What do you think?
Rate this book
The Other Trench: The WW1 Diary and Photos of a German Officer
A German officer's gripping, day-by-day WWI diary — Raw - Unedited - hidden for over a century - Now revealed to the world for the very first time.
As featured by the BBC (TV, Radio & Online) and The Great War Channel
In 1914, Lt. Alexander Pfeifer left behind his career, family, and future to serve as a company commander in one of the most elite and utilised units of the Imperial German Army — the 11th Kurhessian Jäger Battalion. Over the next four years, he fought in some of World War I’s fiercest battles across France, the Carpathians (Eastern Front), and the Italian Alps. But what makes his story different is that he wrote about everything and took his camera with him:
“This diary is not just a recollection of experiences written down after the war… These are literally the experiences I wrote down each day - A genuine reflection of the fight against enemy and nature.” — Lt. Pfeifer
Now published for the first time after being hidden for over 100 years, The Other Trench presents Pfeifer’s full wartime diary — raw, honest, and untouched — alongside more than 300 original photographs and 8 maps. Co-authored by his English great-great-grandson, this book intertwines first-hand testimony with modern research and family discovery, offering a powerful new perspective on the war.
Inside the
Lt. Pfeifer's translated wartime diary from 1914 to 1918, unedited and fully authenticPfeifer's journey from platoon leader to a respected stormtrooper company commanderOver 200 rare WWI photos taken by Pfeifer himselfEyewitness accounts from the Western, Eastern, and Italian frontsDetailed battle Loos, Neuve Chapelle, Festubert, Caporetto, and many moreModern-day stories behind items and the letters from the fallen returned to descendants.Narrations, research, and stories that shed light on the Germans and also the opposing sides of the war.
As featured by the BBC (TV, Radio & Online) and The Great War Channel
In 1914, Lt. Alexander Pfeifer left behind his career, family, and future to serve as a company commander in one of the most elite and utilised units of the Imperial German Army — the 11th Kurhessian Jäger Battalion. Over the next four years, he fought in some of World War I’s fiercest battles across France, the Carpathians (Eastern Front), and the Italian Alps. But what makes his story different is that he wrote about everything and took his camera with him:
“This diary is not just a recollection of experiences written down after the war… These are literally the experiences I wrote down each day - A genuine reflection of the fight against enemy and nature.” — Lt. Pfeifer
Now published for the first time after being hidden for over 100 years, The Other Trench presents Pfeifer’s full wartime diary — raw, honest, and untouched — alongside more than 300 original photographs and 8 maps. Co-authored by his English great-great-grandson, this book intertwines first-hand testimony with modern research and family discovery, offering a powerful new perspective on the war.
Inside the
Lt. Pfeifer's translated wartime diary from 1914 to 1918, unedited and fully authenticPfeifer's journey from platoon leader to a respected stormtrooper company commanderOver 200 rare WWI photos taken by Pfeifer himselfEyewitness accounts from the Western, Eastern, and Italian frontsDetailed battle Loos, Neuve Chapelle, Festubert, Caporetto, and many moreModern-day stories behind items and the letters from the fallen returned to descendants.Narrations, research, and stories that shed light on the Germans and also the opposing sides of the war.
348 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 10, 2024
205 people are currently reading
135 people want to read
About the author
Alexander Pfeifer
1 book2 followersAlexander Pfeifer (1880 – 1966) originated from Weida, Germany, having derived from a wealthy family of textile manufacturers. He joined the German 12th Royal Saxon Jaeger Battalion at the age of 20 and reached the rank of sergeant after four years, later becoming a reserve. In 1914, he was called up for military service and became a highly decorated company commander within the 11th Kurhessian Jaeger Battalion, taking part in four years of war on the Western, Eastern, and Italian Fronts. He is the author and photographer of his very detailed wartime diary and photo collection, which are depicted in the book, ‘The Other Trench’. After the war, Alexander became a family man. He also managed his family’s textile business, and after his death, his wartime diary and recollections were passed on to his descendants and remain preserved to this day.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
August 27, 2024
What follows is a review of an advance copy of the first 148 pages of the Other Trench which was shared with me by the author in return for a review. This is my personal review of this part of that book.
The Other Trench is a record of Alexander Pfeifer’s participation in what became known as the Great War. Pfeifer was a German officer who fought from the start of the war until its end. It is based on a journal that he kept throughout the war, recording events and his experiences, and then sending these back to his wife. The part that I have read relates to the outbreak of war with until his transfer to the Eastern Front in 1916. This book is valuable as it provides a direct German perspective on the war and a personal account of the suffering of a frontline soldier.
There is much detail in Pfeifer’s account which will interest students of the Great War. We are able to read his accounts of the set-piece battles in which he participated, the day-to-day hazards of trench life, and the difficulties of simply living in a trench. Examples include the fact the German junior officers were only instructed to stop carrying their sabres into battle in mid-1915; how the colourful uniform of the French soldiers made them easy targets; the difficulty of constructing adequate trenches in unsuitable terrain; and how it was only in 1916 that his unit was finally issued with the Stalhelm (or steel helmet), which presumably prevented many of the losses from head injuries that he recounted. Pfeifer has a healthy contempt of those who are not actually fighting on the frontlines.
Pfeifer is an officer who was unenthusiastic about the onset of war, regarding it as a duty to be fulfilled. He demonstrates a detachment from the horrendous losses that his unit suffers, which includes the loss of friends and comrades. He reflects at an early stage that his chances of survival are limited. This detachment is likely a coping mechanism, given that his account is drawn from writings which were set down almost contemporaneously.
Pfeifer’s account of his war is entirely self contained, permitting one to read linearly or to dip into it at specific times or at specific battles.
The modern author, a direct descendent of Pfeifer, has added some additional sections in an attempt to make the text more relevant to a modern audience and to amplify some aspects of Pfeifer’s text. My only minor criticism is that aspects of this extra text are sometimes inconsistent and I believe these sections could have benefitted from review by a critical editor. Notwithstanding this point, this is a valuable book which can be recommended to any reader interested in reading the account of one German officer’s war from his own hand. 4.5/5.0
The Other Trench is a record of Alexander Pfeifer’s participation in what became known as the Great War. Pfeifer was a German officer who fought from the start of the war until its end. It is based on a journal that he kept throughout the war, recording events and his experiences, and then sending these back to his wife. The part that I have read relates to the outbreak of war with until his transfer to the Eastern Front in 1916. This book is valuable as it provides a direct German perspective on the war and a personal account of the suffering of a frontline soldier.
There is much detail in Pfeifer’s account which will interest students of the Great War. We are able to read his accounts of the set-piece battles in which he participated, the day-to-day hazards of trench life, and the difficulties of simply living in a trench. Examples include the fact the German junior officers were only instructed to stop carrying their sabres into battle in mid-1915; how the colourful uniform of the French soldiers made them easy targets; the difficulty of constructing adequate trenches in unsuitable terrain; and how it was only in 1916 that his unit was finally issued with the Stalhelm (or steel helmet), which presumably prevented many of the losses from head injuries that he recounted. Pfeifer has a healthy contempt of those who are not actually fighting on the frontlines.
Pfeifer is an officer who was unenthusiastic about the onset of war, regarding it as a duty to be fulfilled. He demonstrates a detachment from the horrendous losses that his unit suffers, which includes the loss of friends and comrades. He reflects at an early stage that his chances of survival are limited. This detachment is likely a coping mechanism, given that his account is drawn from writings which were set down almost contemporaneously.
Pfeifer’s account of his war is entirely self contained, permitting one to read linearly or to dip into it at specific times or at specific battles.
The modern author, a direct descendent of Pfeifer, has added some additional sections in an attempt to make the text more relevant to a modern audience and to amplify some aspects of Pfeifer’s text. My only minor criticism is that aspects of this extra text are sometimes inconsistent and I believe these sections could have benefitted from review by a critical editor. Notwithstanding this point, this is a valuable book which can be recommended to any reader interested in reading the account of one German officer’s war from his own hand. 4.5/5.0
August 4, 2024
The Other Trench offers a fascinating insight into the German experience of WW1 - a perspective largely ignored in the last 100 years. Alexander's detailed diary describes both the terrifying and, at times, mundane nature of life on the front during WW1. The book is illustrated with photographs Alexander took himself, which brings his story to life. There are detailed accounts of fighting on the Eastern front against the Russian army, as well as the German campaign in Italy. I would recommend this book to anyone interested in this period of military history.
August 27, 2024
What an insightful book.
One of my take aways is that soldiers and officers at war from all nations have such similar emotions to those they are fighting. Philipp Cross translated his great grandfather’s diary. But he added insights and connections from additional research, existing family and his own personal reflections. This helped significantly in understanding what his great-grandfather shared in his diary.
This is a very well written diary and more.
My own understanding of my grandfather’s experience in WW I , a Canadian Officer from the Allies often mirrors The Other Trench.
“This is no longer a war. Whoever concats the greatest vulgarities is at an advantage.”
A highly recommend this book, it is at times shocking and at other times common human nature.
Rick C Benson
Author:
MY CHAOS, Searching for my new normal.
A book about grief, loss and life transitions
Bring The Major Home
A book in progress about my grandfather’s search for meaning. Before - During - After living with Shell Shock from WWI
One of my take aways is that soldiers and officers at war from all nations have such similar emotions to those they are fighting. Philipp Cross translated his great grandfather’s diary. But he added insights and connections from additional research, existing family and his own personal reflections. This helped significantly in understanding what his great-grandfather shared in his diary.
This is a very well written diary and more.
My own understanding of my grandfather’s experience in WW I , a Canadian Officer from the Allies often mirrors The Other Trench.
“This is no longer a war. Whoever concats the greatest vulgarities is at an advantage.”
A highly recommend this book, it is at times shocking and at other times common human nature.
Rick C Benson
Author:
MY CHAOS, Searching for my new normal.
A book about grief, loss and life transitions
Bring The Major Home
A book in progress about my grandfather’s search for meaning. Before - During - After living with Shell Shock from WWI
November 15, 2024
*Note that this book is also available in Deutsch, under the title Der Andere Graben*
Before getting into the content of this book, I want to congratulate Mr. Philipp Cross: this book is a true testimony to what an independent author can do with determination and hard work. The fact that it is already being so widely read, and that it has been featured on the BBC must be so exciting for him.
As someone who has read an ever-increasing number of German war stories and memoirs, I picked this up with great anticipation. What I love about this book is that it delves into the lesser-known fronts of the First World War, those in the East and in Italy. It also provides insight into the Jaeger battalions–a type of unit that was decreasing in numbers but considered elite and specially skilled for extreme environments such as the high Carpathian mountain peaks and the Dolomites in Italy.
This book is translated directly from Lieutenant Alexander Pfeifer’s war diary, with commentary and insight provided by Pfeifer’s great-great-grandson, co-author Philipp Cross. If you have read other war memoirs, you know that some memoirists stick to the facts about life at the front, while others provide plenty of insight into their leisure time and furloughs at home. Lieutenant Pfeifer stuck to the facts. There is some insight into life behind the lines, but he maintains a military context throughout. His furloughs are personal, described with one word: HOLIDAY!
Along with the fascinating text, Mr. Cross provides a plethora of photographs that were taken by (or of) Lieutenant Pfeifer. The insight these provide is invaluable–although I would love to see this book be taken up by a larger press that will be able to reproduce the pictures at a larger size and higher quality. Nevertheless, kudos and thank you to the author for including them!
In sum, this book makes a wonderful addition to any military history library.
Before getting into the content of this book, I want to congratulate Mr. Philipp Cross: this book is a true testimony to what an independent author can do with determination and hard work. The fact that it is already being so widely read, and that it has been featured on the BBC must be so exciting for him.
As someone who has read an ever-increasing number of German war stories and memoirs, I picked this up with great anticipation. What I love about this book is that it delves into the lesser-known fronts of the First World War, those in the East and in Italy. It also provides insight into the Jaeger battalions–a type of unit that was decreasing in numbers but considered elite and specially skilled for extreme environments such as the high Carpathian mountain peaks and the Dolomites in Italy.
This book is translated directly from Lieutenant Alexander Pfeifer’s war diary, with commentary and insight provided by Pfeifer’s great-great-grandson, co-author Philipp Cross. If you have read other war memoirs, you know that some memoirists stick to the facts about life at the front, while others provide plenty of insight into their leisure time and furloughs at home. Lieutenant Pfeifer stuck to the facts. There is some insight into life behind the lines, but he maintains a military context throughout. His furloughs are personal, described with one word: HOLIDAY!
Along with the fascinating text, Mr. Cross provides a plethora of photographs that were taken by (or of) Lieutenant Pfeifer. The insight these provide is invaluable–although I would love to see this book be taken up by a larger press that will be able to reproduce the pictures at a larger size and higher quality. Nevertheless, kudos and thank you to the author for including them!
In sum, this book makes a wonderful addition to any military history library.
August 27, 2024
The Other Trench is an amazing book and delivers a unique and immersive view of World War I through the eyes of a German company commander, a perspective rarely explored. Alexander's diary, filled with vivid details and his own and fantastic clear photographs show how his life was in WW1. The authors blend of research with personal information, allows readers to experiences of Alexander like fighting the Russians on the Eastern Front and the Italy campaign. For anyone interested in history or just a collector of Militaria, this book provides great new insights into a German soldier during WW1. I highly recommend this book as a First World War German collector as I personally found it very informative and interesting.
February 8, 2025
A Seldom, If Ever, Glance into a German Soldier’s Life in WWI
I am a former history teacher and have read a large amount of books about World War I.
I have never read about life in the German army from the perspective of a German soldier that participated in combat. Very informative.
As a former combat veteran in Vietnam it was interesting to note how Alexander had a distrust of the ‘pigs’ in the communication zones, as well as his distaste for those awarded medals without being in combat.
I am a former history teacher and have read a large amount of books about World War I.
I have never read about life in the German army from the perspective of a German soldier that participated in combat. Very informative.
As a former combat veteran in Vietnam it was interesting to note how Alexander had a distrust of the ‘pigs’ in the communication zones, as well as his distaste for those awarded medals without being in combat.
September 13, 2025
I really liked the diary; I found it very interesting because it recounts the events of the Great War firsthand and from the German point of view. However, I think the parts written by the translator would have been better included in a prologue, appendix, or epilogue so as not to interrupt the main text (the diary).
I decided to give it four stars because the diary itself is excellent and deserves to be read. The editing choices sometimes disrupted the flow, but they don’t diminish the value of the author’s firsthand testimony.
I decided to give it four stars because the diary itself is excellent and deserves to be read. The editing choices sometimes disrupted the flow, but they don’t diminish the value of the author’s firsthand testimony.
August 29, 2024
Phil has done an excellent job bringing his great grandfathers life of 4 years, thats been hidden to the world, back to life. The book is captivating and it's nothing like anything else I've ever read, with it being a day by day diary of how the trenches, the war and how he saw everything. I'd 100% recommend this book, even if you don't have a huge interest in ww1, it's an excellent way to see what those lads went through, from a different perspective.
April 4, 2025
This is a unique and superb book.
A very concise and rather “direct”diary from a German WW1 soldier.
Philipp Cross adds his poignant perspective.
I am amazed that any soldier could have survived 4 years of this fighting. And yet, this incredibly observant soldier regales us with many of his happy moments with his fellow soldiers.
A must read for those interested in unique perspectives of this conflict.
A very concise and rather “direct”diary from a German WW1 soldier.
Philipp Cross adds his poignant perspective.
I am amazed that any soldier could have survived 4 years of this fighting. And yet, this incredibly observant soldier regales us with many of his happy moments with his fellow soldiers.
A must read for those interested in unique perspectives of this conflict.
June 19, 2025
Interesting story of WWI from Lt Alexander Pfeifer's perspective and experiences. As other personal accounts of WWI, trench warfare was a tactic from the 19th century that was particularly brutal considering the weapons available in the early 20th century. Pfeifer's diary and photos are a valuable addition to the WWI story.
February 13, 2025
informative first German World diary
Excellent first person German account of life at the front line. Western front, carpathian mountains and Italy. A well deserved piece of military vernacular personal history.
Excellent first person German account of life at the front line. Western front, carpathian mountains and Italy. A well deserved piece of military vernacular personal history.
March 22, 2025
I did enjoy it, I'll be honest it got a bit tedious for me near the end so skipped a few pages. However over all is a really good book if your into ww1 stuff. Brilliant piece of history he left behind 👏
December 10, 2025
Awesome account
I read quite a few memoirs and this is one of the best. Great frontline view of the war. Well narrated by the editor/ grandson. Would have loved to have met the man himself.
I read quite a few memoirs and this is one of the best. Great frontline view of the war. Well narrated by the editor/ grandson. Would have loved to have met the man himself.
December 31, 2025
verybWell Researched
It is an interesting read and very touching to hear the words of this German Officer who had an extraordinary adventure in the bloodbath’s of WWI. A lot of interesting photos of the past that are like being there….
It is an interesting read and very touching to hear the words of this German Officer who had an extraordinary adventure in the bloodbath’s of WWI. A lot of interesting photos of the past that are like being there….
July 11, 2025
Unique look info ww1 German side
Good look into ww1 .not offer get to see other side.
The daily grind of front line units gives a realistic view.
Good look into ww1 .not offer get to see other side.
The daily grind of front line units gives a realistic view.
August 21, 2025
The view from the other side.
Fascinating insight into life in the other trench. The image perhaps we have of the evil Hun is certainly rejected as we get to know Alexander.
Fascinating insight into life in the other trench. The image perhaps we have of the evil Hun is certainly rejected as we get to know Alexander.
September 24, 2025
GREAT WW1 German perspective
GREAT WW1 German perspective. One of the best I’ve read. The addition of so many photographs really sets this book above the rest.
GREAT WW1 German perspective. One of the best I’ve read. The addition of so many photographs really sets this book above the rest.
October 16, 2025
A fine account of a terrible time.
December 31, 2024
This diary gives you a real insight into how war was from the German perspective during WW1. It brings to light aspects of the war that we have never really uncovered until now, the detail in the research, pictures and personal touches from both authors makes you feel like you are experiencing the war by Alexander’s side with every turn of the page. I highly recommend this diary to any history enthusiast as it will honestly blow you away.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews