Allies Wipe Out Another City? March 16, 1945 The German city of Würzburg was a lazaret city full of hospitals and camps for refugees fleeing from war zone areas. By 1945 the Allies had largely destroyed every major industrial and military target. Yet, continued flying missions against remaining German cities chosen mainly for their vulnerability to firestorms rather than for any urgent strategic value. In roughly 17 minutes, thousands of people are blown apart, and 90% of the historic medieval center is destroyed. The presence of Red Cross markings and medical facilities did not prevent the attack under the prevailing Allied "area bombing policy".