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Fighting in Hell: The German Ordeal on the Eastern Front
On 22 June 1941, the German army invaded the Soviet Union, one hundred fifty divisions advancing on three axes in a surprise attack that overwhelmed and destroyed whatever opposition the Russians were able to muster. The German High Command was under the impression that the Red Army could be destroyed west of the Dnepr River and that there would be no need for conducting operations in cold, snow, and mud. They were wrong.
In reality, the extreme conditions of the German war in Russia were so brutal that past experiences simply paled before them. Everything in Russia--the land, the weather, the distances, and above all the people--was harder, harsher, more unforgiving, and more deadly than anything the German soldier had ever faced before.
Based on the recollections of four veteran German commanders of those battles, FIGHTING IN HELL describes in detail what happened when the world's best-publicized "supermen" met the world's most brutal fighting. It is not a tale for the squeamish.
In reality, the extreme conditions of the German war in Russia were so brutal that past experiences simply paled before them. Everything in Russia--the land, the weather, the distances, and above all the people--was harder, harsher, more unforgiving, and more deadly than anything the German soldier had ever faced before.
Based on the recollections of four veteran German commanders of those battles, FIGHTING IN HELL describes in detail what happened when the world's best-publicized "supermen" met the world's most brutal fighting. It is not a tale for the squeamish.
352 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published November 1, 1995
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
February 16, 2020
After WWII and in the early years of the Cold War, German Generals were asked to review their work in WWII- and assess the capabilities of the Soviet Russian War Machine. This book is a collection of those treatises/lectures from the early 1950s discussing the "Great Patriotic War" of 1941-1945. We get "Russian Combat Methods" "Effect of Climate on Combat in European Russia", "Warfare in the Far North", and "Combat in Russian Forests And Swamps"- all designed to discuss history- but also to prepare NATO Officers for possible future warfare. The reading is chilling- on many levels. There is an interesting mix of dispassionate academic tone- and the remnants of Nazi Propaganda. I guess it is easier to discuss how you fought in Russia- than to truly take on how you let a Madman talk you into doing so.
It is a really interesting read- on its face- a historical survey of warfare on the "OstFront"- a level beneath as a way of helping NATO soldiers fight a possible future scenario- and a few levels beneath that as Military Navel gazing- when the political question of why a Madman and his Nazi deathcult could take control of the German War Machine and have it make self-defeating moves is never really addressed. The Anti partisan Warfare elements are also amazingly sanitized into legitimate military campaigns when we know that the locals were usually just eradicated in the process. It's fascinating reading- but you have to remind yourself this is the version the soldiers Want to tell- and that large elements of a brutal war are often left out of the narrative.
There are a lot of nuances to this book and some graphic descriptions of action so a Junior reader is probably best over 11 years. For the Gamer/Modeller/Military enthusiast, a font of material. Plenty of ideas for Scenarios/Dioramas and lots of "Best Practices" that will be of note to the enthusiast. There are lots of anecdotes and "General Assessments" to satisfy both the tactical and strategic reader/player/modeller. As long as you have the "Grain of Salt Goggles" on with an eye to Bundeswehr/Wehrmacht propaganda elements, you can really learn a lot and gain more insight into the Eastern Front. An attention grabbing title perhaps, but a good addition to the WWII, Soviet Military, Wehrmacht, or early Cold War shelf in the library.
It is a really interesting read- on its face- a historical survey of warfare on the "OstFront"- a level beneath as a way of helping NATO soldiers fight a possible future scenario- and a few levels beneath that as Military Navel gazing- when the political question of why a Madman and his Nazi deathcult could take control of the German War Machine and have it make self-defeating moves is never really addressed. The Anti partisan Warfare elements are also amazingly sanitized into legitimate military campaigns when we know that the locals were usually just eradicated in the process. It's fascinating reading- but you have to remind yourself this is the version the soldiers Want to tell- and that large elements of a brutal war are often left out of the narrative.
There are a lot of nuances to this book and some graphic descriptions of action so a Junior reader is probably best over 11 years. For the Gamer/Modeller/Military enthusiast, a font of material. Plenty of ideas for Scenarios/Dioramas and lots of "Best Practices" that will be of note to the enthusiast. There are lots of anecdotes and "General Assessments" to satisfy both the tactical and strategic reader/player/modeller. As long as you have the "Grain of Salt Goggles" on with an eye to Bundeswehr/Wehrmacht propaganda elements, you can really learn a lot and gain more insight into the Eastern Front. An attention grabbing title perhaps, but a good addition to the WWII, Soviet Military, Wehrmacht, or early Cold War shelf in the library.
July 3, 2025
To prevent from repeating myself over and over, I will simply state that so many lines in this book have been seen by the Russian Army over the past few years during its invasion of Ukraine. They don’t care about human life, they attack with mass, with more mass, and then even more mass. Very good book written by former German Army officers after World War II in a U.S. Army project to document the eastern front of the war as the U.S. had very limited experience in that theater. Key excerpts below…
-The most common Russian form of combat was the use of mass…. The Russian disdain for life - always present, but infinitely heightened by communism - favored this practice. A Russian attack which had been twice repulsed with unheard of losses would be repeated 1/3 and 1/4 time at the same place and in the same fashion. Unimpressed by previous failures and losses, new waves always came on. P41.
-Characteristic of the disdain for human life was the complete elimination of military funeral rights. There was no such thing as a funeral ceremony for the ordinary citizen in communist Russia. It ran counter to the anti-religious philosophy and the mass sacrifice of human beings…. Thus all outward indications of the number of dead were obliterated. P41. PJK: interesting technique but makes sense from the Russian government perspective.
-During the first years of the war the Russians apparently had sought to impress the German troops and lower their morale by committing numerous atrocities against them. P105. PJK: Again, very interesting technique that has been used by terrorist organizations as well.
-The very active bands of the Ukrainian National Movement (UPA) formed the strongest partisan group in the east… the UPA repeatedly offered its cooperation against the Soviet partisan bans to the German army… p124. This is probably due to the Stalin created Ukrainian famine of the early 1930s, of which the Ukrainians were still very bitter during WWII, and which still remains in their minds today thus their ability to fight back against the Russian invasion a few years ago.
-Without adequate snow removal equipment, infantry movement during or after a snowstorm is difficult…. By placing fire control and radio equipment and improvised wooden containers padded with blankets it was possible to protect them against frost damage and shock. P152-153. PJK: never thought about this previously as I’ve never fought nor trained in deep snow.
-Barriers against ski troops are effective only as long as they project above the snow. Obstacles must be removed when snow begins to melt, or they will obstruct visibility and fields of fire… The freeze turns rivers into routes of approach toward the defensive positions. P156.
-To avoid drifts the Germans routed winter roads through woods, where drifts rarely occur, or along the Crest of high ground, where the snow is usually less deep…. During the first winter of the war 70% of the German locomotives broke down. P162-163.
-“I must be cautious,” the Marshall once said to the German general and his headquarters, “because the Finnish army is so small, the theater of war so gigantic, and the losses suffered thus far are so high.” Marshal Mannerheim. P244. PJK: I’ve read about Mannerheim many times, but this quote really explains his actions and how he positioned his Army, and his nation during the World War II years. Makes complete sense.
-The most common Russian form of combat was the use of mass…. The Russian disdain for life - always present, but infinitely heightened by communism - favored this practice. A Russian attack which had been twice repulsed with unheard of losses would be repeated 1/3 and 1/4 time at the same place and in the same fashion. Unimpressed by previous failures and losses, new waves always came on. P41.
-Characteristic of the disdain for human life was the complete elimination of military funeral rights. There was no such thing as a funeral ceremony for the ordinary citizen in communist Russia. It ran counter to the anti-religious philosophy and the mass sacrifice of human beings…. Thus all outward indications of the number of dead were obliterated. P41. PJK: interesting technique but makes sense from the Russian government perspective.
-During the first years of the war the Russians apparently had sought to impress the German troops and lower their morale by committing numerous atrocities against them. P105. PJK: Again, very interesting technique that has been used by terrorist organizations as well.
-The very active bands of the Ukrainian National Movement (UPA) formed the strongest partisan group in the east… the UPA repeatedly offered its cooperation against the Soviet partisan bans to the German army… p124. This is probably due to the Stalin created Ukrainian famine of the early 1930s, of which the Ukrainians were still very bitter during WWII, and which still remains in their minds today thus their ability to fight back against the Russian invasion a few years ago.
-Without adequate snow removal equipment, infantry movement during or after a snowstorm is difficult…. By placing fire control and radio equipment and improvised wooden containers padded with blankets it was possible to protect them against frost damage and shock. P152-153. PJK: never thought about this previously as I’ve never fought nor trained in deep snow.
-Barriers against ski troops are effective only as long as they project above the snow. Obstacles must be removed when snow begins to melt, or they will obstruct visibility and fields of fire… The freeze turns rivers into routes of approach toward the defensive positions. P156.
-To avoid drifts the Germans routed winter roads through woods, where drifts rarely occur, or along the Crest of high ground, where the snow is usually less deep…. During the first winter of the war 70% of the German locomotives broke down. P162-163.
-“I must be cautious,” the Marshall once said to the German general and his headquarters, “because the Finnish army is so small, the theater of war so gigantic, and the losses suffered thus far are so high.” Marshal Mannerheim. P244. PJK: I’ve read about Mannerheim many times, but this quote really explains his actions and how he positioned his Army, and his nation during the World War II years. Makes complete sense.
February 20, 2016
"Fighting in Hell"" is a good book -- as long as you're not expecting the book to match what's on the front and back cover. While the book's outside promises first-hand stories that ""are not for the squeamish,"" the actual contents are a lot milder. The book is actually a collection of four studies by members of the German general staff concerning the conditions of fighting in Russia during WW2. These studies were written in the late '40s and early '50s, and printed by the U.S. military. Overall the studies are very interesting, especially the first two, as they recount various engagements fought on the eastern front. If you're looking for detailed operational analysis, this book is for you; if you're instead looking for harrowing personal war accounts, look elsewhere. (This book really is an example of the old saying, ""don't judge a book by its cover""!)
April 2, 2022
Being one who read many books on WWII, I wished I read this book earlier. Written by former Wehrmacht generals who fought on the eastern front who reflected on the lessons learned from their campaigns. The generals evaluate the fighting performance of both sides against the vastness, climate, and weather of Russia. Major take aways of this book are the importance of engineers and logistics. One surprising point for me was how little the generals thought of the impact of air power.
Looking at the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the book's implications are quite relevant. How will the coming spring thaw affect the ground war? Will Russian armor become bogged down in the mud? Will Ukrainian ground forces utilize their grandfather's knowledge of fighting in the swamps and forests to defeat the invaders from behind?
Looking at the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the book's implications are quite relevant. How will the coming spring thaw affect the ground war? Will Russian armor become bogged down in the mud? Will Ukrainian ground forces utilize their grandfather's knowledge of fighting in the swamps and forests to defeat the invaders from behind?
June 17, 2023
This book is based on the recollections of four German commanders that commanded troops during the Second World War on the Eastern Front. It covers all kinds of aspects that were encountered and the lessons that were learned from fighting this conflict.
The aspects covered range from the German and Russian fighting men to the weapons and tactics they used. But this is enhanced by covering their equipment, communications, terrain, weather and more. In several instances examples are used from actual battles to highlight the lessons learned. What becomes clear is that this was indeed a brutal struggle. What was also interesting was the comparison between the Finnish and German fighting men and their equipment and the extraordinary circumstances of the war in the north.
Overall an interesting read.
The aspects covered range from the German and Russian fighting men to the weapons and tactics they used. But this is enhanced by covering their equipment, communications, terrain, weather and more. In several instances examples are used from actual battles to highlight the lessons learned. What becomes clear is that this was indeed a brutal struggle. What was also interesting was the comparison between the Finnish and German fighting men and their equipment and the extraordinary circumstances of the war in the north.
Overall an interesting read.
December 31, 2022
Fighting in Hell is both a fascinating book and a boring book. Fascinating because it's first person accounts by Germans fighting on the Russian Front and as such it's an amazing resource for people writing history, military, Eastern Europe-Western Asia geography and climatology, ... It's boring because there's no real story.
I got Fighting in Hell for research purposes and, as noted above, it's five-star material. But I can't recommend it for readers interested in a good story.
But a worthy book if any of the above is your subject matter.
I got Fighting in Hell for research purposes and, as noted above, it's five-star material. But I can't recommend it for readers interested in a good story.
But a worthy book if any of the above is your subject matter.
January 16, 2025
Very dull and heavy reading. I conceal there is the odd interesting fact thrown in however, on the whole the book is a collection of reports on weather, terrain, and Russian doctrine, tactics , and weapons.
There is very little about the actual battles fought on the Eastern Front.
It is a case of the cover and synopsis are deffo better than the book. Disappointed as I have read some great books about the Eastern Front.
There is very little about the actual battles fought on the Eastern Front.
It is a case of the cover and synopsis are deffo better than the book. Disappointed as I have read some great books about the Eastern Front.
September 8, 2019
Very dry reading,while there were interesting facts sprinkled in - wasn't very engaging. Rather its various reports about how climate and Russian terrain impacted the war. Text was far too repetitive.
Was a chore to finish to be honest.
Was a chore to finish to be honest.
November 15, 2019
In keeping with other reviews here, I found this title enlightening in terms of the German perspective of war on the Eastern front but given its source ‘report’ material, much too dry to really convey the full extent of the horror on both sides.
July 4, 2022
After about 30 or 40 pages, I really just began skimming it. As others have said, it doesn’t live up to the text on the cover, it’s incredibly dry, and really only meant for someone with a deep interest in WW2 military tactics.
September 3, 2025
Lessons from the past now happening again in Ukraine
This is the German perspective on their Eastern front. So much of this is being replayed in the Ukraine, and it is clear that many Russian tactics remain unchanged.
This is the German perspective on their Eastern front. So much of this is being replayed in the Ukraine, and it is clear that many Russian tactics remain unchanged.
September 30, 2025
Fighting in Hell
Not what I thought to be. Total waste of money. I thought was getting soldiers stories themselves fighting “in this Hell”. This reminded me of a textbook, needed for some schoolwork. NOT FOR ME. Really wanted to give it zero score as rating applied to myself.
Not what I thought to be. Total waste of money. I thought was getting soldiers stories themselves fighting “in this Hell”. This reminded me of a textbook, needed for some schoolwork. NOT FOR ME. Really wanted to give it zero score as rating applied to myself.
August 10, 2023
A relevant read in light of recent events.
June 26, 2013
Don't let the dramatic cover and title fool you. It is based on assessments of the Soviet military from German Generals, post war. It was intended for American/NATO analysis, and while interesting as source material, for armchair generals it does not cover any new ground and is quite dry, A lot of the savagery, ingenuity and power of the Soviet military is described but lacks any visceral weight. It's a report, edited for a book.
June 15, 2008
Absolute trash. The bias in this book was so strong it was impossible to take anything seriously, and impossible to apply it to my paper. The way the Soviets are presented in this book, you'd think they were savage, unbeatable super soldiers. Entirely not the case, entirely former German generals embarrassed by the defeat.
August 24, 2017
This is not a well written academic survey on the subject. It is a highly biased account prepared by the German side. Its more like a poorly edited boring report that was meant to sit on a desk and certainly not fit to be published and sold as a book.
March 7, 2013
An interesting, but sometimes frightful, read
http://www.weberseite.at/buecher/figh...
http://www.weberseite.at/buecher/figh...
April 21, 2014
This is a book for the serious military historian...I got bored pretty quickly. Lots of detail and information about topics I never really thought about.
May 28, 2014
Very eyeopening as to how unprepared the Germans were for the eastern front! From geography, terrain, weather and the much maligned Russian soldier they were woefully unready.
May 2, 2021
Truly dull after-the-fact appraisal by the German commanders. Few operational details.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews