In November 1942 – in a devastating counter-attack from outside the city – Soviet forces smashed the German siege and encircled Stalingrad; trapping some 290;000 soldiers of the 6th Army inside. For almost three months; during the harshest part of the Russian winter; the German troops endured atrocious conditions. Freezing cold and reliant on dwindling food supplies from Luftwaffe air drops; thousands died from starvation; frostbite or infection if not from the fighting itself. This important work reconstructs the grim fate of the 6th Army in full for the first time by examining the little-known story of the field hospitals and central dressing stations. The author has trawled through hundreds of previously unpublished reports; interviews; diaries and newspaper accounts to reveal the experiences of soldiers of all ranks; from simple soldiers to generals. The book includes firsthand accounts of soldiers who were wounded or fell ill and were flown out of the encirclement; as well as those who fought to the bitter end and were taken prisoner by the Soviets. They reflect on the severity of the fighting; and reveal the slowly ebbing hopes for survival. Together they provide an illuminating and tragic portrait of the appalling events at Stalingrad.
#2079114 in Books 2007-01-19Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.50 x .65 x 5.51l; .81 #File Name: 1846771374288 pages
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Some Historical Value; But a Difficult ReadBy Mike SorohanWhile this book has some historical value--Mssr. Coignet had unusually frequent access to Napoleon as first an enlisted man; then as an officer--this is a difficult read. Coignet was illiterate well into adulthood and the book is written in a coarse style. The book is also written from a soldier's view; so Coignet's accounts of major battles such as Jena; Friedland; Austerlitz and Waterloo reflect what he saw in front of him and does not go into strategy or the grand scale of war. Coignet writes with a certain charm; but getting through the book could come with difficulty.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Stranger than fictionBy Philip HineAs a personal story this book sets out a phenomenal and fascinating life. M. Coignet had enough adventures to last several lifetimes and considering what he experienced; he was an amazingly lucky man. If this was work of fiction it would no doubt have spread over several volumes; but it is somewhat regrettably compressed into one.This is no work of literature but author does not pretend to be a gifted writer; so the stream of consciousness style could be a put-off to some; but it is worth persevering for opening a window into another age that most of us could not understand.The author is very much a man of his time. He was unquestionably loyal to Napoleon and went about his job as a soldier without remorse or introspection. He was loyal; dutiful and respectful; but ultimately it is people like this that allow tyrants to flourish.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Great memoir of a Napoleonic soldierBy Robert W. McNamaraOutstanding memoir of a thoughtful; brave and somewhat comical soldier and officer of Napoleon's Imperial Guard. Though written when he was in his later years; the details of his early life and introduction into the military are quite thorough. The actual military exploits of the author are exemplary and full of action and insight; including personal memories and interactions with the French Emperor. A definite must-read for anyone interested in the Napoleonic Era.
