The rescue of Rostock’s St Mary’s Church during the air raids of 1942 and 1944 stands as one of the most striking examples of courage and determination.
Although large parts of the city centre were ablaze, dedicated citizens managed to save the church from destruction.

The tower keeper Friedrich Bombowski and his daughter Ursula played a central role in this:
During the heavy attack on 26 April 1942, the church caught fire in several places, particularly in the tower and the roof area. Despite thick plumes of smoke and at great personal risk, Bombowski and his daughter climbed up to tackle the fire using simple means.
At first, there was a shortage of water, but with the help of other volunteers and, eventually, the fire brigade, the fire was extinguished after hours of effort.

The church was saved, but Ursula suffered severe smoke inhalation, from which she later died at the age of just 24.

Fires also broke out in the church during the attack on 24 February 1944, particularly in the roof truss. This time, Bombowski and his helpers reacted more quickly and in a more coordinated manner:
Pockets of embers were spotted early on and tackled directly, whilst the fire brigade was able to respond more swiftly. As a result, they once again managed to prevent the fire from spreading and to preserve St Mary’s Church as the only church in Rostock’s city centre to remain virtually unscathed.