Today in the Second World War

Welcome to today’s edition of the Hidden History Newsletter! On this day in 1945, the British Eighth Army and US Fifth Army linked up near Padua, Italy, marking the end of a challenging campaign. Meanwhile, in Dachau, US soldiers liberated the concentration camp and uncovered evidence of Nazi atrocities, but reports later emerged of US soldiers executing German prisoners. These events had a significant impact on the final stages of the war and underscored the bravery and sacrifices of Allied forces. Stay with us as we explore the details of these events in today's newsletter.

“That’s impossible! The Americans only know how to make razor blades.” - Hermann Göring

Hitler Gets Married

Adolf Hitler and Eva Braun had been in a relationship since the early 1930s, although it was kept largely secret from the public and even from many of Hitler's closest associates. Eva Braun was a young woman from Munich who worked as a photographer's assistant, and she met Hitler through a mutual acquaintance in 1929.

Hitler was initially reluctant to pursue a relationship with Braun, as he felt that it could damage his image and political career, but he eventually became more comfortable with the idea and the two began a relationship in earnest in the mid-1930s.

Despite their long relationship, Hitler and Braun never lived together openly, and Braun was rarely seen in public with Hitler. This was in part because Hitler's inner circle viewed her as a liability and were concerned that her presence could harm his image, and also because Hitler himself preferred to keep his private life separate from his public persona.

In the final days of World War II, as Allied forces were closing in on Berlin and Hitler's regime was crumbling, Hitler and Braun retreated to the Führerbunker beneath the city. On April 29, 1945, they were married in a small civil ceremony in the bunker, with a few of Hitler's closest associates in attendance.

The marriage was short-lived, however, as the next day, April 30, Hitler and Braun both committed suicide. Hitler dictated his final political testament and will, in which he expressed his views on the Nazi Party and its future, as well as his decision to end his life. Braun took cyanide, while Hitler shot himself in the head. Their bodies were then taken outside and burned, in accordance with Hitler's instructions.

Payback at Dachau

After the American soldiers from the 45th Infantry Division entered the Dachau concentration camp, they discovered a scene of unimaginable horror. The camp was overcrowded with thousands of prisoners, many of whom were sick, starving, and on the brink of death. The soldiers found piles of dead bodies, emaciated survivors, and evidence of torture and abuse.

In response to what they saw, some of the American soldiers became enraged and began to take revenge on the German guards and other personnel at the camp. One eyewitness reported that a group of German guards who had surrendered were lined up against a wall and shot by the American soldiers. Another eyewitness reported that a group of SS officers who had been captured by the Americans were beaten, kicked, and shot.

In one particularly gruesome incident, a group of prisoners who had taken refuge in a building were mistakenly targeted by the soldiers, who threw grenades into the building and opened fire, killing and injuring many of them. It is unclear how many prisoners were killed in this incident, but some estimates put the number at around 30.

The exact number of Germans killed by the American soldiers at Dachau is also unclear. Some reports suggest that at least a dozen German guards were killed, while others suggest that the number may have been higher. What is clear, however, is that the incident at Dachau was one of several instances of revenge killings and summary justice that occurred in the closing days of World War II.

The incident at Dachau has been the subject of controversy and debate, with some arguing that the American soldiers were justified in their actions given the horrific conditions they encountered at the camp. Others argue, however, that such acts of revenge and summary justice were illegal and immoral, and that they tarnished the reputation of the Allied forces as a whole.

Italy is Wrapping Up

The link-up of the British Eighth Army and the US Fifth Army near Padua, Italy, on April 29, 1945, marked a significant milestone in the Allied advance toward victory in Europe. The two armies had been fighting separately for months as they advanced up the Italian peninsula, facing stiff resistance from German forces along the way.

The link-up occurred near the town of Legnano, about 20 miles west of Padua. British and American troops greeted each other with cheers and handshakes, marking the end of a difficult and sometimes contentious campaign. The link-up effectively cut off the remaining German forces in Italy from the rest of the German army, making it possible for the Allies to launch a final, decisive attack against them.

The liberation of Padua by Italian partisans was a significant factor in the success of the operation. The partisans, who had been fighting a guerrilla war against the German occupiers, had managed to surround the 5,000-strong German garrison in the city and force their surrender. The liberation of the city was an emotional moment for the Italian people, who had suffered greatly under German occupation.

The surrender of German Colonel General Heinrich von Vietinghoff, who was the commander of Axis forces in northern Italy, later that same day, marked the end of the war in Italy. The surrender was signed at the Villa Giusti in Padua and included the terms of the German surrender in Italy. The surrender paved the way for the Allied advance into Austria and Germany and signaled the beginning of the end for the German army in Europe.

The campaign in Italy had been a long and difficult one, marked by harsh terrain, political and strategic disagreements among the Allies, and fierce resistance from German forces. Despite these challenges, the Allied forces ultimately succeeded in their mission and played a crucial role in the defeat of Nazi Germany. The link-up of the British Eighth Army and US Fifth Army near Padua was a significant moment in that campaign and a major step toward victory in Europe.

Photo of the Day

Hitler visiting the Ordensburg Vogelsang school in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, 29 Apr 1937; Dr. Robert Ley seen with Hitler

That's all for today's edition of the Hidden History Newsletter. We hope you gained valuable insights into the events that took place on April 29th, 1945, and the impact they had on the final stages of the war in Europe. Join us again tomorrow as we bring you more fascinating stories and events from one of the most significant and transformative periods in human history. Thank you for reading, and see you tomorrow.

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Have a great weekend :)

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