The Cathedral along with the City was bombed in February 1945 by Allied Bombers, who dropped over 650 incendiary shells on the City. It is believed that the temperature at the bombed Cathedral rose to 1000 deg C!! The bell tower had a still rim to support the weight of the bells which was distorted by the heat. The UK provided a new cross for the Cathedral when it was re built using as much original stone as possible in the early 90's. Tommy told me he remembers racks of numbered bricks held in the square for many years prior to them being used to rebuild the cathedral