Welcome to Hermannplatz, in northern Neukölln, the scene of some of the bloodiest fighting during the battle of Berlin…
Before the war, the large Karstadt department store towered proudly over the area. During the battle, however, the store found itself on the frontline during the battle, and as you can see in the photo from 1945, once the fighting was over not much was left of the Karstadt building at all.
On the 25th of April, SS Brigadeführer Krukenberg was ordered to Neukölln, where he took over the command of the 11th SS Nordland Panzergrenadier Division. Krukenberg also brought 350 French SS volunteers with him to his new posting.
Upon arriving in Neukölln, Krukenberg prepared a well-defended fall-back position around Hermannplatz from which he could conduct a stubborn defence. He knew that any force seeking to break through to the centre of Berlin would have to pass through Hermannplatz, and he intended to halt the Soviet advance at all cost.
Krukenberg made use of the towers atop the large Karstadt department store to observe the advancing Soviet tank armies, and in order to defend the perimeter of the Hermannplatz, Krukenberg deployed half of his French SS force, augmented by 100 Hitler Youth boys.
This motley force was issued Panzerfausts, and their job was to halt the legions of enemy tanks soon to be advancing along Hermannstrasse…
The French SS force developed a reputation as pro tank-hunters in the battle of Berlin, and on the 25th of April alone, the Frenchmen claimed 14 Soviet tanks in the fighting in Neukölln.
These small victories weren’t going to save Berlin, but every enemy tank which was knocked out brought the beleaguered defenders of Berlin a moment of respite, at least until the next Soviet tank came trundling into view…
Today, Hermannplatz is once again the bustling heart of Neukölln, and the Karstadt building has been rebuilt – minus its original two towers.
Want to hear more about the bloody battle of Neukölln? Then check out the latest episode of the Europe At War podcast, available wherever you get your podcasts!
1st & 2nd photo source: Liberation Route Europe