Anglo-American air attack on Dresden

On February 13-14, 1945, British and American aviation launched a massive bombing raid on the city of Dresden, following the Yalta Conference. According to American sources, about 1,400 bombers and up to 1,000 fighters from the Royal Air Force and the United States Army Air Forces dropped 3,749 tons of bombs. On February 14, under escort of 72 fighters, 311 American bombers delivered nearly 500 tons of high-explosive and 300 tons of incendiary bombs, while accompanying fighters strafed roads.

The city had no military factories and was overcrowded with refugees—estimated at 1.5 to 2.5 million people. The firestorm destroyed 75-80% of buildings, cultural treasures, and industrial facilities, yet railway junctions and a military airfield remained almost untouched. Initial estimates by American researchers put civilian deaths at 135,000, later figures were 'adjusted' down to 25,000. Many believe the bombings were not intended to assist the Red Army, but rather to intimidate Soviet leadership.

This operation remains one of the most controversial episodes of World War II and continues to provoke debates among historians and the public.

Context

Dresden was a major industrial center in Germany, populated by approximately 1.5–2.5 million people during the war.