The Battle of Berlin Timeline

The Soviet Army begins its Berlin campaign with plenty displays of artillery, exploding targets throughout Berlin and its surrounding areas. The bombardment signals the beginning of the offensive to take the German capital.

General Zhukov and his 1st Belorussian army break into the Berlin suburbs. On the 23rd the Berlin suburbs gradually fall under Soviet control as fighting rages on everywhere.

German General Wenck of the 12th Army launches a futile counter-offensive against the Soviet onslaught. The British Royal Air Force slow down the 12th Army offensive through intense bombing.

All access points west of the German capital are cutt off by Soviet forces. Over 2 million Berlin civilians hunker down for the violent fighting ahead. Some 30,000 German soldiers ready themselves for the bloody business of the day.

Twin Soviet offensives break the final defensive fronts of the Germans. Soviet forces advance across the Spree River. Soviet forces advance towards Unter den Linden.

General Wenck's 12th Army is halted by the Soviet Army. The Soviet Army remains just 15 miles from the center of Berlin. German soldiers set up defensive areas across a small 10 mile long front for their ultimate "last stand".

Adolf Hitler weds his mistress, Eva Braun, in his underground bunker under Berlin. After giving a final speech to his remaining supporters, he poisons his dog, then Braun and ultimately takes his own life. In his will, he leaves his authority to Admiral Doenitz. The bodies of Adolph Hitler and Eva Braun are taken to the Chancellery Gardens and incinerated under previous orders from Hitler, he did this to avoid capture and ultimate humiliation at the hands of the progressing Soviet Army. The Soviets capture the Reichstag.

Berlin formally and unconditionally surrenders to the Soviet legions and Western Allies. German forces across Berlin begin surrendering. The Fall of Berlin is complete - Soviet forces occupy all major sections of the German capital. On May 8th, the day is formally announced as "VE Day" and celebrations break out across the world, though fighting in the Pacific against the Japanese Empire is ongoing.