Thirty-five aircrafts. That’s how many were used in Operation Tigerfish. This is the code name for the air raid on Freiburg on November 27 1944. We are standing at the Grab- und Ehrenmal 27. November 1944. It is a memorial to a devastating event in Freiburg’s history.
The Grab- und Ehrenmal 27. November 1944 is dedicated to the victims of the bombing. The bombing took place in the evening. The Royal Air Force carried out the attack. Almost 3000 people died.
The old city was destroyed in a firestorm. This firestorm lasted twenty minutes. The Altstadt was 80 percent rubble. Nearby parts of town were badly hit.
Freiburg citizens commemorate this event. They remember it every year. Families of the dead visit the graves. The Hosanna bell rings each year. It rings at the time of the air raid.
Let’s delve deeper. Before this devastating raid, Freiburg had been largely spared. There was a mistaken bombing in 1940. But until October 1943, the city saw little action. People hoped they would not suffer a major attack.
The Allies dropped leaflets in northern Germany in 1943. They suggested homeless people would be welcome in Freiburg. The intention was to encourage refugees to move to Freiburg. However, this propaganda campaign failed.
Freiburg became a target as the front approached. Its location was important. It was on the Rhine Valley Railway. It was also on the railway to Colmar. These lines were vital for troop movements. General Eisenhower ordered attacks on transport hubs.
The British were to bomb Freiburg. The transport links were near residential areas. This made Freiburg suitable for carpet bombing. The aim was to destroy the city and railway system.
The attack was planned meticulously. Pathfinder bombers marked the target. The aim point was Habsburgerstrasse and Bernhardstrasse. Red and green markers highlighted the area. A master bomber coordinated the operation. The bombers were to drop as many bombs as possible.
Between 7:58 PM and 8:18 PM the bombing took place. Two hundred and ninety-two Lancaster bombers dropped bombs. Over 3000 explosive bombs were dropped. Over 11000 incendiary bombs were dropped.
The historic old town was almost completely destroyed. Suburbs like Neuburg were destroyed too. About 30 percent of homes were destroyed or badly damaged.
The Grab- und Ehrenmal 27. November 1944 is a place for reflection. It reminds us of the horrors of war. It also shows the resilience of Freiburg. The city has rebuilt itself. It remembers its past. It looks forward to the future.
The victims of the bombing are remembered. There are regular commemorative events. The Grab- und Ehrenmal 27. November 1944 is part of this. It is a symbol of remembrance. It stands as a reminder of the past. It encourages peace.