Mi.124-125 (18.10.1945)
Leipzig Products
Mi.124-125
Sample Show of Leipzig Products
The need for reconstruction in Leipzig
During World War II, Leipzig was repeatedly attacked by British as well as American air raids. The most severe attack was launched by the Royal Air Force in the early hours of 4th December 1943 and claimed more than 1,800 lives. Large parts of the city center were destroyed, while factories experienced temporary shortfalls in production, had to move production facilities or even were decentralised.
At the outbreak of the war, Leipzig had more than 700,000 inhabitants and was therefore the sixth-largest city of the 'Greater German Reich' (including Vienna). Leipzig additionally had significance by hosting the leading trade fair of the German Empire.
The Erla Maschinenwerk aircraft factory that produced Messerschmitt Bf 109 fighter planes at the three locations of Heiterblick, Abtnaundorf and Mockau were important for warfare.
Additionally, Leipzig was an important railroad intersection in Germany at that time.
In May 1944 more than 15,000 buildings were hit. Among them, more than 4,000 were destroyed completely, more than 1,000 heavily and over 10,000 slightly damaged. According to a preliminary official report from 30th December 1944, the regions which were mainly hit were the ring around the inner city, the directly adjacent areas to the west, north and east, as well as all the southern suburbs. The adjacent areas to the north and east were slightly affected, whereas no damage occurred in the outer west, southwest and northwest. About 140,000 people were left homeless.
On 23 February 1945 Leipzig received two major bombings: one by the British, and another by the Americans.
Source: Wikipedia
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