Although it had little military significance, two months before the end of the war in Europe the historic city was bombed as part of the Area Bombing Directive in order to undermine the morale of the German people.
Kuigi linn oli vähese sõjalise tähtsusega, kaks kuud enne sõja lõppu Euroopas, pommitati ajaloolist linna Area Bombing Directive osana, et laostada Saksa rahva moraali.