That cool grey morning of the 21st of June gave way to a blistering heat. Temperatures soared. The interior of every Luchs and Leopard rose precipitously. Sweaty cordite stained palms lay slack on the stocks of guns and triggers.

Men slept deeply in awkward positions as only soldiers can. Occupying, urbanites now shattered homes, feeding themselves from the fridge, and cupboards and foregoing MRE’s.

Battle fatigue from the last 36 hours had worn everyone raw. Sleep came easy in the heat.

The Soviets had basically driven right into Western German cities from Kiel, Lubeck and down to Hannover with little but pockets of resistance.

The sudden attack had shocked everyone, another war so soon?

Those that were in position to fight did so with a savagery, that stunned one and all.

The urban centers around Hannover were rubble, as homes were fought for 1 by 1. Burned out tanks, blown BMP’s, and shattered bodies were everywhere from both sides.

The conclusion was to be expected, but the cost for the Soviets higher than planned.