8 April 1945. 1387th day of the war.

Troops of the 3rd Belorussian Front 80 years ago began the assault on Königsberg.

“After two to three hours of artillery preparation, the Soviet infantry moved into the attack. Fierce fighting ensued on the outer defensive rim. It consists of 13 main and three auxiliary forts. In the gaps between them there are reinforced concrete pillboxes. The Soviet units broke through the outer rim of fortress positions and occupied a number of urban areas of Koenigsberg. Seven forts and a large number of pillboxes were occupied. Our troops advancing on the city from the south, joined the troops advancing from the north-west, and squeezed the Königsberg garrison in an iron ring. Soviet assault groups successfully overcame rubble and barricades in the streets and knocked Germans out of fortified buildings”, – described “Red Star” the beginning of the assault on 8 April 1945.

On all fronts, 54 German tanks and self-propelled guns were hit and destroyed during the day. In air battles and anti-aircraft artillery fire shot down 28 enemy aircraft.

There were 30 days left to the Victory….

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