At the end of World War II, a meeting of Soviet and American soldiers took place on the Elbe River, who in battle won a victory over a common enemy - the fascist occupiers. As a result, the expression “See you on the Elbe” has existed in everyday life for almost 70 years.
Acquaintance with associates
According to one version, on April 25, 1945, near the German city of Torgau, which is located on the Elbe River, the Soviet and American armies joined forces to finally defeat the German armed forces. As a result of joint battles, the remnants of the fascist army were split into northern and southern parts, which began to retreat rapidly.
After successful battles, the American military patrolled the surrounding territories and met Soviet soldiers on the banks of the Elbe River. Their acquaintance was warm and friendly. A little later, a similar meeting of another American serviceman with Soviet troops took place. As a result of these coincidences, the commanders of the US Army and Red Army divisions agreed to meet on the Elbe in full military strength to meet and shake hands. The soldiers sincerely rejoiced at the jointly won victory, and in parting they said to each other: "See you on the Elbe!"
Final outcome
According to another version, on May 3, 1945, Soviet troops contacted British military units and agreed on a joint attack. The next day, soldiers of the two armies fought offensive battles against the Nazi invaders, and drove the enemy from the southwestern city of Germany - Wismar to the very center of the country, where the Elbe River flows. By the end of the battle, the Hitlerite army was finally defeated, and only insignificant groups of fascists disappeared, which were later also eliminated. So the final battle with the enemy took place and ended in an unconditional victory on the Elbe River.
Destination
At the same time, the historical chronicle notes that from April 24 to May 5, 1945, the Soviet troops were faced with the task of driving the enemy to the Elbe River. Each unit had its own combat missions and a different route, but anticipating the imminent victory, the Soviet soldiers in communication with each other wished each other: "See you on the Elbe."
Another version tells how on May 25, 1945, a regiment of Soviet soldiers was the first to reach the bank of the Elbe. This was the end point of the given route, and the order forbade to move further. At this time, a group of women appeared on the other bank, shouting something and asking for help. The platoon leader decided to cross the bridge and find out the situation. When he and two soldiers were walking across the dilapidated bridge, they opened fire on them. This was a planned provocation, but the Soviet soldiers were able to resist and eliminate the enemy.
After a while, a car drove up to the opposite side of the bridge, from which American soldiers got out and began to joyfully greet their comrades-in-arms. Then the platoon commanders of both sides met in the middle of the bridge over the Elbe River and shook hands. Their acquaintance turned out to be a historical event, and later their meeting on the Elbe was repeated at the initiative of the leadership of both armies.
