Our journey begins at the meeting point on the southern side of the modern Hauptbahnhof (Berlin Main Station). Following a ten-minute introduction to set the scene we make our way to the Moltke Bridge.

This red sandstone ornate structure became the scene of some of the city’s most brutal fighting. Here we orientate ourselves to the Soviet 3rd Shock Army’s axis of advance and discuss the key challenges for the Soviets and the German defenders.

After making our way across the Moltke Bridge we reach the then Interior Ministry, nicked named the “Himmler House” in the old diplomatic quarter. Following a Soviet artillery barrage at point blank range we discuss the horrific room to room fighting that took place here.

Continuing to ‘no man’s land’ we stand on the former Königsplatz and take stock of the 300m moon scape the 207th and 150th rifle divisions would have to cross before reaching the Reichstag.

As we walk toward the Reichstag, we discuss Hitler’s final moments in the Führer bunker only a few hundred meters away. Once at the foot of the Reichstag the moment has come to hear the stories of Sergeant Yegorov and Sergeant Kantariya and how they raised special banner No.5 on the roof – signifying the end.

During the final days of the Battle of Berlin, the Wiedendammer Bridge was one of the few bridges still intact over the Spree. On the night of May 1st, 1945, it was the scene of terrible carnage following a breakout attempt from the Führerbunker.