What Happened This Year 1945

Historical Events from This Year 1945

Military & Warfare

Soviet Liberation of Stalag Luft I POW Camp

April 30th, 1945 79 years ago

Soviet soldiers liberated Stalag Luft I, a prisoner-of-war camp in Barth, Germany, freeing nearly 9,000 American and British airmen. The liberation took place as the Allies advanced into Germany during the final stages of World War II. The camp, which had housed airmen since 1942, was a significant site for capturing military personnel during the conflict. Upon their release, many airmen were in poor health but relieved to regain their freedom. This event marked a crucial moment in the history of the war, highlighting the collapsing German front.

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Military & Warfare

Hitler and Braun's Suicide, Victory Banner Raised

April 30th, 1945 79 years ago

In the Führerbunker in Berlin, Adolf Hitler and Eva Braun marry in a brief ceremony. Less than 40 hours later, both commit suicide as Soviet forces close in on the city. The same day, Soviet soldiers hoist the Victory Banner over the Reichstag building, marking a significant moment in World War II. The combined acts symbolize the imminent fall of the Nazi regime, concluding a brutal chapter in European history.

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Military & Warfare

German Radio Reports Hitler's Death

May 1st, 1945 79 years ago

German radio broadcasts announced that Adolf Hitler had died, reporting that he fell at his command post in the Reich Chancellery while fighting Bolshevism and defending Germany. Concurrently, Soviet forces raised their flag over the Reich Chancellery in Berlin, symbolizing their victory in the city following a prolonged siege. The announcement was part of Nazi propaganda efforts, aiming to frame Hitler's death as one of valor rather than defeat.

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Accidents & Tragedies

Mass Suicide in Demmin Amidst Red Army Advance

May 1st, 1945 79 years ago

In the small town of Demmin, located in Germany, an estimated 2,500 residents chose suicide over the imminent arrival of the Red Army. Fearing rape and reprisals, many fled to the River Trebel, where they drowned, while others resorted to more violent means. The incident brought to light the extreme desperation felt by civilians during the closing phases of World War II.

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Military & Warfare

522nd Field Artillery Battalion Rescues Prisoners

May 2nd, 1945 79 years ago

In southern Bavaria, the segregated all-Nisei 522nd Field Artillery Battalion halted a death march where hundreds of prisoners were being forced by Nazi guards to march towards the Austrian border. This intervention by the U.S. Army unit prevented further casualties and ensured the safety of the prisoners, showcasing the bravery and commitment of the soldiers during the final days of World War II in Europe.

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Military & Warfare

Soviet Union Declares Berlin Captured

May 2nd, 1945 79 years ago

On May 2, 1945, the Soviet Union announced the fall of Berlin after days of intense fighting. The German capital had been encircled by Soviet forces as part of the Berlin Offensive, a major campaign in the European theater of World War II. The capture marked a significant defeat for Nazi Germany, leading to the imminent end of the war in Europe. The fall of Berlin symbolized the collapse of the Third Reich and was key in establishing Soviet dominance in postwar Europe.

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Military & Warfare

82nd Airborne Division Liberates Wöbbelin Camp

May 2nd, 1945 79 years ago

American troops from the 82nd Airborne Division liberated the Wöbbelin concentration camp in Germany, discovering around 1,000 dead prisoners, many of whom died from starvation. This camp served as a holding facility for inmates who were found unfit for labor as the Nazi regime collapsed. The liberation revealed the horrors of the Holocaust and the impact of severe deprivation on those imprisoned.

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Military & Warfare

German Troops in Italy Cease Fighting

May 2nd, 1945 79 years ago

The surrender of German forces in Italy marked a pivotal moment in World War II, showcasing the conclusion of organized resistance in the region. Fueled by advancing Allied forces, this act signaled the end of German military operations in Italy and took effect with the surrender formally noted in Caserta. The surrender was handed down after significant Allied victories which weakened German positions, ultimately leading to this agreement.

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Military & Warfare

Sinking of Prison Ships in Lübeck Bay

May 3rd, 1945 79 years ago

The Royal Air Force attacked and sank the prison ships Cap Arcona, Thielbek, and Deutschland in Lübeck Bay, mistaking them for enemy vessels. Containing thousands of prisoners, the ships were targeted in a final days offensive as the war in Europe was drawing to a close. The attack resulted in a significant loss of life among the prisoners on board. The incident raises questions about the identification and targeting procedures used during the conflict.

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