1418
Illustration: The storming of Königsberg
LiberationJoyful

· Day 1388 of 1418

The storming of Königsberg

Königsberg (Kaliningrad)

days of assault
4
days of assault

Königsberg was thought to be an impregnable fortress. But on 9 April 1945, after four days of assault, its garrison surrendered. After the war the city became part of Russia and was renamed Kaliningrad.

The city was ringed with forts built over many decades. The assault began on 6 April after a massive bombardment, while aircraft bombed the fortifications from above. Soldiers fought their way through cellars, tunnels and ruins.

The philosopher Immanuel Kant lived and worked in this city. His tomb survives to this day.

See it on the map

Chapter 47 · April 1945

The storming of Berlin

Königsberg was taken on 9 April and Vienna freed on 13 April. On 16 April the Berlin offensive began, and on 25 April Soviet and American soldiers met on the Elbe.