Ep 7. The Battle for Germany

Soviet Storm: World War II in the East season 2 episode 7, titled The Battle for Germany, chronicles the final push of the Soviet Army to claim victory in World War II. The episode starts by setting the stage for the Battle for Berlin, where Soviet forces are determined to take down the heart of Nazi Germany.

The narrator explains how the fall of Berlin would signify the final collapse of Hitler's Third Reich, and how the Soviets, with the help of the Allies, are inching closer to achieving this goal. The battle is brutal, with intense street-to-street fighting that often results in the destruction of entire city blocks. The episode presents archival footage of the Soviet soldiers as they fight their way through German resistance, often with makeshift weapons and no regard for their own safety.

The episode highlights the pivotal role of the Soviet tank division, specifically the T-34, in securing the victory. The narrator explains how the T-34 was the backbone of the Soviet armoured forces, and how the tank earned a reputation as one of the best tanks of World War II. The episode features interviews with veteran tankers who describe their experiences driving and fighting in the T-34, and share their perspectives on how the tank changed the course of the war.

As the battle rages on, the episode emphasizes the human cost of war. The narrator comments on the brutal conditions that the soldiers had to endure, ranging from the harsh winter weather to the constant threat of attack from German forces. The episode depicts scenes of wounded soldiers and civilians, and describes how medical facilities were often understaffed and underequipped to handle the overwhelming number of casualties.

The documentary also examines the role of Soviet women in the war effort, including their participation in combat. The episode features interviews with female tank drivers and snipers, who describe their motivations for joining the fight and the challenges they faced. The narrator emphasizes how the Soviet Union was unique in its willingness to allow women to serve in these types of roles, and how this contributed to their eventual victory.

As the battle draws to a close, the episode examines the aftermath of the war and the impact it had on the Soviet Union. The narrator describes how the war left the country devastated, with entire cities in ruins and millions of people dead. The episode features archived footage of the victory celebrations in Moscow and the emotional scenes of soldiers returning home to their families.

Overall, Soviet Storm: World War II in the East season 2 episode 7, The Battle for Germany, provides a comprehensive and eye-opening account of the final days of World War II in the Soviet Union. The episode captures the brutality of war while also highlighting the resilience and courage of the soldiers who fought for their country.