Stuff You Should Know Short Stuff: Battle of Itter Castle
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Dec 17, 2025 Dive into one of the weirdest battles of WWII at Castle Itter, where American and French troops teamed up against the Nazi SS. Learn about the castle's eerie history as a VIP prison for high-profile captives, including French leaders and athletes. Discover the chaos of May 1945 and hear thrilling tales of escape attempts by prisoners desperate for help. Witness the formation of a ragtag rescue team and the dramatic siege that followed, culminating in an unexpected victory with minimal casualties. This battle is as cinematic as they come!
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VIP Prison At Castle Itter
- Castle Itter housed high-value prisoners like French generals and politicians held as hostages by the Nazis.
- The castle became a VIP prison after 1943 and worried inmates feared SS reprisals as Germany collapsed.
Collapse Didn't Mean Safety
- Even as Germany capitulated, SS factions still threatened prisoners, creating unpredictable danger.
- Prisoners learned of nearby massacres and feared imminent execution, prompting desperate rescue attempts.
Handyman's Run For Help
- A Yugoslav handyman ran through enemy territory to reach advancing American troops and request rescue.
- Major John T. Kramer agreed to send a small tank detachment toward Castle Itter to assist.