| Plauen, Potsdam, Prenzlau, Prüm, Rathenow, Regensburg, Remscheid, Ronsdorf, Rositz, Rostock,Rothenburg, Saarbrücken, Saarlautern, Salzburg, Schwäbisch Hall, Schweinfurt |
| 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.
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.
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 occupying Soviet troops.
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 occupying Soviet troops.
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. However, in these closed
cellars crowded with people, the air supply became dangerous during 2-3 hour air raids.
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. However, in these closed
cellars crowded with people, the air supply became dangerous during 2-3 hour air raids.
| 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.
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 |
Remscheid, birthplace of Wilhelm Röntgen, discoverer of the X-Ray, was founded in the 12th century, but remained a
small village until the 19th century. On July 31, 1943, during the second World War, Remscheid was almost completely
destroyed during a British fire bombing raid in July,1943 which caused a horrible firestorm that killed 1,220 people.
Today, Remscheid reflects the trend in Europe: one fifth of its inhabitants are foreign.
small village until the 19th century. On July 31, 1943, during the second World War, Remscheid was almost completely
destroyed during a British fire bombing raid in July,1943 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 |
Rostock in ancient German Pomerania was once part of the Hanseatic
League, and in the 14th century was a very important port town with
12,000 inhabitants. It had a long cultural legacy and was the home of the
oldest university in northern Europe. Two Pomeranian Native Sons
League, and in the 14th century was a very important port town with
12,000 inhabitants. It had a long cultural legacy and was the home of the
oldest university in northern Europe. Two Pomeranian Native Sons
In an effort to help Stalin, Rostock was attacked four times since April,1942, resulting in
evacuation of 80,000 people and in 1945 it was nearly destroyed. After WWII, most of
Pomerania was incorporated into Poland, and over one million surviving German inhabitants
either escaped, were murdered or expelled by 1946, and Poles resettled there. Their homes
and businesses were taken by force without compensation. Only the western districts
remained part of Germany, but they were under communist occupation as part of the DDR.
Germans living on German soil that had been given to Poland were subjected to a policy of
terror, theft, murder and deportation.
evacuation of 80,000 people and in 1945 it was nearly destroyed. After WWII, most of
Pomerania was incorporated into Poland, and over one million surviving German inhabitants
either escaped, were murdered or expelled by 1946, and Poles resettled there. Their homes
and businesses were taken by force without compensation. Only the western districts
remained part of Germany, but they were under communist occupation as part of the DDR.
Germans living on German soil that had been given to Poland were subjected to a policy of
terror, theft, murder and deportation.
| 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.
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, with its lovely baroque old quarter, was now another
landscape of 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.
cellars, and hundreds died of suffocation or burned in their houses. 45,000 people
became shelterless. Saarbruecken, with its lovely baroque old quarter, was now another
landscape of 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.
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 |
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, left. Virtually all
of the old churches in the vicinity of the blasts lost their magnificent stained
glass windows to the explosions.
surprise and unloaded more than 9,000 high-explosive bombs on the historic
city center, aiming for the cathedral dome, causing its collapse, left. Virtually all
of the old churches in the vicinity of the blasts lost their magnificent stained
glass windows to the explosions.
Mozart lived there until his departure for Vienna in 1780. Nannerl lived there
until her marriage in 1785, and Leopold remained in this house until his death in
1787. The Mozarts gave many private concerts here; The International
Mozarteum Foundation purchased the surviving section of the ruins in 1955,
left, and turned it into a museum and, with great effort, rebuilt it to the original.
until her marriage in 1785, and Leopold remained in this house until his death in
1787. The Mozarts gave many private concerts here; The International
Mozarteum Foundation purchased the surviving section of the ruins in 1955,
left, and turned it into a museum and, with great effort, rebuilt it to the original.
Over 40 percent of Salzburg's buildings were destroyed or damaged. The
terror bombing raid also hit the house Mozart lived in for many years, an eight
room house on Hannibalplatz, left, which was almost totally destroyed by
Allied bombing on October 16, 1944. It was, in Mozart's time, referred to as
"Tanzmeistersaal," or the Dancing Master's House, on the Makartplatz 8.
terror bombing raid also hit the house Mozart lived in for many years, an eight
room house on Hannibalplatz, left, which was almost totally destroyed by
Allied bombing on October 16, 1944. It was, in Mozart's time, referred to as
"Tanzmeistersaal," or the Dancing Master's House, on the Makartplatz 8.
On the morning of May 4, 1945, tanks of the XV Corps 106th Cavalry
Division rolled through Salzburg, a mere three days after the city had been hit
hard by American bombers.
Division rolled through Salzburg, a mere three days after the city had been hit
hard by American bombers.
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 mining.
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 mining.
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.
bombed in World War Two, albeit "lightly". Although she posed no military threat, she was a cultural target.
| Schwäbisch Hall |
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.
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.
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 a 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.
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.
| Schweinfurt |
Destroyed in 1250, then rebuilt, it was a free city and part of the Holy Roman Empire by 1282. In
the mid-14th century, Schweinfurt joined the Swabian-Franconian Confederation and gained river
rights to the Main. By 1514, a constitution was allowed and by 1542 the city joined the Reformation.
It was destroyed in 1554, became part of the Protestant Union in 1609, and was rebuilt in 1615.
Gustavus Adophus occupied it in the Thirty Years War. White lead was produced there in 1777.
During the Napoleonic wars, Schweinfurt suffered heavy casualties. It remained a free imperial city
until 1802, when it passed to Bavaria. After the railroad opened in 1852, it became famous as a
producer of ball bearings and the new industry provided employment opportunities.
the mid-14th century, Schweinfurt joined the Swabian-Franconian Confederation and gained river
rights to the Main. By 1514, a constitution was allowed and by 1542 the city joined the Reformation.
It was destroyed in 1554, became part of the Protestant Union in 1609, and was rebuilt in 1615.
Gustavus Adophus occupied it in the Thirty Years War. White lead was produced there in 1777.
During the Napoleonic wars, Schweinfurt suffered heavy casualties. It remained a free imperial city
until 1802, when it passed to Bavaria. After the railroad opened in 1852, it became famous as a
producer of ball bearings and the new industry provided employment opportunities.
Schweinfurt was first mentioned documents in the
year 792. By the 10th century, it was the seat of a
Margrave. It was expanded to a city with walls,
towers and city gates by the 13th century when a
mint was founded and a new church was built.
year 792. By the 10th century, it was the seat of a
Margrave. It was expanded to a city with walls,
towers and city gates by the 13th century when a
mint was founded and a new church was built.
7,933 tons of bombs were dropped on Schweinfurt in 592,598 individual bombs, or
65% of the total bombs dropped by the Allies on all bearing industry plants, and by the
time this occurred, the ball bearing industry had been scattered anyway. By April
1945, after more than 20 bombing attacks in 18 months, Schweinfurt was left in ruins
with half of the houses destroyed, the other half uninhabitable, four-fifths of the
industrial buildings destroyed, and 1,079 civilians dead. The city's population dropped
by 50 percent due to deaths and departing refugees. Rückert
65% of the total bombs dropped by the Allies on all bearing industry plants, and by the
time this occurred, the ball bearing industry had been scattered anyway. By April
1945, after more than 20 bombing attacks in 18 months, Schweinfurt was left in ruins
with half of the houses destroyed, the other half uninhabitable, four-fifths of the
industrial buildings destroyed, and 1,079 civilians dead. The city's population dropped
by 50 percent due to deaths and departing refugees. Rückert
A significant portion of Germany's ball bearings were imported from Sweden in World War Two, and when the Allies had
failed to make the neutral Swedes limit the export of the ball-bearings, they decided to attack bearing factories within
Germany. Other than ball bearing factories, there was nothing of military significance in Schweinfurt. Unfortunately,
Schweinfurt's factories were very close to these residential areas because of the ancient lay of the town. Schweinfurt was
attacked first on August 17,1943. The Allies sent 230 bombers to attack the town, and they lost 36 planes and 341 men.
They had just lost 24 bombers and 200 men from an attack on Regensburg the same day.
failed to make the neutral Swedes limit the export of the ball-bearings, they decided to attack bearing factories within
Germany. Other than ball bearing factories, there was nothing of military significance in Schweinfurt. Unfortunately,
Schweinfurt's factories were very close to these residential areas because of the ancient lay of the town. Schweinfurt was
attacked first on August 17,1943. The Allies sent 230 bombers to attack the town, and they lost 36 planes and 341 men.
They had just lost 24 bombers and 200 men from an attack on Regensburg the same day.
By February 24-25, 1944, after the Allies had long-range escort fighters and German
defenses were at minimum, 3,500 high explosive bombs and 33,000 incendiary bombs
were dumped on the small city. In total, it was bombed 22 times by 2,285 British and
American bombers during the war, with a final devastating attack on April 10, 1945,
the day before the U.S. Army would take the city anyway.
defenses were at minimum, 3,500 high explosive bombs and 33,000 incendiary bombs
were dumped on the small city. In total, it was bombed 22 times by 2,285 British and
American bombers during the war, with a final devastating attack on April 10, 1945,
the day before the U.S. Army would take the city anyway.
| 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, big or small, old or new, 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?
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, big or small, old or new, 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?
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.
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.
5000 civilians were murdered, and most historic buildings and palaces were
either gravely damaged, destroyed or extensively and joyfully looted by
marauding troops (7,314 paintings belonging to the German bureau that
administered the former Hohenzollern estates in Prussia were catalogued in
1939. Today, over 3,000 are still missing). Even the bones of the great king
were moved, and Potsdam was turned over to the communists as earlier
agreed upon by Churchill, Stalin and Roosevelt. The Humboldts
5000 civilians were murdered, and most historic buildings and palaces were
either gravely damaged, destroyed or extensively and joyfully looted by
marauding troops (7,314 paintings belonging to the German bureau that
administered the former Hohenzollern estates in Prussia were catalogued in
1939. Today, over 3,000 are still missing). Even the bones of the great king
were moved, and Potsdam was turned over to the communists as earlier
agreed upon by Churchill, Stalin and Roosevelt. 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 Friedrich the Great. Bones
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 Friedrich the Great. Bones
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 |
Reconnaissance photographs showed that only 3 of the 12 attack groups had bombed
anywhere near the factories, and Schweinfurt's production of ball-bearings was
unaffected. The Allies attacked again on October 14, 1943, and lost 60 bombers and
639 men. While destructive, it was still not fatal to the ball bearing industry. For almost
1,000 Allied and hundreds of civilian lives lost so far in this one town, the Allies simply
put a temporary slow down in Germany's supply of ball bearings. The Allied High
Command termed the losses as "acceptable," glowingly reporting that the second
mission, also resulting in tremendous loss of life, was a "huge success and utterly
devastated the ball bearing manufacturing." In reality, there was again not much of an
impact at all upon ball bearing production.
anywhere near the factories, and Schweinfurt's production of ball-bearings was
unaffected. The Allies attacked again on October 14, 1943, and lost 60 bombers and
639 men. While destructive, it was still not fatal to the ball bearing industry. For almost
1,000 Allied and hundreds of civilian lives lost so far in this one town, the Allies simply
put a temporary slow down in Germany's supply of ball bearings. The Allied High
Command termed the losses as "acceptable," glowingly reporting that the second
mission, also resulting in tremendous loss of life, was a "huge success and utterly
devastated the ball bearing manufacturing." In reality, there was again not much of an
impact at all upon ball bearing production.
| Ronsdorf (see under Wuppertal) |
| Prüm |
| (see under Trier) |