[henkster]

There is actually a German situation map in the archives. It is dated tomorrow, and I know I'm jumping the gun. But I have some time this morning and will be traveling tomorrow so I won't be posting. If you are German, this map isn't pretty.

First, the remains of 9th Army in the Beeskow pocket south-east of Berlin:

Wenck's weak 12th Army ordered to attack from the south-west to relieve Berlin. His army doesn't have a lot of strength, and the Soviets do. Only a madman would think it has any chance of success. Oh, wait...

And finally, Berlin itself. The Germans don't have specific Soviet unit locations identified. They have only roughly identified the areas were Soviet armies and tank corps are operating, and have listed their orders of battle. Heavy fighting north of Berlin where a cavalry corps and 1st Polish Army are engaged with 25th Panzer Grenadier Division, one of the last cohesive field units of the Wehrmacht:

I can see why, at this point, the German officers in the bunker were drinking a lot. Why not?

[EternalVigilance]

[April 24, 1945], HQ Twelfth Army Group situation map.

http://www.loc.gov/resource/g5701s.ict21324/

[colorado tanker]

Hmmm. I don't see Detachment Steiner on the maps?

It looks like the units he was to assemble are just north of Berlin, but considering only the Russian forces on the map they would obviously have no chance of advancing.

[EternalVigilance]

http://rememberww2.blogspot.com/2013/04/april-24-1945-heinrich-himmler-offers.html

April 24, 1945

Heinrich Himmler offers surrender

Ignoring the orders of Adolf Hitler, Himmler makes a secret surrender offer to the Allies, provided that the Red Army is not involved. The offer is rejected; when Hitler hears of Himmler’s betrayal, he orders him shot.