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On the other hand, we have the Russian counter-claims that the practice was "not widespread" because there was an order against it... leaving aside the question of how well that order was actually enforcement by the local officers, "not widespread" (if that is indeed the Russian wording) is somewhat of a weasel word (no offense intended).

On the other hand, we have the Russian counter-claims that the practice was "not widespread" because there was an order against it... leaving aside the question of how well that order was actually enforced by the local officers, "not widespread" (if that is indeed the Russian wording) is somewhat of a weasel word (no offense intended).

So, to answer your question:

In exactly the numbers described? We cannot say. The two million number is on the high side of estimates.

In significant numbers, big enough to be called "huge"? Yes.

So, to answer your question:

In exactly the numbers described? We cannot say. The two million number is on the high side of estimates.

In significant numbers, big enough to be called "huge"? Yes.

Cornelius Ryan, in his book "The Last Battle" (Collins, London 1966), states that doctors he talked to estimated between 20,000 and 100,000 cases of rape. (Though time range and area of that estimate is unclear from the secondary source I have.)

Cornelius Ryan, in his book "The Last Battle" (Collins, London 1966), states that doctors he talked to estimated between 20,000 and 100,000 cases of rape. (Though time range and area of that estimate is unclear from the secondary source I have -- and those are doctors, not historians or policemen or whatever, and from the Allied side of what rapidly turned into the frontline of the new cold war.)