GERMANY’S WISH was to stand with the Irish people “in present times of need”, the German ambassador to Ireland has said.
Speaking at a memorial ceremony in Dublin yesterday to mark the 70th anniversary of the German bombing of the North Strand, Busso von Alvensleben said the event reminded us how “tremendously precious peace is”.
“The North Strand bombing in 1941 brought death and suffering into this city and to its inhabitants. My deep sympathy and respect are with the survivors and families and friends of the victims.”
Twenty-nine people died on the night of May 31st, 1941, when four bombs dropped on the North Strand. Many more died in the days and weeks afterwards and hundreds of people were left homeless.
Mr von Alvensleben said it was the experience of war that spurred the people of Europe to the project of peace and reconciliation out of which the European Union was founded.
“We stand by each other still today. Germany remembers when Irish families opened their homes and fostered German youngsters.” Germany’s ongoing wish was to stand with Ireland “in present times of need”.
About 300 people attended the event in a memorial garden planted and refurbished to mark the anniversary, at Marino College on the North Strand. Among them were some with personal memories, including St John’s Ambulance worker Noel Brady (91), and many family members of people who had been there.
Richard Fitzpatrick’s father had just left the area, having recently married and moved to Stoneybatter. His grandfather Richard, grandmother Ellen, aunt Madge and uncle Noel were all killed. “My grandfather had been a butcher at No 28 North Strand. Luckily my father, also Richard, had just married my mother, Josephine, and moved.” Asked whether he had spoken about the bombings, he replied, “rarely”.
“In the 1960s we were unusual in having a car. We used to go on Sunday drives to Howth and Malahide, and we’d drive through the North Strand. He’d say: ‘That’s where the bombing was. Say a prayer for them.’ It must have been very traumatic because he had to go to the morgue to identify his parents, brother and sister. There was no counselling or chatting back then either.”
Councillor Ray McAdam, representing the Lord Mayor of Dublin, said yesterday was about remembering the dead, and also those who lived, “who bore deep physical and, or, emotional scars ever since”.
In the weeks after the bombings the strengths of the community came to the fore. He spoke of Dublin Fire Brigade, St John’s Ambulance Brigade, off-duty doctors and nurses and priests.
After the ceremony, a lamp was lit and carried from the garden to nearby St Agatha’s Church for a remembrance prayer service.
