Podcast in English
Text size
Bulgarian National Radio © 2025 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

The Bulgarian Cathedral Church

Bulgarians in Berlin celebrate the feast of St. Anthony the Great with special solemnity

On January 17, the Orthodox Church honors the memory of St. Anthony the Great – a zealous advocate of Christianity. At an advanced age, he took part in the Church's struggle against the Arian heresy. Anthony got into an open dispute with the..

published on 1/17/25 5:30 AM

Bulgarian Orthodox Church and BNR join forces to provide spiritual support to compatriots abroad

His Eminence Metropolitan Anthony of Western and Central Europe and BNR Director General Milen Mitev signed a Memorandum of Cooperation at the headquarters of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church Diocese of Western and Central Europe in the German capital,..

published on 1/16/25 7:40 PM

"Through the Doors of Time" – 190 years of innovative spirit inspiring the students of the Aprilov National High School

The Aprilov National High School in the beautiful Bulgarian town of Gabrovo nestled in the foot of the Balkan Range celebrates its 190th anniversary in 2025. Following in the traditions of the Gabrovo Mutual School – the first secular school in..

published on 1/13/25 4:35 PM