In the final days of World War II, an unimaginable alliance unfolded at Austria’s Itter Castle, where German Wehrmacht soldiers, American troops, and French prisoners joined forces to fight against the SS. As reported by WW2 Wayfinder and MSN, this surreal clash—dubbed the “Last Battle”—defied the war’s bitter divides, blending desperation, defiance, and fleeting humanity. Why did sworn enemies unite? How did a French tennis star and a disillusioned Nazi major become heroes? And why has this story been buried for decades? From survival gambits to moral redemption, we unravel history’s most improbable battle.
The Battle of Itter Castle – Enemies Turned Allies
According to WW2 Wayfinder, the battle erupted on May 5, 1945, as Waffen-SS troops besieged Itter Castle, where high-profile French prisoners (including ex-prime ministers and generals) were held. In a twist, Wehrmacht Major Josef Gangl—disgusted by Nazi atrocities—teamed with U.S. Army Captain Jack Lee and French resistance fighters to defend the castle. Gangl even recruited defecting German soldiers, while Lee’s ragtag unit included Austrian resistance fighters and imprisoned French politician Jean Borotra, a former tennis star. For 48 hours, this motley crew repelled SS attacks, using the castle’s medieval walls as cover. Gangl died shielding prisoners, cementing his redemption arc.
Legacy of the Forgotten Battle – Erased by History
MSN highlights how Cold War politics buried the battle’s legacy. Postwar narratives emphasized Allied-Axis divides, sidelining tales of German-American cooperation. The U.S. Army downplayed Lee’s role, while France ignored its politicians’ captivity to rebuild national pride. Only in 2013, with historian Stephen Harding’s book The Last Battle, did the story resurface. Today, Itter Castle is a museum, but key questions linger: Was this a rogue act of courage or a strategic anomaly? For Gangl’s descendants, it’s proof that “even in hell, humanity can flicker.”
In conclusion, the Battle of Itter Castle, as chronicled by WW2 Wayfinder and MSN, remains a haunting anomaly in WWII’s brutal narrative. It challenges black-and-white views of heroism, revealing how war’s chaos can forge fleeting unity. While the alliance dissolved days later with Germany’s surrender, its legacy endures as a testament to moral courage. For historians, it’s a case study in desperation; for survivors, a glimmer of hope. As Itter Castle’s walls stand witness, the battle reminds us that even in humanity’s darkest hour, the line between enemy and ally can blur—if only for a moment.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: What was the Battle of Itter Castle?
A: A May 1945 clash where German soldiers, U.S. troops, and French POWs united to defend a castle against SS forces.
Q: Why did German soldiers help the Allies?
A: Major Josef Gangl opposed Nazi crimes and sought redemption by protecting prisoners.
Q: Who were key figures in the battle?
A: Major Josef Gangl (Wehrmacht), Captain Jack Lee (U.S. Army), and Jean Borotra (French tennis star and politician).
Q: Why is this battle not well-known?
A: Cold War politics and postwar narratives emphasizing Allied vs. Axis conflict suppressed the story.
Q: Can I visit Itter Castle today?
A: Yes. The castle in Austria is a museum with exhibits detailing the battle.
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