Workshop and Commemoration at Golm

In the final phase of the war in 1944/45, the strategic air raids by the Allies on the German Reich reached their peak. In early March 1945, Swinemünde was an important military base and supply port for the German Navy. Alongside residents, military personnel, international forced laborers, and prisoners of war, many people who had fled from the German eastern territories were also in the city at the same time. The Soviet military leadership, whose units had advanced close to Stettin, requested the US Air Forces to bomb the naval base and fleet in Swinemünde. On the morning of March 12, 1945, 671 four-engine bombers of the 8th US Air Fleet took off from England. During the attack, which lasted from 12:06 p.m. to 12:58 p.m., the aircraft dropped more than 3,000 explosive bombs. The exact number of victims cannot be determined precisely anymore. According to scientific analysis of contemporary sources, approximately 4,000 to 6,000 people lost their lives. A large part of the victims was buried at the war cemetery in Golm.

Today, an annual memorial service is held here to remember the bombing of Swinemünde. Young people participated in this commemorative event. Students from the Episcopal School St. Vith delivered a memorial speech. Additionally, the youth laid a self-made wreath. Engaging with the bombing of Świnoujście highlights the importance of respecting human rights and advocating for democracy and peace. (Photo: Carlo Lejeune)