Bombing of Konigsberg in World War II

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In 1944, the city of Königsberg was extensively bombed from the air by the British and burned for several days. Free from deployment for most of the war, No. 5 Group RAF first attacked the city on the night of 26 August 1944. The raid was at the extreme range for the Avro Lancaster of which 174 flew 950 miles from their bases. This first raid was not particularly successful, most bombs falling on the eastern side of the town and four attacking aircraft were lost.

On the 29/30 August, a further 189 Lancasters of the Group dropped 480 tons of bombs on the centre of the city. RAF Bomber Command estimated that 20% of all the industry and 41% of all the housing in Königsberg was destroyed. German night fighter defenses downed fifteen bombers (7.9% of the force).^[1]

The historic city center, consisting of Altstadt, Löbenicht and Kneiphof was obliterated, with the dome, castle, university (old and new), the old barnquarter and all churches.

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