WWII’S coldest conflicts
BATTLE OF THE BULGE
In a last major offensive towards the end of the war, Germany aimed to split up the Allied forces. Amid the icy blizzards, visibility was poor and temperatures plummeted, freezing weapons and tanks.
BATTLE OF STALINGRAD
Around 2 million people lost their lives as Germany attempted to take the city of Stalingrad. Becoming one of the bloodiest battles in history, the freezing temperatures added to the death toll. Most days the temperature was a harsh -20 degrees Celsius, reaching a low of -30 degrees Celsius.
LAPLAND WAR
Finland and Nazi Germany fought for power over the Lapland province during the winter, when temperatures ranged from zero to -30 degrees Celsius.
OPERATION SILVER FOX
The German military’s main aim was to capture a Soviet port in Finland. This proved unsuccessful, largely due to the unforgiving weather. Ice and snow had frozen over most of the land, and with only a few roads available to travel, their route to the port was limited. An overall lack of preparation meant that the defence had the advantage and won.
BATTLE OF ATTU
Japan gained control of the island, getting used to the drastic difference in climate compared to their homeland. US soldiers didn’t anticipate the sudden wind storms and fog-covered peaks. Early on, more American soldiers fell victim to the weather conditions, dying from frostbite and trench foot rather than from Japanese attacks.