The Bombing of Belgrade 1941

On 6 April 1941, the German Luftwaffe carried out a massive bombing of Belgrade without a prior declaration of war.

Surprise

The attack began at 5 a.m. The city was not prepared for defence - there were no shelters, no anti-aircraft defence, and civilians were asleep in their homes.

Destruction

Over 2,500 civilians were killed and more than 12,000 wounded. The National Library, with its priceless manuscripts and books, was destroyed. The city was in flames.

Revenge

Hitler ordered the bombing as revenge for the coup d'état of 27 March, when the government that had intended to join the Tripartite Pact was overthrown.