Grenadiers: The Story of Waffen SS General Kurt "Panzer" Meyer

by Kurt Meyer

Known for his bold and aggressive leadership, Kurt 'Panzer' Meyer was one of the most highly decorated German soldiers of World War II. Meyer saw intense combat across Europe. This work features his account, conveying the reality of war as well as the bravery of the young men he commanded.

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

448 pages, Paperback

First published February 28, 2001

Reviews

[Jeff Dawson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Credibility in Question.

I have read several books from Stackpole and found them well written and edited. Michael Wittman I and II, and Otto Carius', "Tigers in the Mud." These were very informative and interesting. The books flowed nicely with excellent reflections of combat tactics and the men under their command.

This book has more flaws then any other I have ever read. How could something like this be put into print? Surely the public wasn't demanding an incomplete work being published with so many misspellings and formatting issues. The pictures are very difficult to examine on a kindle (even on the pc). Okay, enough about Stackpoles lack of editing.

PanzerMeyer. Many of the reviews talked about his bravado commanding tanks. Did you read the story or just pick single excerpts? He was in charge of a motorized motorcycle unit in his early years until he was assigned to the 12 Hitlerjugend Division. Even then, this was not a tank unit.

Was Meyer an excellent tactician? Yes, if we believe all of the descriptions of the battles he was involved in. He used Guderians words to the max; "the motor is a weapon." He was instilled with the ideal and perfected it with great glean.

The action scenes occurring around Caen after the invasion support Patton's theme that Monty couldn't take Caen by D +10. Meyer constantly knocks the timid advance of the Canadians when they are on the brink of breaking the back of the German 7th army. He fails to mention how the Canadians were under the control of Monty who we know was not a bold strategist if the numbers weren't in his favor. Did Meyer show great tactical skill in stemming the tide of the Allied armor around Caen? The answer is a definite yes! They were badly out numbered with no air cover. Yet, why doesn't he reflect on the American divisions that were driving to Falaise during operation Cobra. He had to have known that the enemy was bearing down and creating a huge cauldron such as Demyansk and Kiev. For the reader to think he didn't know would be an absurd opinion. He mentions several times he was in meetings with Von Rundstedt and Rommel. Surely they made mention of the worsening situation.

This brings us to July 20 1944. It has been well documented in many other works how the average soldier was shocked that a group of conspirators made an attempt on Adolf Hitler. Yet, on many occasion prior to the attempted assassination, he speaks (Meyer) of how the war needs to end before all is lost. How else did he think this would be accomplished? Would Hitler agree to the terms of Casablanca. I don't think so. So, Herr Meyer, how is Germany going to save herself from the dilemma?
One other point to address is who is Meyer referring to when he complains that the higher-up in the command positions were showing a true lack of understanding the military situation on the ground. OKH, Kietel, Jodl? Are these the men he is laying the blame on? Why doesn't he specifically call them out? He never fails to mention other high ranking officers (including the Der Fuhrer) when he is in there company discussing the military situation?

Go back to the earlier chapters where he wonders why they are attacking Poland, the Lowlands and France. He alludes to feeling a heavy conscious about waging war against perceived friendly countries. He shows none of this compassion for "Operation Barbarossa" until his unit is deep in enemy territory and gives a hint that the vastness of Russia would be their doom.

Meyer mentions nothing of the camps or the genocide. How can this be? Did he not know the atrocities his countrymen inflicted on millions of people in Germany and conquered countries? That is impossible to imagine for he was reading the papers while in prison. He only recounts on the stories surrounding him and nothing else. Are we to believe that the papers stories only revolved around him? It would be juvenile to believe he knew nothing of what the Americans, British and Russians uncovered at Dachau, Buchenwald, and Auschwitz. His "none" mention of these events is criminal to say the least.
Herr Meyer points out the none of the Waffen SS units were formed from undesirables. They were only professional soldiers doing their duty. That is not the case. Totekopf was a division made up of guards who served at many of the concentration camps. I do not appreciate history being distorted to only show one version.

Atrocities committed by the Allies. Yes the happened. Were they right? No! But they also didn't systematically eliminate individuals because of their race. It is a crime for him to maintain the stance that he and his men did nothing wrong. They supported the Third Reich and all of its policies. Like Otto Carius, they accepted no blame for the pain and suffering they inflicted on the world, but rather shifted the blame to others. If Germany would not have launched the campaign of domination on September 1,1939, your country would not have been exposed to the fury of the 8th Air Force. The cities of of your beloved Fatherland would not have been laid to waste. I believe those statements were echoed time and again during the Nuremberg trials, "I was only following orders."
Questioning Credibilty

What about his trial? Was he unfairly judged. Ask the twenty million Russians who died. Ask the mothers of the Canadians whose boys met their maker at the hands of the Hitlerjugend. Ask the French who were murdered at Ordur Sur Glane at the hands of Waffen SS Division Das Reich if he was innocent. Many might disagree, but he was guilty. Should his death sentence been carried out? That is for the reader and his maker to determine.

In defense of Herr Meyer, it is true there was a true spirit de corps amongst those in the Waffen SS. There were the cream of the crop and fought bravely and steadfastly for their crumbling empire. I have no doubt that his men would lay down their lives and follow him to the gates of hell if he so ordered. I respect him for the devotion he bestowed on his men and vice-versa. But the facts remain, he makes no admissions that the war was wrong. He would rather blame the Americans and British for allowing the Communists to infest the Balkans and Central Europe. Herr Meyer, who chose to plunge the world into WWII. America? Britain? Canada? No, it was your beloved Germany who fired the first shots.

Do I recommend this book for those attempting to understand the mindset of the German soldier? Yes. Why? You get a look into the mind of a great tactician, but also a man who was blinded by his leaders. How could men of such loyalty and respect for a code of military honor and morality take an oath to a government bent on destroying the code.

[Carl · Rating 2 out of 5]

In this memoir, Kurt Meyer details his personal experience of the Second World War as he fights in Poland, the Balkans, on the Eastern Front, and then finally in the west. The account ends with his capture, and subsequent trail as a war criminal. Meyer praises his men and their actions, provides a graphic account of what he states took place, and can give the reader an impression of what his war must have felt like.

However, the account is seriously flawed by Meyer's bias. He states that his men never committed war crimes nor witnessed them. This is despite his division (on the Eastern Front, the 1st SS LAH) having committed numerous atrocities, and modern research highlighting Meyer's role in giving the orders for the murder of civilians within the Soviet Union. Likewise, while detailing his experience within France, he attempts to justify the murder of French civilians - who were unconnected to a partisan attack on a 12th SS convoy - and shows no remorse for what they did. In a similar fashion, he defends the murder of Canadian prisoners. Ironically, he lambasts the bombing of Caen (which has been debated by historians over its usefulness) as a war crime yet fails to mention that legitimate German targets were attacked and destroyed and their supply line destroyed (in the context of the Second World War, in which area bombing was undertaken by both sides, a justified action).

What starts out as a interesting almost exciting adventure through the war, rapidly turns into a unapologetic Nazi propaganda piece.

[Carlos Wang · Rating 4 out of 5]

在燎原推出這本《擲彈兵： 裝甲麥爾的戰爭故事》之前，其實我偶爾會在亞馬遜的網站推薦上看到，不過沒有太過留意。本書的爭議性其實也不小，主要在於作者的背景：納粹黨衛軍中級軍官，來自這支“大名鼎鼎”的部隊，寫了一本回憶錄，是足夠吸引注意力了。不過說來慚愧，在看完本書之前，我個人對作者是完全不了解，後來還去維基百科翻查了資料(中文很少，要看英文跟德文)，才有更進一步的認識。

庫特‧麥爾(Kurt Meyer)，按照他自己在回憶錄的敘述，也是命很硬的人，各種生死關頭就是能僥倖不死，然後“幸運”的在西線被俘虜(我相信以他的身分落入紅軍手中很可能腦袋直接吃顆子彈)，然後又是“良心發現”的加拿大人，讓他餘生不用在監獄中度過，也比另外一位同樣“有名”的派普(Joachim Peiper)好，至少可以善終。麥爾晚年加入了「納粹武裝親衛隊老兵互助會」(HIAG)，目的是替黨衛軍老兵爭取應有的待遇，這本書就是帶著此目的撰寫，讀者在這點要留上心。


作者的回憶錄中一直試圖強調的，是黨衛軍“做為一支武裝部隊軍事專業性的純粹，並試圖淡化其政治色彩”，但這明顯的辯護之詞其實很難令人信服。「軍事做為政治的延伸」這句克勞塞維茲的名言，而黨衛軍及其相關組織則是納粹黨意識形態的一種展現，在這個政黨的罪行早已經公諸於世的年代，試圖撇的一乾二淨是明顯的睜眼說瞎話。作者一直說他們其實“善待”佔領地的民眾，可當他批評游擊隊，認為它們是一群「處於安全情況犯下謀殺惡行」的歹徒，這是違反國際法的不正當行為，並導致了招致報復，影響那些本不該被捲入戰爭的平民。這句話就暴露了他自己的侵略者視角的面目，說到底你們不要去佔別人領土不就沒事了嗎？跑去占別人土地再說我對他們很好為什麼要抵抗害自己受傷害，分明不是鱷魚的眼淚與偽善嗎？

麥爾另外一個“露出馬腳”的地方是，如果說他肯定希特勒做為指揮官是基於一個前線軍官的視角，那麼，述說痛恨這場戰爭害死他許多同袍的作者，卻不曾對這位罪魁禍首置一詞評語，就顯得弔詭了。德文維基上寫著，麥爾的兒子後來出了關於其父的著作，透露著其實他即便戰後還是崇拜著這位元首的事實。個人不是要求每個人都要把回憶錄寫成懺悔錄，但有些事實是顯而易見的，不必事事苛求，但讀者可以鑑別。


撇開這些不談，這部回憶錄從軍事研究的上來看，還是相當有意義的。它是一部來自中階基層指揮官所撰寫的紀錄，代表了一個方式來看待這支曾讓人聞風散膽的軍隊是如何打仗的。麥爾又是一位能征善戰的出色軍官，在書中常常出現他的各種評論，不管是對於己方，還是敵人。自始至終，《孫子兵法》的“兵貴神速”這個概念貫徹其中。此外，後面有關於他怎麼參與訓練新兵的部分也是有意思的。


最後要說的是，在這個不安的年代，這類作品的出版是多多益善的。太多人已經遺忘戰爭，或者是不當一回事了。麥爾無疑是個天選之人，能夠時時在前線又活到戰後，但作者自己也說了，他有許多同袍沒能等到和平的這一刻。燎原出版社之前推出了《泥濘中的老虎》，未來也要出一本美軍視角的回憶錄，可以期待。也希望能夠再接再厲，本書作者提到過的派普、小里賓特洛甫(對，那位外交官的兒子)也都有類似的傳記或回憶錄，不妨也考慮引進。

[Simon McCrum · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found this book hard to stomach. I found his apologist approach to the SS rather difficult; his view that they were just great soldiers doing their duty and if bad things happened he didn't know about it and it probably wasn't his men.

With so much documented evidence of atrocities committed by SS units in all theatres of WW2, against combatants and non combatants alike, this book would have been more credible if the author had faced up to and addressed some of the outrages.

The authors descriptions and opinion of "murderous partisans" (French resistance) was quite telling and They gave me a strong sense of his capability of viscous retribution.

There is a lot in here for a military historian to enjoy; tactics, battle plans, eastern front fighting, Normandy invasion but as for the apologist nonsense, I could do without it.

[Jean-Vincent · Rating 4 out of 5]

Meyer's book is fascinating on many counts. After closing it, I wasn't sure what to think of him, even though the first couple of chapters had made me think the man was still 'simply' a convinced, hardcore nazi.

As is so often the case, the reality is more subtle than that. At the end of the book, I get the impression that this larger-than-life soldier could be related to somebody like Patton. Full of drive, restless, outspoken, pig-headed and aggressive, completely absorbed by war as the professional that he was. What were his inner thoughts about the true agenda of the National-Socialism he does not tell, preferring to deal solely with his combat experience, which is truly massive: Poland, Greece, Eastern Front and the Battle of Normandy.

Many areas are left blank, and one does not peek easily into this man's conscience through this book, but a very unique perspective. Highly recommended.

[Kjǫlsigʀ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Advertised as "this vivid, opinionated narrative" and so forth with all the usual disclaimers of kowtowing to Marxist social dogmas, this account by a brilliant and lucky reconaissance-in-force commander reads as neutrally and professionally as possible, which must necessarily include genuine (though controlled) indignation at the victors' hypocritical charades.

[Sergio · Rating 4 out of 5]

First grade WWII memoir from a first grade officer. His description of persons and events are riveting.

[William C. Moyers · Rating 4 out of 5]

I did not read this memoir to understand the Nazi regime, the Holocaust or even the strategic steps and missteps taken by the Third Reich's militaristic undertakings in Europe in World War II. I read it only to understand combat on the ground, through the eyes of a solider who was there and somehow survived it all. Thus, I was satisfied by Meyer's tale.
Is the book flawed? Of course. Just like the man. What is without a doubt though, is that he fought in some of the most horrific battles of the war. Whatever his motivation, he possessed the same steadfast courage as his compatriots and his enemies. What set him apart is that he had something that millions of other soldiers did not. Sheer luck.

[Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

From a wargaming viewpoint a good lesson on tank tactics in WWII. It is also a good exercise in what happens in the heat of battle. From the intent of writing the book -to exonerate himself from the murder of Canadian soldiers by Waffen SS troops under his command - it falls a little flat. Meyer was on all fronts during the war and not once mentions the 20 million Russina civillians who were slaughtered by the invading Germans

[Thomas McCall · Rating 1 out of 5]

As a preliminary point, this is a very poorly written book. It's written much in the style of a German propaganda article c. 1943, very little reflection, truth or honesty about motivation, conditions or experiences of Meyer or his men.

That there is not a single reference to the Holocaust or to German war crimes speaks volumes about the credibility of the source. It is galling to read Meyer's nonsense defence of his actions in Normandy when the full, awful details of the cold blooded murder of those Canadians at the Abbey D'Ardennes are well know.

I do not feel as if I have any deeper insight into the German military's wartime battles than at the outset. Notwithstanding the awful writing, the maps are dreadful and provide no real assistance in following Meyer's travels.

Stackpole have also failed to proof read the text with a significant number of typos and errors where umlauts should appear.

Finally, it is disgraceful that this book has been republished in its entirety without an introduction by a historian who can debunk and challenge the flat out lies, omissions and warped ideology that permeate this book.

[Robert Reynolds · Rating 4 out of 5]

New insights on battles I thought I knew everything about. Very illuminating. Hearing the words from the enemy commander commenting on the conduct of Canadian forces during famous engagements was interesting. An enjoyable, if somewhat dry, read.

[John Hugher · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a marvelous book, though I personally like reading WW2 accounts in the actual language of the protagonist. I couldn´t find the German version so went for this one and found some the phrasing a bit bumpy. Anyway, still highly recommended to anyone with an interest in the Waffen-SS.

[Lesley Oddi]

Interesting perspective

I found the book way to defensive it sounded like many excuses being made. It was also interesting that reading this book makes you wonder how the allies won the war.

[Tunafish · Rating 5 out of 5]

Must read for everybody with even slightest interest in WW2 . War is hell. Kurt Meyer made of me an absolute pacifist :)

[Diego Pagura · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good book.

[Andy Collier · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding leader of an outstanding unit and a great read. I hugely enjoyed this account written in the words of the man himself who totally deserved the name Kurt “Panzer” Meyer.

[Gerry Guindon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting history of a General.

[Suresh N]

So far so good....hope I will great read...very thrilled to read about Panzer Meyer....

[Russell R · Rating 4 out of 5]

interesting book

[Capsguy · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a ride. Absolutely fantastic, raw accounts of his time fighting all across Europe. Definitely worth reading for his tactical analysis of key battles during the war.

[Clark · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is an awful book. Meyer (author) is an unrepentant Nazi who commanded throughout the war and ended up a convicted war criminal. As other reviews have noted, his memoirs proclaim that he not only was innocent, but that nobody under his command ever committed - or even saw - a war atrocity. Unless you count the war atrocities committed against the Germans by the wicked Allied armies. I guess if you're going to baldly lie about it, might as well go all in with the big lie? To read his recollections, you almost conclude he single-handedly and heroically won most of the German victories and coulda-woulda prevented most of the Germany's defeats had he not been constrained by strict obedience to higher command's bumbling edicts.

As if all this is not bad enough, the book is littered with strained to broken grammar and typographical errors. Meyer's presentation of facts is repetitive, and his authorial voice is tedious. And finally, the book is just plain boring. Basically a long list of random events that are not described in a way that's particularly intelligible, intermingled with 'rah, rah' declarations intended (apparently) to inspire the next generation of Nazis.

tl;dr - too bad negative stars aren't an option

[Lawrence · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reprint of the classic World War II memoir German General Kurt "Panzer" Meyer's autobiography is a fascinating insight into the mind of one of Germany's most highly decorated and successful soldiers of World War II. If you love small-unit actions, this is the book for you. Follow Meyer with the 1st SS-Panzer Division "Leibstandarte" and the 12th SS-Panzer Division "Hitlerjugend," from the first day of the war in Poland, through service in France, Russia, and Greece, up until his capture in Normandy in 1944 and his postwar trials and tribulations.

[Thorsten · Rating 5 out of 5]

Waffen SS Geneneral Kurt Meyer; " Panzer Meyer" was a soldier to the bone, a man filled with passion and love for his men, the kind of leader every officer should strive to be. He fought to the end, whether right or wrong, in his eyes he was right and he had what it took to pursue it to the end. lucky him, when prosecuted in Canada among other things for executing prisoners whilst dressed in enemy uniform which clearly violate war conventions, a Canadian officer came forth and said they'd done the exact same thing with German prisoners in Normandy. brilliant first hand account of some of the toughest arenas of world war II. I HAVE to recommend this to anyone interested in WWII

[Gary · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good read written by a soldier not a writter so don't expect great literary polish. When I began the book Meyer was a Nazi that deserved what he got. After reading his story I'm not sure. More research is needed for me to make up my mind. One must keep in mind Meyer's purpose for the book, he wants the SS reputation to be positive.

[Steven · Rating 5 out of 5]

An interesting view of WW II from the eyes of a German commander. It does put a spin on some elements of the war crime issue as well as the idea of all German soldiers been raving Nazis during that conflict. Who is to say that many weren't soldiers fighting for their own country, much like our own GI's in that war or later conflicts.

[Ushiri · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the most interesting books regarding to the a German
generals point of view. Very well written with and with
good frontline combat reading.

From 1939-1944 when he was captured by american troops.

[Chase Metcalf · Rating 3 out of 5]

Unique Perspective

Post war account of WWII from Waffen SS leader. Different viewpoint with author emphasizing one speed, violence of action, and boldness. Does not shy away from brutality of combat nor apologize for his actions or those of Germany.

[Nev Thomas · Rating 3 out of 5]

The horror of war from the german side.A hard bitten,excellent soldier who tells a realistic tale. He does'nt seem to realise however that Germany started the war.

[Bill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some of the formatting issues throughout, but worth the read if you can stay with it.