Extensive attacks carried out by RAF Bomber Command destroyed most of the city's historic quarters in the summer of 1944.

With the aim of retaliation for German airstrikes on the capital of the USSR, Moscow in 1941, Joseph Stalin ordered the Soviet Air Force to bomb Königsberg.

The target, which was at the extreme range for the planes, demanded a round trip of 1,900 miles (3,100 km) from bases in England.

[7]) Despite losing only four aircraft, the first attack was not particularly successful because most bombs fell on the eastern side of Königsberg, missing the city centre.

[8] The historic city centre suffered severe damage and the districts of Altstadt, Löbenicht, and Kneiphof were nearly destroyed.