Soldiers of Barbarossa: Combat, Genocide, and Everyday Experiences on the Eastern Front, June–December 1941

by Craig W.H. Luther, David Stahel (Editor)

The scope and scale of Operation Barbarossa—the German invasion of the Soviet Union—make it one of the pivotal events of the Second World War. Yet our understanding of both the military campaign as well as the “war of annihilation” conducted throughout the occupied territories depends overwhelmingly on “top-down” studies. The three million German soldiers who crossed the Soviet border and experienced this war are seldom the focus and are often entirely ignored. Who were these men and how did they see these events? Luther and Stahel, two of the leading experts on Operation Barbarossa, have reconstructed the 1941 campaign entirely through the letters (as well as a few diaries) of more than 200 German soldiers across all areas of the Eastern Front. It is an original perspective on the campaign, one of constant combat, desperate fear, bitter loss, and endless exertions. One learns the importance of comradeship and military training, but also reads the frightening racial and ideological justifications for the war and its violence, which at times lead to unrelenting cruelty and even mass murder. Soldiers of Barbarossa is a unique and sobering account of 1941, which includes hundreds of endnotes by Luther and Stahel providing critical context, corrections, and commentary.

Genres: World War II, History, Nonfiction, Military History

440 pages, Hardcover

Published November 15, 2020

About the author

Dr. Craig Luther is a former Fulbright Scholar (Bonn, West Germany, 1979-80) and retired Air Force historian.

Reviews

[Jose wilhelms Ventura · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked the book. A different way of presenting the first months of Operation Barbarossa. The letters bring the day to day in a way that is not seen in books about this event. I am curious about the letters between December 1941 and May 1942, telling how this period passed. It remains as a suggestion for an upcoming book. I recommend reading.

[John]

A good book that illustrates the mood of the German soldiers that were the "boots on the ground" during Operation Barbarossa. Entries are on a day-to-day basis from the start of the operation, until early December. They deal with the daily life of the soldier: artilley strikes, losing comrades, lice, lack of food, lack of sleep, the cold and the dealings with the Russian people that stayed behind the retreating soldiers. As one reads in chronological order we see the optimisim of the troops fade, and the realism of the situation settle in to their individual realities. The way the book was presented, made it easy to pick up and read from wher you left off for long periods of time. I think this an essential read for anyone interested in Operation Barbarossa or the Eastern front.

[Ellis L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Compelling gripping account of war from the front line soldier who experienced it.

An excellent narration of the war from the soldier’s viewpoint. If you are a lover of WWII history, this is a must read.

[MIke Vallevand · Rating 5 out of 5]

So much for the myth of the clean Werhmacht or it was only the SS. Hatred was widespread and the norm. This can all happen all over again. Books like these help stop it.

[Michael Ross · Rating 5 out of 5]

Letters from soldiers who participated in Operation Barbarossa from the German Army from June through December. Very interesting and disturbing how callous the soldiers were towards the Russian population especially the Jewish population.

[David Fraser · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent collection of letters, diary extracts, etc.

[Geicodave · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book. One of the best collections of German letters and diary excerpts I've read. Aside from describing the military details and daily experiences of the soldiers on the Eastern Front, it makes three things very clear. First, the Wehrmacht was not "clean." Second, the
mass murder of the Jews was well known to the soldiers. Third, via letters and diaries, those same murders were known by a large percentage of German civilians as well.