The strategic location of Heyen Castle was evident once again at the end of the war when British bombers heavily damaged the historic building in the autumn of 1944. German units had entrenched themselves there and would not be driven away. The front was close by for months, but no fierce fighting took place.

The violence of war broke out again with great intensity in February 1945. Units of the Scottish 51^st Gordon Highland and 52^nd Lowland Divisions opened fire on the castle. The historic structure had to endure many hundreds of shells before the defenders left. Only the four walls of the main building were left standing. The roof was completely gone. Parts of the north and south gates and the farmhouse were completely destroyed. To make matters worse, the Scots looted what was left. At that time, the ruin seemed lost forever.