Remembrance of the Gülser bomb attack: 100 people take stock

On December 27, 2024, a peace rally took place in Güls on the Gülser Plan, which was visited by around 100 participants. The event was devoted to the memory of the bomb attack 80 years ago, in which 88 people lost their lives. The air alarm sounded two days before Christmas Eve when the civilian population was suddenly frightened. The commemoration was organized by the Gülser Association Ring.

The decisive air raid, which was pointed out in Güls, took place on December 19, 1944 in Trier. Around 80 British planes attacked the city and dropped between 300 and 400 bombs. The attack called for at least 420 fatalities and led to considerable destruction, with numerous historical buildings and private houses being hit hard. The condition of the city center was like the attack of a rubble after Trier was largely spared from air strikes during the first years of the war.

history of the air strikes on Trier

The first severe air raid on the city center of Trier occurred on August 14, 1944, in which the Constantine basilica burned down and cathedral and Liebfrauenkirche were badly damaged. In view of the ongoing threat, Gauleiter Gustav Simon ordered the "total frankness of the city of Trier of civilians". Many residents, including Hildegard Güntzer, had to leave the city at the end of 1944.

In the days after the attack, there were further air strikes on December 21, 23 and 24, 1944. Senior reservoir Bernhard Hild documented these air alarms and attacks. On the occasion of the 80th anniversary of the bombing, an ecumenical service will take place on December 19, 2024 at 3:30 p.m. in the St. Gangolf church, followed by a commemorative concert at 7:30 p.m. in the theater. Hildegard Güntzer, who returned to her partially destroyed home in the spring of 1945, hopes that her grandchildren will never have to experience such terrible experiences.