The Neisse becomes the front line
From late February to mid-April the two sides faced each other across the river. Artillery fire, reconnaissance, field fortification, evacuation and preparations for crossings characterised the period.
“Festung Forst”
Michelmann states that Forst was declared a fortress in late March, but her citation points to Ihlo/Scholze (1972). No original Wehrmacht fortress order has been found in this research.
Research status: defensive preparations, evacuation and later heavy fighting are supported; the formal fortress order remains unverified.
Early April
Secondary literature depicts an almost evacuated city while family memories describe attempts to return briefly for possessions. The two source layers are kept distinct.
Sources and source criticism
Sources
City of Forst (Lausitz) - “Grenzrose” materialMunicipal source: on 14 Feb 1945 Soviet tanks were on the east bank between Jähnsdorf and the Sacro bridge; on 16 Apr the major offensive began and the Neisse was crossed north of the memorial site.
City of Forst (Lausitz) - “Grenzrose” materialMunicipal source: on 14 Feb 1945 Soviet tanks were on the east bank between Jähnsdorf and the Sacro bridge; on 16 Apr the major offensive began and the Neisse was crossed north of the memorial site.
Sources
Jeannette Michelmann - dissertation on local government and the 1945 transitionAcademic secondary source: Neisse front from mid-February, evacuation, fighting on 16-18 Apr and destruction. Its statement that Forst was declared a “fortress” in late March relies on later literature (Ihlo/Scholze 1972), not on a primary Wehrmacht order located in this research.
Jeannette Michelmann - dissertation on local government and the 1945 transitionAcademic secondary source: Neisse front from mid-February, evacuation, fighting on 16-18 Apr and destruction. Its statement that Forst was declared a “fortress” in late March relies on later literature (Ihlo/Scholze 1972), not on a primary Wehrmacht order located in this research.
Sources
Zeitzeugen Forst - “Mein Vater und meine Mutter Forst 1945”Family memory about evacuation and an attempted return to the city in early April. Clearly labelled as personal recollection.
Zeitzeugen Forst - “Mein Vater und meine Mutter Forst 1945”Family memory about evacuation and an attempted return to the city in early April. Clearly labelled as personal recollection.