The Battle
Hitler insisted on the capture of Stalingrad because it bore Stalin’s name. The Germans had bombed the city to rubble from the air before the attack. This only made it easier for the Russians to defend and harder for the Germans to capture. Both sides used snipers, who, when hidden in the rubble, caused terror and chaos among enemy troops. The Russian winter was bitterly cold and winds whipped through the ruined city. The Germans were not properly equipped for cold weather, so thousands died of cold and frostbite.
German troops captured 90% of the city, but the Russians were able to hold on with help from river boats ferrying supplies across the Volga. While the Germans were consumed with street fighting in the city, the Soviets launched Operation Uranus and encircled the Germans in the city.
German troops captured 90% of the city, but the Russians were able to hold on with help from river boats ferrying supplies across the Volga. While the Germans were consumed with street fighting in the city, the Soviets launched Operation Uranus and encircled the Germans in the city.
German Soldier Quotes
"My hands are done for, and have been ever since the beginning of December. The little finger of my left hand is missing and - what's even worse - the three middle fingers of my right one are frozen. I can only hold my mug with my thumb and little finger. I'm pretty helpless; only when a man has lost any fingers does he see how much he needs then for the smallest jobs. The best thing I can do with the little finger is to shoot with it. My hands are finished."
Anonymous German soldier
"I was horrified when I saw the map. We're quite alone, without any help from outside. Hitler has left us in the lurch. Whether this letter gets away depends on whether we still hold the airfield. We are lying in the north of the city. The men in my unit already suspect the truth, but they aren't so exactly informed as I am. No, we are not going to be captured. When Stalingrad falls you will hear and read about it. Then you will know that I shall not return."
Anonymous German soldier
Anonymous German soldier
"I was horrified when I saw the map. We're quite alone, without any help from outside. Hitler has left us in the lurch. Whether this letter gets away depends on whether we still hold the airfield. We are lying in the north of the city. The men in my unit already suspect the truth, but they aren't so exactly informed as I am. No, we are not going to be captured. When Stalingrad falls you will hear and read about it. Then you will know that I shall not return."
Anonymous German soldier