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Valkyrie: The Story of the Plot to Kill Hitler, by Its Last Member by Philip Freiherr Von Boeselager
When the Second World War broke out, Philipp Freiherr von Boeselager, then 25-years-old, fought enthusiastically for Germany as a cavalry officer. But after discovering Nazi crimes, von Boeselager’s patriotism quickly turned to disgust, and he joined a group of conspirators who plotted to kill Adolf Hitler and Heinrich Himmler. In this elegant but unflinching memoir, von Boeselager gives voice to the spirit of the small but determined band of men who took a stand against the Third Reich in what culminating in the failed “Valkyrie” plot—one of the most fascinating near misses of twentieth-century history.
From the Trade Paperback edition.
From the Trade Paperback edition.
Paperback
First published October 1, 2008
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About the author
Philipp Freiherr von Boeselager
5 books2 followersLast surviving member of the 20th July 1944 conspiracy to blow up Adolf Hitler.
Von Boeselager was to order his troops in Eastern-Europe to retreat to Berlin and to take over crucial parts of the city.
Also von Boeselager was involved in an earlier attempt in 1943, when he planned to shoot Himmler and Hitler. But when Himmler left Hitler`s company, the risk was to big that Himmler would succeed Hitler as the state leader.
When the 20th July attempt failed, von Boeselager halted his retreat and went back to the front and remained undetected.
After the war he was rewarded with military awards in Germany and France. He starting studying economics and became a forestry expert. He also was active in Catholic student fraternities.
Von Boeselager was to order his troops in Eastern-Europe to retreat to Berlin and to take over crucial parts of the city.
Also von Boeselager was involved in an earlier attempt in 1943, when he planned to shoot Himmler and Hitler. But when Himmler left Hitler`s company, the risk was to big that Himmler would succeed Hitler as the state leader.
When the 20th July attempt failed, von Boeselager halted his retreat and went back to the front and remained undetected.
After the war he was rewarded with military awards in Germany and France. He starting studying economics and became a forestry expert. He also was active in Catholic student fraternities.
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September 30, 2017
Evviva la Resistenza tedesca! Viva tutte le Resistenze!
Amo leggere libri di questo genere che sono una testimonianza diretta di chi allora c’era. Il tema della Resistenza tedesca, poi, m’interessa e mi appassiona in modo particolare: penso che essa riscatti l’immagine di un Paese e di un’intera nazione che avrebbe meritato ben altro. Personaggi come Claus von Stauffenberg e tutti i congiurati della celebre Operazione Valchiria, così come i ragazzi della Rosa Bianca (dico un nome per tutti: Sophie Scholl) e tanti altri che pagarono a caro prezzo l’opposizione al regime, rappresentano infatti l’altro volto, quello decisamente migliore, della Germania della poco gloriosa epoca nazionalsocialista. Non dimentichiamo – e di questo sono fermamente convinta – che la prima vittima del regime hitleriano fu proprio lo stesso popolo tedesco, dal momento che fu intenzionalmente programmata l’eliminazione fisica dei disabili e di tutti i “diversi”, mentre un’intera generazione di giovani, nata e cresciuta a partire dai primi anni Trenta, veniva snaturata e allevata soltanto al fine di odiare il prossimo e combattere all’insegna dei falsi e insani miti della Grande Germania e della purezza della razza. Uomini come Stauffenberg, Tresckow, Philipp von Boeselager, autore di questo libro, ma anche personaggi come il generale Rommel, appartenevano invece a un’altra generazione che aveva conservato onore e cuore: militari sì, ma non macellai e anche se qualcuno fra loro aveva inizialmente gridato “Heil Hitler” sulle ceneri della Repubblica di Weimar (andiamo a rivedere, per favore, le pesanti responsabilità del Trattato di Versailles del 1919 e pure del cosiddetto appeasement di Francia e Inghilterra poco prima del ’39…), si era presto reso conto dello schifo che il führer e tutta la feccia intorno a lui (Göring, Himmler, Goebbels, solo per citare illustre parte di quella merda) stavano compiendo ai danni del Paese. Un regime che, a dimostrazione di quanto tenesse al popolo tedesco, non cessò di innalzare forche ed eseguire sommariamente condanne a morte fino all’ultimo, con i russi ormai alle porte di Berlino.
Questo libro di Philipp von Boeselager, militare di professione insieme al fratello Georg e salvatosi solo perché qualcuno dei congiurati, pur sotto tortura, non fece il suo nome, mette in luce come buona parte della Wehrmacht, persino ad alti livelli, non fosse a conoscenza della reale portata dei crimini nazisti da parte delle unità paramilitari delle SS e se quel maledetto 20 luglio 1944 l’Operazione Valchiria avesse avuto fortuna, essa avrebbe anticipato, sia pur di nemmeno un anno rispetto a quel che poi fu, la fine della guerra salvando, a dir poco, milioni di vite umane.
A chi ancora oggi si permette di affermare che «per i tedeschi i campi di concentramento non ci sono stati» (e non faccio nomi), consiglio di andare a rivedere la storica foto di Willy Brandt (un altro perseguitato tedesco, non a caso, durante quegli anni tremendi) in ginocchio al ghetto di Varsavia e a chi abbia avuto la pazienza di leggere fino alla fine questo mio commento al libro in questione di guardare (o riguardare) le scene finali di un noto film dedicato all’Operazione Valchiria:
http://germanhistorydocs.ghi-dc.org/s...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=15r-CX...
Amo leggere libri di questo genere che sono una testimonianza diretta di chi allora c’era. Il tema della Resistenza tedesca, poi, m’interessa e mi appassiona in modo particolare: penso che essa riscatti l’immagine di un Paese e di un’intera nazione che avrebbe meritato ben altro. Personaggi come Claus von Stauffenberg e tutti i congiurati della celebre Operazione Valchiria, così come i ragazzi della Rosa Bianca (dico un nome per tutti: Sophie Scholl) e tanti altri che pagarono a caro prezzo l’opposizione al regime, rappresentano infatti l’altro volto, quello decisamente migliore, della Germania della poco gloriosa epoca nazionalsocialista. Non dimentichiamo – e di questo sono fermamente convinta – che la prima vittima del regime hitleriano fu proprio lo stesso popolo tedesco, dal momento che fu intenzionalmente programmata l’eliminazione fisica dei disabili e di tutti i “diversi”, mentre un’intera generazione di giovani, nata e cresciuta a partire dai primi anni Trenta, veniva snaturata e allevata soltanto al fine di odiare il prossimo e combattere all’insegna dei falsi e insani miti della Grande Germania e della purezza della razza. Uomini come Stauffenberg, Tresckow, Philipp von Boeselager, autore di questo libro, ma anche personaggi come il generale Rommel, appartenevano invece a un’altra generazione che aveva conservato onore e cuore: militari sì, ma non macellai e anche se qualcuno fra loro aveva inizialmente gridato “Heil Hitler” sulle ceneri della Repubblica di Weimar (andiamo a rivedere, per favore, le pesanti responsabilità del Trattato di Versailles del 1919 e pure del cosiddetto appeasement di Francia e Inghilterra poco prima del ’39…), si era presto reso conto dello schifo che il führer e tutta la feccia intorno a lui (Göring, Himmler, Goebbels, solo per citare illustre parte di quella merda) stavano compiendo ai danni del Paese. Un regime che, a dimostrazione di quanto tenesse al popolo tedesco, non cessò di innalzare forche ed eseguire sommariamente condanne a morte fino all’ultimo, con i russi ormai alle porte di Berlino.
Questo libro di Philipp von Boeselager, militare di professione insieme al fratello Georg e salvatosi solo perché qualcuno dei congiurati, pur sotto tortura, non fece il suo nome, mette in luce come buona parte della Wehrmacht, persino ad alti livelli, non fosse a conoscenza della reale portata dei crimini nazisti da parte delle unità paramilitari delle SS e se quel maledetto 20 luglio 1944 l’Operazione Valchiria avesse avuto fortuna, essa avrebbe anticipato, sia pur di nemmeno un anno rispetto a quel che poi fu, la fine della guerra salvando, a dir poco, milioni di vite umane.
A chi ancora oggi si permette di affermare che «per i tedeschi i campi di concentramento non ci sono stati» (e non faccio nomi), consiglio di andare a rivedere la storica foto di Willy Brandt (un altro perseguitato tedesco, non a caso, durante quegli anni tremendi) in ginocchio al ghetto di Varsavia e a chi abbia avuto la pazienza di leggere fino alla fine questo mio commento al libro in questione di guardare (o riguardare) le scene finali di un noto film dedicato all’Operazione Valchiria:
http://germanhistorydocs.ghi-dc.org/s...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=15r-CX...
June 10, 2017
Valkyrie: On the Danger of Simplifying the Past and Creating False Heroes
This book tells the story of how two brothers, Philip and Georg von Boeselager, became members of the failed July 1944 plot to kill Hitler. As many earlier reviewers have noted, the book does not center on the assassination attempt itself. Instead it focuses on the conditions that led the two brothers to join the plot and the conditions under which the plotters carried out the assassination. Thus the vast majority of the book is devoted to the war experiences of the two brothers.
In this memoir, first published in 2008, the author recalls that as a young military recruit in the 1930s, he was largely unaware of the Nazi persecution of Jews and gypsies. He did know about Kristallnacht (The Night of Shattered Glass), when SA members had destroyed Jewish shops and burnt synagogues. But as a young soldier, he assumed that the generals would put an end to this nonsense and the offenders would be brought to justice. In short, at this point he saw Kristallnacht as an isolated incident, rather than part of a systematic state program of persecution. But once transferred to the Eastern front, he realized this was not in fact the case. In 1942, while stationed on the Eastern front, he overheard a general nonchalantly describing how he had ordered the summary execution of thousands of Jews and gypsies. The general identified this "liquidation" as his "mission." According to the author, it was this incident that changed his view of the war and led him to join the resistance that was taking shape within the military.
To his credit, the author does not try to draw a clear line between the actions of the SS and those of the Wehrmacht. He readily admits: “The army was full of informers, swarms of zealous agents loyal to the system.’’ In short, he acknowledges that the Wehrmacht took part in war crimes. And yet, his narrative of the war emphasizes German superiority vis-a-vis their Russian adversaries, whom he repeatedly labels as barbarians. It is these disorienting moments in the narrative that I found the most fascinating and informative, as they provide insight both into the attitudes of the German military leadership -- one that went to great pains to distance themselves from Nazi etiquette (refusing to adopt the Hitler salute), and yet obediently carried out Hitler's murderous war on the Eastern front.
Those who joined the conspiracy did so for varied reasons. For a few, such as the two brothers, the German army's engagement in criminal behavior (e.g. the senseless slaughter of civilian populations and ethnic cleansing) provided the motivation. But for most, the motive was to save German lives, rather the lives of their victims. As one general noted, if we do nothing, each day another 16,000 German soldiers will die. In fact, the officers involved in the conspiracy, including the author, saw their primary duty as protecting their troops and ensuring that they made it home alive. Given they were largely stationed on the Eastern Front, their organizational efforts were hampered by the need to fight the war and protect the troops under their charge. They also had limited access to Hitler.
The author spends much energy describing the military campaigns in which he took part. His pride in his unit is apparent, as he recounts the German army's successes despite the numerical superiority of Russian troops. Repeatedly, he gives the death toll for German soldiers, but makes little note of Russian deaths, except to mention that their officers were known to kill their own troops. Nor does the author spend much time on the victims of Nazism.
Thus, it has been surprising to read so many reviews celebrating the conspirators as "heroes", when in fact their story is not so black and white. It is marred by multiple shades of gray, as most real stories of "heroism" are.
Almost all the conspirators shared a conservative, nationalist perspective and an aristocratic background. As such, they were not champions of equality. Moreover, several of the conspirators were later implicated in Nazi war crimes and in crimes against humanity. For example, the Quartermaster of the Army, Eduard Wagner, who supplied the escape aircraft, had coordinated Einsatzgruppen cooperation with the army and created the plans to starve Soviet prisoners of war, resulting in millions of deaths. Arthur Nebe, another member of the plot, had commanded Einsatzgruppe B in the Soviet Union, responsible for the murder of over 45,000 Jews.
These "gray areas" are an important reminder of the dangers of oversimplifying the past and the need to teach critical reading skills.
This book tells the story of how two brothers, Philip and Georg von Boeselager, became members of the failed July 1944 plot to kill Hitler. As many earlier reviewers have noted, the book does not center on the assassination attempt itself. Instead it focuses on the conditions that led the two brothers to join the plot and the conditions under which the plotters carried out the assassination. Thus the vast majority of the book is devoted to the war experiences of the two brothers.
In this memoir, first published in 2008, the author recalls that as a young military recruit in the 1930s, he was largely unaware of the Nazi persecution of Jews and gypsies. He did know about Kristallnacht (The Night of Shattered Glass), when SA members had destroyed Jewish shops and burnt synagogues. But as a young soldier, he assumed that the generals would put an end to this nonsense and the offenders would be brought to justice. In short, at this point he saw Kristallnacht as an isolated incident, rather than part of a systematic state program of persecution. But once transferred to the Eastern front, he realized this was not in fact the case. In 1942, while stationed on the Eastern front, he overheard a general nonchalantly describing how he had ordered the summary execution of thousands of Jews and gypsies. The general identified this "liquidation" as his "mission." According to the author, it was this incident that changed his view of the war and led him to join the resistance that was taking shape within the military.
To his credit, the author does not try to draw a clear line between the actions of the SS and those of the Wehrmacht. He readily admits: “The army was full of informers, swarms of zealous agents loyal to the system.’’ In short, he acknowledges that the Wehrmacht took part in war crimes. And yet, his narrative of the war emphasizes German superiority vis-a-vis their Russian adversaries, whom he repeatedly labels as barbarians. It is these disorienting moments in the narrative that I found the most fascinating and informative, as they provide insight both into the attitudes of the German military leadership -- one that went to great pains to distance themselves from Nazi etiquette (refusing to adopt the Hitler salute), and yet obediently carried out Hitler's murderous war on the Eastern front.
Those who joined the conspiracy did so for varied reasons. For a few, such as the two brothers, the German army's engagement in criminal behavior (e.g. the senseless slaughter of civilian populations and ethnic cleansing) provided the motivation. But for most, the motive was to save German lives, rather the lives of their victims. As one general noted, if we do nothing, each day another 16,000 German soldiers will die. In fact, the officers involved in the conspiracy, including the author, saw their primary duty as protecting their troops and ensuring that they made it home alive. Given they were largely stationed on the Eastern Front, their organizational efforts were hampered by the need to fight the war and protect the troops under their charge. They also had limited access to Hitler.
The author spends much energy describing the military campaigns in which he took part. His pride in his unit is apparent, as he recounts the German army's successes despite the numerical superiority of Russian troops. Repeatedly, he gives the death toll for German soldiers, but makes little note of Russian deaths, except to mention that their officers were known to kill their own troops. Nor does the author spend much time on the victims of Nazism.
Thus, it has been surprising to read so many reviews celebrating the conspirators as "heroes", when in fact their story is not so black and white. It is marred by multiple shades of gray, as most real stories of "heroism" are.
Almost all the conspirators shared a conservative, nationalist perspective and an aristocratic background. As such, they were not champions of equality. Moreover, several of the conspirators were later implicated in Nazi war crimes and in crimes against humanity. For example, the Quartermaster of the Army, Eduard Wagner, who supplied the escape aircraft, had coordinated Einsatzgruppen cooperation with the army and created the plans to starve Soviet prisoners of war, resulting in millions of deaths. Arthur Nebe, another member of the plot, had commanded Einsatzgruppe B in the Soviet Union, responsible for the murder of over 45,000 Jews.
These "gray areas" are an important reminder of the dangers of oversimplifying the past and the need to teach critical reading skills.
March 18, 2016
This is a memoir of Philipp von Boeselager, who is the last surviving member of the 1944 Bomb Plot to assassinate Hitler. It seem to me to be ghost written.
The plot is just a relatively simple memoir illuminating a faction of the German Wehrmacht and one influential militaristic family. It becomes readily clear that Philipp's role was very much an external one, so he doesn't have much to say that is of general interest. I felt that the plot to kill Hitler is barely mentioned in the book. The memoir mainly dealing with Philipp and his talented brother and mostly on their military experience.
Fairly short story that deals on emotional, powerful and engaging sense of the circumstances under which German officers came to see Hitler as evil. It highlights the difference between the German military and the SS and the Nazis.
Even though it is a little light on some of the specifics of Operation Valkyrie but it provides a unique perspective of the time while showcasing the honour and dignity of some very brave men.
The plot is just a relatively simple memoir illuminating a faction of the German Wehrmacht and one influential militaristic family. It becomes readily clear that Philipp's role was very much an external one, so he doesn't have much to say that is of general interest. I felt that the plot to kill Hitler is barely mentioned in the book. The memoir mainly dealing with Philipp and his talented brother and mostly on their military experience.
Fairly short story that deals on emotional, powerful and engaging sense of the circumstances under which German officers came to see Hitler as evil. It highlights the difference between the German military and the SS and the Nazis.
Even though it is a little light on some of the specifics of Operation Valkyrie but it provides a unique perspective of the time while showcasing the honour and dignity of some very brave men.
July 5, 2018
Other people have pointed out that, though they went into the book looking for a hero of anti-Nazism, they came out with something more patriotic than that. There are mentions of the horrors of Nazi anti-Semitism, and it /is/ the most mentioned motivation that Philipp gives for his own rebellion against Hitler's regime. But the thing is, the Boeslegaers and Tresckow and Kluge all stayed in the German army. After the assassination attempts end, Philipp keeps fighting for Germany - not for Nazi Germany, I have to assume, but for "the boys" in the cavalry, the ones he is determined to get home alive, at the expense of Soviet (and, presumably, other) lives. There's no defection, no determination to stop being a part of Hitler's army.
It's interesting! I'm neither condemning nor praising von Boeselager for why he did what he did. He mentions himself that the deepest horrors of the Nazi regime were frequently unknown even to higher-ranking officials like Kluge. I think it's easy to look for black-and-white heroes and villains in the nightmare that was World War II, the way we get in the movies. I think it's easy and even moral to /need/ heroes against something as heinous as the anti-Semitism, racism, and other inhumanities that allowed WWII to happen. Maybe it's equally necessary and moral, though, to realize that most people aren't heroes. Sometimes people do good things for complicated reasons. All we can do now is appreciate their efforts, any efforts, against evil, and maybe try to do a little better ourselves.
It's interesting! I'm neither condemning nor praising von Boeselager for why he did what he did. He mentions himself that the deepest horrors of the Nazi regime were frequently unknown even to higher-ranking officials like Kluge. I think it's easy to look for black-and-white heroes and villains in the nightmare that was World War II, the way we get in the movies. I think it's easy and even moral to /need/ heroes against something as heinous as the anti-Semitism, racism, and other inhumanities that allowed WWII to happen. Maybe it's equally necessary and moral, though, to realize that most people aren't heroes. Sometimes people do good things for complicated reasons. All we can do now is appreciate their efforts, any efforts, against evil, and maybe try to do a little better ourselves.
June 27, 2015
This is not another book about the plot to kill Hitler, known as Operation Valkyrie. It's much more than that; this book is the testimony of one of the millions of soldiers who took part in the greatest war humankind has ever known, a soldier who was wounded five times, including shot twice, a Wehrmacht officer who puts aside any cowardice or desire to play innocent by recognizing that even since 1942 he had heard of cold-blooded crimes against minorities such as gypsies and Hebrews. And that, my friends, is not something you wil hear too often from a German war veteran!
What is really interesting about this book is the way the personal life story of Boeselager brothers intertwines with the Great History, in such a simple, coherent and sincere narrative manner. It almost appears that the plot against Hitler is merely the author's excuse to tell his fabulous life story, as P.F. von Boeselager was a true soldier, an accomplished proffesional of the war (he may be a biiit boastful, but still!) and only somewhat incidentally he was one of the conspirators against Hitler, although he truly believed in the worthiness of the cause, as he points out several times. In that respect, the title of the book could be a little bit deceiving, as this is not a history study, but a personal testimony of the facts.
Another thing that the author points out is that Valkyrie was not meant to be just the physical elimination of the Führer, but also of his close comrades, like Himmler or Göring. That is why, ideally, all three of them had to be together when the attempt would happen. After that, a real coup d'etat would be in motion, avoiding as much as possible the risk of a civil war. Unfortunately, we all know what really happened, at a popular level also thanks to Bryan Singer's 2008 movie.
On a personal level, I found quite interesting the parts where P.F. von Boeselager talks about the important role of the cavalry in the reconnaissance missions, himself being discharged as Major der Kavallerie. He also emphasizes the relation between horsemen and their loyal and fearless horses. I found those parts really touching, as they reminded me of the beautiful Steven Spielberg movie, "War Horse". Even more interesting is the mention (even in passing) of the German bycicle units and their active role on the front, something that I knew nothing so far.
To sum up, this was a very enjoyable reading, the rough story of a genuine soldier, a story which could be of each and every World War II soldier.
What is really interesting about this book is the way the personal life story of Boeselager brothers intertwines with the Great History, in such a simple, coherent and sincere narrative manner. It almost appears that the plot against Hitler is merely the author's excuse to tell his fabulous life story, as P.F. von Boeselager was a true soldier, an accomplished proffesional of the war (he may be a biiit boastful, but still!) and only somewhat incidentally he was one of the conspirators against Hitler, although he truly believed in the worthiness of the cause, as he points out several times. In that respect, the title of the book could be a little bit deceiving, as this is not a history study, but a personal testimony of the facts.
Another thing that the author points out is that Valkyrie was not meant to be just the physical elimination of the Führer, but also of his close comrades, like Himmler or Göring. That is why, ideally, all three of them had to be together when the attempt would happen. After that, a real coup d'etat would be in motion, avoiding as much as possible the risk of a civil war. Unfortunately, we all know what really happened, at a popular level also thanks to Bryan Singer's 2008 movie.
On a personal level, I found quite interesting the parts where P.F. von Boeselager talks about the important role of the cavalry in the reconnaissance missions, himself being discharged as Major der Kavallerie. He also emphasizes the relation between horsemen and their loyal and fearless horses. I found those parts really touching, as they reminded me of the beautiful Steven Spielberg movie, "War Horse". Even more interesting is the mention (even in passing) of the German bycicle units and their active role on the front, something that I knew nothing so far.
To sum up, this was a very enjoyable reading, the rough story of a genuine soldier, a story which could be of each and every World War II soldier.
February 8, 2016
Despite only giving this three stars, I would recommend this book to everyone. Mostly because of the different perspective it gives. It is a chronicle of two brothers from the beginning of the Third Reich to the final defeat. Philipp Freiherr von Boeselager describes his, and his brother's, shift from loyal soldiers to active assassins. He doesn't sugar coat his struggles nor make himself the hero. Actually he understates his involvement in the whole plot.
There are not a lot of details of the actual assassination attempt. Because of his duties, he was separated from the heart of the conspiracy, but what he did was enough to, had it become known, to have him tortured and killed.
Reading about the everyday activities of a German officer during the war was very different, but interesting. What struck me the most was his belief, early in the war, that genocide could not happen because it was a civilized nation. While he does eventually recognize that the ultimate problem is a lack of morals, and greatly respects the religious men in the Army, he recognizes the root of the problem is 'civilizations' rejection of God as the final authority for morals.
The most important lesson from this would be, it is never too late to recognize that you’re following the wrong path and changing. Not that it will be easy. However, if we really do change to the right path, God’s path, He is faithful to forgive and accept us.
There are not a lot of details of the actual assassination attempt. Because of his duties, he was separated from the heart of the conspiracy, but what he did was enough to, had it become known, to have him tortured and killed.
Reading about the everyday activities of a German officer during the war was very different, but interesting. What struck me the most was his belief, early in the war, that genocide could not happen because it was a civilized nation. While he does eventually recognize that the ultimate problem is a lack of morals, and greatly respects the religious men in the Army, he recognizes the root of the problem is 'civilizations' rejection of God as the final authority for morals.
The most important lesson from this would be, it is never too late to recognize that you’re following the wrong path and changing. Not that it will be easy. However, if we really do change to the right path, God’s path, He is faithful to forgive and accept us.
October 4, 2019
So, so, excellent. It was informative and fascinating. Unlike many war books, this was written clearly and all made sense. I've always been fascinated with 'Valkyrie' and I loved seeing some of the behind-the-scenes of others involved.
Read
February 28, 2023Really wish the cover for the audiobook version wasn’t a swastika. Every time someone got in my car I felt like I had to explain.. “no it’s about people trying to kill Hitler” lol, anyway it was interesting and def worth checking out, now time for the Tom Cruise version.
December 31, 2023
Stek bzdur. Kolejny, kurwa członek opozycji antyhitlerowskiej, a tfu śmieciu...
Nic nie widziałem, nic słyszałem.
Biorę udział w jakiejś wojnie. Z bratem jeździmy na polowania. Jest fajnie, dużo zwierzyny.
Hitler nigdy mi się nie podobał ale teraz co widzę na froncie skończy się to naszą katastrofą. Musimy coś zrobić. Nie możemy pozwolić aby nasi synowie bezsensownie ginęli.
Nic nie widziałem, nic słyszałem.
Biorę udział w jakiejś wojnie. Z bratem jeździmy na polowania. Jest fajnie, dużo zwierzyny.
Hitler nigdy mi się nie podobał ale teraz co widzę na froncie skończy się to naszą katastrofą. Musimy coś zrobić. Nie możemy pozwolić aby nasi synowie bezsensownie ginęli.
June 23, 2019
Very glad I read this. Fascinating insight into the psyche of the German military and their predicament in overthrowing the regime. 3 stars simply because I would have liked more about the details of the coup itself, though that is the nature of one man's honest memoirs and the fact noone knew all of the details
April 15, 2013
During the Second World War, amid the conflagration, death, and destruction, there were a few German soldiers who had the guts to stand up to Hitler and tried their best to resist and put an end to his and his minions' abomination.
Philipp von Boeselager and his brother, Georg, were two such men. Both were officers in the Wehrmacht (the German army). They were upright, competent officers and devout Catholics who were revolted by the Nazis' atrocities against so-called undesirables, including Catholics.
They and other soldiers who were repulsed by the Nazis went about doing their military duties, but they still found the time and the courage to resist and eventually to try to kill Hitler, Himmler, and other high-ranking Nazis.
Boeselager's memoirs seem to be an honest narrative of his participation in the several unsuccessful plots to assassinate Hitler, including the one on 20 July 1944. He did not inflate his own role and helped clarify some of my questions regarding the assassination plots, like why the plotters did not just shoot Hitler outright at close range and explained how the men mentally grappled with the idea of killing a tyrant. It is a testament to their moral uprightness that they found killing another person, even a tyrant, in cold blood to be crossing a moral line.
They may have failed, but they showed the world that there were Germans who did not sit idly, but took action against a madman intent on destruction.
In the midst of a situation where there is so much evil, is it possible for a good person to maintain his values and integrity upright?
It is.
P.S. Are there men like Boeselager in the North Korean military?
Philipp von Boeselager and his brother, Georg, were two such men. Both were officers in the Wehrmacht (the German army). They were upright, competent officers and devout Catholics who were revolted by the Nazis' atrocities against so-called undesirables, including Catholics.
They and other soldiers who were repulsed by the Nazis went about doing their military duties, but they still found the time and the courage to resist and eventually to try to kill Hitler, Himmler, and other high-ranking Nazis.
Boeselager's memoirs seem to be an honest narrative of his participation in the several unsuccessful plots to assassinate Hitler, including the one on 20 July 1944. He did not inflate his own role and helped clarify some of my questions regarding the assassination plots, like why the plotters did not just shoot Hitler outright at close range and explained how the men mentally grappled with the idea of killing a tyrant. It is a testament to their moral uprightness that they found killing another person, even a tyrant, in cold blood to be crossing a moral line.
They may have failed, but they showed the world that there were Germans who did not sit idly, but took action against a madman intent on destruction.
In the midst of a situation where there is so much evil, is it possible for a good person to maintain his values and integrity upright?
It is.
P.S. Are there men like Boeselager in the North Korean military?
May 10, 2014
Umm...I think I would have liked this book more if it had a more accurate title; as it was, I came away feeling completely misled. About 95% of the narrative recounts the author's and his brother's experience in the war as German military men. There is hardly any in-depth detail about the actual plot(s) to kill Hitler and they're really only mentioned in passing. It was interesting, though, to hear about the separatist mentality between the military and the Nazis. I'd always assumed that the two groups were one and the same, but at least from this guy's perspective, which was probably biased since he was never a Nazi sympathizer to begin with, the military was a very separate unit and altogether superior in every way.
December 25, 2021
Didn't elaborate enough of the actual bomb plot for me
September 28, 2019
This book should be read in conjunction with Treason the book an Ebook currently featuring in parts on Facebook.
I wanted to read this book to ascertain whether it was true that not all German people loved and wanted Hitler . There are many instances of various people quoted in this book apart from the author and his family themselves . The circumstances leading to the plot(s) are long and the narrative is more of a memoir . The reference to place names would have made more sense with a ma since it is assumed that you are aware of the places mentioned in the book . What struck me was the upright and religious Catholic spirit of the author and others mentioned in the book e.g Tresckow (a protestant)who said "I cannot understand how people can still call themselves Christians and not be furious adversaries of Hitler's regime." (April 1943).
The Nazis were against religion and astonished the staunch christians when they removed crucifixes from the schools in July 1936, pg 14 .
A mention was made of bishop of Munster Von Galen through whom the T4 programme ( euthanasia ) was stopped pg 58.
It was not only me that asked the question was the assassination attempt on Hitler really necessary in mid 1944 ? Even Von Stauffenberg asked the same question to Tresckow a few days before the assassination pg 142 his reply says it all '' the assassination has to take place whatever the cost. Even if it doesn't succeed we have to try . Now it is no longer the object of the assassination that matters but rather to show the whole world and history that the German resistance movement dared to gamble everything, even at the risk of its own life . All the rest, in the end ,is merely secondary .
The notes at the back could have been better understood if had they the page number alongside.
Interesting fact about the horses who when in the cold they instinctively grew their hair ate thatched roofs or tree sprigs and icicles or water pg 91
I wanted to read this book to ascertain whether it was true that not all German people loved and wanted Hitler . There are many instances of various people quoted in this book apart from the author and his family themselves . The circumstances leading to the plot(s) are long and the narrative is more of a memoir . The reference to place names would have made more sense with a ma since it is assumed that you are aware of the places mentioned in the book . What struck me was the upright and religious Catholic spirit of the author and others mentioned in the book e.g Tresckow (a protestant)who said "I cannot understand how people can still call themselves Christians and not be furious adversaries of Hitler's regime." (April 1943).
The Nazis were against religion and astonished the staunch christians when they removed crucifixes from the schools in July 1936, pg 14 .
A mention was made of bishop of Munster Von Galen through whom the T4 programme ( euthanasia ) was stopped pg 58.
It was not only me that asked the question was the assassination attempt on Hitler really necessary in mid 1944 ? Even Von Stauffenberg asked the same question to Tresckow a few days before the assassination pg 142 his reply says it all '' the assassination has to take place whatever the cost. Even if it doesn't succeed we have to try . Now it is no longer the object of the assassination that matters but rather to show the whole world and history that the German resistance movement dared to gamble everything, even at the risk of its own life . All the rest, in the end ,is merely secondary .
The notes at the back could have been better understood if had they the page number alongside.
Interesting fact about the horses who when in the cold they instinctively grew their hair ate thatched roofs or tree sprigs and icicles or water pg 91
June 16, 2020
First person accounts are important when studying history, though it must be understood that prejudices and personal beliefs cause the record to be altered throughout. This book tells a tale of brave, young soldiers and their wise, traditional, honorable commanders attempts to restore Germany to it's rightful place as a World power. Their resistance to Nazism in all its forms and their ultimate attempt to remove Hitler that failed.
Obviously, some important events were smoothed over, the Holocaust for instance, as they had nothing to do with it, and "could not" do anything to prevent it while Hitler was in power. Excuses aside, this book was interesting, a view point many Western readers do not get exposed to very often; the experiences of a German soldier during World War II. For this reason it is an important book to be read. Though all should know facts as to what was omitted.
Obviously, some important events were smoothed over, the Holocaust for instance, as they had nothing to do with it, and "could not" do anything to prevent it while Hitler was in power. Excuses aside, this book was interesting, a view point many Western readers do not get exposed to very often; the experiences of a German soldier during World War II. For this reason it is an important book to be read. Though all should know facts as to what was omitted.
September 9, 2022
3 stars [Memoir]
(W: 3, U: 2.62, T: 3)
Exact rating: 2.87
#37 of 51 in genre
#18 of 28 on The Third Reich
#56 of 73 on The World Wars
This memoir gives access to the private recollections of a member of von Stauffenberg's circle in the July 20th plot against Adolf Hitler's life. Philipp von Boeselager provided uncommon details about his wing of the plot—that of the cavalry officers in Army Group Center—but unfortunately the author did not repeat material already written elsewhere, and tended to stray into some of his own doings on the Eastern Front.
Thus Valkyrie did not deliver that which might be expected from its title. It was published in 2008 too, not, say, in the 1960s when information was uncollated. So those looking for a book version of the 2008 film with Tom Cruise should look elsewhere.
(W: 3, U: 2.62, T: 3)
Exact rating: 2.87
#37 of 51 in genre
#18 of 28 on The Third Reich
#56 of 73 on The World Wars
This memoir gives access to the private recollections of a member of von Stauffenberg's circle in the July 20th plot against Adolf Hitler's life. Philipp von Boeselager provided uncommon details about his wing of the plot—that of the cavalry officers in Army Group Center—but unfortunately the author did not repeat material already written elsewhere, and tended to stray into some of his own doings on the Eastern Front.
Thus Valkyrie did not deliver that which might be expected from its title. It was published in 2008 too, not, say, in the 1960s when information was uncollated. So those looking for a book version of the 2008 film with Tom Cruise should look elsewhere.
April 8, 2020
First time I have read a book about World War II from the German point of view this is the story of operation Valkyrie the conspiracy to assassinate Hitler, the author Philipp Von Boeslager the main conspirator along with his brother was the sole survivor and kept it a secret even from his wife until the end of the war. Very enjoyable read which I recommend.
October 2, 2025
le titre est mal choisi. on s'attend à un long récit sur l'organisation de la tentative d'attentat. malheureusement 90% du récit porté sur les combats à la tête de son régiment que mène l'auteur
June 12, 2014
A tale of moral courage that had me on the edge of my seat from start to finish. Could not put it down.
This is the gripping memoir of a young, dutiful German cavalry officer on the eastern front in World War II. Raised in privilege with a military heritage, educated in military academies and religious institutions, he is the model soldier. But war holds no glamor. First disillusioned, and then outraged, he feels torn between his duty to his freezing, starving men and their horses...and his duty to put an end to the madness of war and terror under Hitler. The author participated in Operation Valkyrie. To say more would be to spoil the book.
I was a young girl when I read of von Stauffenberg's plot to kill Hitler. It was daring; it was crazy; it was clearly a moral obligation of anybody who came to the same conclusions. I struggled with the concept of justifiable murder. The events were seared on my mind. But not until I read this book did I realize the full extent of the suicide mission these guys were on.
The author looked around him and saw men dying on the eastern front by the hundreds of thousands. He saw atrocities happening regularly in view of military officers who despised National Socialism and everything that Hitler stood for. And he was well aware, along with other informed German Roman Catholics, that the next "Final Solution" was likely to involve themselves and their families...
For all that, the author believes that no more than 30 or 40 people ever conspired in the failed coup d'etat. Four to six thousand were murdered for it. Philip Freiherr von Boselager survived to tell this tale that will haunt me, and inspire me, for the rest of my life.
How is it possible that so few people resisted a program of armed insanity, when so many millions were slaughtered?
Whenever I hold myself up to a standard of moral courage, this is the one I try to measure up to. I hope I am never too far away from a copy of this book.h
This is the gripping memoir of a young, dutiful German cavalry officer on the eastern front in World War II. Raised in privilege with a military heritage, educated in military academies and religious institutions, he is the model soldier. But war holds no glamor. First disillusioned, and then outraged, he feels torn between his duty to his freezing, starving men and their horses...and his duty to put an end to the madness of war and terror under Hitler. The author participated in Operation Valkyrie. To say more would be to spoil the book.
I was a young girl when I read of von Stauffenberg's plot to kill Hitler. It was daring; it was crazy; it was clearly a moral obligation of anybody who came to the same conclusions. I struggled with the concept of justifiable murder. The events were seared on my mind. But not until I read this book did I realize the full extent of the suicide mission these guys were on.
The author looked around him and saw men dying on the eastern front by the hundreds of thousands. He saw atrocities happening regularly in view of military officers who despised National Socialism and everything that Hitler stood for. And he was well aware, along with other informed German Roman Catholics, that the next "Final Solution" was likely to involve themselves and their families...
For all that, the author believes that no more than 30 or 40 people ever conspired in the failed coup d'etat. Four to six thousand were murdered for it. Philip Freiherr von Boselager survived to tell this tale that will haunt me, and inspire me, for the rest of my life.
How is it possible that so few people resisted a program of armed insanity, when so many millions were slaughtered?
Whenever I hold myself up to a standard of moral courage, this is the one I try to measure up to. I hope I am never too far away from a copy of this book.h
January 20, 2012
Highly recommend. Wow, this had not been what I had expected at all, although I'm not 100% sure what I had expected. It was a good read. The story line flowed very well. Although the author was German, the english grammer was fantastic. I have read a handful of accounts of world war two and heard first hand stories from my paternal grandfather and my maternal grandmother of their experiences in the war. Normally you get accounts such as Anne Frank, or American Soldiers (such as my grandfather), or English Citizens/Soldiers (my grandmother), or others like Briar Rose, by Jane Yolen (HIGHLY recommend). This story however is oviously told by another German, but one in high ranks who saw way too much first hand. I thought the author did a great job telling the back story and giving as much details as he could. I thought he did a great job retelling situations, experiences and absurdities. I would highly recommend this book. I thought it would be much more documentary styled but he managed to do that and tell you a story at the same time. I also thought that it would be very dark and depressing - somehow he managed to not make it that way. Highly recommend.
May 14, 2009
What a brilliant book.
A fascinating personal story by the last surviving Valkyrie plotter, Philipp Von Boeselager.
What motivated him, and a surprising number of other senior German officers, to try and kill Hitler - again and again from 1942 onwards? A surprising mix of an aristocratic dislike for the Nazis, deep religious feeling particularly Catholic, shock at the brutal and unlawful activities of the SS and SD behind the lines. Boeselager describes his own turning point, when he realised that the SS had, without trial or proper process, murdered as number of gypsies in the occupied area behind his lines, and the support he had from senior generals in seeking to undermine these activities. And who were the plotters - aristocratic, conservative, religious - German officers many of them heroes in their war activities as well as in the plot.
It is an inspiring read.
A fascinating personal story by the last surviving Valkyrie plotter, Philipp Von Boeselager.
What motivated him, and a surprising number of other senior German officers, to try and kill Hitler - again and again from 1942 onwards? A surprising mix of an aristocratic dislike for the Nazis, deep religious feeling particularly Catholic, shock at the brutal and unlawful activities of the SS and SD behind the lines. Boeselager describes his own turning point, when he realised that the SS had, without trial or proper process, murdered as number of gypsies in the occupied area behind his lines, and the support he had from senior generals in seeking to undermine these activities. And who were the plotters - aristocratic, conservative, religious - German officers many of them heroes in their war activities as well as in the plot.
It is an inspiring read.
September 14, 2011
This book did not live up to my expectations. While Von Boeselager lived an interesting life, as evidenced by being the last survivor of those who plotted the assassination of Hitler, the book in which he tells his story falls flat. Instead of focusing in on the plot and failed attempts, the book largely focuses on his time, and the time of his older brother, during WWII. The failed attempts are treated as mere afterthoughts to the war action each brother saw.
July 8, 2015
I really liked this book because it really brings a personal feel to the German side of World War II. Philipp had a small but necessary part in the conspiracy just like each contributor did. He and Georg did wonderful as a team to help with the design. I would recommend this book to other people.
September 16, 2023
Valkyrie follows the story of Phillip von Boeselager and his brother, Georg, and their participation in the second world war. Contrary to expectations, the assassination attempt on Hitler doesn't take centre stage of the story, as both Phillip and Georg had seemingly minor (although important) roles to play. Phillip transported explosives to Berlin, while Georg was to lead a cavalry division to secure the capital city after the assassination. Upon hearing the attempt failed, both men returned to the front line and continued the fight. The book instead focuses on Phillip's experience on the eastern front, fighting the Russians. He details the bloody battles, the despicable weather conditions, and the terrible, mad battle strategies Hitler devised.
From a German perspective, Phillip is a hero in every way. He fights valiantly, showing love and care for the cavalrymen he commands. He's a patriot through and through. He's religious, upholds a strict set of morals, and as he learns about the atrocities being committed by the Nazis, is finally convinced to assassinate Hitler. He discusses the moral qualms with the assassination: It's a crime, cold-blooded murder, regardless of how evil Hitler is.
From an allied perspective, I don't view Phillip as a hero. Time and again, I came across moral contradictions: Why is he concerned about the morality of murdering Hitler, but hardly shows any remorse at mowing down Russian troops with machine guns? How can he profess to uphold religious morality yet enthusiastically join, and lead, Germany's bloody invasion, which killed hundreds of thousands of soldiers? He doesn't criticise the war until he uncovers the Nazi's brutal treatment of Jews and other minorities.
Phillip criticises the Russian treatment of prisoners of war without discussing Germanys' decision to starve thousands of Russian prisoners. He consistently paints a picture of Russian brutality pitted against the honourable German army. Phillip draws a sharp line between the Nazis and the Army. This was interesting and probably true, but he hardly touches on the fact that huge sections of the army were Nazi sympathisers.
I learnt a lot through this book, and there are certain attributes of Phillip von Boeselager that I admire. But don't expect to read a story about a war hero.
From a German perspective, Phillip is a hero in every way. He fights valiantly, showing love and care for the cavalrymen he commands. He's a patriot through and through. He's religious, upholds a strict set of morals, and as he learns about the atrocities being committed by the Nazis, is finally convinced to assassinate Hitler. He discusses the moral qualms with the assassination: It's a crime, cold-blooded murder, regardless of how evil Hitler is.
From an allied perspective, I don't view Phillip as a hero. Time and again, I came across moral contradictions: Why is he concerned about the morality of murdering Hitler, but hardly shows any remorse at mowing down Russian troops with machine guns? How can he profess to uphold religious morality yet enthusiastically join, and lead, Germany's bloody invasion, which killed hundreds of thousands of soldiers? He doesn't criticise the war until he uncovers the Nazi's brutal treatment of Jews and other minorities.
Phillip criticises the Russian treatment of prisoners of war without discussing Germanys' decision to starve thousands of Russian prisoners. He consistently paints a picture of Russian brutality pitted against the honourable German army. Phillip draws a sharp line between the Nazis and the Army. This was interesting and probably true, but he hardly touches on the fact that huge sections of the army were Nazi sympathisers.
I learnt a lot through this book, and there are certain attributes of Phillip von Boeselager that I admire. But don't expect to read a story about a war hero.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 12, 2017
I first gained awareness of “Operation Valkyrie” when the film starring Tom Cruise, Valkyrie (2008), was first released. It makes logical sense to me that not all Germans involved in the war were Nazis, and not all Germans agreed with Hitler’s tactics. It is then the logical conclusion that some of them would attempt to assassinate the leader who had brought their country into a sweeping, global conflict. While this assassination attempt failed, I was still curious about the inner-workings of the plot and the people who would go so far as to try and kill Hitler.
My expectation of this book was for it to be an in-depth analysis of the many facets of the operation. From Hitler’s security concerns to the backgrounds of the lives of the individuals involved, I was expecting this book to be a non-fictional examination of the assassination that never succeeded. Instead, I was a little surprised to read the personal account of one of the conspirators of the assassination. The whole narrative was quite short (not even four and a half hours long), and left me wanting more. While this first-person account was entertaining, it wasn’t quite enough to satiate my desire for knowledge.
Because this book was only the translated account of Philipp Freiherr von Boeselager, there were plenty of details about his life and the life of his brother, but not much else. I was hoping his story would be the structure on which a deeper narrative would develop, but it remained the pure and unadulterated memoir of this single individual. I can’t fault the book for being the simple story of a German who wasn’t going to stand around and let Hitler ruin his country, but if there were a historical “wrapping” added to it, I probably would have gotten a lot more out of the book.
A simple story about a failed assassination attempt, I give Valkyrie 2.5 stars out of 5.
For more reviews of books and movies like this, please visit www.benjamin-m-weilert.com
My expectation of this book was for it to be an in-depth analysis of the many facets of the operation. From Hitler’s security concerns to the backgrounds of the lives of the individuals involved, I was expecting this book to be a non-fictional examination of the assassination that never succeeded. Instead, I was a little surprised to read the personal account of one of the conspirators of the assassination. The whole narrative was quite short (not even four and a half hours long), and left me wanting more. While this first-person account was entertaining, it wasn’t quite enough to satiate my desire for knowledge.
Because this book was only the translated account of Philipp Freiherr von Boeselager, there were plenty of details about his life and the life of his brother, but not much else. I was hoping his story would be the structure on which a deeper narrative would develop, but it remained the pure and unadulterated memoir of this single individual. I can’t fault the book for being the simple story of a German who wasn’t going to stand around and let Hitler ruin his country, but if there were a historical “wrapping” added to it, I probably would have gotten a lot more out of the book.
A simple story about a failed assassination attempt, I give Valkyrie 2.5 stars out of 5.
For more reviews of books and movies like this, please visit www.benjamin-m-weilert.com
May 11, 2024
First of all the events in this book bear absolutely no relation to those portrayed in the film. I'd point out the many differences but that would spoil the plot for both so I won't.
This book is very well written and very well translated. Philipp von Boeselager and his brother - not to mention the other soldiers involved in this plot - are true heroes. Philipp von Boeselager knew every detail of the plot to kill Hitler, what he didn't - and couldn't - know is why it failed, and that's all he didn't know. I'll admit, I was slightly disappointed at that because I thought I'd be getting the whole factual story but I doubt that even von Stauffenberg could have stated why Hitler had not been killed, had he lived - although there is plausible conjecture in an attempt to explain.
Believe me, von Boeselager was a very key player in this plot, passing the explosives to von Stauffenberg and then moving his cavalry unit to Berlin to take control. How he and his brother Georg were not found out is astonishing, as is the risks they all took to get the job done.
Up until the film was announced I had no idea that there had been any attempt on Hitler's life and assumed that all Germans, especially in the army, were Nazi's and in full agreement with Hitler. That some were not and that they were prepared to take such highly dangerous risks, I found surprising and shocking. My eyes were opened a great deal and I'd highly recommend this book to everyone.
We need books like this to inform us of what actually happened during the war from the people who were there.
This book is very well written and very well translated. Philipp von Boeselager and his brother - not to mention the other soldiers involved in this plot - are true heroes. Philipp von Boeselager knew every detail of the plot to kill Hitler, what he didn't - and couldn't - know is why it failed, and that's all he didn't know. I'll admit, I was slightly disappointed at that because I thought I'd be getting the whole factual story but I doubt that even von Stauffenberg could have stated why Hitler had not been killed, had he lived - although there is plausible conjecture in an attempt to explain.
Believe me, von Boeselager was a very key player in this plot, passing the explosives to von Stauffenberg and then moving his cavalry unit to Berlin to take control. How he and his brother Georg were not found out is astonishing, as is the risks they all took to get the job done.
Up until the film was announced I had no idea that there had been any attempt on Hitler's life and assumed that all Germans, especially in the army, were Nazi's and in full agreement with Hitler. That some were not and that they were prepared to take such highly dangerous risks, I found surprising and shocking. My eyes were opened a great deal and I'd highly recommend this book to everyone.
We need books like this to inform us of what actually happened during the war from the people who were there.
December 30, 2019
This book was fascinating. Although it is called valkyrie it is more of a chronological diary of a man's life from joining the Army, discovering the truth about Hitler and plotting to kill him.
Although he was a German, the book demonstrates that there were members of the German army who didn't want to be nazis. Towards the end of the book when he is informed (after the failed assassination attempt) that the army must use the Nazi salute he informed his unit that they will not be doing that! The book shows his disgust towards the brutal slaughter of the Jewish and the barbaric crimes of the SS and explains how this led him, and others, to start the conspiracy to kill Hitler and surrender to the allies. This is a book written by a solider, not a German or a Nazi, someone who answered the call of their country.
The assassination attempts were avoided by Hitler many times and it makes you wonder if he just lived in perpetual suspicion of everyone and everything.
If I had one gripe it would be that he comes across as a typical "blue blood" army officer. The only names referenced are those of officers and everyone else is just referred to as "the non- commissioned officer" or similar, almost discrediting them for not being one. With the amount of people killed in the war you'd think the pomp would have taken a step back in mutual respect of everyone involved.
That aside I really enjoyed this book and it was a brilliant eye opener for me!
Although he was a German, the book demonstrates that there were members of the German army who didn't want to be nazis. Towards the end of the book when he is informed (after the failed assassination attempt) that the army must use the Nazi salute he informed his unit that they will not be doing that! The book shows his disgust towards the brutal slaughter of the Jewish and the barbaric crimes of the SS and explains how this led him, and others, to start the conspiracy to kill Hitler and surrender to the allies. This is a book written by a solider, not a German or a Nazi, someone who answered the call of their country.
The assassination attempts were avoided by Hitler many times and it makes you wonder if he just lived in perpetual suspicion of everyone and everything.
If I had one gripe it would be that he comes across as a typical "blue blood" army officer. The only names referenced are those of officers and everyone else is just referred to as "the non- commissioned officer" or similar, almost discrediting them for not being one. With the amount of people killed in the war you'd think the pomp would have taken a step back in mutual respect of everyone involved.
That aside I really enjoyed this book and it was a brilliant eye opener for me!
February 28, 2023
I am shocked by the 3 star ratings on the book. It is atleast a 4 if not a 4.5 for me and I will tell you exactly why:
We are often told History is written by the winners. For those that are fully sceptical of WWII stories because of that saying, this book is proof that a large part of what we learnt about WWII was real The first quarter of the book has the proof. We learnt about the how German initially took France with not as much effort and then decided to move East after a brief realisation of not being able to expand to UK. It was greattt to read about this from the first hand experience Georg and Philip had. They were involved in all those three transitions, and we found it was exactly how that part of the WWII was told to us. What more could you want other than a first hand information on what exactly happened.
The only criticism I can get by is that the book is not long enough. It leaves out details. I simply think that Philip must have been quite old when he decided to write this. Plus, since in general, soldiers carry a lot of PTSD, it must have been exhausting to recount all the details. Nevertheless it was important to tell the story, which is exactly what he did. If it were me, I would be so exhausted to think about the tragic past and finished the book in a line. This was good enough for me.
We are often told History is written by the winners. For those that are fully sceptical of WWII stories because of that saying, this book is proof that a large part of what we learnt about WWII was real The first quarter of the book has the proof. We learnt about the how German initially took France with not as much effort and then decided to move East after a brief realisation of not being able to expand to UK. It was greattt to read about this from the first hand experience Georg and Philip had. They were involved in all those three transitions, and we found it was exactly how that part of the WWII was told to us. What more could you want other than a first hand information on what exactly happened.
The only criticism I can get by is that the book is not long enough. It leaves out details. I simply think that Philip must have been quite old when he decided to write this. Plus, since in general, soldiers carry a lot of PTSD, it must have been exhausting to recount all the details. Nevertheless it was important to tell the story, which is exactly what he did. If it were me, I would be so exhausted to think about the tragic past and finished the book in a line. This was good enough for me.
February 5, 2018
The story of the July Plot is a fascinating story, and the opportunity to hear about the plot straight from the mouths of those involved is rare, as almost all of them were either executed or committed suicide. Philipp von Boeselager was only 25 years old when he found himself wrapped up in one of the greatest stories in history, but his role in the plot was incredibly limited. Most of the time, von Boeselager was on the front lines fighting against the Soviet Union. While that was an equally interesting story, the amount of time von Boeselager actually spent in the book talking about the July Plot was very minimal. In fact, when it came to the actual assassination attempt, all he said was, "And we all know what happened." Yes, he wasn't there, but it still would have been interesting to hear his take on the entire incident. For that reason, I was disappointed in the book. If you want a book about fighting against the Red Army, this is a great book, but if you want a book about the July Plot, there might be some better ones out there somewhere.
December 8, 2022
A good memoir by an old school type of professional soldier whose faith and personal conviction brought him into the orbit of conspirators who aimed to assassinate Hitler and his inner circle. There is also much discussion about the maneuvers of calvary and army units and the particulars of calvary operations in the Eastern front. So all told it’s quite interesting to certain people (myself included), but it bears mentioning that these are personal memoirs and not an omniscient blockbuster thriller about the assassination plot. The author had limited interactions with the other conspirators and while he did play his role, he also had to attend to his duties as an officer. This book focuses on the latter, and includes personal reflections on the former.
This may not be for everyone, but I found it enlightening and a solid read. I guess there was a movie at some point? I’d recommend this book, but more for its historical and personal details than as a history of the plot. For that, you’d want to look elsewhere.
This may not be for everyone, but I found it enlightening and a solid read. I guess there was a movie at some point? I’d recommend this book, but more for its historical and personal details than as a history of the plot. For that, you’d want to look elsewhere.
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