The Hidden Truth of WWII episode 7: Determined to destroy the Soviet Union once and for all Hitler has ordered his armies to strike south and seize the vital oilfields of the Caucasus region. But first they must capture Stalingrad. But the Soviet defenders make the 6th German Army pay in blood for every inch of ground and draw the Germans into a trap from which there will be no escape.
The Battle of Stalingrad was one of the most significant military confrontations of World War II, fought between Germany and the Soviet Union. It lasted for almost six months, from August 1942 to February 1943, and resulted in the decisive victory of the Soviet Union. The battle is considered a turning point in the war as it marked the first major defeat of the German Army in the Eastern Front and paved the way for the ultimate defeat of Nazi Germany. In this article, we will delve deeper into the history, significance, and impact of the Stalingrad Battle.
The Hidden Truth recounts the moments of key battles in the European and Pacific theaters through the use of recently unearthed reconnaissance photos that were taken during the actual battle as well as in the days and weeks prior. Interviews with men on both sides of each battle offer a fresh look at the war. This series offers an unprecedented viewpoint of famous battles in Europe during WWII, using recently unearthed reconnaissance photos that were taken during the actual battles.
For over 60 years these photographs have remained lost, or forgotten…until now. For the first time these original high-resolution images allow the viewer to track the battle, step by step from the air. Individual stories of courage and heroism can be placed in the exact location where they took place. Using cutting edge technology, unique archive film, re-enactments and extraordinary interviews with the men who were there The Lost Evidence offers a new perspective on history.
The Hidden Truth of WWII episode 7
The Battle of Stalingrad is widely considered one of the most significant battles of World War II. The battle took place between August 23, 1942, and February 2, 1943, in the Soviet city of Stalingrad, now known as Volgograd. The battle saw the Soviet Union and Nazi Germany engage in a brutal fight for control of the city, resulting in immense casualties on both sides. The Battle of Stalingrad was a turning point in the war, with the Soviet Union’s victory proving to be a pivotal moment in the conflict. In this blog post, we’ll explore the events leading up to the Battle of Stalingrad, the battle itself, and its impact on the war.
Background of the Battle of Stalingrad
The Battle of Stalingrad was a culmination of events that began with Operation Barbarossa, the German invasion of the Soviet Union on June 22, 1941. The Germans initially made significant progress in the invasion, with Moscow, Leningrad, and Kiev coming under siege. However, the Soviet Union’s resilience and the brutal winter of 1941 slowed down the German advance.
By 1942, the Germans had regrouped and launched a new offensive towards the southern region of the Soviet Union. The ultimate goal of the offensive was to secure the Caucasus region’s oil fields, which were critical to the German war effort. To achieve this, the Germans had to capture Stalingrad, a major industrial city on the Volga River.
The Battle Begins
The Battle of Stalingrad began on August 23, 1942, with a massive German bombardment of the city. The Germans initially made significant progress, with the 6th Army under the command of General Friedrich Paulus quickly advancing towards the city center. However, the Soviet Union’s determination to defend Stalingrad proved to be a significant obstacle for the Germans. The Soviet Union’s strategy was to use the city’s buildings and narrow streets to their advantage, making it difficult for the Germans to navigate and fight effectively.
As the battle progressed, the Germans made some gains, but the Soviet Union was not willing to give up the city without a fight. The Soviet Union’s strategy was to hold on to the city for as long as possible, hoping that winter would set in and the Germans would be unable to continue their offensive. In November 1942, the Soviet Union launched a massive counter-attack, encircling the German 6th Army and cutting off their supply lines.
The Turning Point – The Hidden Truth of WWII episode 7
The Battle of Stalingrad reached its turning point on November 19, 1942, when the Soviet Union launched Operation Uranus. The operation was a two-pronged attack, with the Soviet Union’s 1st Guards Army and 3rd Army attacking the Romanian and Hungarian armies to the north of Stalingrad, while the Soviet Union’s 2nd Guards Army attacked the weakly defended German 6th Army’s southern flank.
The operation was a huge success, with the Soviet Union’s 2nd Guards Army quickly breaking through the German lines and encircling the German 6th Army. The German 6th Army was now cut off and surrounded, with their supply lines severed.
The End of the Battle
The encirclement of the German 6th Army proved to be a decisive moment in the Battle of Stalingrad. The German 6th Army was now trapped, and their situation was becoming increasingly desperate. The Germans were running out of supplies and ammunition, and the harsh winter was taking its toll on their troops.
On January 31, 1943, General Paulus sent a message to Adolf Hitler, requesting permission to surrender. However, Hitler refused, and Paulus continued to resist. By February 2, 1943, the Germans had no choice but to surrender. The Battle of Stalingrad was over, and the Soviet Union had emerged victorious.
Casualties and Impact of the Battle – The Hidden Truth of WWII episode 7
The Battle of Stalingrad was one of the bloodiest battles in human history, with an estimated two million casualties. The Soviet Union lost over 1.1 million soldiers, while the German casualties were around 800,000 soldiers. The battle was a significant turning point in the war, with the Soviet Union’s victory halting the German advance towards the Caucasus oil fields.
The Battle of Stalingrad also had a significant impact on the morale of both the Soviet Union and Germany. For the Soviet Union, the victory was a symbol of their resilience and determination to defend their homeland. For Germany, the defeat was a crushing blow to their morale and marked the beginning of their eventual defeat in the war.
The Battle of Stalingrad was a pivotal moment in World War II, with its impact still felt today. The battle was a brutal and costly fight for control of a city, resulting in immense casualties on both sides. The Soviet Union’s victory proved to be a turning point in the war, halting the German advance towards the Caucasus oil fields and boosting Soviet morale. The Battle of Stalingrad serves as a reminder of the horrors of war and the resilience of the human spirit in times of adversity.
