DuringWorld War II, the easternEstonian townNarva suffered from manyaerial bombings by theSoviet Air Force between 1941 and 1944. Most of the buildings in the city was destroyed during the war, only 198 out of 3550 buildings were considered habitable.[1] The most damaging of these air raids are known as the 'March bombings', destroying most of the city and killing hundreds.
During theSummer War, German forces captured Narva in August 1941,[2] and the city faced minor damage due to small scale aerial bombing raids by the Soviet Union. The city would remain facing small scale air raids by the Soviet Union until 1944,[5] which would be known as the March Bombings (Estonian: Märtsipommitamine), which affected a number of Estonian cities.[6]
Starting from 25 January 1944 to 3 March 1944, a majority of the city's population was evacuated as battles approached and the Battle of Narva began.[7] The Battle of Narva began on 2 February 1944, between soldiers fighting under the Nazi German army and soldiers fighting under the Soviet army to obtain theNarva Isthmus, which was strategically important.
In late February/early March, Soviet command planned multiple air raids on Narva, and other Estonian cities,including Estonia's capital,Tallinn. Narva experienced these air raids on March 6, 7, and 8, causing major infrastructural and civilian/soldier casualties. Around 100 Soviet bombers participated in these aerial raids on Narva.[7] These air raids that affected cities in Estonia was known as the March Bombings. The city was further damaged during the battle from artillery shelling by both sides.[8]
Narva was bombed again on 25 July 1944, and the city was recaptured by Soviet forces on 26 July 1944, as part of theNarva offensive after German troops withdrew from the area.[3][4]
Many buildings were destroyed during the air raids and general engagements in and around Narva. At the start of 1944, around 10% of Narva was destroyed, but in late July, 95-98% of the city was destroyed.[10][1] After World War II, some buildings were able to be restored, but in the 1950s, Soviet authorities removed many ruins of Narva to build apartment buildings.[10]
Narva's medieval town, dating back to the late 1600's, was almost entirely destroyed. Only a few structures were restored; the Narva Town Hall and theHermann Castle.[11]
Civilian casualties were fairly low, due to the evacuation which evacuated 85% of the city's population. Around 900 people died during the actual air raids during 1944.[12] In 1939, Narva's total population measured 22,400, but in 1945, the city's population measured ~6,600.[13] This significant decrease is mainly due to evacuations, but also due todeportations, refugees, relocations, and other deaths during the war.[14]
