On 30 April, after receiving news of Hitler's suicide, orders were issued that those who could do so were to break out. Prior to the break-out, Mohnke briefed all commanders that could be reached within the Zitadelle sector about Hitler's death and the planned break-out.[161] The break out started at 2300 hours on 1 May. There were ten main groups that attempted to head northwest towards Mecklenburg.