Germany on the Brink - Fateful Days 1945 In this book, 41 eyewitnesses share their personal experiences of the end of World War II. They include soldiers and civilians, as well as children and teenagers, women and men. The diverse perspectives make this collection of memories particularly captivating. Some of the texts were recorded in the early post-war years, influenced by the fresh impressions of the events. Others were created later, reflecting on those experiences. What they all have in common is that they are written with deep emotion. None of the authors intended to publish their accounts one day. Most wrote for their families or simply for their own records to combat forgetfulness. We are fortunate today to gain insights from those eyewitnesses of the past, allowing us to appreciate the variety of experiences.