THOSE WERE THE DAYS: “Enemies No More”
During WW II, Adolf Hitler’s forces were over-running much of Europe and when France surrendered, he looked toward an invasion of England. Hitler demanded control of the air and sea as he began what he termed Operation Sea Lion, the bombing of Britain’s sea ports and shipping. On one of the bombing missions the German Luftwaffe lost their way and according to reports, accidentally bombed London. In retaliation of bombing an area of non military value waging war on civilians, the Royal Air Force retaliated by bombing Berlin. Hitler was furious and ordered his Luftwaffe to literally wipe London off the map. London was bombed fifty seven days in a row from September 7th to November 2nd. Hitler was hoping Britain would be so beaten down the UK would ask for peace and he would not have to invade. Hitler underestimated the British, the bombings only made the people stronger.
The back and forth bombings continued until Arthur Harris, Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Air Force went to Prime Minister Winston Churchill and suggested an unprecedented 1000 bomber raid on Cologne, Germany to not only destroy many manufacturing buildings but to hopefully demoralize the German people.
In May 1942, 1050 various allied bombers headed for Cologne (Koln). The city was not only famous for its eau de Cologne perfume but more so, the historical Cologne Cathedral with twin towers reaching 515 feet high. The RAF used the Cathedral as a marker and dropped 1455 tons of bombs on the city, two thirds were incendiary bombs. Forty five thousand buildings were destroyed including 1500 factories.
A few years ago my wife Kay and I, along with our very good friend Gertrude who was born and raised in Germany, stood gazing up at the Cologne Cathedral in all its majesty.
Everything around us was paved in golden coloured cobblestone. We were only steps from the Rhine River and the huge railway station. No cars are allowed, strictly pedestrian only traffic. We boarded a ship and sailed down the Rhine River, a beautiful sight although, many areas still showing the blackened scars that once held gun turrets and bridges.
I had taken a night course in German before our trip so when we were asked “Wo Wonnen Sie”, where do you live, and I replied, “Wer Kommen aus Kanada”, well, we were treated like we were long lost relatives. Every where we went from Cologne to Vienna, Austria to the Black Forest from one end of Germany to the other via train, boat and car, the people seemed to go over board with enthusiasm and welcome all because we were Canadian.
Huge breakfasts that did not include cereal, toast or peanut butter but lots of fresh buns and rolls, fruits, lunch-meats and juices and the main meals of the day were virtual feasts dined somewhere around the noonish hour.
As I stood looking up at the Cologne twin towers, my thoughts went back over a half century ago and I thought of those killed in Cologne and the lives lost in London. The destruction. The waste. I marvelled at the beauty of the re-built cities and towns we visited, the lasting friends we made; and the utter futility of war.
epigram@nexicom.net
Russ Sanders
