April 1945

Eastern Front

The 1st Belorussian Front launches another massive arty bombardment upon the German Seelow defenses. This final barrage finally breaks German resistance as the 9th Army begins to crumble. Repeated attacks by the 5th Shock, 8th Guards and 1st and 2nd Guards Tank Armies begin to break down the German positions. With the main line of resistance collapsing Busse commits the LVI Panzer Corps in an effort to hold back the Russians. Furious fighting rages, but despite the panzer troops' best efforts, the 8th Guards Army and 1st Guards Tank Army manage to break through to Berlin. To the north the 47th Army, 3rd and 5th Shock Armies also move forward.

The 1st Ukrainian Front splits the 4th Panzer Army in two as it pushes northwest from the Niesse. Spremberg is encircled by the 5th Guards Army and Cottbus by the 3rd Guards as the 3rd Guards Tank moves quickly toward Zossen and the 4th Guards Tank strives to reach Potsdam.