Today in World War II History—April 20, 1940 & 1945
An American soldier observed the destruction of an industrial town near Nuremberg, Germany, 20 Apr 1945 (US National Archives: 208-AA-207L-1)
80 Years Ago—April 20, 1940: Hitler authorizes formation of Norwegian-Danish “Viking” SS regiment.
75 Years Ago—Apr. 20, 1945: US Seventh Army takes Nuremberg and raises American flag in the Zeppelinfeld, the famous Nazi stadium.
As Soviet artillery begins to bombard Berlin and Nazi leaders flee, Hitler—on his final birthday—divides command, with himself over the eastern front and defense of Berlin, Adm. Karl Dönitz over the western front, to be based at Flensburg, and Field Marshal Albert Kesselring over the southern front, to be based at Berchtesgaden.
Hermann Göring destroys his lavish Karinhall home, transporting art to Berchtesgaden and Unterstein.
Sarah,
You always have interesting posts. Now I will have to look up “Untertein”!
Thank you and I hope your are busy during the quarantine. Sitting on my patio hoping my dogs don’t catch things that make me say No.
Thanks, Martin! I’m glad you’re enjoying the posts!