Today in the Second World War

Welcome to today’s edition of the Hidden History Newsletter! On this day in 1941, tensions between Germany and the Soviet Union continued to simmer as the Soviets protested border violations by German troops and aircraft. The discovery of a downed German bomber in Soviet territory, containing maps of the Soviet Union and other incriminating evidence, served as a stark reminder of the growing threat of a German invasion. Meanwhile, in Berlin, Adolf Hitler faced a dire situation as the Soviet 1st Byelorussian Front continued to penetrate the city's suburbs from the east and north, leading to a momentous decision that would ultimately seal his fate. Join us as we delve deeper into the events of this pivotal day in WW2 history.

On the walls of the houses we saw Goebbels' appeals, hurriedly scrawled in white paint: 'Every German will defend his capital. We shall stop the Red hordes at the walls of our Berlin.' Just try and stop them! - Soviet War Correspondent

Germany Reveals its Hand

The border violations by German troops and aircraft were part of a larger strategy by Germany to prepare for the eventual invasion of the Soviet Union. In the months leading up to the invasion, Germany engaged in a series of provocations and reconnaissance missions along the Soviet border, which violated the terms of the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact.

The downed German aircraft discovered by the Soviets on April 22nd, 1941, was one of several incidents that raised tensions between the two countries. The plane was a Ju 88 bomber, and it had been shot down by Soviet anti-aircraft fire while on a reconnaissance mission over Soviet territory.

The discovery of maps of the Soviet Union, aerial photographic equipment, and rolls of exposed film in the wreckage of the plane confirmed the suspicions of the Soviet authorities that Germany was preparing for an invasion. The exposed film contained detailed photographs of Soviet military installations, airfields, and other strategic targets.

Despite the evidence of German aggression, the Soviet Union remained relatively friendly towards Germany in the immediate aftermath of the incident. The Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact, which had been signed in August 1939, was still in effect, and the Soviet Union was hesitant to take any action that might provoke Germany into breaking the non-aggression agreement.

However, the invasion of the Soviet Union by Germany in June 1941 marked a dramatic shift in the relationship between the two countries. The Soviet Union became one of Germany's most bitter enemies, and the events of April 22nd, 1941, can be seen as an early indication of the tensions that would eventually lead to all-out war between the two powers.

No More Counter-Attacks

On April 22nd, 1945, the Soviet 1st Byelorussian Front made significant advances in the outskirts of Berlin, Germany, from the east and north. Meanwhile, in the city, Adolf Hitler was attending a conference at 1500 hours when he learned that the counterattack he had ordered the previous day was never carried out by SS General Felix Steiner. Hitler was furious upon hearing this news and his anger only grew when he was informed by Wilhelm Keitel that Soviet tanks were now entering the city.

At this point, Hitler realized that the end was near and conceded that he was to remain in Berlin. The most important papers stored at the Führerbunker were being burned as a precautionary measure, to prevent them from falling into enemy hands. The destruction of these papers was an indication of the desperation of the Nazi regime as they attempted to cover their tracks and hide any evidence of their actions.

On the same day, Albert Speer, who was Hitler's Minister of Armaments and War Production, entered the Führerbunker and met with Hitler for the last time before he would leave Berlin. Speer was one of the few members of Hitler's inner circle who had openly opposed the regime's policies and had attempted to sabotage the war effort. However, his efforts were too little, too late, and he was unable to prevent the collapse of the Nazi regime.

Overall, April 22nd, 1945, was a significant day in the final days of World War II as the Soviet advance on Berlin grew ever closer, and Hitler and his top officials realized that the war was lost. The burning of important papers and the release of non-essential personnel from the Führerbunker were signs of the desperation of the Nazi regime as they attempted to cover their tracks and prepare for the inevitable defeat.

Hitler Continues to Crumble

On April 22nd, 1945, as Soviet forces closed in on Berlin, Adolf Hitler made the decision to release all non-essential personnel from the Führerbunker. This decision came as a recognition that the war was lost and that the end was near. The non-essential personnel released from the bunker likely included administrative staff, clerks, and other support personnel who were not directly involved in military operations or strategic planning.

Hitler's decision to release these individuals may have been motivated by a desire to spare them from the imminent danger of the Soviet advance on Berlin, or to allow them to make their way to safety before the city was completely cut off. However, it is also possible that he simply recognized that there was little point in keeping non-essential personnel in the bunker, given that the situation was now beyond anyone's control.

When Hitler assured those dismissed that "nobody is now duty-bound to anything," he was essentially telling them that they were free to make their own decisions about how to proceed. This statement can be seen as an acknowledgment that the situation was now beyond anyone's control and that the Nazi dream of a dominant Europe was rapidly fading away.

Overall, Hitler's decision to release non-essential personnel from the Führerbunker on April 22nd, 1945, reflects the sense of chaos and desperation that characterized the final days of the Nazi regime. As Allied and Soviet forces closed in on all sides, Hitler and his top officials were forced to confront the reality of their impending defeat and the fact that their dream of a thousand-year Reich was nothing but a distant memory.

Photo of the Day

US Signal Corps cameramen Carl Weinke and Ernest Marjoram in New Guinea stream, 22 Apr 1944.

As we wrap up today's edition of the Hidden History newsletter, we're reminded of the crucial events that took place on this day in 1941. The tensions between Germany and the Soviet Union would soon escalate into a full-blown war, ultimately leading to one of the bloodiest conflicts in human history. As we reflect on the events of April 22nd, let us remember the bravery and sacrifices of those who fought and died in the name of freedom and democracy. Join us again tomorrow as we continue to explore the historic events of World War II.

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