Map of the Week – Doetinchem Destruction in World War II

5 May 2025 by Leave a Comment

This week we are looking at a map of Doetinchem, created between 1946 and 1961. It shows the damage to buildings during World War II. The map was created to inform the plans to rebuild the town center.

  • Red: destroyed
  • Blue: heavy damage
  • Yellow: light damage.

Map of Doetinchem, circa 1946-1961. Collection Erfgoedcentrum Achterhoek en Liemers (public domain)

Doetinchem was one of several towns in the Netherlands that was bombed during the war. Doetinchem was targeted by allied bombs three times: on 19, 21, and 23 March 1945. 120 buildings in the center were destroyed, and 170 people died. It is unclear why Doetinchem was a target. [Source: MIjn Gelderland]

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About Yvette Hoitink

Yvette Hoitink, MLitt, CG®, QG™ is a professional genealogist, writer, and lecturer in the Netherlands. She has a Master of Letters in Family and Local History from the University of Dundee, and holds the Certification of Genealogist and Qualified Genealogist credentials. Yvette served on the Board of Directors of the Association of Professional Genealogists and won excellence awards for her articles in the National Genealogical Society Quarterly and the Association of Professional Genealogists Quarterly. Yvette has been doing genealogy for over 30 years. She helps people from across the world find their ancestors from the Netherlands and its former colonies, including New Netherland. Read about Yvette's professional genealogy services.

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