Podcast in English
Text size
Bulgarian National Radio © 2024 All Rights Reserved

80 years since the last bombing of Sofia

Photo: militarymuseum.bg

The last and most destructive bombing of Sofia during World War II took place on April 17, 80 years ago. In 1944, on April 17 at noon, 350 American bombers, accompanied by Thunderbolt and Mustang fighters, dropped 2,500 bombs on Sofia. 749 buildings were destroyed and many more were damaged. 128 people died and 21 were injured. In Bulgarian history, the date remains known as "Black Easter" and as the darkest day for the Bulgarian aviation, which lost 6 pilots who were protecting the skies over Sofia.

From November 1943 to April 1944, Bulgaria lost 27 aircraft out of 80 of its machines and 22 airmen. More than 2,500 fighters and heavy bombers were sent against Bulgaria. The Bulgarian defense shot down more than 100 planes. Enemy losses included 159 crewmen killed and 329 captured.



Последвайте ни и в Google News Showcase, за да научите най-важното от деня!
Listen to the daily news from Bulgaria presented in "Bulgaria Today" podcast, available in Spotify.

More from category

During Holy Week we remember the last days of the Saviour's life on earth

For the Orthodox Church, the 29th of April marks the beginning of Holy Week - a profound period dedicated to the contemplation of the life of the Saviour and the preparation for the Holy Resurrection. Immediately after the great Christian feast of..

published on 4/29/24 5:55 AM

What do we celebrate on Palm Sunday and what are God's visits in our lives?

"Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!" (Luke 19:38). With these enthusiastic exclamations, which the Church recalls on the feast of the Entry of the Lord into Jerusalem, Jesus Christ was..

published on 4/28/24 5:05 AM

Iconographer Ekaterina Titova: "Bulgaria is wonderful! Love it and cherish it!

The tangents between biology and ecclesiastical icon-painting are unknown and incomprehensible to those who are devoted to science. For Ekaterina Titova, a doctor of biological sciences accustomed to approaching everything through logic, religious..

published on 4/27/24 7:15 AM