Hundreds of people gathered yesterday to commemorate the victims of the 1941 North Strand bombing at an event held at the Marino College in Dublin.

Relatives of those killed and locals who experienced the bombings were among the 300 people in attendance. German ambassador to Ireland, Busso Von Alvensleben, extended his sympathy and spoke in remembrance of the tragedy’s 70th anniversary.

“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,” he said. 

The German ambassador and the Deputy Lord Mayor of Dublin re-opened a memorial garden planted and re-furbished to mark the anniversary, on the grounds of Marino College.

Seven decades ago, on May 31, German aircraft dropped four bombs on North Strand under Hitler’s command. Nearly 30 people were killed that night, leaving 90 injured and about 300 homes devastated. The reason behind the bombings has yet to be determined.

The German ambassador said it was Germany’s ongoing wish to stand with Ireland “in present times of need.”

Today hundreds of people took part in a walking tour of the area that visited some of the sites the bombs struck.

A project to gather an oral history of the bombing is being compiled by Dublin City Council and will be continuing throughout the 70th anniversary so the events of that night in 1941 are never forgotten, RTE reports.