Halbe: Defending Berlin from the south

Halbe is a small crossroads village south of Berlin.  Between April 24 and May 1, 1945, a German force of approximately 210,000 under the command of General Busse opposed a well equipped army of 280,000 led by Russian General Ivan Konev.  The German force was made up of regular army units and conscripted men of the Volkssturm (people's militia).

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.