April 19, 1945
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The Soviet Army begins their Berlin campaign with display of artilllery, exploding targets throughout Berlin and surrounding areas. The bombardment signals the beginning of the offensive to take the German capital.
Groups of the Soviet Army advance against the German defenses at Oder River. Hitler celebrates his 56th birthday, which is also his final birthday. He is unaware of the fate of him and his Germany. General Zhukov and his 1st Belorussian army break into the suburbs of Berlin. Soviet Leader Joseph Stalin sends his final assault orders to generals Zhukov and Koniev. The suburbs of Berlin start to gradually fall under Soviet control as the fighting rages on everywhere. The German General Wenck of the 12th Army launches a futile counter-offensive against the Soviet onslaught. The British Royal Air Force slow down the 12th Army offensive through intense bombing. The 1st Belorussian Front meets up with the Ukranian Front, which formally encircles Berlin. All access points west of German capital are cut off by the Soviet Forces. Over 2 million civilians of Berlin take shelter for the violent fighting that's to come. 30,000 German soldiers ready themselves for the day of bloody business. Elements of the 5th Guards Army reach the Elbe River at Torgau and celebrate with the U.S. 1st Army. Twin Soviet offensives break the final defensive fronts of the Germans. Soviet forces advance across the Spree River. General Wenck's 12th Army is halted by the Soviet Army. The Soviet Army remains just 15 miles from the center of Berlin. The Soviets capture the Reichstag. Hitler weds his mistress, Eva Braun, in his underground bunker under Berline. After giving a final speech to his remaining supporters, he poisons his dog, wife and then commits suicide. The bodies of Hitler and Eva are taken to Chancellery Gardens and incinerated. Soviet artillery opens up in a massive barrage against the Chancellery and surrounding areas. General Chuikov makes his way into the center of Berlin German General Hans Krebs approaches Chuikov with the formal German surrender. Berline formally and unconditionally surrenders to the Soviet legions and Western Allies. General Jodl signs for the defeated Germans and General Bedell Smith and Suslaparov for the Allies. German forces across Berlin begin surrounding. Soviet forces now occupy all major sections of the German capital, meaning the Fall of Berlin is complete. The war in Europe officially comes to a close. This is day is formally announced Victory in Europe Day (V-E Day) and celebrations break out across the world. The fighting against the Japanese Empire in the Pacific is still occurring. |