Now that the European war comes to its close and Hitler and Göbbels gone, the german soldiers were basically freed from their oath to Hitler. But did the news reach all units before the war was over? Yes, Dönitz made it public on May 1st or 2nd, but there were still fighting troops, far away from Berlin or Kiel. Did they get the news?
The short answer is no.
Communication in the field was spotty at best and often word was passed by word of mouth or dispatch riders. Also even though many Germans surrendered there were dozens of pockets of soldiers who would fight on for days after until they were killed, ran out of ammunition, fuel or food. In some areas of active fighting the Western allies blasted over the loud speakers the news of Hitlers death and terms of surrender, most German units complied others fought on until they could no longer fight.
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