V2 Rocket Tragedy: Cinema Rex Bombing's Haunting Legacy

Reflecting on one of the deadliest rocket strikes of World War II evokes a profound sense of loss and tragedy. On December 16, 1944, a V2 rocket attack on Cinema Rex in Antwerp forever changed the lives of many. During a showing of The Plainsman, the rocket breached the cinema's roof, resulting in the tragic death of 567 individuals, including 296 Allied servicemen and 74 Belgian children. This horrific event was part of a series of V2 attacks on the city, which, despite its liberation, remained a target for German forces. The bombing laid waste to 11 buildings and led to new public restrictions in Antwerp. The suddenness and scale of the loss underscore the haunting brutality of war, urging us to remember the innocent lives caught in its midst. What resonates most is the sheer and indiscriminate devastation, a stark reminder of our shared history and the harsh realities of conflict.