The Last Stand: The Battle of the Reichstag, Berlin 1945 (WW2 Documentary)

By late April 1945 Soviet troops, having advanced thousands of miles from the gates of Moscow, had surrounded Berlin and were poised to finally capture the German capital. Targetted by the Soviets was the famous Reichstag building in the centre of the Government quarter.

This video examines those final days and the bitter fighting for that iconic location, which ultimately led to the end of WW2 in Europe.

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Links:

Written Sources:

• J. Alexander (2020), Fall of the Reichstag Script for BGVT
• T. Le Tisser, Race for the Reichstag
• T. Le Tissier, The Battle of Berlin 1945
• T. Le Tissier, Soviet Conquest, Berlin 1945
• M. Hastings, Armageddon, the Battle for Germany 1944-45
• A. Beevor, Berlin, The Downfall 1945

Video/Audio Sources:

• 16 Days in Berlin (RealTime History)
• J. Alexander, Berlin Virtual Tour (BGVT)
• ClearBreeze Consulting (Berlin 3D model videos)
• Der Untergang ‘Downfall’ (2004)

General archive Sources:

• Critical Past Film Archive (CPFA)
• Google Earth (Web & Pro Versions)
• Imperial War Museum Sound Archive (IWMSA)
• Bundesarchiv (German National Archives)
• US National Archives (NARA)
• National Archives NextGen Catalog
• Maptiler Pro (Desktop Version)
• Memory Map Trench Maps

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Credits:
Research: Jesse Alexander & Dan Hill
Script & Narration: Dan Hill
Editors: Shane Greer & Linus Klassen
Sound Design: Shane Greer
Thumbnail Design: Shane Greer
3D Modelling: Clearbreeze Consulting
Music & Sound Effects: Epidemic Sounds

[Aged]

I live in berlin and there are a lot of old buildings and walls that still have bullet holes in them. And the sourrounding forrest still have alot of old ammunituon in them, as a kid i always found ammo and parts from grenades in the forrest( that was not long a ago maybe 2006-2010)

[BillBird]

This was OUTSTANDING. I didn't have high hopes at first. It looked like another "run of the mill" Russians take Berlin video. But, oh my goodness, the research popped up and the personal letters written by ordinary soldiers just really drove this thing home. The only thing missing is a room-by-room battle map and I have a feeling that will come at some point with more exhaustive research. Great job Battle Guide. I am a fan.

[FERG]

I went to Berlin in June '23 and visited the Reichstag roof. Spent ages looking for the specific spot where that photo was taken - as its not clear today (there are many rooftop statues and figureheads). Once I found it - it was incredibly moving to know I was stood exactly where that photo was taken. Something I'll never forget

[petergeyer]

As a Berliner, great video. It is easy to forget that in terms of real space, Zone Z in general and the area in front of the Reichstag in particular are not very big. Also, while it is still being cleaned up almost 80 years later, Berlin still has many signs remaining of its violent history. By the age of 7 (now 17), my daughter could tell the difference between bullet, shell and shrapnel holes in our local walls.

[robertkorn]

My mother, born 1923, survived the April 45 in Berlin. The last troops to defend the city were Hitlerjugend, some regular Wehrmacht and - french SS from Division "Charlemagne". Mother never made any bad comments on the Russians, "they saved the lives of us survivors with food and healthcare".

[upoldezfranky]

My great grandfather's only brother fought in Normandy Omaha Beach on the very D-Day and died on the very beach. Whole of our life, we heard about his courage. Our grandfather used to say, the real hero never came back from the war. Our family gave blood to liberate Europe.

[ShamileII]

I visited Berlin in 1985 and stayed with some friends I met as exchange students when they came over. They showed me Templhoff airport with the Nazi eagles still in place but the swastikas removed.
The most fascinating was the Reichstag. At a distance, it looks all restored but when you get close, you can see all the shell and bullet hole damage. Even the repaired parts are little squares fitted in the holes...but not disguised.
Fun fact, when you went on the subway in Berlin, the lines crossed over to East Berlin and back. The train would have to slow down but not stop at each East German station where every 20 ft or so, east German guards were stationed. It was kinda eerie passing these troops ( the enemy at the time) .

[ChairmanMeow]

WW2 was so absolutely insane it's hard to believe it actually happened

[danalhal]

I give you a great thanks for showing us the pictures and 3D modules of the buildings. You helped paint a clear image of the battle please make more battle videos with the same technique. Thank you.

[ellenbeckett]

My dad was wounded in Germany in February 1945. Like most WWII veterans, he almost never talked about it. He died in 1976, and for all the years since I have wished I was able to talk with him about it. Band of Brothers gave me my first real idea of what combat in Germany that winter was like.

[Florehh]

Berliner here: Outstanding movie, I can only recommend to visit the Reichstag when coming to Berlin as well as the Flaktower at Humboldthain. When walking through the Reichstag you can see the old soviet graffitis, it sends shivers down my spine everytime I walk by.

[meatrocket]

Your channel has become one of my new favorites! I love the way you overlayed the old battle damaged ruins of the city with its current state. I look forward to watching more of your videos in the future. Keep up the great work!!

[HarryR]

Outstanding work in producing this video! 👏 I visited Berlin a few years ago and battle damage is still clearly visible in many places. This style of video really brings the story to life and is helpful to understand how the battle relates to the modern day layout of the city. Keep up the great work, it’s very much appreciated.

[VRevelations]

“The most terrible of all my battles was the one before Moscow. The French showed themselves to be worthy of victory, but the Russians showed themselves worthy of being invincible.”
— Napoleon

[BoyvanHeugten]

I'm actually in Berlin right now. Unfortunately I return home tomorrow, and it's only now that I randomly find this video.
Very detailled passage of the many stories and tours I followed in the past week. I did not know that this building was the focal point of such fierce battle. This is the tour that I had skipped. I walked those grounds only a couple days ago, unaware of its history.
Thanks for the video.

[coltjr]

I’ve lived in Berlin and I think the signs of the war are everywhere, albeit in an abstract way: there are almost no old (pre-1945) buildings in the whole city, and almost all buildings are rendered (brickwork covered with concrete and painted) - this is because they were built from reclaimed bricks from bombed out buildings.

[Landiosmedjos]

Great vid! I always like how you show modern day aerial views and then highlight where important points of the battle would have been in the past. Gives good context not many others do.

[llokkee]

Absolutely fantastic analysis of this bitter last stand.
I've been a WW2 fan since the 70s and have been to at least 40 battlefields across Europe, Seelow Heights and Berlin among them.
Its a safe bet that I've watched pretty much any and every documentary there is about the war and I have to say, your presentation is spot on mate.
Very well put together, concise info and narrated perfectly with the video.
Hope your channel goes far..
Greetings from rainy Belfast 🙂

[Josh-hrmc]

Probably the best video explaining the final battle. Very clear and very well done

[anonymousboogaloo]

This is one of the best short documentaries. Absolutely LOVE the details. Seeing new and old photos of Berlin gives a great perspective of the battle and how, at one moment in time, Berlin was one big hellhole to be in.