WW2 Pod: We Have Ways of Making You Talk VE Day: The Seelow Heights (Part 5)
Apr 28, 2025
Explore the chaotic scenes of destruction during the Battle of Seelow Heights and the emotional toll on civilians. Hear the poignant story of a teenager's fleeting reunion with his mother amidst chaos. Delve into the moral dilemmas military leaders faced as they made critical decisions that shaped the war's outcome. Discover the contrasting strategies of the Red Army and the challenges of combat that influenced the final days of World War II. Uncover the grim reality of battlefield carnage and the fate that awaited the Führer in his bunker.
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Helmut Altner's 1945 Draft Story
- Helmut Altner, called up at 17 in March 1945, shows the chaos and desperation of Germany recruiting teenagers and older men.
- He witnessed poignant moments like executions and the brutal conditions within the Ersatz battalion at Spandau.
Older Germans Forced to Fight
- Older German men drafted in 1945 had lived through Hitler's regime and were forced to fight despite likely regrets.
- The war's brutality and desperation forced all ages, even 60-year-olds, into battle roles.
Soviet Forces' Massive Strength
- The Red Army had enormous manpower and equipment advantages as it prepared to take Berlin in April 1945.
- Soviet fronts drew forces from across the USSR, not just Russians, highlighting a diverse Soviet fighting force.