December 20, 1943 — Sofia Is Bombed and Dimitar Spisarevski Dies in Aerial Combat
On this day in 1943, Britain and the United States bombed Sofia during World War II. According to BTA’s calendar, the raid killed 64 people and destroyed 113 buildings. During the attack, Bulgarian fighter pilot Captain Dimitar Spisarevski carried out the first aerial ramming attack in Bulgarian aviation history, downing a US bomber and dying in the action. The event became one of the most dramatic episodes in Bulgaria’s wartime air defense. It also shows the consequences of Bulgaria’s alliance with the Axis and its war against the Western Allies. The bombing of Sofia left lasting scars on the capital and remains part of Bulgaria’s painful World War II memory.
December 20, 1944 — The People’s Court Opens Proceedings
On this day in 1944, after the communist takeover of September 9, the People’s Court opened proceedings against wartime government ministers, regents, royal advisers, and members of Parliament. The court became one of the most controversial institutions of Bulgaria’s postwar political transformation. Its supporters presented it as punishment for responsibility during the war, while critics have long seen it as an instrument of revolutionary justice and political repression. The proceedings led to severe sentences, including executions, and helped clear the way for the consolidation of communist power. December 20 therefore marks the beginning of a process that deeply reshaped Bulgaria’s political elite and historical memory.
Explore more of Bulgaria’s story on Bronicable, including our Bulgaria From Above series and our guides to the best of Bulgaria.
Continue with December 19 or December 21. For more stories and places, explore Bulgaria From Above and the guides in our Bulgaria category on Bronicable.
