Halbe, 1945 cover art

Halbe, 1945

Eyewitness Accounts from Hell's Cauldron

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About this listen

In April 1945, German troops withdrawing from the Seelow Heights were encircled by the Soviet Army near the small town of Halbe, south-east of Berlin. Rather than surrender, their orders were to attempt to break out, westward, and join up with the German twelfth Army. A brutal battle ensued, with an estimated 30,000 German and 20,000 Russian soldiers killed, along with thousands of civilians.

This collection of first-hand accounts tells the story of the battle and its aftermath from the German perspective. It is an eclectic mix, containing the recollections of ordinary soldiers, SS-men and men of the Panzer Divisions, as well as civilians caught up in the battle as they attempted to flee ahead of the advancing armies. It brings to life the grim realities of this one-sided engagement, revealing the brutal vengeance of the Soviets and the desperation to escape the slaughter.

Translated into English for the first time, this is an important insight into this devastating and little-known aspect of World War II history.

©2022 Greenhill Books (P)2022 Tantor
Europe Germany Military Russia Soviet Union War Solider
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Well put together and edited into chronological order. Thoroughly enjoyed this book. Although harrowing in places it acts as a reminder of the brutality of war, the atrocities and sometimes the humanity of all involved.

Great listing's of previously unheard witness accounts

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An awful massacre and terrible inhumanity of Russian soldiers towards Germans.
Narrator was rather robotic, but satisfactory.

Moving story.

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