The bombing of Dresden, which lasted from 13 to 15 February 1945, is one of the most controversial events of the Second World War. Dresden was northern Germany’s cultural centre, and as such was neither important to German wartime production nor a major industrial center. After the massive attack of the British and US bombers which had dropped hundreds of thousands of explosives, the city was turned into a complete ruin. The number of civilian victims is uncertain, but estimated around 25,000.
Dresden, 1945, view from the city hall over the destroyed city. Source: Deutsche Fotothek / CC BY-SA 3.0 de
Bombing of Dresden
Dresden, 1945, view from the city hall over the destroyed city. Source: Deutsche Fotothek / CC BY-SA 3.0 de