The Unknown War Season 1 Episode 6 Survival At Stalingrad
- TV-NR
- January 1, 1978
- 49 min
The Unknown War season 1 episode 6, titled "Survival At Stalingrad," showcases one of the most horrific and gruesome battles of World War II, the Battle of Stalingrad. The episode begins with a historical overview of the battle, where the German army attacked the Soviet Union in 1942 with the intention of capturing the city of Stalingrad. The battle lasted for six months, from August 1942 to February 1943, and resulted in the deaths of over two million people.
The episode explores the stories of several soldiers, both German and Soviet, who fought in the Battle of Stalingrad. These soldiers share their experiences of the war, from the initial attack to the final days of the battle. Viewers witness the devastating effects of the war on the soldiers and civilians alike, as they fought to survive the brutal conditions of the battlefield.
One soldier, a German tank commander named Max, shares his account of his experience on the Eastern Front. Max recounts the moment when his tank was hit by a Soviet anti-tank gun, which resulted in the death of his entire crew. Max was able to escape and found himself behind enemy lines. He describes how he was forced to survive by eating grass and dirt until he was eventually captured by the Soviets.
Another soldier, a Soviet sniper named Ivan, shares his experience of fighting in the ruins of Stalingrad. Ivan describes how he and his fellow soldiers would hide in the shadows, waiting for the perfect moment to take out German soldiers. He talks about the psychological toll the battle took on him, as he was forced to kill hundreds of German soldiers.
The episode also sheds light on the civilian experience during the Battle of Stalingrad. One survivor, a woman named Nadezhda, tells her story of how she and her family were forced to flee their home during the initial German attack. They hid in the cellar of an apartment building, surviving on a diet of flour and water. Nadezhda describes the terror she felt when she heard the sounds of bombs exploding around her.
As the battle rages on, both Nazi and Soviet soldiers resort to extreme measures to survive. Viewers witness scenes of hand-to-hand combat and soldiers using their bayonets to fight off their enemies. The episode also explores the use of propaganda during the war, as both the German and Soviet armies used it to boost morale and keep soldiers fighting.
Overall, "Survival At Stalingrad" is a harrowing account of one of the most brutal battles of World War II. The episode provides a detailed look at the experiences of soldiers and civilians alike, shedding light on the emotional and physical toll the war took on those who fought and survived. Viewers are left with a sense of the unrelenting horror of war and the resilience of those who manage to survive it.