Early in the morning of 6 May 1945, American tanks from the 16th Armoured Division set out for Pilsen in Czechoslovakia, reaching the city around 08.00 hours.




Early in the morning of 6 May 1945, American tanks from the 16th Armoured Division set out for Pilsen in Czechoslovakia, reaching the city around 08.00 hours.

 The first unit into town was Combat Command B led by Colonel Charles Noble. The American forces encountered sporadic resistance from German soldiers and were shot at from the tower of the cathedral.

 It soon, however, became apparent that further fighting was futile and the German commander, General von Majewski decided to surrender. Around 14.15 hours General von Majewski signed the capitulation ordering is troops to put up no further resistance. 

Afterwards, taking everyone present by surprise, von Majewski committed suicide by shooting himself with a hidden pistol in front of  the his staff and wife.

This is the memorial at the junction of Klatovska Avenue and Americká in Pilsen to the US Army and the 16th Armored Division who liberated the city. Ironically it is placed almost opposite where the SS headquarters in Pilsen used to be and the Nazis held parades down this street.

 Today, the trees and the grandeur of this really rather beautiful town are gone, and it has become a busy thoroughfare.

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