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by Vassili Subbotin, Translated by Tony Le Tissier.
Softcover (6.2×9.2 inches). 147 pages. 2025 reprint of 2017 reprint of 1980 book.
This eye-witness account by a Soviet war correspondent describes the vicious advance across the river to the Reichtag against heavy German resistance. Attached to the 150th Division, one particular company started the attack — understrength — with 83 soldiers and ended with only 26 (p47).
The first half describes the attack and the flag raising captured in a photo and the second half describes post-war visits to various places and former comrades. No atrocities against Berliners are mentioned.
Couple typos: “morning of 2 March” (p23) is probably “May” and “They weren’t used this” (p36) is likely “to this.”
The book contains 18 black and white photos, one black and white illustration, and one black and white map.
The lead up to the Berlin battle and the building-by-building combat bring a ring of authenticity to the fight. The post-battle interviews with one soldier or another can be enlightening, if a somewhat more positive spin than you’d expect.
Enjoyed it.
— Reviewed by Russ Lockwood
