Product Description

This book is an explosive memoir of a 17 year old German boy called up to fight in the last weeks of the Second World War. This is a teenager's vivid account of his experiences as a conscript during the final desperate weeks of the Third Reich, during which he experienced training immediately behind the front line east of Berlin, was caught up in the massive Soviet assault on Berlin from the Oder, retreated successfully and then took part in the fight for the western suburb of Spandau, where he became one of the only two survivors of his company of seventeen year-olds.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #81113 in Books
• Published on: 2007-06-01
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 288 pages

About the Author
Helmut Altner, the author, worked for decades as the Paris correspondent of several German newspapers, and has now retired to live just outside the city. Tony Le Tissier, the translator and editor, is an acknowledged expert on the 1945 battle of Berlin. His other books include, The Battle of Berlin 1945 (also published by Tempus), Slaughter at Halbe: The Destruction of Hitler's 9th Army - April 1945, With Our Backs to Berlin: The German Army in Retreat 1945, Death Was Our Companion: The Final Days of the Third Reich, Farewell to Spandau, and Berlin Then and Now. He lives in Lymington in Hampshire.

Customer Reviews

Excellent Book / Vivid descriptions of Berlin street fighting.
He really sets the scene well in the lead up to the "final days". You really get a vivid picture of the chaos and senselessness. I give it 4 stars as it starts a little slow - but then it really picks up and is a great book!

After the unit is finished its basic training, it is sent East to man a defensive position in front of the Russian spearhead. They get there during a lull.. but when the Russian attach resumes, they begin the retreat back to Berlin.

This book really comes into its own when the Author gets involved in the fighting in the streets of Berlin. This Guy without realising it, has suddenly has become a Veteran! There are vast running battles against the Russians with thousands of Volksturm & Hitler Youth - Which ends up exactly how you might expect.

The chapters in the U-Bahn Tunnels - The ensuing Streetfighting - Back in the barracks before the surrender - are all excellent.

He goes on to describe the breakout from Berlin.. which is told in its full, absolute grimness. The subsequent flight - to eventual captivity, is superbly written IMO.

Great little book.