Battleground 280. Brothers-in-Arms (Briefly) - The Meeting at Torgau
Apr 23, 2025
Explore the historic handshake between American and Soviet soldiers at the Elbe River in 1945, marking a pivotal moment in the fight against Nazi Germany. Discover the emotional weight of this encounter and its foreshadowing of Cold War tensions. Dive into the strategic decisions shaping the race for Berlin and the divergent plans for post-war Germany, reflecting the conflicting ambitions of Churchill and Stalin. This episode unpacks the dramatic political implications that emerged as the Allies negotiated their future in a divided Europe.
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Robertson's Historic Link-Up
- 2nd Lieutenant William D. Robertson led a small American patrol across a semi-destroyed bridge to meet Soviet troops by the Elbe River.
- They improvised a flag and had an impromptu lunch, which was captured in the famous handshake photograph symbolizing Allied unity.
Cotsuby's Forgotten First Contact
- Lieutenant Arnold Cotsuby actually made the first contact with Soviet troops two miles south of the Elbe, before Robertson.
- A radio communication error led to this first encounter being overlooked in history.
Why Allies Let Soviets Take Berlin
- Eisenhower chose to leave Berlin to the Soviets mainly to avoid heavy Western casualties and due to faulty intelligence about a German southern redoubt.
- The decision was also influenced by political agreements about post-war spheres of influence.
