Before us stands the Gedenkstein 1. und 2. Weltkrieg. It serves as a stark reminder of Erfurt’s trials during those devastating global conflicts. This memorial embodies the city’s resilience. It honors those who suffered and perished.
Erfurt endured significant hardship. It was a crucial location during both World War I and World War II. The Gedenkstein 1. und 2. Weltkrieg stands as a testament to the lives lost and the city’s enduring spirit.
Erfurt experienced 27 Allied air raids during World War II. These attacks spanned from July 1940 to April 1945. While some were light, others were quite severe. The USAAF conducted eight attacks. They used heavy bombers like the B-17 Flying Fortress. The RAF carried out 19 attacks. They mainly used Mosquito night bombers. Over 1,100 tons of bombs fell on Erfurt. The US Air Force dropped over 60% of these bombs. Most were high-explosive and mine bombs. Eight percent were incendiary bombs. These statistics do not include numerous fighter-bomber attacks in April 1945.
The air raids caused widespread damage. Approximately 530 buildings were completely destroyed. Another 790 suffered heavy damage. About 1,750 buildings sustained moderate damage. Over 6,000 buildings were lightly damaged. Out of nearly 50,000 homes in 1939, more than 8,250 were destroyed. Many more were damaged to varying degrees. Around 23,000 residents became homeless. Forty industrial buildings were totally destroyed. Sixty-two were heavily damaged. More than 300 others were lightly damaged. The total rubble volume was about 225,000 cubic meters.
Civilian deaths in Erfurt totaled 1,392. Most of these victims were women and children. Some believe the actual number was higher. NS propaganda tried to downplay the bombing’s impact. The number of injured was far greater than the deaths. Including incorporated villages, low-flying aircraft victims, artillery fire, and other war acts, civilian deaths likely reached 1,600.
Several attacks left lasting scars. On February 20, 1944, 60 heavy B-24 bombers attacked Erfurt-Bindersleben airfield and residential areas. Over 130 people died. On July 20, 1944, 134 B-24s dropped bombs on the aircraft repair plant and Erfurt North airfield. The inner city also suffered. This attack resulted in 284 deaths. November 26, 1944, saw five RAF Mosquitos attack the Old Town with nine tons of mine bombs. In February 1945, US bombers destroyed the Collegium Maius of the old University. One hundred thirty-eight people lost their lives. February 25, 1945, was especially tragic. Fifty-nine RAF Mosquitos dropped bombs. Two hundred eighty-eight people died. 276 perished in the Augustinian monastery’s library cellar.
The Gedenkstein 1. und 2. Weltkrieg is more than just stone. It represents profound loss. It also embodies the city’s ability to rebuild. After the war, Erfurt faced immense challenges. But the people worked hard. They reconstructed their city. They honored the memory of those who died.
Even today, unexploded bombs are found in Erfurt. On September 4, 2018, a phosphorus grenade exploded during construction. This serves as a reminder of the war’s lingering presence.
The Gedenkstein 1. und 2. Weltkrieg stands as a place for reflection. It urges us to remember the past and work for a more peaceful future. It also stands as a symbol of Erfurt’s unbroken spirit.