Battle of Aschaffenburg (1945) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Battle of Aschaffenburg
Part of the Western Allied invasion of Germany in the Western Front of the European theatre of World War II
Date 25 March – 3 April 1945 Location Aschaffenburg, Germany 49°58′32.66″N 9°8′31.21″E / 49.9757389°N 9.1420028°E / 49.9757389; 9.1420028 Result American victory
Belligerents
United States	Germany
Commanders and leaders
George S. Patton Alexander Patch	Emil Lamberth
Casualties and losses
3,000 KIA, WIA, MIA 20+ tanks destroyed	1,620 KIA, WIA, MIA 3,500 POW

The Battle of Aschaffenburg was a ten-day battle fought during World War II. It took place in Germany between late March and early April 1945. This battle involved the United States 7th Army and 3rd Army fighting against Nazi Germany forces. It was an important part of the Western Allied invasion of Germany.

Why Was Aschaffenburg Important?

Adolf Hitler, Germany's leader, declared Aschaffenburg a "fortress city." This meant German soldiers had to defend it very strongly. The city was a key point in Germany's defense line. German forces, along with local people, worked hard to stop the Allied invasion.

A Tough Challenge for Allied Forces

The battle became an unexpected challenge for the Allied forces. It happened late in the war, when many expected the fighting to end soon. German leaders used desperate methods to make their soldiers keep fighting. They put extreme pressure on both soldiers and civilians.

The End of the Battle

The fighting in Aschaffenburg was very intense. There was a lot of urban combat, which means fighting happened in the city streets and buildings. German forces suffered heavy losses during these fights.

German Surrender

On April 3, 1945, at 9 AM, Major Emil Lamberth surrendered to Lieutenant Colonel Felix L. Sparks. White flags were hung from the damaged towers of Schloss Johannisburg. This castle is a famous landmark in Aschaffenburg.

Aftermath of the Battle

After the battle, the US Secretary of War, Henry L. Stimson, spoke about Aschaffenburg. He noted how German leaders had forced their people to fight for a week. This showed how determined some German leaders were to continue the war, even when it seemed hopeless. The American forces won the Battle of Aschaffenburg.