Operation Spring Awakening
Operation Spring Awakening was the last major German offensive of World War II. The operation was referred to in Germany as the Plattensee Offensive and in the Soviet Union as the Balaton Defensive Operation. It took place in Western Hungary on the Eastern Front and lasted from 6 March until 15 March, 1945. The objective was to secure the last significant oil reserves still available to the European Axis powers and prevent the Red Army from advancing towards Vienna. The Germans failed in their objectives.
German units during the operation, March 1945
German troops at the beginning of Operation Spring Awakening
Soviet counterattack
German casualties
Army Group South was the name of one of three German Army Groups during World War II.
Briefing at the headquarters of Army Group South at Poltava on 1 June 1942
Soldiers of the Army Group South crossing the Soviet border in Ukraine during Operation Barbarossa
Image: Bundesarchiv Bild 183 S37772, Gerd v. Rundstedt
Image: Bundesarchiv Bild 183 S37772, Gerd v. Rundstedt