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The Demolition of Heligoland, Germany, 1947
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The Demolition of Heligoland, Germany, 1947
Aerial photograph showing the destruction of the former naval base on Heligoland, Germany, on 18th April 1947. Heligoland had been a stronghold for German military forces during both World Wars and was destroyed by the British Armed forces, using 6700 tons of high explosive, as part of the post-war reconstruction of Germany. The great cloud of smoke shown in this picture was red with disintegrated sandstone and rose to an estimated height of 10, 000 feet
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Media ID 4391959
© Mary Evans Picture Library 2015 - https://copyrighthub.org/s0/hub1/creation/maryevans/MaryEvansPictureID/10219875
1947 Armed Cloud Demolition Destroyed Destruction Estimated Explosive Feet Forces Height Heligoland Reconstruction Sand Stone Shown Stronghold Tons Wars 6700 Base Disintegrated
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This aerial photograph captures the aftermath of the demolition of Heligoland, Germany, on April 18, 1947. Heligoland, a small island in the North Sea, had been a strategic stronghold for German military forces during both World Wars. Following the end of the Second World War, the British Armed Forces carried out the order for its destruction as part of the post-war reconstruction of Germany. The image shows the former naval base engulfed in a great cloud of smoke, estimated to have reached a height of 10,000 feet. The smoke was red with disintegrated sandstone, a result of the 6,700 tons of high explosive used in the demolition. The destruction of Heligoland was a significant event in history, marking the end of an era and the beginning of a new chapter for Germany and Europe. The island had been a vital military outpost for the German navy, with fortifications dating back to the late 19th century. Its destruction was a symbolic victory for the Allied forces and a reminder of the devastating impact of war. The image provides a stark reminder of the destruction wrought by conflict and the importance of peace and reconstruction. The photograph offers a unique perspective on this historical event, providing a bird's-eye view of the destruction and the scale of the operation. It is a powerful reminder of the past and a testament to the resilience and determination of those who worked to rebuild a war-torn Europe.
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