Liberation80: Festung Pressburg Failed, Bratislava Liberated

Bratislava, April 9 (TASR) - The supreme command of the Wehrmacht declared the capital city of WWII-era Slovakia 'Festung Pressburg' (Fortress Pressburg) in mid-December 1944 and was determined to defend it as an important stronghold at the junction of the Carpathian and Alpine foothills to the last man, deputy director of the Military Historical Institute (VHU) Peter Sumichrast has told TASR. Ultimately, Bratislava was liberated by Soviet and Romanian troops in two days of direct assault, preceded by extensive military operations. Friday, April 4, 2025 marked 80 years since the liberation of Bratislava at the end of WWII. "More than three months before the attack by Soviet and Romanian forces, preparations were made for its defence as part of the forward defence of Vienna and the so-called Alpine fortress. During this period, several trench lines were dug. Firing positions were built at strategic points with the required field of view and range for small arms and artillery. The defence was reinforced with anti-tank barriers and minefields. Shelters and concrete bunkers were constructed to protect the defenders as well," added Sumichrast. By the end of March 1945, many members of the Hlinka Guard and the Hlinka Slovak People's Party had left the city. The Slovak government, along with president Jozef Tiso and government officials, relocated to Holic and later fled to Austria. The liberation of Bratislava took place as part of the Bratislava-Brno offensive operation, which was divided into two stages. The first stage lasted from March 25 to April 11, 1945, with key moments including the liberation of the capital and the capture of bridgeheads on the Morava River. The second stage lasted from April 12 to May 5, 1945, culminating in the liberation of Brno and an assault north towards Olomouc. The Bratislava-Brno operation was carried out by Soviet and Romanian units on the right wing of the 2nd Ukrainian Front. At the start of the operation, 28 Soviet and 14 Romanian divisions were involved in the fighting, facing 11 enemy divisions. During the direct fighting for Bratislava, 742 Soviet, 470 German and Hungarian soldiers, and 121 civilians were killed. "Let us not forget the suffering, pain and hardships of the Soviet, Romanian, and Czechoslovak soldiers who brought us freedom. Let us also not forget the suffering of the civilian population, whose homes and property were taken by German occupying military and security units and their Slovak collaborators. In many cases, they even lost the most precious thing: their lives," said Sumichrast. mf/df