Elbe Day
Torgau and Strehla, on the Elbe River, Saxony, Germany
What happened
Soldiers of the US 69th Infantry Division and the Soviet 58th Guards Rifle Division, including patrols led by Lieutenants Albert Kotzebue, William Robertson and Alexander Silvashko. In the last weeks of the Second World War in Europe, American troops advancing from the west and Soviet troops from the east met at the Elbe River. An American patrol crossed by boat near Strehla, and later that day another met Soviet soldiers on the wrecked bridge at Torgau. The soldiers celebrated, swapping badges and small gifts.
Why it matters
Why it matters: The meeting cut Nazi Germany in two and showed its defeat was near. The friendly meeting became known as the 'Spirit of the Elbe', a symbol that wartime allies could cooperate.
What came next
Two days later the Allied governments announced their aim to finish the war together. Torgau holds commemorations every year near 25 April.
Did you know?
The famous photograph of the American and Soviet soldiers shaking hands on the bridge was staged the day after the first meeting.
Timeline
- 25 April 1945American and Soviet troops meet on the Elbe.
- 26 April 1945The handshake photograph is taken.
- 27 April 1945The Allied governments issue a joint statement.
- 1988A 'Spirit of the Elbe' plaque is unveiled near Torgau.
- 2010The US and Russian presidents issue a joint statement on Elbe Day.