Five years after the onset of World War II, as the Russian forces launched their final assault on Berlin, a significant event unfolded when a shell hit a stable located at the western end of the Tiergarten. This moment marked the transformation of Kurfürstendamm, a street that once thrived with shopping and entertainment, into a disturbing scene of chaos and destruction.

The sight of horses, previously emblematic of Nazi Germany's proud image, became a harrowing spectacle as they bolted down the street, their manes and tails engulfed in flames. This stark imagery highlighted the grim reality of war, showcasing how even the most innocent beings were caught up in the horrors unleashed during this time of violence and suffering.