Скачать или смотреть 3 SS Divisions vs 500,000 Soldiers – The Clash That Terrified Hitler

On February 19, 1943, the Eastern Front was on the brink of collapse. In the Wolf's Lair at Zaporozhye, Hitler remained obstinate. His "no retreat" policy was absolute.

Field Marshal Erich von Manstein, growing desperate, pressed once more. He warned the Führer: without permission to retreat, his Army faced imminent destruction.

Manstein laid out his strategy: a mobile defense, a tactical withdrawal to overstretch Soviet supply lines, followed by a decisive counteroffensive. But Hitler dismissed the plan.

The disagreement boiled over. Furious, Hitler thought about dismissing the Field Marshal. Suddenly, shouts erupted outside the chamber.

Führerbegleitkommando guards burst in, weapons drawn, encircling Hitler. The Soviets had launched a blistering, lightning-fast offensive, thrusting deep into German-held territory. They were less than 60 kilometers from Zaporizhye—from Hitler's Werewolf headquarters.
There was no time to argue. Hitler had to be evacuated. Immediately.
A flicker of realization flashed across Hitler's face. For the first time, the grim reality of the Eastern Front seemed to sink in. His defiance wavered. He turned to Manstein and gave a curt nod of approval. The counteroffensive was sanctioned.

As Hitler was whisked away to safety, the Field Marshal stood alone. Now, only Manstein and his plan stood between the Wehrmacht and annihilation.