April 1945

Eastern Front

The Soviet armies inside Berlin launch intense attacks toward the city center, the 3rd Guards Tank and 28th Armies pushing in from the south to link up in force with the 8th Guards, 3rd and 69th Armies. The 3rd and 5th Shock and 1st Guards Tank attack from the east. To the north the 2nd Guards Tank also presses through the German defenses. At the western end of the city, heavy fighting rages near Potsdam as the 4th Guards Tank Army moves to link up with the 47th Army.

South of Berlin, the counterattack by the 4th Panzer Army around Bautzen is halted as the 52nd and 2nd Polish Armies and 2nd Air Army pound the German forces. Casualties mount alarmingly, compelling the 4th Panzer to abandon its attack and fall back. West of Berlin, the 12th Army begins its relief attack, hitting units of the 13th Army and 4th Guards Tank Army as it pushes toward Treuerbreitzen. The Soviets are again surprised by the counterattack and the 13th Begins to fall back.

In Moravia the 6th Guards Tank Army of the 2nd Ukrainian Front reaches Brno but is halted as the 8th Army counterattacks. The Soviets suffer heavy losses and in bitter fighting are prevented from taking the town.