The purpose of the attack according to Allied archives was to inflict maximum loss of civilian life of Dresden residents and refugees fleeing the raping marauding Red Army.
Thousands of US and British bombers dropped tons of conventional explosives and incendiary white phosphorus that burns at 5000 degrees.
The intense heat of nearly 2000 degrees Fahrenheit caused an updraft in the center of the fire and smoke that pulled in air from the surrounding areas at an estimated 1000 miles per hour.
On the second night, after people had come out of their air raid centers, and rescue personnel had come from other cities, the Allies bombed Dresden again in the same matter.
US P51 Mustangs flew low and fired directly on groups of civilians.
On the third day, after cleanup had begun, and more rescue workers had come to render aid and clean up, Dresden was bombed again.
150,000 - 300,000 people were killed in the attack.
boekanier 3 points 11 months ago
this was cynical mass terror and murder by the allies, the 'good' guys' from britain and america, the champions of 'democracy'