. . . a well-wrought ground level view of daily life in hell.―World War II Magazine This is the remarkable story of a German soldier who fought throughout World War II; rising from conscript private to captain of a heavy weapons company on the Eastern Front. William Lubbeck; age 19; was drafted into the Wehrmacht in August 1939. As a member of the 58th Infantry Division; he received his baptism of fire during the 1940 invasion of France. The following spring his division served on the left flank of Army Group North in Operation Barbarossa. After grueling marches amidst countless Russian bodies; burnt-out vehicles; and a great number of cheering Baltic civilians; Lubbeck’s unit entered the outskirts of Leningrad; making the deepest penetration of any German formation. The Germans suffered hardships the following winter as they fought both Russian counterattacks and the brutal cold. The 58th Division was thrown back and forth across the front of Army Group North; from Novgorod to Demyansk; at one point fighting back Russian attacks on the ice of Lake Ilmen. A soldier who preferred to be close to the action; Lubbeck served as forward observer for his company; dueling with Russian snipers; partisans and full-scale assaults alike. His worries were not confined to his own safety; however; as news arrived of disasters in Germany; including the destruction of Hamburg where his girlfriend served as an Army nurse. In September 1943; Lubbeck earned the Iron Cross and was assigned to officers’ training school in Dresden. By the time he returned to Russia; Army Group North was in full-scale retreat. Now commanding his former heavy weapons company; Lubbeck alternated sharp counterattacks with inexorable withdrawal to Memel on the Baltic. In April 1945 his company was nearly obliterated; but in the last scramble from East Prussia; he was able to evacuate on a newly minted German destroyer. After his release from British captivity; Lubbeck emigrated to the United States where he raised a successful family. With the assistance of David B. Hurt; he has drawn on his wartime notes and letters; Soldatbuch; regimental history and personal memories to recount his frontline experience; including rare firsthand accounts of both triumph and disaster.
#466076 in Books Savas Beatie 2010-05-24 2010-06-07Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.90 x .90 x 5.90l; 1.30 #File Name: 1932714944432 pages
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. I have found nothing else quite like it. With a modest purchase priceBy kerry cowmanFor a reader with any interest in the subject; this book is a MUST HAVE. My wife and I have a substantial collection of books related to the founding era. I bought this book as a brief overall guide to the battles for the War for Independence. I wanted something to gain an overall reference point when reading more detailed books. I actually found it so engaging I ended up reading it straight through. It will serve as a battle field travel guide; quick reference and is one of those rare books that can be appreciated by both scholars and novices. I have found nothing else quite like it. With a modest purchase price; it belongs on every shelf.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Five StarsBy TJ SCHOENLEINArguably the best battle guide out there. Very easy to read as the authors format covers what you need to know in about 2-3 pages.You get just the facts; both sides perspectives; commanders strategy; time of day; weather; number of soldiers-militia involved; dead/wounded; who won and the impact on the revolution. A good read.3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. Clearly laid outline of many of the battles of the ...By Sherie Ann PetersonClearly laid outline of many of the battles of the American Revolution. Includes statistics and viewpoint of Patriots and British. I am using it as a resource for my blog at PatriotsAndRedcoats.com
