The staff were led by two civilian subject matter experts who guided them through the hard-fought battles. The groups not only discussed military tactics and challenges, but the effects of warfare on civilians. This discussion focussed on the impact that civilian efforts have had on battlefields. In the
Battle for
Berlin, many soldiers from both sides took extreme efforts to keep civilians safe during the battle. One such example still stands in the form of a statue of a Russian sergeant who rushed across a battlefield on the outskirts of
Berlin minutes before an artillery barrage in order to save a young German boy. Such acts of valour were more commonplace than some may imagine.
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| The Brandenburg Gate |
"We got the chance to find out what they’ve (the soldiers and civilians) gone through, whether it was good or bad,” said US Army Staff Sergeant Tirzah Harris. "This showed us where the country is today versus yesterday…and not just what’s in the history books.”
Guy Finch, one of the subject matter experts, believes that the varying sites and historical lessons proved to be a good experience for all in attendance.
"It’s always good to have and share experiences and opinions and to learn,” said Finch. "Over this past week, it was multi-national, a good way to get to know each other and it cut across the ranks. It asks and enables discussions and helps to get honest answers.”
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| A Russian World War Two memorial, Berlin |