1589, and the Roman Catholic church of St
George was also noteworthy. Rathenow is known for its Rathenow stones, bricks made of the clay
of the Havel, and for its spectacles and optical instruments, which are exported. On April 18, 1944,
Rathenow was attacked by U.S. bombers on their way to Berlin. Forced to turn around because of
violent anti-aircraft fire, they dumped part of their lethal cargo on Rathenow. Between that and the
destruction from Soviet troops, more than 75 percent of the city was destroyed.
basilica, was transformed to the Gothic style in 1517-1589, and the Roman Catholic church of St
George was also noteworthy. Rathenow is known for its Rathenow stones, bricks made of the clay
of the Havel, and for its spectacles and optical instruments, which are exported. On April 18, 1944,
Rathenow was attacked by U.S. bombers on their way to Berlin. Forced to turn around because of
violent anti-aircraft fire, they dumped part of their lethal cargo on Rathenow. Between that and the
destruction from Soviet troops, more than 75 percent of the city was destroyed.
| Rathenow |
| Rositz |
Rositz in Thuringia, dating from 1181, was one of the largest industrial communities in Germany with
its coal mining and chemical industry. Many farmers were also settled there because of the fertile
farmlands, and wheat and sugar beets were among the main crops. There are deep traces of the
destruction, suffering and grief left behind from the war in Rositz even today. Although two major
bomb attacks initially aimed at industrial targets in August 1944 and on February 14, 1945, many
homes were also destroyed and 49 civilians killed.
its coal mining and chemical industry. Many farmers were also settled there because of the fertile
farmlands, and wheat and sugar beets were among the main crops. There are deep traces of the
destruction, suffering and grief left behind from the war in Rositz even today. Although two major
bomb attacks initially aimed at industrial targets in August 1944 and on February 14, 1945, many
homes were also destroyed and 49 civilians killed.
Saarlautern or Saarlouis is a city in the Saarland which was built as a fortress in 1680 and named
after Louis XIV of France after he took it from Germany. The oldest evidence of settlement within
the city boundaries are from the District of Roden and can be traced back to 4000 to 2000 BC.
There were several violent Allied bomb attacks on the city.
after Louis XIV of France after he took it from Germany. The oldest evidence of settlement within
the city boundaries are from the District of Roden and can be traced back to 4000 to 2000 BC.
There were several violent Allied bomb attacks on the city.
| Saarlautern |
| Ronsdorf (see under Wuppertal) |
| Prüm (see under Trier) |
| Schwäbisch Hall |
Schwandorf, first mentioned in 1006, is a town in the Upper Palatinate in Eastern Bavaria on the
Naab river, the main source of life for the city. There were many prehistoric finds in the area, and
later in Roman times, the Naab was an important trade route from south to north, both by land and
by water. Salt and iron were among the main trade goods, and with the help of salt, the fish of the
Naab were traded for merchandise. In 1299, the market received a municipal constitution. From
1505 until 1777 when it joined Bavaria, the city belonged to the duchy of Palatinate-Neuburg. In
spite of the geographical remoteness in the Duchy, the city was important, especially after 1863 when
the railway line was completed.
Naab river, the main source of life for the city. There were many prehistoric finds in the area, and
later in Roman times, the Naab was an important trade route from south to north, both by land and
by water. Salt and iron were among the main trade goods, and with the help of salt, the fish of the
Naab were traded for merchandise. In 1299, the market received a municipal constitution. From
1505 until 1777 when it joined Bavaria, the city belonged to the duchy of Palatinate-Neuburg. In
spite of the geographical remoteness in the Duchy, the city was important, especially after 1863 when
the railway line was completed.
In a 15 minute bomb attack on April 17, 1945 by Canadian and British
bombers, 1250 civilians were killed, the railway station and immediate area
were fully destroyed as well as two large residential districts including historic
Kreuzberg. Around 1000 buildings, including 862 houses, were lost and
75% of the city was totally or partially lost, requiring ten years of
reconstruction. A Baroque pilgrimage Catholic church and convent, Our Lady
of Kreuzberg, which had stood since the 1600s, was among the victims and
almost completely destroyed. It contained an alter by Lucas Cranach.
Schwandorf became home to many displaced expellees from the Sudetenland.
bombers, 1250 civilians were killed, the railway station and immediate area
were fully destroyed as well as two large residential districts including historic
Kreuzberg. Around 1000 buildings, including 862 houses, were lost and
75% of the city was totally or partially lost, requiring ten years of
reconstruction. A Baroque pilgrimage Catholic church and convent, Our Lady
of Kreuzberg, which had stood since the 1600s, was among the victims and
almost completely destroyed. It contained an alter by Lucas Cranach.
Schwandorf became home to many displaced expellees from the Sudetenland.
| Recklinghausen |
Recklinghausen is another city in the Ruhr Area in North Rhine-Westphalia and it borders the more
rural Münsterland. The first settlements in the area are believed to date from the 4th or 5th
century.While the landscape in the north of Recklinghausen is characterized by large fields and
farms, the southern parts of the city are dominated by industry. On November 5, 1943, 374 USAAF
bombers attacked the synthetic oil plant and marshalling yards near Recklinghausen. On the 19th
another attack followed by 160 USAAF bombers. In the process, 12 churches and about 50% of the
residential houses were destroyed.
rural Münsterland. The first settlements in the area are believed to date from the 4th or 5th
century.While the landscape in the north of Recklinghausen is characterized by large fields and
farms, the southern parts of the city are dominated by industry. On November 5, 1943, 374 USAAF
bombers attacked the synthetic oil plant and marshalling yards near Recklinghausen. On the 19th
another attack followed by 160 USAAF bombers. In the process, 12 churches and about 50% of the
residential houses were destroyed.
Reutlingen, first mentioned around 1089–90, became an Imperial City of the Holy Roman Empire,
free from allegiance to the Duke of Württemberg Some time around 1030, Count Egino started to
build a castle on top of the Achalm mountain. During World War II, the city became the target of
several allied bombing raids and there were three massive bomb attacks in Reutlingen 1945. It
belonged to the ten most affected cities in the territory of present-day Baden-Wuerttemberg.
free from allegiance to the Duke of Württemberg Some time around 1030, Count Egino started to
build a castle on top of the Achalm mountain. During World War II, the city became the target of
several allied bombing raids and there were three massive bomb attacks in Reutlingen 1945. It
belonged to the ten most affected cities in the territory of present-day Baden-Wuerttemberg.
| Reutlingen |
The Danish king Valdemar I set a settlement here aflame in 1161, but the place was resettled by
German traders. In the 14th century it was a powerful seaport town with 12,000 inhabitants and the
biggest city of Mecklenburg. The rise of the city came with its membership in the Hanseatic League,
of which it became an important part. Ships for plying the Baltic Sea were constructed here. In 1419
the oldest university in Northern Europe, the University of Rostock, was founded.
German traders. In the 14th century it was a powerful seaport town with 12,000 inhabitants and the
biggest city of Mecklenburg. The rise of the city came with its membership in the Hanseatic League,
of which it became an important part. Ships for plying the Baltic Sea were constructed here. In 1419
the oldest university in Northern Europe, the University of Rostock, was founded.
Rostock evacuated 80,000 people during the war. Large parts of the historic
city center city were destroyed by Allied bombing in 1942 and 1945. It was
then sentenced to communist slavery for decades. Germans living on
German soil that had been given to Poland were subjected to a policy of
terror and/or deportation. It was freed after German reunification but only
the western districts remained part of Germany. 1945, click left
city center city were destroyed by Allied bombing in 1942 and 1945. It was
then sentenced to communist slavery for decades. Germans living on
German soil that had been given to Poland were subjected to a policy of
terror and/or deportation. It was freed after German reunification but only
the western districts remained part of Germany. 1945, click left
