The Siege of Castle Itter: The Day American and German Soldiers Fought Together

You're about to encounter a rather "unlikely convergence of interests" that unfolded in the final days of World War II. On May 5, 1945, American and German soldiers found themselves fighting side by side to defend Castle Itter, a medieval fortress in the Austrian Alps, against a fierce Waffen-SS assault. As you consider this unusual alliance, you'll meet the key players, including Major Josef Gangl and Captain John C. Lee Jr., who risked everything to protect the castle's high-profile French prisoners. But what drove these sworn enemies to join forces, and what was at stake?

Key Takeaways

• The Siege of Castle Itter occurred on May 5, 1945, involving American and German soldiers fighting together against the Waffen-SS.
• Major Josef Gangl, a Wehrmacht officer, and U.S. Captain John C. Lee, Jr. coordinated efforts to defend the castle against the Waffen-SS.
• The unlikely alliance formed to protect high-profile French prisoners, including former prime ministers and military leaders, from the Waffen-SS assault.
• The defenders utilized a Sherman tank named 'Besotten Jenny' for artillery support and barricaded positions within the castle to withstand intense shelling.

Background of the Siege

Seizing Castle Itter in 1943, the SS transformed it into a high-stakes prison for prominent figures, including former French leaders, in the heart of Tyrol, Austria.

You wouldn't know it from the castle's picturesque surroundings, but for the French prisoners held there, life became increasingly threatening as the SS troops began to tighten their grip.

As a part of the Dachau concentration camp system, it's shocking that Castle Itter is where an unbelievable collaboration between American soldiers and Wehrmacht occurred.

Fast forward to the final stages of the siege, an unlikely alliance defends the fortress against SS invasion.

Their combined forces put up quite a fight during those days, especially against a vicious SS onslaught they'd be facing on a brisk morning – May 5, 1945.

Castle Itter's History

You're now going to explore Castle Itter's complex history, specifically its wartime occupation and what life was like inside its walls for the high-profile prisoners it held.

During World War II, you'll see how Castle Itter transformed from a former hotel into a site for the Nazi regime's strategic imprisonment of prominent figures, including former French leaders.

As you examine the wartime occupation of the castle and the lives of its captives, you'll better understand the unique position of Castle Itter in Europe's turbulent history.

Wartime Castle Occupation

You find yourself in the midst of Castle Itter's wartime occupation, which began in 1940 when the Germans seized the fortress, previously transformed from a 13th-century stronghold into a hotel in the early 20th century.

The Germans converted it into a detention facility for high-profile French prisoners, including former prime ministers and military leaders, in 1943. As part of the Dachau concentration camp system, Castle Itter held prisoners deemed politically valuable, providing them with relatively comfortable living conditions.

You're witnessing a unique aspect of WWII history, where American and German soldiers will eventually collaborate to defend against the Waffen-SS. This rare alliance marks a significant moment in the war, and you're about to explore the events that led to this extraordinary collaboration.

Prisoner Life Inside

As the Germans converted Castle Itter into a detention facility in 1943, the high-profile French prisoners who were housed there, including former prime ministers and military leaders, found themselves living in converted hotel rooms with relatively comfortable conditions, a stark contrast to the harsh realities of the concentration camps.

You witness the intricate dynamics of prisoner life at Castle Itter, where notable figures like Édouard Daladier and Jean-Borotra were held due to their political significance. The presence of Eastern European maintenance workers adds complexity to the situation.

However, after the commandant of Dachau commits suicide and the guards abandon their posts, the prisoners seize control, leading to an unexpected collaboration with American forces for defense, marking a unique turn in the castle's history.

Important Prisoners Held

As you explore the history of Castle Itter, you'll discover that it held a remarkable group of prisoners, including former French premiers Édouard Daladier and Paul Reynaud, who were influential figures during World War II.

You'll also learn about other notable prisoners, such as Generals Maxime Weygand and Maurice Gamelin, who played vital roles in France's defense.

Notable French Prisoners

Holding some of France's most prominent figures, Castle Itter's prisoner roster included notable politicians, military leaders, and celebrities who played significant roles in their respective fields.

You find former French Prime Ministers Édouard Daladier and Paul Reynaud among the captives, significant political figures during the early years of World War II. The castle also houses prominent military leaders like General Maxime Weygand and General Maurice Gamelin.

Other notable prisoners include trade unionist Léon Jouhaux and tennis champion Jean-Robert Borotra. They live in converted hotel rooms, benefiting from relatively decent conditions due to their political significance.

Many of these French prisoners of war are anti-Vichy figures, highlighting Castle Itter's importance as a site of political intrigue during the war.

Life in Captivity

You find yourself walking in the shoes of France's most influential figures, from former Prime Ministers to renowned athletes, as you explore life within the castle walls.

As a prisoner in Castle Itter, you're living in converted hotel rooms alongside notable individuals like Édouard Daladier and Jean-Robert Borotra. Despite the comforts of adequate food, your freedom is limited.

However, the castle becomes a place of relative safety, especially after the guards abandon their posts in early May 1945, leading to a prisoner takeover.

The conditions inside the castle highlight the complexities of captivity during WWII. You're maintaining a semblance of normalcy while facing imminent danger from the collapsing Nazi regime. The takeover brings a sense of security, but the future remains uncertain.

Rescue Efforts Succeed

High-ranking prisoners at Castle Itter, including former French prime ministers and prominent military leaders, are on the verge of a dramatic rescue that will depend on the successful collaboration of unlikely allies. You are about to witness the extraordinary events that unfolded.

Prisoner	Nationality	Role
Édouard Daladier	French	Former Prime Minister
Paul Reynaud	French	Former Prime Minister
Maxime Weygand	French	General
Maurice Gamelin	French	General

As the SS guards abandon their posts, you see prisoners like Zvonimir Čučković taking charge. With the help of Czech cook Andreas Krobot and Wehrmacht Major Josef Gangl, a defense plan is set in motion. American and German forces put aside their differences to protect the prisoners from SS attacks, ensuring the successful rescue of all French dignitaries.

Events Leading to Battle

As Allied forces advanced through Germany and Austria in the final days of World War II, a series of events unfolded that would lead to the unlikely battle at Castle Itter. You find yourself in the midst of these events, where the commandant of Dachau fled to the castle and took his own life, and the remaining guards abandoned their posts, leaving the prisoners vulnerable.

Here are the key events leading to the battle:

When the Waffen-SS threatened to execute the high-profile French prisoners at Castle Itter, a remarkable alliance formed between American soldiers and Wehrmacht troops who had renounced Nazism. You find yourself in the midst of this unlikely collaboration, where Major Josef Gangl, a Wehrmacht officer, and U.S. Captain John C. Lee, Jr. worked together to defend the castle.

Event	Key Players	Outcome
SS guards abandon posts	Andreas Krobot, Czech cook	Prisoners reach out for help
Urgent assistance requested	Zvonimir Čučković, prisoner	American troops contacted near Innsbruck
Alliance formed	Major Josef Gangl, U.S. Captain John C. Lee	Joint defense of Castle Itter

Battle Against Waffen-SS

You're now witnessing the intense battle against the Waffen-SS unfold at Castle Itter.

As the unlikely alliance between American soldiers, Wehrmacht troops, and French prisoners takes shape, they'll deploy a battle strategy that leverages their unique combined strengths.

You'll see how they work together, utilizing the Sherman tank 'Besotten Jenny' to counter the Waffen-SS assault, in a fight that will test the limits of their unorthodox alliance.

Unlikely Alliance Formation

Against the backdrop of World War II’s final days, an extraordinary alliance was forged between U. S. soldiers and their former German enemies to counter a fierce Waffen-SS attack on Castle Itter. You might wonder what led to this unlikely alliance. Here are a few key factors: The desperate situation at Castle Itter, where both American and German soldiers faced the threat of annihilation, overshadowed their past hostilities and compelled them to unite against a common foe. This unexpected collaboration highlighted the absurdity of their earlier conflicts, as former enemies set aside their differences in the face of a greater evil. The alliance served as a poignant reminder of the potential for reconciliation and cooperation, even in the darkest times, highlighting the urgent need for a global agreement to outlaw war once and for all.

• Major Josef Gangl, a Wehrmacht officer who renounced Nazism, played a significant role in uniting American soldiers and German troops.
• The defenders consisted of approximately 20 American soldiers, Wehrmacht troops, and French prisoners, forming an unusual alliance under dire circumstances.
• Captain Kurt-Siegfried Schrader, a Waffen-SS officer, chose to support the defense instead of attacking, further contributing to the unique collaboration.

Battle Strategy Deployment

Defending Castle Itter required the swift deployment of a coordinated battle strategy, which was skillfully executed by Wehrmacht Major Josef Gangl and U.S. Captain John C. Lee to counter the Waffen-SS assault on May 5, 1945.

You witness the defenders utilizing a Sherman tank, 'Besotten Jenny,' for artillery support, which proved critical in repelling the initial attacks by approximately 100-150 Waffen-SS soldiers.

The battle strategy involved barricading positions within the castle, utilizing available weaponry, and maintaining communication with U.S. forces despite intense shelling and logistical challenges.

As the siege progressed, ammunition ran low, but the timely arrival of U. S. reinforcements around 4 PM turned the tide, leading to a successful defense and the capture of nearly 100 Waffen-SS soldiers. The reinforcements launched a coordinated attack, pushing back the overwhelmed enemy forces and securing critical positions around the perimeter. This pivotal moment would be remembered in the siege of Weinsberg history as a testament to the resilience and bravery of the defenders. In the aftermath, the captured soldiers provided valuable intelligence that would influence future operations in the region.

This coordinated effort exemplified the unlikely alliance's strength.

Key Figures in the Siege

Major Josef Gangl's decision to renounce Nazism and collaborate with American forces proved essential in the defense of Castle Itter. He joined forces with Captain John C. Lee Jr. and other key figures to protect the French prisoners. Gangl's leadership, alongside Lee's command of the U.S. troops, made a significant difference in the situation.

Other key players included Kurt-Siegfried Schrader, a Waffen-SS officer who defied Nazi ranks, and Zvonimir Čučić, a former prisoner who sought help from the U.S. forces.

Here are four key figures who played a vital role in the siege:

1. Major Josef Gangl: Led the defense of Castle Itter and collaborated with American forces.
2. Captain John C. Lee Jr.: Commanded the U.S. troops and was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross.
3. Kurt-Siegfried Schrader: A Waffen-SS officer who sided with the defenders.
4. Zvonimir Čučić: A former prisoner who delivered messages to the U.S. forces, seeking help.

Aftermath and Significance

The successful defense of Castle Itter marked a pivotal moment in the final days of World War II, as all French VIP prisoners survived the Waffen-SS's last-ditch effort.

You'll find that this battle holds special significance as the only known instance of American and German soldiers actively fighting together against a common enemy during the war.

For their bravery, Major Josef Gangl was posthumously honored as a national hero in Austria, and Captain John C. Lee, Jr. received the Distinguished Service Cross.

This unlikely alliance highlights the complexities of wartime alliances.

The events at Castle Itter have left a lasting impact, even inspiring a song by the band Sabaton, 'The Last Battle.'

This collaboration continues to spark historical discourse and serves as a remarkable example of the extraordinary circumstances of the Battle of Castle Itter.

Unique Alliance Dynamics

As you examine the events surrounding Castle Itter, one aspect that stands out is the unlikely alliance between American and German forces, who put aside their differences to fight together against the Waffen-SS.

You'll notice that this unique alliance was forged under dire circumstances, with Wehrmacht Major Josef Gangl playing a key role in organizing the defense alongside U.S. Captain John C. Lee.

Here are some key takeaways about this remarkable collaboration:

1. Former enemies unite: American soldiers and German forces worked together to fend off the Waffen-SS attack.
2. French prisoners join the fight: French dignitaries, being held captive, took up arms to aid in the defense.
3. Leadership from unlikely sources: Major Gangl and Captain Lee demonstrated remarkable leadership in the face of danger.
4. Wartime loyalties are tested: The battle highlighted the complexities of wartime loyalties, as individuals from opposing sides fought together against a common enemy.

Historical Legacy

Uncovering the historical legacy of the Siege of Castle Itter reveals an enthralling tale that not only showcases extraordinary bravery but also underscores the complex web of alliances forged during World War II.

As you explore this pivotal moment, you find that the Battle of Castle Itter stands out for its unique cooperation in combat between American and German forces.

Major Josef Gangl's heroic actions, which led to the successful defense of high-profile French prisoners, have made him a national hero in Austria.

The battle's historical significance is further underscored by the capture of Waffen-SS soldiers and its representation of the intricate wartime alliances.

Cultural references, like Sabaton's song 'The Last Battle,' continue to highlight the remarkable story of cooperation amid chaos, ensuring the Siege of Castle Itter's legacy endures.