| Tilsit, Trier, Ulm, Vienna, Weimar, Wesel, Wiesbaden, Wilhelmshaven, Wismar, Witten, Worms, Wupperfeld, Wuppertal, Würzburg, Zeitz and Zweibrücken |
| Tilsit |
Tilsit grew up around a Teutonic knights' castle founded in 1288 and it received its city privileges
in 1552. It sets on the left bank of the Niemen between Memel and Konigsberg. Before train
transportation, Tilsit had a lively trade with ports as far away as Russia. Never very large, Tilsit was
a peaceful city with a variety of churches.
in 1552. It sets on the left bank of the Niemen between Memel and Konigsberg. Before train
transportation, Tilsit had a lively trade with ports as far away as Russia. Never very large, Tilsit was
a peaceful city with a variety of churches.
Since it was technically one of the centers of Lithuania Minor, a request for
the incorporation into the newly formed Republic of Lithuania was signed
here by Lithuanian leaders in 1918 even though the German presence through
the centuries owned homes, had founded schools, churches and industry.
Overwhelmingly German Tilsit itself, however, continued to be part of
Germany while the Memelland region was made into part of Lithuania.
the incorporation into the newly formed Republic of Lithuania was signed
here by Lithuanian leaders in 1918 even though the German presence through
the centuries owned homes, had founded schools, churches and industry.
Overwhelmingly German Tilsit itself, however, continued to be part of
Germany while the Memelland region was made into part of Lithuania.
During World War Two, Tilsit was hit by 14 British air strikes. The main destruction was on
the night of July 26 /27, 1944 whereby the historic old town center was completely burned
out. 25,000 dwellings were lost. Many people who had not already fled from the Red Army
advance that the British had paved the way for left now, only to join thousands of other
frantic refugees facing a grim and uncertain future. Tilsit then sank into oblivion as part of the
"Kalingrad Oblast," her few remaining German inhabitants humiliated, beaten, raped, robbed,
murdered or expelled.
the night of July 26 /27, 1944 whereby the historic old town center was completely burned
out. 25,000 dwellings were lost. Many people who had not already fled from the Red Army
advance that the British had paved the way for left now, only to join thousands of other
frantic refugees facing a grim and uncertain future. Tilsit then sank into oblivion as part of the
"Kalingrad Oblast," her few remaining German inhabitants humiliated, beaten, raped, robbed,
murdered or expelled.
| Trier |
Trier was one of the oldest cities in Germany it and played an important role since Roman times.
Founded by Augustus in 15 BC, the city was made the capital of the Roman province of Belgica and
later became the capital of the prefecture of Gaul in the third century. It became a major commercial
center with an active trade. The city was made an Episcopal See in the 4th century, and an then an
Archbishopric around 815. In 1455, a university was established.
Founded by Augustus in 15 BC, the city was made the capital of the Roman province of Belgica and
later became the capital of the prefecture of Gaul in the third century. It became a major commercial
center with an active trade. The city was made an Episcopal See in the 4th century, and an then an
Archbishopric around 815. In 1455, a university was established.
| Ulm |
Ulm was already an ancient city when the cornerstone for its cathedral
was laid in 1377.The spire of the Ulm Münster (cathedral) was among the
tallest in the world at 536 feet. The sparrow, Der Spatz, is Ulm's mascot.
In the late 1800s, the city adopted a story of a sparrow helping build the
Münster, but as early as 1530, a bird sculpture perched on the roof of the
Münster and was probably there since 1471.
was laid in 1377.The spire of the Ulm Münster (cathedral) was among the
tallest in the world at 536 feet. The sparrow, Der Spatz, is Ulm's mascot.
In the late 1800s, the city adopted a story of a sparrow helping build the
Münster, but as early as 1530, a bird sculpture perched on the roof of the
Münster and was probably there since 1471.
The ancient German Cathedral cities seemed to have been favorite targets of the Allied
bombers. Ulm was, for its size, the most heavily bombed city in southern Germany,
especially toward the end of the war when it lay defenseless. Water-filled bomb craters
covered blocks where parks, factories and houses once stood, and the rubble was so
thick that walking was almost impossible. Above this, the 500 year old Gothic cathedral
stood weeping, towering above the grey hulk of yet one more city which had stood from
before the middle ages until the madness of Allied bombing..
bombers. Ulm was, for its size, the most heavily bombed city in southern Germany,
especially toward the end of the war when it lay defenseless. Water-filled bomb craters
covered blocks where parks, factories and houses once stood, and the rubble was so
thick that walking was almost impossible. Above this, the 500 year old Gothic cathedral
stood weeping, towering above the grey hulk of yet one more city which had stood from
before the middle ages until the madness of Allied bombing..
The heaviest bombs fell upon Ulm on December 17, 1944, causing a lethal firestorm which killed almost 800 people and
hideously injured scores more. Approximately 25,000 humans lost their homes. After the war, the priceless old city
center was 81% destroyed, and only 1,763 out of 12,756 buildings were left intact. 4,400 Ulmers died in the war.
hideously injured scores more. Approximately 25,000 humans lost their homes. After the war, the priceless old city
center was 81% destroyed, and only 1,763 out of 12,756 buildings were left intact. 4,400 Ulmers died in the war.
| Vienna |
For 600 years, Vienna was the beautiful core of the Habsburg Empire. In 1900, Vienna's 2.25
million people made it the world's fifth-largest city after New York, London, Paris, and Berlin.
Vienna was a mecca for musicians of all types from as early as the 12th century, and the Habsburg
emperors of the 17th and 18th centuries not only generously supported music, many were fine
musicians themselves such as Empress Maria Theresa, who played the double bass. Haydn and
Mozart, Beethoven, Brahms and Schubert lived in Vienna and gave it lasting glory. Construction of
elegant Schwarzenberg Palace began in 1697 and the building was finally completed in 1723. It
remained in the same family since and was filled with great works of art. Vienna Before and After
million people made it the world's fifth-largest city after New York, London, Paris, and Berlin.
Vienna was a mecca for musicians of all types from as early as the 12th century, and the Habsburg
emperors of the 17th and 18th centuries not only generously supported music, many were fine
musicians themselves such as Empress Maria Theresa, who played the double bass. Haydn and
Mozart, Beethoven, Brahms and Schubert lived in Vienna and gave it lasting glory. Construction of
elegant Schwarzenberg Palace began in 1697 and the building was finally completed in 1723. It
remained in the same family since and was filled with great works of art. Vienna Before and After
| Weimar |
Weimar only had 6,000 residents in the early 19th century, but it
was a great intellectual center, an Athens of its day and home to
Goethe, Schiller, Liszt, Carl Maria von Weber and Nietsche
for at least part of their lives. Here, Johann Sebastian Bach had
composed, played the organ and acted as music director and it was
here that German opera came into being, encouraged by Prussian
Princess Anna Amalia, who amassed a grand music library.
was a great intellectual center, an Athens of its day and home to
Goethe, Schiller, Liszt, Carl Maria von Weber and Nietsche
for at least part of their lives. Here, Johann Sebastian Bach had
composed, played the organ and acted as music director and it was
here that German opera came into being, encouraged by Prussian
Princess Anna Amalia, who amassed a grand music library.
In World War Two, most of Anna Amalia's collection was fortunately hidden
elsewhere to preserve them. Weimar suffered extensive damage after an Allied
bombing raid on February 9, 1945. The 18th century homes of Goethe and
Schiller which had been preserved as national shrines were severely damaged.
All of the historic buildings on the north side of the main town square were lost
and the rest were near ruin. On July 3, 1945, Weimar was given to the
Communists and it languished as part of East Germany until reunification.
elsewhere to preserve them. Weimar suffered extensive damage after an Allied
bombing raid on February 9, 1945. The 18th century homes of Goethe and
Schiller which had been preserved as national shrines were severely damaged.
All of the historic buildings on the north side of the main town square were lost
and the rest were near ruin. On July 3, 1945, Weimar was given to the
Communists and it languished as part of East Germany until reunification.
| Wesel |
Although the area was settled 2,000 years ago, neighboring Wesel developed around the time of
Charlemagne. From that place there were several battles against the Saxons and Danes for several
years. The early settlement sunk in a flood. By the 8th century A.D., churches were present, and the
name "Wesel“ is mentioned for the first time in a document of 1065 where King Heinrich IV
confirmed the return of the church and the possessions of the "villa wesele“ to the monastery of
Echternach. At the beginning of the 12th century, Wesel finally was given to the Dukes of Kleve as a
marriage dowry. Wesel was by then a hub of shipping from the Rhine.
Charlemagne. From that place there were several battles against the Saxons and Danes for several
years. The early settlement sunk in a flood. By the 8th century A.D., churches were present, and the
name "Wesel“ is mentioned for the first time in a document of 1065 where King Heinrich IV
confirmed the return of the church and the possessions of the "villa wesele“ to the monastery of
Echternach. At the beginning of the 12th century, Wesel finally was given to the Dukes of Kleve as a
marriage dowry. Wesel was by then a hub of shipping from the Rhine.
In 1407, Wesel joined the Hanseatic League and, next to Cologne,
Wesel became the second most important transport and shipping center
for goods being imported from the Netherlands, Westphalia and other
distant places. Wesel was one of the best examples of the late Gothic
period and home to master builders, carvers, painters and goldsmiths
of the late Middle Ages.
Wesel became the second most important transport and shipping center
for goods being imported from the Netherlands, Westphalia and other
distant places. Wesel was one of the best examples of the late Gothic
period and home to master builders, carvers, painters and goldsmiths
of the late Middle Ages.
Wesel's history was Germany's history, encompassing the Reformation and the Thirty Years War.
From 1540 on, Wesel was a Lutheran town, attracting many religious refugees from the Netherlands
which were occupied by the Spanish. The willingness of the city to protect the persecuted was
rewarded by its secondary name “Vesalia Hospitalis”.
From 1540 on, Wesel was a Lutheran town, attracting many religious refugees from the Netherlands
which were occupied by the Spanish. The willingness of the city to protect the persecuted was
rewarded by its secondary name “Vesalia Hospitalis”.
Shortly before end of the Second World War, the town of Wesel was wholly obliterated.
From 1940, it experienced many air raids, but they grew to almost daily attacks from the
beginning of the year 1945.On February 16, 17 and 18 of 1945 the devastating, ultimate
destruction of Wesel finally arrived. 100 bombers, each with a 6,000 kg.load attacked on
the 16th. On the 18th and 19th, 328 bombers dropped their deadly load. The once proud
Hanseatic city had its guts ripped out. 7693 dwellings, 8 schools and 3 churches were gone.
However, this was not the end. On February 23,1945 the Americans joined in
From 1940, it experienced many air raids, but they grew to almost daily attacks from the
beginning of the year 1945.On February 16, 17 and 18 of 1945 the devastating, ultimate
destruction of Wesel finally arrived. 100 bombers, each with a 6,000 kg.load attacked on
the 16th. On the 18th and 19th, 328 bombers dropped their deadly load. The once proud
Hanseatic city had its guts ripped out. 7693 dwellings, 8 schools and 3 churches were gone.
However, this was not the end. On February 23,1945 the Americans joined in
On the afternoon March 23,1945, in operation"Plunder," an enormous artillery bombardment on the ruins of Wesel
commenced, and another 200 bombers battered Wesel with 1,100 tons of bombs and aerial mines. Another city that had
stood since the Middle Ages was 98% pulverized, thousands were dead, leaving 2.1 million cubic meters of rubble.
commenced, and another 200 bombers battered Wesel with 1,100 tons of bombs and aerial mines. Another city that had
stood since the Middle Ages was 98% pulverized, thousands were dead, leaving 2.1 million cubic meters of rubble.
| Worms |
The Diet of Worms, and 100 other Diets, took place in the magnificent High Romanesque Dom St.
Peter, c. 1132. Balthasar Neumann later designed the opulent baroque high altar. Worms, south of
Frankfurt, is the oldest city in Germany and was the location for much of the of the Nibelungen
saga. Originally a Celtic settlement called Borbetomagus, it and was captured by the Romans before
becoming the capital of the first kingdom of Burgundy in the 5th century. The city was burned in the
30 Years War and rebuilt.
Peter, c. 1132. Balthasar Neumann later designed the opulent baroque high altar. Worms, south of
Frankfurt, is the oldest city in Germany and was the location for much of the of the Nibelungen
saga. Originally a Celtic settlement called Borbetomagus, it and was captured by the Romans before
becoming the capital of the first kingdom of Burgundy in the 5th century. The city was burned in the
30 Years War and rebuilt.
Luther's Land is sadly "reformed". As World War Two bombing raids increased,
desperate people fled the city of Worms. On February 22, 1945, she was bombarded
by British and American bombers, reducing her to ash, corpses and rubble within
twenty minutes. 340 British bombers unloaded 361.7 tons of high-explosive bombs
and 575.5 tons of incendiary bombs over the ancient cathedral city. 235 additional
bombs followed with enormous explosive effect.
desperate people fled the city of Worms. On February 22, 1945, she was bombarded
by British and American bombers, reducing her to ash, corpses and rubble within
twenty minutes. 340 British bombers unloaded 361.7 tons of high-explosive bombs
and 575.5 tons of incendiary bombs over the ancient cathedral city. 235 additional
bombs followed with enormous explosive effect.
On March 18th and 20th, the USA began another deadly,
destructive assault on the beleaguered hulk of a medieval city center
in 11 separate raids, dropping 1,100 more incendiary bombs and
100,000 more incendiary compounds over Worms to polish off the
job, only afterward bombarding any actual remaining military targets,
such as railway facilities, bridges and traffic junctions.
destructive assault on the beleaguered hulk of a medieval city center
in 11 separate raids, dropping 1,100 more incendiary bombs and
100,000 more incendiary compounds over Worms to polish off the
job, only afterward bombarding any actual remaining military targets,
such as railway facilities, bridges and traffic junctions.
2,000 years of history was destroyed in those 20 minutes as the Medieval city center
caught fire and burned. Many civilians were wounded and killed and two thirds of all
houses were destroyed. For hundreds of miles, the bloody red glow of an incinerating
ancient city was visible, yet even while it was burning to its death, the British bombed it
again within 2 hours of the main attack.
caught fire and burned. Many civilians were wounded and killed and two thirds of all
houses were destroyed. For hundreds of miles, the bloody red glow of an incinerating
ancient city was visible, yet even while it was burning to its death, the British bombed it
again within 2 hours of the main attack.
| Würzburg |
Wurzburg was a university town and capital of Lower Frankonia in Bavaria, situated on the Main
River at the junction of main lines to Bamberg and Nürnberg. The bishopric was probably founded in
741, but the town probably existed in the previous century.
River at the junction of main lines to Bamberg and Nürnberg. The bishopric was probably founded in
741, but the town probably existed in the previous century.
Statues of Saints adorned an ancient stone bridge from 1472. The fortress of Marienberg, the
residence of the bishops from 1261 to 1720 was perched high atop the Leistenberg. Wurzburg was
a gem of medieval architecture with numerous ancient churches, the main one being the imposing
Romanesque cathedral begun in 1042 and finished in 1731. There was also the beautiful Gothic
Marienkapelle of 1377-1441, embellished with twenty statues by Tilman Riemenschneider,
residence of the bishops from 1261 to 1720 was perched high atop the Leistenberg. Wurzburg was
a gem of medieval architecture with numerous ancient churches, the main one being the imposing
Romanesque cathedral begun in 1042 and finished in 1731. There was also the beautiful Gothic
Marienkapelle of 1377-1441, embellished with twenty statues by Tilman Riemenschneider,
The most conspicuous building in Wurzberg was the palace,
built in 1720-1744 in imitation of Versailles, and formerly the
residence of the bishops and grand-dukes of Wurzburg. There
was the Julius hospital, founded in 1576 and the old Rathaus, in
part dating from 1456, and the buildings of government, offices,
courts, theater, plus the Maxschule, observatory and the various
university buildings founded by Bishop Julius in 1582.
built in 1720-1744 in imitation of Versailles, and formerly the
residence of the bishops and grand-dukes of Wurzburg. There
was the Julius hospital, founded in 1576 and the old Rathaus, in
part dating from 1456, and the buildings of government, offices,
courts, theater, plus the Maxschule, observatory and the various
university buildings founded by Bishop Julius in 1582.
The Italian Renaissance style Haugerstifts church was built in
1670, the Neumunster church in the 11th century, the church of
St Burkhard was built in 1033-1042 in the Romanesque style and
restored in 1168 with a Late Gothic choir dating from 1494-1497.
The Neubaukirche, or university church, and the Protestant
church of St Stephen also lent their beauty to the city.
1670, the Neumunster church in the 11th century, the church of
St Burkhard was built in 1033-1042 in the Romanesque style and
restored in 1168 with a Late Gothic choir dating from 1494-1497.
The Neubaukirche, or university church, and the Protestant
church of St Stephen also lent their beauty to the city.
According to the official statistics between 360,000 to 380,000 incendiary bombs were dropped in three waves, with
180 to 220 high-explosives bombs weighing 500 kg each. Würzburg was an inferno with 1000 to 2000 degree Celsius
heat by midnight. The intensity of the heat and fire destroyed what bombs could not. People ran from their overheating
cellars to the Main river, screaming and praying for help. The death count at the time was about 5,000 civilians.
180 to 220 high-explosives bombs weighing 500 kg each. Würzburg was an inferno with 1000 to 2000 degree Celsius
heat by midnight. The intensity of the heat and fire destroyed what bombs could not. People ran from their overheating
cellars to the Main river, screaming and praying for help. The death count at the time was about 5,000 civilians.
Over 3,700 of the casualties were women and children, most of them painfully
burned to death. Four fifths of the living space was destroyed and 35 churches
and almost all public buildings and cultural memorials were absolutely ruined.
The city was transformed from a magnificent mecca of culture and art into two
and a half million cubic meters of rubble, ashes and burnt flesh. In 1939,
Wurzburg had a population of 112,997. By 1950, it was reduced to 86,564.
There were no priority factories and no armaments in Wurzburg.
burned to death. Four fifths of the living space was destroyed and 35 churches
and almost all public buildings and cultural memorials were absolutely ruined.
The city was transformed from a magnificent mecca of culture and art into two
and a half million cubic meters of rubble, ashes and burnt flesh. In 1939,
Wurzburg had a population of 112,997. By 1950, it was reduced to 86,564.
There were no priority factories and no armaments in Wurzburg.
The crews had been told that it was an "important center of communication" yet
the vast majority of bombs dropped were incendiaries with diabolical time delays
dropped on residential areas.
the vast majority of bombs dropped were incendiaries with diabolical time delays
dropped on residential areas.
One night, Würzburg would be gone forever. The attack came at approximately 9:30 PM on the night of March 16,1945,
less than two months before World War Two would end, when Germany's defeat was clearly imminent. At around 9:30
PM on that March evening, 236 planes filled the sky over ancient and honorable Würzburg. Another 280 were heading
out to further destroy another benign, centuries-old city of great beauty: Nürnberg.
less than two months before World War Two would end, when Germany's defeat was clearly imminent. At around 9:30
PM on that March evening, 236 planes filled the sky over ancient and honorable Würzburg. Another 280 were heading
out to further destroy another benign, centuries-old city of great beauty: Nürnberg.
| Zweibrücken |
Zweibrucken was defended by the Swedish under Gustav Adolph during the Thirty Years War, but
left damaged. In fact, three Swedish kings were descended from the Zweibrucken Ducal line, Karl X,
Karl XI, and Karl XII, who married a Swedish princess. Since the Swedish crown couldn't pass to a
woman, he became the Swedish king, and Zweibrucken in effect became a Swedish province.
left damaged. In fact, three Swedish kings were descended from the Zweibrucken Ducal line, Karl X,
Karl XI, and Karl XII, who married a Swedish princess. Since the Swedish crown couldn't pass to a
woman, he became the Swedish king, and Zweibrucken in effect became a Swedish province.
The ancestral castle of the house of Wittelsbach was in Zweibrucken, and the Alexanderkirche held
the Wittelsbach Royal crypt. The architecture of the heart of the city once reflected a unique blend
of Swedish Renaissance and Baroque. Karlsberg Castle, built by Duke Karl August, was once the
most impressive in the Palatinate and rivaled those of Ludwig II of Bavaria. This magnificent castle
was completely destroyed by the invading French in 1794. A Horse, a Rose and two Bridges
the Wittelsbach Royal crypt. The architecture of the heart of the city once reflected a unique blend
of Swedish Renaissance and Baroque. Karlsberg Castle, built by Duke Karl August, was once the
most impressive in the Palatinate and rivaled those of Ludwig II of Bavaria. This magnificent castle
was completely destroyed by the invading French in 1794. A Horse, a Rose and two Bridges
On the evening of March 14-15, 1945, when World War Two was all but over.
Baroque Zweibrucken was completely destroyed when the Allies aimed at the historic
city center. Although the weary city had suffered over 230 air raids, 812 sortees and
continual harassment, their destruction was in store on this early spring evening. 98
Halifaxes were joined by 98 Lancasters for the attack at Zweibrucken. The crews
released their deadly high explosives. In minutes it was gone. The whole center and the
residential areas were gone in a million flashes, another old castle was almost levelled,
and the ancient church in ruins.
Baroque Zweibrucken was completely destroyed when the Allies aimed at the historic
city center. Although the weary city had suffered over 230 air raids, 812 sortees and
continual harassment, their destruction was in store on this early spring evening. 98
Halifaxes were joined by 98 Lancasters for the attack at Zweibrucken. The crews
released their deadly high explosives. In minutes it was gone. The whole center and the
residential areas were gone in a million flashes, another old castle was almost levelled,
and the ancient church in ruins.
200 Canadian Air Force bombers flew over the city in several waves, dropping
nearly 1000 bombs, with a weight of 815 tons and 97 aerial mines of which 20 were
"hundredweights" ( 4,000 English Pounds). Approximately 30 "block busters" fell
into the center of the city. The American had already had their go at it in their
Thunderbirds. The original historic stud farm was demolished in the bombing of
Zweibrücken. "Zwei" became an Allied military base.
nearly 1000 bombs, with a weight of 815 tons and 97 aerial mines of which 20 were
"hundredweights" ( 4,000 English Pounds). Approximately 30 "block busters" fell
into the center of the city. The American had already had their go at it in their
Thunderbirds. The original historic stud farm was demolished in the bombing of
Zweibrücken. "Zwei" became an Allied military base.
The Wormser Dom, left, was heavily damaged. The 1,100 year old
Magnuskirche where Luther came to defend his doctrines at the
Diet of Worms was also destroyed. Built in the 8th to 9th centuries, it
was the site of the first Protestant sermon in Germany and it is the
oldest Protestant Church of Southwest German Lands. It was
painstakingly rebuilt and reopened in 1952.
Magnuskirche where Luther came to defend his doctrines at the
Diet of Worms was also destroyed. Built in the 8th to 9th centuries, it
was the site of the first Protestant sermon in Germany and it is the
oldest Protestant Church of Southwest German Lands. It was
painstakingly rebuilt and reopened in 1952.
Martinskirche, Friedrichskirche, Andreaskirche and Pauluskirche were all completely or nearly completely destroyed.
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Wilhelmshaven was bombed by 25 RAF bombers on Sept. 4, 1939 in the first mass terror bombing of a civilian city in
World War Two. Wilhelmshaven is a relatively young city founded by Prussian king Wilhelm I in 1869. There was once a
castle here in the 14th century which was owned by pirates and destroyed in 1433 by the Hanseatic League. The area
had been an operating base for the German navy, and the city center was bombed by the Allies, destroying and two thirds
of the town's buildings.
World War Two. Wilhelmshaven is a relatively young city founded by Prussian king Wilhelm I in 1869. There was once a
castle here in the 14th century which was owned by pirates and destroyed in 1433 by the Hanseatic League. The area
had been an operating base for the German navy, and the city center was bombed by the Allies, destroying and two thirds
of the town's buildings.
| Wilhelmshaven |
| Wismar |
Wismar is a small Hanseatic town on the Baltic Sea in Pommerania. It is said to have received civic rights in 1229, and it
came into the possession of Mecklenburg in 1301. In 1259, it entered a pact with Lübeck and Rostock intended to
defend against the numerous Baltic sea pirates which bedeviled the Hanseatic League. During the 13th and 14th centuries
it flourished and developed woolen mills, For a time it was under Swedish rule. In April 1945, considerable damage was
done to the historic Old Town center by Allied bombing raids. Its elegant cruciform church of St George (St Georgen-
Kirche) dating from the first half of the 13th century was destroyed and the Gothic district beside the St.-Marienkirche
was completely destroyed.
came into the possession of Mecklenburg in 1301. In 1259, it entered a pact with Lübeck and Rostock intended to
defend against the numerous Baltic sea pirates which bedeviled the Hanseatic League. During the 13th and 14th centuries
it flourished and developed woolen mills, For a time it was under Swedish rule. In April 1945, considerable damage was
done to the historic Old Town center by Allied bombing raids. Its elegant cruciform church of St George (St Georgen-
Kirche) dating from the first half of the 13th century was destroyed and the Gothic district beside the St.-Marienkirche
was completely destroyed.
Witten is a university city in North Rhine-Westphalia and home to the first private university in Germany. Numerous
bombing attacks took place on the city, causing immense damage and killing hundreds of civilians. One Allied attack on
March 18, 1945 by 324 RAF aircraft dropped 1,081 tons of bombs and destroyed 129 acres, 62 percent of the
residential area. After the bombing, low-flying aircraft hunted and shot at everything that moved, and in this manner 8
running women and one child met their doom.
bombing attacks took place on the city, causing immense damage and killing hundreds of civilians. One Allied attack on
March 18, 1945 by 324 RAF aircraft dropped 1,081 tons of bombs and destroyed 129 acres, 62 percent of the
residential area. After the bombing, low-flying aircraft hunted and shot at everything that moved, and in this manner 8
running women and one child met their doom.
| Witten |
Zeitz is an old town in the south of Saxony situated on the river Weiße Elster in the middle of the triangle of the federal
states Saxony-Anhalt, Thuringia and Saxony. Zeitz was first recorded under the name Cici in the synode of Ravenna in
967. Between 965 and 982, it was the chief fortress of the Margrave of Zeitz. Between 968 and 1028, Zeitz was a
bishops' residence which was once moved to Naumburg. But since the end of the 13th century, the bishops were again
residing in their castle at Zeitz. The attacks by Allied bombers levelled many houses in the city before it was thrown into
Communist slavery in the GDR-era.
states Saxony-Anhalt, Thuringia and Saxony. Zeitz was first recorded under the name Cici in the synode of Ravenna in
967. Between 965 and 982, it was the chief fortress of the Margrave of Zeitz. Between 968 and 1028, Zeitz was a
bishops' residence which was once moved to Naumburg. But since the end of the 13th century, the bishops were again
residing in their castle at Zeitz. The attacks by Allied bombers levelled many houses in the city before it was thrown into
Communist slavery in the GDR-era.
| Zeitz |
Wiesbaden was a favorite visiting place for Goethe and other people of culture. About twenty miles from Frankfurt am
Main, Wiesbaden was discovered as early as 2000 years ago, when the Romans found springs that carried hot thermal
water to the surface. They found the effects of the waters to be miraculous for themselves and their horses and set up the
first bath houses. After the Roman defeat by the Teutons in 407 A.D., the "Wisibada" of the Germanic tribes became
popular as a trading post along the Rhine. Between 1200 and 1243, the Dukes of Nassau set up a number of castles and
fortresses, remains of which can still be viewed in the suburbs of Wiesbaden. The Nassau rulers also helped this
settlement to flourish. Under Prussian rule in 1866, the city was revived with elegant villas, expansive green spaces, parks
as well as generous boulevards and magnificent new buildings. Aside from its airfield, Wiesbaden was not heavily bombed
in World War Two. In the one and only RAF raid on Wiesbaden, 495 Lancasters and 12 Mosquitos were sent but
accomplished little besides having three of their Lancasters crash in France. Five important war industries along the banks
of the Rhine were left untouched and the railway station was slightly damaged. The Merians
Main, Wiesbaden was discovered as early as 2000 years ago, when the Romans found springs that carried hot thermal
water to the surface. They found the effects of the waters to be miraculous for themselves and their horses and set up the
first bath houses. After the Roman defeat by the Teutons in 407 A.D., the "Wisibada" of the Germanic tribes became
popular as a trading post along the Rhine. Between 1200 and 1243, the Dukes of Nassau set up a number of castles and
fortresses, remains of which can still be viewed in the suburbs of Wiesbaden. The Nassau rulers also helped this
settlement to flourish. Under Prussian rule in 1866, the city was revived with elegant villas, expansive green spaces, parks
as well as generous boulevards and magnificent new buildings. Aside from its airfield, Wiesbaden was not heavily bombed
in World War Two. In the one and only RAF raid on Wiesbaden, 495 Lancasters and 12 Mosquitos were sent but
accomplished little besides having three of their Lancasters crash in France. Five important war industries along the banks
of the Rhine were left untouched and the railway station was slightly damaged. The Merians
| Wiesbaden |
During the War of Palatinate Succession in 1688, many cities in the electorate
were systematically destroyed by the French. Nearly all castles were blown up
and the only bridge across the Moselle at Trier was burnt. As the French Army
retreated in 1698, it left a starving city without its ancient walls and with only
2,500 inhabitants left alive. Abused and coveted by France, Trier managed to
eventually recover. The Destruction of Ancient Trier and its Neighbors
were systematically destroyed by the French. Nearly all castles were blown up
and the only bridge across the Moselle at Trier was burnt. As the French Army
retreated in 1698, it left a starving city without its ancient walls and with only
2,500 inhabitants left alive. Abused and coveted by France, Trier managed to
eventually recover. The Destruction of Ancient Trier and its Neighbors
| Wupperfeld (see under Wuppertal) |
| Wuppertal |
Wuppertal is a city in North Rhine-Westphalia on the Wupper river south of the Ruhr area. Aspirin
was invented here and one of the city’s greatest attractions is the suspended monorail (“Wuppertaler
Schwebebahn”) which was established in 1901. The city was formed in 1929 by merging several
surrounding towns and hamlets, including Barmen, Elberfeld, Vohwinkel, Ronsdorf, Cronenberg,
Langerfeld, and Beyenburg. The name was initially Barmen-Elberfeld, and after 1930 Wuppertal
(“Wupper Valley”). It was half destroyed by Allied bombing. More on Wuppertal
was invented here and one of the city’s greatest attractions is the suspended monorail (“Wuppertaler
Schwebebahn”) which was established in 1901. The city was formed in 1929 by merging several
surrounding towns and hamlets, including Barmen, Elberfeld, Vohwinkel, Ronsdorf, Cronenberg,
Langerfeld, and Beyenburg. The name was initially Barmen-Elberfeld, and after 1930 Wuppertal
(“Wupper Valley”). It was half destroyed by Allied bombing. More on Wuppertal