The Battle of Stalingrad Concludes: A Turning Point in World War II

On February 2, 1943, approximately 90,000 German soldiers officially surrendered at Stalingrad, marking the end of the urban conflict. These forces were the remnants of Adolf Hitler's Sixth Army, which initially numbered 330,000 when it launched its attack on the Russian city in August 1942 during World War II.

Strategic and Symbolic Importance

Stalingrad, now known as Volgograd, held strategic importance for Hitler's campaign to control southern Russia and its vital oil fields.

The city also had symbolic value due to being named after the Russian leader, Joseph Stalin.

Course of the Battle

German forces, expecting a swift victory, encountered strong resistance and intense house-to-house combat from Russian defenders. In November 1942, as the Russian winter approached, Soviet forces initiated a major counter-attack, encircling the German army in Stalingrad and cutting off their supply lines. The total number of combatants involved is estimated to be almost four million soldiers.

Deteriorating Conditions and Hardship

The German Sixth Army continued to fight, initially receiving supplies from the Nazi air force. However, as Russian troops overran airfields, supplies of food, ammunition, fuel, and medical aid severely dwindled.

Troops also endured freezing temperatures, dropping as low as -30 degrees Celsius. Many German soldiers succumbed to frostbite, illness, and starvation as much as from combat.

Survivors reported extremely harsh conditions, with some resorting to eating vermin.

Conditions for Russian prisoners captured by the Nazis were reportedly worse, with some instances of cannibalism when food ran out.

The Surrender and Its Profound Impact

Facing a dire situation, German commander Field-Marshal Friedrich Paulus defied Hitler's orders to fight to the last man and surrendered. The Battle of Stalingrad resulted in an estimated 1.2 to 2.5 million casualties from both sides, including civilians.

This Soviet victory is considered a significant turning point in World War II, demonstrating the vulnerability of Nazi forces and initiating the Soviet advance toward Berlin, which concluded the conflict in 1945.