Both men were correct. Volkssturm battalions were of little help against two Soviet tank armies supported by the mighty and numerous artillery in the open. The famous Panzerfausts had a very short range (30 meters), they weren't modern RPGs. And the members of the Volkssturm.weren't hardened Panzergrenadiers of 1943. So Volkssturm battalions with Panzerfausts could only more or less fight in the city streets. On the other side, the street fight without outside help was doomed. Stalingrad could defend only with outside help from the other side of the Volga River. If it was really encircled the resistance would be not long.
8 months ago (edited) | 17
Several WWI veterans served in the Volksstrum. Unfortunately they didn't have the proper equipment to fight.
8 months ago | 6
Wonderful introduction and incredible explanations... and historical valuable photos
8 months ago | 1
Kapitulieren? Nein! Eternal honor to the defenders of Europa!
8 months ago | 24
Seelow heights should have been the Third Reich's "last stand". The Soviets would have reduced Berlin to rubble regardless.
8 months ago | 0
By 1945 there was anything German general did will changed the war But I like Heinrici order of fighting outside Berlin
8 months ago | 1
Zelensky he’s reviving history. Now he Will send Young adults, when they are eliminated, the comedian Will send 60 year olds
8 months ago | 6
The order to bring all the Volk out could have been justifiable had a withdrawal plan back into the city also been presented.
8 months ago | 3
War Academy
🤔 On the morning of April 20, with the defense line at Seelow virtually broken, Heinrici telephoned Reymann (commander of the defense of Berlin) and ordered him to ensure that all of Berlin's defenders were sent to the front.
Reymann replied that 15 battalions of the Volkssturm were already on their way. However, Heinrici insisted on searching the city again to find more troops. He emphasized: "Don't you understand the purpose of my order? Remember our conversation with Minister Speer. If we evacuate the city of soldiers, we will avoid fighting within it and reduce damage. The battle must be decided outside its gates." Reymann, understanding the gravity of the instruction, replied: "Yes, it is clear. I will find a way to justify this measure."
Shortly afterwards, General Reymann was dismissed as commander of Berlin. Goebbels pressured Hitler to have him removed, convinced that Reymann was deliberately dismantling the city's defence by relocating the Volkssturm, which was indeed true. With this decision, control over the defence of Berlin was removed from Heinrici's hands.
8 months ago | [YT] | 345