February 1945, over the course of three days nearing the end of the war, 800 British RAF and America USAAF bomber planes off-loaded 3,400 tons of explosives obliterating the people of Dresden. The event known as the Bombing of Dresden has always been named as one of the most controversial incidents and the single most destructive bombing of the Second World War. Why this act of genocide was committed, can only be told by the people in charge, nonetheless the stories of the survivors still horrifies and proves how inhumane war can be. Did the Bombing of Dresden follow the ethical right of conduct and stay just within retaining the rules of Jus in Bello?.
The closing of the Second World War was the upmost intent of the Allies, and all measures that would accelerate an ending, became preferred proposals. The Bombing of Dresden was such a proposal and the intension was to "hit the Germans where they feel it most, behind an already partially collapsed front, to prevent the use of the city in the way of further advance, and incidentally to show the Russians when they arrive what Bomber Command can do" (internal RAF memo). Dresden a civilian city became an increasing refuge to fleeing people, housing 650 thousand plus people. Ultimately, the nature of the intent was to terror bomb the people of Dresden hoping to force surrender, an evil proposal, but a feasible strategic advantage to the Allied war effort. .
On the 13th of February, wing commander Maurice Smith gave the order, "controller to Plate Rack force come in and bomb" The Lancasters flew over Dresden at 22:14-22:22pm and 01:21- 01:45am targeting the C'stragchege stadium. Dresden's anti-aircraft guns were withdrawn months prior and all Dresden had in resistance was 10 fighter planes. The bombing was 40% incendiaries containing high explosives and as the bombers were releasing, an unknown RAF bomber stated, "Oh God those poor people, this is completely uncalled for.
