Berlin 1945 Photographs

In May, 1945 the unconditional surrender of all German forces to Allies, marked the end of World War II. Berlin, the besieged capital of Nazi Germany, was left in rubble. During the war the city was subjected to no fewer than 363 air raids by allied forces.

These images were taken by an American GI in the aftermath of the bombing of Berlin. Underneath each photo are the notes the GI left on the back of his shots.

Charlottenburger St, Berlin, 1945

 

Reviewing Stand on Charlottenburger Street, where the "big 3" sat and reviewed a parade here during the Potsdam Conference (1945).


Destroyed street of Berlin, 1945, with Riechstag in background, Germany

 

On the left is the Tiergarten after they fought in it. In the background (in centre) is Reichstag building, on right in background is Brandenburg Tor. It is foggy or misty like this every day now.


Potsdamer Bahnhof, Berlin, Germany, 1945

 

Right is Potsdamer Bahnhof and center is der Vaterland the street is Vaterland Street.


Potsdamer Bahnhof, Stadmitte Berlin, Germany, 1945

 

Potsdamer Bahnhof on Veterland Strosse - Stadmitte Berlin. Daily gun battles between Americans and Russians occured here. Also thousands of German P.O.W.s returning here from Russia also battled Russians.


Kaiser's Palace, Berlin, Germany, 1945

 

Kaiser's Palace in Berlin.


Brandenburg Gate, Berlin, Germany, 1945

 

Brandenburger Tor looking from Charlottenburger Strasse towards the east and Unter Den Linden.


Brandenburg Gate, end of World War II, Berlin, Germany, 1945

 

Brandenburger Tor from Unter Den Linden - towards evening Tiergarten and the Reichstag is on the other side of the gate.


National Art Gallery, Spree Bridge, end of World War II, Berlin, Germany, 1945

 

National Art Gallery at the other end of Unter Den Linden from Brandenburg gate Spree Bridge is in foreground.


Reichs Chancellory, built by Hitler, Berlin, Germany, 1945

 

The new Reichs Chancellery built by Hitler from 1933 to 1936. This is its front. Walls are 15 to 20 inches thick on Voss Street.


Potsdamer Bahnhof following bombing, Berlin, Germany, 1945

 

Looking down towards Potsdamer Bahnhof. It is hid behind building on left. Building was a restaurant, about three blocks from Tiergarten.


The Columbus, largest apartment building, Berlin, Germany, 1945

 

The Columbus - largest apartment building in Germany - tallest building in Germany. 1 block for Tiergarten.


Air Ministry office, Voss Street, Berlin, Germany, 1945

 

The Air Ministry on Voss Street, just across the street from the Chancellery.


Lest ,Propaganda Ministry, Berlin, Germany, 1945

 

Lest is part of Propaganda Ministry.


University of Berlin, Germany, 1945

 

University of Berlin on Unterden Linden.


American district called Steglitz, Berlin, 1945

 

Ratskeller of American District called Steglitz, Berlin, taken from a jeep.


Administration Building of Tempelhof Airport, Berlin, Germany, 1945

 

Administration Building of Tempelhof Airport, Berlin.


Russki, Tiergarten, Berlin, Germany, 1945

 

A Russki in Tiergarten, Berlin.

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