Europe At War: A WW2 Podcast

The Germans have lifted the siege of Bautzen, and are now poised to take the fight to the Polish-Soviet forces with the intention of driving them out of Saxony completely. However, a rapidly-strengthened Polish-Soviet defence line seeks to halt the German advance. Dates covered: April 25th-onwards. Map: Here is an overview of the German, Polish, and Soviet forces, during the final days of fighting...

The Germans launch their counterattack, hoping to recapture Weißenberg, lift the siege of Bautzen, and potentially threaten the entire Soviet assault on Berlin. Meanwhile, the Bautzen garrison awaits rescue. Dates covered: April 22nd - April 24th. Map: Here is an overview of the German counterattack in Saxony. Map : Here is a map giving an overview of the important towns, cities, and locations fea...

The Soviet vanguard forces launch their assault on Bautzen, leading to deadly street battles and house-to-house fighting between the Soviet attackers and the German defenders. Meanwhile, the fragility of the Polish-Soviet advance is exposed, offering the Germans a chance to re-take the initiative and break through the enemy lines. Dates covered : April 19th - April 21st. Map : Here is a map giving...

The combined Polish-Soviet forces launch “Operation Lausitz” - their assault on Saxony and the subsequent drive towards Weißenberg & Bautzen. Dates covered: April 16th - April 18th. Map : Here is a map giving an overview of the important towns, cities, and locations featured in the series. If you have any comments or questions about the show, please get in touch via davidsumner.podcast@gmail.c...

An in-depth look at the strategic significance of Bautzen, with a particular focus on how the city featured prominently in the Soviet & German campaign plans for April 1945. Plus, let’s meet the forces and personalities who will be key players in the upcoming fighting. Map: Here is an overview of the German, Soviet & Polish forces on the eve of the assault on Berlin, including the major of...

What to look forward to in the series on Bautzen. Map : Here is a map giving an overview of the important towns, cities, and locations featured in the series. If you have any comments or questions about the show, please get in touch via davidsumner.podcast@gmail.com You can also follow me on instagram at davidsumnerhistory or visit my site davidsumnerhistory.com Cover photo: picture alliance/ZB/De...

Now this is not the end. It is not even the beginning of the end… If you have any comments or questions about the show, please get in touch via davidsumner.podcast@gmail.com You can also follow me on instagram at davidsumnerhistory or visit my site davidsumnerhistory.com

In this episode we wrap-up the series on The Halbe Pocket by looking at the aftermath of the fighting, with a particular focus on the legacy of the battle and how it continues to shape Halbe and the surrounding area to this day.  If you have any comments or questions about the show, please get in touch via davidsumner.podcast@gmail.com You can also follow me on instagram at davidsumnerhistory...

The combined 9th & 12th armies, along with thousands of German refugees, march towards the Elbe in order to cross the river and surrender to the Americans at Tangermünde.  The Soviets will stop at nothing to prevent them from escaping… Map : Here is a map giving the approximate route the German 9th Army took between mid-April and early May 1945. The precise movements of all units within t...

The battered remnants of Busse’s breakout group finally reach the Beelitz area and link-up with General Wenck’s 12th Army. Map : Here is a map giving the approximate route the German 9th Army took between mid-April and early May 1945. The precise movements of all units within the army cannot be traced exactly, therefore this map only serves as a rough guide to help you follow the events covered in...

Busse’s breakout group reaches the final rendezvous point, and there, they prepare to make the final push towards the 12th Army’s lines.  Meanwhile, the remaining 9th Army forces trapped in the Halbe Pocket are eliminated by the Soviets. Map : Here is a map giving the approximate route the German 9th Army took between mid-April and early May 1945. The precise movements of all units within the...

After surviving the carnage in Halbe, Busse’s breakout group continues their escape westwards. Map : Here is a map giving the approximate route the German 9th Army took between mid-April and early May 1945. The precise movements of all units within the army cannot be traced exactly, therefore this map only serves as a rough guide to help you follow the events covered in the series. If you have any...

The final breakout attempt is launched as the 9th Army seeks to smash through the Soviet defences in Halbe.  Meanwhile, the 12th Army successfully evacuates the Potsdam Garrison. Map : Here is a map giving the approximate route the German 9th Army took between mid-April and early May 1945. The precise movements of all units within the army cannot be traced exactly, therefore this map only ser...

Elements from the 9th Army stage a second breakout attempt, and Wenck’s 12th Army continues their push towards Potsdam. Map : Here is a map giving the approximate route the German 9th Army took between mid-April and early May 1945. The precise movements of all units within the army cannot be traced exactly, therefore this map only serves as a rough guide to help you follow the events covered in th...

The two battlegroups fight on, but are crushed by stiff Soviet counter-attacks.  Conditions in the Halbe Pocket worsen as the Soviets tighten the noose, whilst the eastern flank of Wenck’s 12th Army reaches the Beelitz area. Map : Here is a map giving the approximate route the German 9th Army took between mid-April and early May 1945. The precise movements of all units within the army cannot...

The first breakout attempt from the pocket is launched by the battlegroups von Luck and Pipkorn. The 12th Army continues on their mission to rescue the trapped 9th Army. Map : Here is a map giving the approximate route the German 9th Army took between mid-April and early May 1945. The precise movements of all units within the army cannot be traced exactly, therefore this map only serves as a rough...

The 9th Army is fully encircled by the Soviets in the Halbe Pocket, trapping thousands of men and civilians in an ever-shrinking cauldron of death and destruction. Map : Here is a map giving the approximate route the German 9th Army took between mid-April and early May 1945. The precise movements of all units within the army cannot be traced exactly, therefore this map only serves as a rough guide...

General Wenck of the German 12th Army is ordered to advance on Berlin and crush the Soviet attacks on the city.  But Wenck, seeking to save as many German soldiers and civilians as possible, has other ideas… Map : Here is a map giving the approximate route the German 9th Army took between mid-April and early May 1945. The precise movements of all units within the army cannot be traced exactly...

A plan is hatched by the German High Command to rescue Berlin - a plan which offers a slim glimmer of hope to the beleaguered 9th Army… Map : Here is a map giving the approximate route the German 9th Army took between mid-April and early May 1945. The precise movements of all units within the army cannot be traced exactly, therefore this map only serves as a rough guide to help you follow the even...

Elements of the 9th Army begin taking up positions in the Spreewald area whilst others remain engaged in battle on the Oder frontline. General Busse is forced to choose between following Hitler's orders versus saving his men. Meanwhile, Zossen falls… Map : Here is a map giving the approximate route the German 9th Army took between mid-April and early May 1945. The precise movements of all units wi...

The Red Army launches its final assault on Berlin, and the German 9th Army, led by General Busse, is tasked with defending the line during the Battle of the Seelow Heights. However, rapid Soviet advances elsewhere threaten the encirclement of Busse’s men…  Map: Here is an overview of the German and Soviet forces on the eve of the assault on Berlin, including the various major offensives which...

Introducing a new podcast series examining the events of the Halbe Pocket in April & May 1945.  To help you follow along with the towns and locations mentioned throughout the series, here is a map showcasing the route taken by the German 9th Army. If you have any comments or questions about the show, please get in touch via davidsumner.podcast@gmail.com You can also follow me on instagram...