Blood, Dust and Snow: Diaries of a Panzer Commander in Germany and on the Eastern Front

by Friedrich Sander, Robin Schäfer, Stephan Goldbach (Narrator)

Audio CD

Published April 11, 2023

Reviews

[Aubrey Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read stacks of German war memoirs and this ranks among my favorites, although it is not a memoir. As the title says, it is the collected war diaries of Panzer commander Herr Leutnant Friedrich Sander. Rather than a soldier looking back at his war memories decades later, you have Sander recording things shortly after they took place, or even in real time.

Perhaps it was the fact that I listened to the audiobook read by Stephan Goldbach that made this book so memorable, but it is Sander's dry wit, honesty, and writing style make the account what it is.

While the author was definitely influenced by National Socialist ideology, he was also quite honest when he disagreed with those in power.

There are tender thoughts of his love, a girl named Ruth, and his future after the war. There also are intense moments of battle and humorous anecdotes sprinkled throughout. If you want to get a feel for the German side of the war, this is a good place to start.

[John Trefz · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you're going to read this, don't be soft and try to view it with our modern worldviews applied to a war that's over 80 years old. Just be neutral and treat it as what it is: a firsthand panzer commander account.

[Eric Rader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting read about the other side of World War II. His stories take place in Russia on the Eastern Front. Great read if you are a history buff!