The Fate of the Average German Soldier Captured on the Eastern Front
The terms 'average' and 'Eastern Front' are key to understanding the experiences and outcomes of German soldiers captured during World War II. The fate of the 'average' German soldier captured on the Eastern Front varied significantly based on the time period and conditions of his captivity.
The Meaning of 'Average'
When considering 'the average', it is important to focus on the majority of German personnel who went into Soviet captivity. According to German records, around two million German soldiers returned from Soviet captivity, primarily by 1948, with the last prisoners being released in 1955 after negotiations with West German Chancellor Konrad Adenauer.
Survival Rates and Context
However, the total number who went into Soviet captivity is a mystery due to the lack of reliable figures from the Soviet Union. The release of prisoners was influenced by various factors, including the Soviet need for labor and the release negotiated at the end of the war. The majority of German soldiers returned within two years, but some were held long-term as forced laborers.
Key Time Periods for Captivity and Survival
The fate of German soldiers captured on the Eastern Front depends on the time period of their captures. Below are the main periods of capture and their respective outcomes:
Period 1: June 1941 to January 1943
During the 19 months from the start of the Barbarossa campaign to the surrender of the 6th Army at Stalingrad, an unknown number of soldiers were captured, but it is believed that none survived. Most were likely killed during the encirclement and retreat from Moscow. Soviet propaganda boasted of capturing large numbers, but these figures likely do not represent survivors.
Period 2: January 1943 to June 1944
From the surrender of the 6th Army until the collapse of Army Group Centre during Operation Bagration, at least 90,000 soldiers were captured. Of these, 5,000 survived and returned home after the war. The mortality rate for prisoners during this period was over 50%.
Period 3: June 1944 to May 1945
During the 10 months of Operation Bagration and the German surrender, the capture of German soldiers numbered at least 158,480, according to Soviet estimates, with an estimated 262,929 missing or captured. Some 52,000 prisoners taken east of Minsk were marched through the streets of Moscow. Additional numbers were likely captured during the advance to Berlin and beyond, but exact figures are not available. The mortality rate during this period was likely lower, possibly around 10% as claimed by Soviet sources.
Post-War Period: 1945 to 1955
After the end of hostilities, the Soviet treatment of POWs improved, leading to a reduced mortality rate. The majority of captives belonged to this group, and the second charge of prisoners to return involved survival rates similar to those claimed by Soviet sources.
Conclusion
In summary, the fate of the average German soldier captured on the Eastern Front varied widely based on time. For those captured before the end of the war, the 'average' outcome was death in captivity. For others captured post-war, survival rates improved significantly. Understanding these periods provides a clearer picture of the experiences and outcomes for German soldiers captured during the Eastern Front campaign.