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

Muslims in Bulgaria celebrate Kurban Bayrami

One of the most revered holidays for Muslims, Kurban Bayrami (Eid al-Adha), has begun. It is associated with sacrifice, forgiveness and compassion. According to Sezer Sadulov from the Regional Mufti’s Office in Kardzhali, Kurban Bayram strengthens..

published on 6/6/25 9:38 AM

Hristo Botev's personal notebook testifies to the last year of his life

On June 2, we bow to Hristo Botev - a zealous supporter of the freedom of Bulgaria, a poet and a publicist. At exactly 12:00, a siren's howl and a minute of silence remind us of the feat of the revolutionary and of all those who..

published on 6/2/25 8:00 AM
Patriarch Daniil

Archaeologists send petition to Patriarch in support of fire dancing

The Bulgarian Archaeological Society 'Ivan Venedikov' issued a statement addressed to Patriarch Daniil, in response to his recent public call to end the centuries-old tradition of fire dancing, known as Nestinarstvo. "Mr. Patriarch, do not touch..

published on 5/30/25 9:17 PM