Berlin's Scars: Life in the City During and After the Battle of WWII

Devastation of Berlin

• 💥 A massive bombing raid on February 3rd-4th, 1945, lasted three days and three nights, completely destroying the city center.
• 🏠 During the raids, residents like Eva-Maria Kolb, then a child, spent three days and three nights in the cellar to survive.

End of the War and Its Aftermath

• ✅ The end of the war in 1945 brought immense relief, especially for those who were not Nazis, as it meant Hitler was no longer alive.
• 🏙️ The city was left in ruins, a stark reality that remained vivid in memory.

Resuming Daily Life

• 🏫 Despite the destruction, schools began to reopen; one school in Tempelhof was only half destroyed, missing its roof and part of its upper floors.
• 🌧️ Classes were held even in the damaged buildings, though lessons were canceled when it rained, a fact that children found quite enjoyable.