The German city of Dresden, once hailed as the “Florence of the Elbe” and an eternal testament to the architectural beauty of humankind, led a charmed life during the Second World War. Its great regard as a cultural center had precluded its inclusion as a bombing target for much of the war, and in contrast to the rest of Germany, it took on the reputation of being a haven from Allied planes who droned over the Third Reich day and night, bombing with impunity, killing thousands. To the refugees from bombed-out regions in other parts of the country, the city, with its immaculate streets and buildings, took on a vision of lost paradise. For Dresdeners on the other hand, the peace had ecome habitual. But that is not to say that the local population was oblivious of the danger of war... (more at the document)