Product Description

In 1939, Hans von Luck's motorized unit was one of the first to cross the frontier into Poland, marking the start of WWII. Over the next six years he was constantly in action in every major theatre of the war, and got to know almost every German commander of note. Told with the vivid detail of an impassioned witness, his memoirs have become a classic in the literature of the Second World War. 'Well and vividly written...My father thought very highly of Colonel von Luck as a man and soldier' - Manfred Rommel

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #22523 in Books
• Published on: 2002-10-10
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 368 pages

About the Author
Hans von Luck commanded one of Rommel's Panzer Divisions from 1939-44. He was awarded the German Cross in Gold and the Knight's Cross. He was captured by Russians in 1945 and held in a prisoner of war camp until 1950. He is married, with three sons.

Customer Reviews

A rare insight into the life of a German soldier
Even though the author was a cousin of my grandfather I did not know this memoir existed as I believe it has been published in America only. I was fascinated by the author's story and devour anything written in the English language by a German which helps us understand how the terrible war could have happened. Hans von Luck was a fine man in the best tradition of a Prussian soldier. I suspect they don't make men like him any more. He died on 1 August 1997 aged 86. His obituary appeared in THE TIMES on August 28th 1997, a rare achievement for a German soldier.

My favourite book on the Second World War
This book is thoughtful and honest. It is one mans viewpoint being clearly and simply shown throughout one of the most important eras of history. Many will read this to discover more about the Second World War (as I did). People reading for these reasons will not be disappointed, (he was involved in conflict on mainland Europe, North Africa and the feared eastern front). Despite his wartime experiences being very clear and interesting, I was surprised to find myself much more interested in his post-war experiences. His style is modest and maybe won't grab some readers in the same way as a novel would. This book is more than that. Big explosions aren't the point or his intention, if you need that, don't bother with this book.
This book feels like a father reflecting upon his life to his son and that is what makes it so very special.

A fantastic story of a Panzer warrior
Being in the German wehrmacht and in captivity for close to 20 years spending the best years of his life fighting for a case not won it is impressive that Von Luck comes out on the other side in shape of creating a new life. On the theaters of war where Von Luck was fighting during WWII this book is very descriptive. Especially the fighting's near Moscow during winter 1941-1942, the battles in North Africa in 1942-1943 and the collapse in Tunisia 1943 is giving the reader a feeling of being there together with Von Luck. The landing in Normandy in June 1944 and the important battles that Von Luck was fighting later on the retreat to Germany is giving another view than common on how the war on the western front was developing for the Germans. It is impressive to read of the stiff resistance the Germans was able to putt up even though they knew the war was lost. The German soldiers were fighting with an incredible performance. Finally the years in Russian captivity is giving a view on how life was for the thousands of German POW's in the country that suffered the most of casualties during WWII. It can only be recommended to buy this book. You will not be able to put it down before you have turned the last page.