"Operation Hannibal" was a military operation conducted by the German Navy during the final months of World War II. Its primary goal was to evacuate German troops and civilians from the Eastern Front as the Soviet Army advanced. The operation took place mainly in early 1945, focusing on the evacuation of people from East Prussia and other areas threatened by Soviet forces. The operation involved a series of naval evacuations, utilizing ships to transport evacuees across the Baltic Sea to Germany. Despite the efforts, many faced perilous conditions, including attacks from the Soviet Navy and harsh weather. Ultimately, Operation Hannibal resulted in the evacuation of hundreds of thousands, but many others were left behind.