Shows
Europe At War: A WW2 Podcast4.4 - The Battle of Leipzig: The Last StandAmerican forces have captured most of Leipzig, but key strongholds throughout the city remain in German hands.
For example, at the Völkerschlachtdenkmal, a German garrison led by the fanatical Colonel Von Poncet refuses to surrender, leading to a tense stand-off with the Americans…
Dates covered: 19th - 20th of April 1945.
Map: Here is a map giving an overview of the important locations featured in the series.
American assault plan for Leipzig/Phase lines overview.
Support me on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/europeatwar
If you have any...
2025-09-2934 minEurope At War: A WW2 Podcast4.3 - The Battle of Leipzig: City Under SiegeWith Leipzig surrounded on all sides by American forces, the US 2nd Infantry Division and the 69th Infantry Division launch their assault on the city.
In the face of such unrelenting American military strength, one of Leipzig’s leaders tries to surrender the city…with farcical results.
Date covered: 18th of April 1945.
Map: Here is a map giving an overview of the important locations featured in the series.
American assault plan for Leipzig/Phase lines overview.
Robert Capa’s “Last Man To Die” photo.
More Battle of Leipzig ph...
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Europe At War: A WW2 Podcast4.2 - The Battle of Leipzig: The Americans Are ComingApril 1945: American forces, led by US V Corps, advance across central Germany, seeking to crush the Third Reich once and for all.
With Leipzig now clearly within the crosshairs of the Americans, the city's military and civil leadership panic over how exactly to defend Leipzig from the impending American attack…
Map: Here is a map giving an overview of the important locations featured in the series.
Support me on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/europeatwar
If you have any comments or questions about the show, please get in touch via davidsumner.pod...
2025-09-1544 minEurope At War: A WW2 Podcast4.1 - Welcome to the Battle of LeipzigAn introduction to the Battle of Leipzig, including an overview of the importance of the city to the Third Reich’s war effort.
In this episode I also outline the military situation facing the Americans in Germany in 1945 - and how that directly impacted the subsequent American decision to assault (and capture) Leipzig.
Map: Here is a map giving an overview of the important locations featured in the series.
Völkerschlachtdenkmal (Battle Of The Nations monument).
Support me on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/europeatwar
If you have any comment...
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Europe At War: A WW2 Podcast3.14 - The Battle of Berlin: The 2nd of May (And Epilogue)With defeat now inevitable for the Germans and the Soviet capture of Berlin all but complete, General Weidling enters into final surrender negotiations with the Soviets.
In the meantime, the breakout groups continue in their attempt to fight their way out of the capital.
Epilogue: Once the fighting ends, the victors, the defeated, and the people of Berlin, all take stock after the battle.
Berliners who survived the battle, are now subjected to a new struggle, as their city lies in ruins.
And from the rubble, a new Berlin will arise…...
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Europe At War: A WW2 Podcast3.13 - The Battle of Berlin: The 1st of MayWith the rapidly diminishing Berlin garrison forces trapped in an ever-decreasing pocket in the centre of the city, Goebbels, as the new Chancellor, decides to start negotiating with the Soviets.
But rather than delivering a quick-end to the fighting, these negotiations quickly descend into farce.
Meanwhile, breakout groups launch desperate attempts to escape Berlin, before the city is handed over to the Soviets…
Map: Here is a map giving an overview of the important locations featured in the series.
Support me on Patreon: https://patreon.com/europeatwar
If you ha...
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Europe At War: A WW2 Podcast3.12 - The Battle of Berlin: The 30th of AprilThe Red Army launches its long-awaited assault on the Reichstag. But all Stalin wants to know is whether or not the building will be captured before May Day…
Meanwhile, in the bunker, Hitler bites the bullet.
Map: Here is a map giving an overview of the important locations featured in the series.
Map: Here is a map of the Soviet assault on the Reichstag.
Support me on Patreon: https://patreon.com/europeatwar
If you have any comments or questions about the show, please get in touch via davidsumner.podcast@gma...
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Europe At War: A WW2 Podcast3.11 - The Battle of Berlin: The 29th of AprilRed Army forces brave fire and fury as they launch their assault across the Landwehr Canal, whilst Soviet riflemen establish a foothold in the Diplomatic Quarter after successfully crossing the Moltkebridge.
The Reichstag now lies within touching distance for the Soviets…
For the Berlin garrison forces, it seems the only thing holding back the Soviet advance are the foreign SS volunteers, who are determined to hold their ground to the last man.
Meanwhile, General Wenck contacts OKW with some bombshell news…
Map: Here is a map giving an overview of the impo...
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Europe At War: A WW2 Podcast3.10 - The Battle of Berlin: The 28th of AprilWith the Berlin garrison forces unable to stop the Soviet advance, the Red Army stands poised to launch a three-pronged assault on the Zitadelle district.
The rivalry between Marshal Zhukov and Marshal Konev is also brought to a head when Moscow issues a new demarcation line between the 1st Belorussian and 1st Ukrainian Fronts in Berlin.
Meanwhile, Hitler is treated to a new round of betrayal, when news reaches the bunker regarding Himmler’s negotiations with the West…
Map: Here is a map giving an overview of the important locations featured in the seri...
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Europe At War: A WW2 Podcast3.9 - The Battle of Berlin: The 27th of AprilRumours circulate amongst the Berlin garrison forces regarding the possibility of General Wenck’s 12th Army coming to save the city.
In the meantime, the Soviets creep ever closer to the centre of Berlin.
Plus, in this week’s episode, we take a closer look at how the women of Berlin suffered during the battle.
Map: Here is a map giving an overview of the important locations featured in the series.
Support me on Patreon: https://patreon.com/europeatwar
If you have any comments or questions about the show, plea...
2025-06-2333 min
Europe At War: A WW2 PodcastEurope At War Needs You! - Patreon AnnouncementJoin the ranks of the Europe At War supporters by visiting patreon.com/europeatwar.
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
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Europe At War: A WW2 Podcast3.8 - The Battle of Berlin: The 26th of AprilIn a desperate attempt to resupply the beleaguered Berlin garrison, an airstrip is constructed in the Tiergarten park. However the airstrip fails to live up to expectations…
Meanwhile, the Red Army drives deeper into Moabit and Neukölln, whilst also launching a renewed assault on the Tempelhof airport.
Map: Here is a map giving an overview of the important locations featured in the series.
Support me on Patreon: https://patreon.com/europeatwar
If you have any comments or questions about the show, please get in touch via davidsumner.podcast@gmail.com...
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Europe At War: A WW2 Podcast3.7 - The Battle of Berlin: The 25th of AprilFighting rages throughout the city as the Berlin garrison struggles to counter the combined forces of two Red Army Fronts.
The Soviets then lay siege to Tempelhof Airport…
Map: Here is a map giving an overview of the important locations featured in the series.
Support me on Patreon: https://patreon.com/europeatwar
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
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Europe At War: A WW2 Podcast3.6 - The Battle of Berlin: The 24th of AprilThe Berlin garrison is bolstered by the deployment of the 56th Panzer Corps around the city, whilst more badly-needed reinforcements arrive in the city in the form of French SS volunteers.
In the meantime, Marshal Konev launches his assault on the Teltow canal in the south of Berlin, plus units from Konev and Zhukov’s fronts link-up in the south-east of the capital…
Map: Here is a map giving an overview of the important locations featured in the series.
Support me on Patreon: https://patreon.com/europeatwar
If you have any comm...
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Europe At War: A WW2 Podcast3.5 - The Battle of Berlin: The 23rd of AprilWith the Berlin garrison unable to halt the Soviet advance, a new pie-in-the-sky counterattack plan to save Berlin is formulated involving General Wenck’s 12th Army.
Meanwhile, General Weidling is “promoted” to Commander of the Berlin Defence Area…
Map: Here is a map giving an overview of the important locations featured in the series.
Support me on Patreon: https://patreon.com/europeatwar
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 davidsum...
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Europe At War: A WW2 Podcast3.4 - The Battle of Berlin: The 22nd of AprilMarshal Zhukov sends some of his forces on a flanking manoeuvre to the north of Berlin in order to encircle the capital, unaware that Marshal Konev’s 1st Ukrainian Front is rapidly approaching Berlin from the south.
Meanwhile, the Führerbunker eagerly awaits news of “Army Detachment Steiner’s” counterattack.
Plus, General Weidling’s 56th Panzer Corps is pushed by the Red Army’s advance into the south-east of Berlin…
Map: Here is a map giving an overview of the important locations featured in the series.
Support me on Patreon: https://patreon.com/eur...
2025-05-1918 minEurope At War: A WW2 Podcast3.3 - The Battle of Berlin: The 21st of AprilThe battle of Berlin begins in earnest when 1st Belorussian Front forces advance into the northern and eastern outskirts of the capital.
In a desperate ploy to save Berlin, Hitler comes up with a preposterous counterattack plan involving Steiner’s forces to the north of the city.
Map: Here is a map giving an overview of the important locations featured in the series.
Support me on Patreon: https://patreon.com/europeatwar
If you have any comments or questions about the show, please get in touch via davidsumner.podcast@gmail.com
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Europe At War: A WW2 Podcast3.2 - The Battle of Berlin: The 20th of AprilThe Führer’s birthday celebrations are interrupted by a huge Allied bombing raid on the capital. Plus, Marshal Zhukov’s 1st Belorussian Front launches their first artillery barrages on Berlin from their positions just outside the city.
Map: Here is a map giving an overview of the important locations featured in the series.
Support me on Patreon: https://patreon.com/europeatwar
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...
2025-05-0522 min
Europe At War: A WW2 Podcast3.1 - Welcome to the Battle of BerlinAn in-depth look at Berlin in 1945, with a focus on how the city prepared itself physically and mentally for the impending Soviet assault.
Plus, an outline of the Berlin defence strategy, the Berlin garrison forces, and the attacking Soviet forces.
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 are launched as part of ‘Operation Berlin’.
Map: Here is a map giving an overview of the important locations featured in the series.
Support me on Patr...
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Europe At War: A WW2 Podcast2.7 - The Battle of Bautzen: The AftermathThe fighting has ended, but who won?
Plus, a look at how the legacy of the battle is still hotly-contested to this day.
Map: Here is a map giving an overview of the important towns, cities, and locations featured in the series.
Support me on Patreon: https://patreon.com/europeatwar
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
Sources used for t...
2025-04-0721 minEurope At War: A WW2 Podcast2.6 - The Battle of Bautzen: The Final PhaseThe 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.
Map: Here is a map giving an overview of the important towns, cities, and locations featured in the series.
Support me on Patreon: https://patreon.c...
2025-03-3124 minEurope At War: A WW2 Podcast2.5 - The Battle of Bautzen: The German CounterattackThe 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 featured in the series.
Support me on Patreon: https://patreon.com/europeatwar
If you have any comments or questions about the show, please get i...
2025-03-2444 minEurope At War: A WW2 Podcast2.4 - The Battle of Bautzen: RattenkriegThe 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 an overview of the important towns, cities, and locations featured in the series.
Support me on Patreon: https://patreon.com/europeatwar
If you have any comments or...
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Europe At War: A WW2 Podcast2.3 - The Battle of Bautzen: The Battle BeginsThe 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.
Support me on Patreon: https://patreon.com/europeatwar
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
C...
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Europe At War: A WW2 Podcast2.2 - The Battle of Bautzen: Prelude to the BattleAn 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 offensives which are launched as part of ‘Operation Berlin’. (E.g. the Polish-Soviet offensive into Saxony, towards Bautzen & Dresden.)
Map: Here is a map giving an overview of the...
2025-03-0337 minEurope At War: A WW2 Podcast2.1 - The Battle of Bautzen: Welcome to the BattleWhat 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.
Support me on Patreon: https://patreon.com/europeatwar
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/Deutsche Fotothek
2025-03-0308 min
Europe At War: A WW2 Podcast2.0 - AnnouncementNow this is not the end. It is not even the beginning of the end…
Support me on Patreon: https://patreon.com/europeatwar
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
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Europe At War: A WW2 PodcastThe Halbe Pocket: The Final ChapterIn 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.
Support me on Patreon: https://patreon.com/europeatwar
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
Sources used for the series:
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Europe At War: A WW2 PodcastThe Halbe Pocket: May 2nd - May 7thThe 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 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.
Support me on P...
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Europe At War: A WW2 PodcastThe Halbe Pocket: May 1stThe 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 the series.
Support me on Patreon: https://patreon.com/europeatwar
If you have any comments or questions about the show, please get in touc...
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Europe At War: A WW2 PodcastThe Halbe Pocket: April 30thBusse’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 army cannot be traced exactly, therefore this map only serves as a rough guide to help you follow the events covered in the series.
Support me on Pa...
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Europe At War: A WW2 PodcastThe Halbe Pocket: April 29thAfter 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.
Support me on Patreon: https://patreon.com/europeatwar
If you have any comments or questions about the show, please get in touch via davidsumner.podcast@gmail.com
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Europe At War: A WW2 PodcastThe Halbe Pocket: April 28thThe 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 serves as a rough guide to help you follow the events covered in the series.
Support me on Patreon: https://patreon.com/europeatwar
If you have any c...
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Europe At War: A WW2 PodcastThe Halbe Pocket: April 27thElements 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 the series.
Support me on Patreon: https://patreon.com/europeatwar
If you have any comments or questions about the show, please get in touch vi...
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Europe At War: A WW2 PodcastThe Halbe Pocket: April 26thThe 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 be traced exactly, therefore this map only serves as a rough guide to help you follow the events covered in the series.
Support me on Patreon: https://pat...
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Europe At War: A WW2 PodcastThe Halbe Pocket: April 25thThe 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 guide to help you follow the events covered in the series.
Support me on Patreon: https://patreon.com/europeatwar
If you have...
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Europe At War: A WW2 PodcastThe Halbe Pocket: April 24thThe 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 to help you follow the events covered in the series.
Support me on Patreon: https://patreon.com/europeatwar
If you have any comments or questions...
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Europe At War: A WW2 PodcastThe Halbe Pocket: April 23rdGeneral 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, therefore this map only serves as a rough guide to help you follow the events covered in the series.
Support me on Patreon: https://pat...
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Europe At War: A WW2 PodcastThe Halbe Pocket: April 22ndA 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 events covered in the series.
Support me on Patreon: https://patreon.com/europeatwar
If you have any comments or questions ab...
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Europe At War: A WW2 PodcastThe Halbe Pocket: April 21stElements 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 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.
Support me on...
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Europe At War: A WW2 PodcastThe Halbe Pocket: April 16th - April 20thThe 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 are launched as part of ‘Operation Berlin’.
Map: Here is a map giving the approximate route the German 9th Army took between mid-April and early May 1945...
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Europe At War: A WW2 PodcastWelcome to the Halbe PocketIntroducing 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.
Support me on Patreon: https://patreon.com/europeatwar
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
2025-01-0105 min