German Forces

"Fortress Breslau" (Wroclaw) after the siege.

Speaks for itself. Karl Hanke, Gauleiter of Breslau, was praised by his old patron, Joseph Goebbels, for his resolution in organising the defence of the city. The forces available to defend the city consisted mainly of Volkssturm "volunteers" (old men and young boys) and fragments of already-shattered Heer units. They held out for close to three months, against attacks of varying intensity. An amazing achievement in its way but, in the end, it made little difference - other than increase the tallies of destruction and death. Very sad. Best regards, JR.