The End of the War in Colour

Germany has been defeated but not yet occupied. While the Red Army is already at the Oder the Allies in the West are making slow progress. Only when Cologne is conquered and the bridge at Remagen falls into the hands of the Americans does the Wehrmacht's will to defend itself weaken.

On April 27th US units and the Red Army celebrated "Elbe Day" the first meeting of their troops near Torgau: "East meets West". Dozens of camera teams are on site - including George Stevens and the men from "Special Film Project 186".

Nuremberg Hitler's "City of the Reich Party Rallies" has capitulated after bloody urban warfare. At the end of April the city and its surroundings are a preferred area of operation for the camera teams of the "Special Film Project 186".

On May 6 1945 Major Kirke B. Lawton receives special permission for a special ceremony: In the Allied headquarters in Reims the Wehrmacht signs the unconditional surrender on all fronts. The Second World War in Europe ends two days later.