Pforzheim, an old town on the River Enz at the northern edge of the Black Forest, suffered one of the most devastating air raids on a German city in proportion to its population.
In February 1945, around 1,550 tons of bombs were dropped on the city.
More than 300 aerial mines and high-explosive bombs devastated whole districts, after which large numbers of incendiaries ignited a massive firestorm.
Thousands of people were burned beyond recognition as fires swept through the streets.
Many others suffocated or were overcome by toxic smoke and fumes.
More than 20,000 people — around 30 per cent of the population — died in the raid according to the figures presented here. Relative to its population, Pforzheim suffered one of the highest death tolls of any German city in the bombing campaign.
20,200 dead
The destruction was extraordinarily severe in relation to the size of the city.
The master bomber responsible for directing the raid was later awarded the Victoria Cross posthumously.
