Quote:
Originally Posted by Muppetdave901
Was that because of the mashalling yards? Can imagine that was a major target.
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Between 1940 and 1944, 45% of Rouen was destroyed by bombing.
In June 1940, the entire area between the cathedral and the river Seine was destroyed by German incendiary bombs, as advancing German troops prevented firefighters from accessing the area.
In 1944 the town was bombed again by the Allies in March and again in August.
A friend of mine, whose family survived despite living in Rouen, was lifted on the shoulders of a Canadian soldier in late 1944, for a better view of the fireworks display celebrating liberation. Being a youngster, his involuntary reaction was to mistake the fireworks for bombs and he wet himself down the soldier’s neck.
Thanks Brix!