On April 15, 2016 we mark 75 years since the first bombing of the Anglo – American aircraft over Sofia.
In September 1939 breaks out the Second World War. With its strategic position Bulgaria is desirable ally to both warring coalitions. King Boris III and the Government of Bogdan Filov try to preserve the Bulgarian neutrality as long as possible.
In the beginning of 1941 Germany takes serious diplomatic pressure on Bulgaria on its accession to the Tripartite Pact. On the northern Bulgarian border are concentrated 500 000 German soldiers. In this situation, the government's ability to maneuver is minimized. Bulgaria is facing a dilemma: either to join voluntarily to the powers of the Tripartite Pact, or to be occupied. The first opportunity was chosen.
On March 1, 1941 the Prime Minister Bogdan Filov signed in Vienna a protocol on the accession of Bulgaria to the pact. On April 6, 1941 troops of the Wehrmacht began implementation of previously developed military operations against Greece and Yugoslavia. German army occurred in the territory of Bulgaria. This gave a reason to the allied forces to launch air raids over Sofia.
In the early hours of April 15 English planes bombed the capital city, airport Vrajdebna and some of the neighboring villages. Under fire came the troops at the Military School and those on airport Bojurishte. In the defense of the city took part only anti-aircraft artillery because our military aviation didn`t have a night fighters. But this was only a prelude to the serious tests which the population of Sofia had to face.
Under the pressure of Germany and Italy on December 13, 1941 Bulgaria declared a symbolic war on the United States and England. Nearly two years after this the capital city was not bombed of Anglo-American aviation. But from December 1943 for a few months the city was put under massive air raids.
The overall balance of the bombing of Sofia is as follows. The town and its surroundings were attacked 11 times. 45,265 destructive and incendiary bombs were thrown, or total 4,300 tons. During the process were used bombs in the form of pens and toys, which kill and maim children. 2,477 people died – 99% of them were civil citizens. Over 12,000 buildings were destroyed. One quarter of the buildings in Sofia was destroyed. Material losses are estimated at the astronomical sum of 24 billion leva.
