The carnage was substantial on both sides. Many of those killed are buried in Halbe and a nearby Soviet cemetery. To this day, remains are still being recovered in the sandy soil and forests surrounding Halbe. As the Russians advanced, the German forces attempted several breakouts in order to surrender to the advancing American forces coming from the West.
For those wanting to see the village and German cemetery, it is a quick day trip from Berlin on regional rail. Inquire at the Berlin Hauptbanholf ticket office for fares and directions to Halbe. Once in Halbe, turn right and stay right until you see the military cemetery sign on the left side of the road.
The following are pictures taken at the German cemetery:
Off the train, go straight to corner, turn right and veer to the right.
Entry to Cemetery
Another memorial in the WW II section of the cemetery.
Both identified and unidentified remains
Group burial site
This completes the European sites that I have visited. My final site switches to the Pacific Islands of Iwo Jima, Guam, Saipan, and Tinian visited in 2001.
