Jim Mills, age 24
The attack on Cinema Rex is the deadliest. The average age of the victims: 26. British soldier Jim was one of the victims of this disastrous bombing.
An early Christmas 'present'
During an operation in the hospital's basement, Jim's left leg was amputated, followed by his right leg later that day. He received two prosthetics just before Christmas 1944.
V2, December 16, 1944, 15h23, De Keyserlei
Allied soldiers in Antwerp
The attack on Cinema Rex claimed the most victims of the entire V-weapon campaign. More than half of those killed were Allied soldiers. Many of the British, American, Canadian, Polish and other soldiers staying in the city worked in the port.
Deadly coincidence
The Allied soldiers sought recreation in the city after work. ENSA (The Entertainments National Service Association) organises various performances for British soldiers around the city, including here on the corner of Anneessens street.
Jim Mills goes to Cinema Rex because the ENSA-show is sold out. There are many movie theatres in the neighbourhood. Each cinema plays one film several times in succession. People come in whenever someone else departs and leave after they've seen the entire film. Most people don't choose a specific movie but go wherever there are seats available. On December 16, 1944, unfortunately for many, that happens to be the Rex.
American troops surrounded by Native Americans: the last thing the audience saw during a screening of The Plainsman. Then the bomb fell on Cinema Rex.
Victims lie on the sidewalk of De Keyserlei, on the corner of Anneessens street.
