Bombing of Hanover in World War II

It was the fifth most active industrial centre in the Third Reich, producing tyres for military vehicles and aircraft and other rubber parts and products in three Continental AG factories.

Two large refineries Deurag and Nerag in Misburg on the northeastern outskirts of the city produced aviation fuel and motor oils for the Luftwaffe, meaning they were targeted early and continued to be attacked, especially later on in the war.

Raids on Hanover involved a relatively short flying-time from bases in the United Kingdom and the nearby Steinhuder Meer provided a useful navigational aid.

The first raid was on 4 September 1939, the day after the British declaration of war – it involved just one RAF Armstrong Whitworth Whitley dropping leaflets.

In the night beginning 8 October 1943, 504 RAF aircraft (comprising Lancasters, Halifaxes, Wellingtons and eight Mosquitos) attacked Hanover.

Conditions over Hanover were clear and the Pathfinders marked the centre of the city accurately with all bombs landing within the built-up area.

Hanover city centre in 1945, photographed from northwest by Margaret Bourke-White travelling through Germany with the USAAF and General Patton . The Market Church at the centre of the historic old town of, at the time, half-timbered buildings is just off the centre of the photograph.
The Deurag-Nerag refineries at the end of the war
In 1952 Aegidien Church became a war memorial dedicated to victims of war and of violence.
Interior of the Old Town Hall in 1943
The destroyed main railway station in 1945. To the left are the ruins of the post and telegraph building, now the site of the Ernst-August-Galerie shopping centre.