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At the FRONT: Experiences of a German Infantryman at the Eastern Front in Russia 1942 - 1943 and at the Front in Normandy 1944 in an overall Military Context
Second World War
During the war, 18.2 million men were called up for military service in Germany. Of these, 13.6 million soldiers belonged to the army. From this number, the author picked out a single Clemens Plattes (1921 - 2015). He was her father.
His war-time path is reconstructed on the basis of her in-depth interviews with him and by study of the relevant archive documents of the divisions and commands concerned.
The personal view is always confronted with the thoughts and strategies on divisional and higher level. The rational planning on command level has nothing to do with the individual perception because at the front the soldier is an instrument in this machinery. A living weapon. War is based on different perspectives. War is complex.
Theatres of
Russia
- Summer Offensive 1942
- Rzhev Salient 1942
- Officer training 1943
- Orel Bulge and retreat 1943
France
- Pocket of Falaise 1944
US captivity
The book has 520 pages and comes with over 300 historical black-and-white photos.For military and history enthusiasts – Detailed insights into German WWII warfare, strategic decisions, and the life of an infantryman at the Russian Front (1942–43) and in Normandy during the Allied invasion (1944) as well as in US captivity (1944–46).Exclusive documents & original material – Unit notations, personal notes, over 300 photographs as well as military situation maps.A unique shift in perspective – The interplay between divisional strategy and the individual soldier’s frontline experience has hitherto rarely been explored.Clear and accessible yet profound – Written in an engaging and understandable way, also for readers without a military background or interest.Historically grounded, compellingly told – An interesting blend of military history and personal experience.A book that makes the Second World War perceptible from a new perspective.
Author's www.gabrieleplattes.com
During the war, 18.2 million men were called up for military service in Germany. Of these, 13.6 million soldiers belonged to the army. From this number, the author picked out a single Clemens Plattes (1921 - 2015). He was her father.
His war-time path is reconstructed on the basis of her in-depth interviews with him and by study of the relevant archive documents of the divisions and commands concerned.
The personal view is always confronted with the thoughts and strategies on divisional and higher level. The rational planning on command level has nothing to do with the individual perception because at the front the soldier is an instrument in this machinery. A living weapon. War is based on different perspectives. War is complex.
Theatres of
Russia
- Summer Offensive 1942
- Rzhev Salient 1942
- Officer training 1943
- Orel Bulge and retreat 1943
France
- Pocket of Falaise 1944
US captivity
The book has 520 pages and comes with over 300 historical black-and-white photos.For military and history enthusiasts – Detailed insights into German WWII warfare, strategic decisions, and the life of an infantryman at the Russian Front (1942–43) and in Normandy during the Allied invasion (1944) as well as in US captivity (1944–46).Exclusive documents & original material – Unit notations, personal notes, over 300 photographs as well as military situation maps.A unique shift in perspective – The interplay between divisional strategy and the individual soldier’s frontline experience has hitherto rarely been explored.Clear and accessible yet profound – Written in an engaging and understandable way, also for readers without a military background or interest.Historically grounded, compellingly told – An interesting blend of military history and personal experience.A book that makes the Second World War perceptible from a new perspective.
Author's www.gabrieleplattes.com
520 pages, Paperback
Published March 20, 2025
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