At the end of World War II, a meeting of Soviet and American soldiers took place on the Elba River, which in battle defeated the common enemy - the fascist invaders. As a result, the expression "See you on the Elbe" exists in everyday life for almost 70 years.
Acquaintance with colleagues
According to one version, on April 25, 1945, near the German city of Torgau, which is located on the Elbe River, the Soviet and American armies joined forces to finally defeat the German armed forces. As a result of joint battles, the remnants of the fascist army were split into northern and southern parts, which began to rapidly recede.
After successful battles, the US military patrolled nearby territories and met Soviet soldiers on the banks of the Elbe River. Their acquaintance was warm and friendly. A little later, a similar meeting of another American soldier with the Soviet troops took place. As a result of these coincidences, the commanders of the divisions of the US Army and the Red Army agreed to meet in full force on the Elbe for acquaintance and handshakes. The soldiers sincerely rejoiced in their joint victory, and said goodbye to each other: "See you on the Elbe!"
Final outcome
According to another version, on May 3, 1945, Soviet troops contacted British military units and agreed on a joint attack. The next day, soldiers of the two armies fought offensives against the Nazi invaders, and drove the enemy from the southwestern city of Germany - Wismar to the very center of the country, where the Elbe River flows. Towards the end of the battle, the Nazi army was finally defeated, and only insignificant groups of fascists who later also were liquidated disappeared. So the final battle with the enemy took place and ended with an unconditional victory on the Elbe River.
