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Berlin Dance of Death
This is one of the most vivid accounts of destruction and hopelessness we have ever seen. It is a 17-year-old German conscript's experiences in the defense of Berlin during the spring of 1945 - the last desperate days of Berlin - annotated and illustrated to show his part in the overall picture.
Altner’s account covers in detail recruit training on the front line after only ten days in barracks, the execution of deserters and action against the Red Army and turncoat German 'Seydlitz' Troops.
He tells of the retreat back to Berlin with full kit, escaping capture time after time and the annihilation of nearly all his company in just one action.
He gives detailed descriptions of house to house fighting in the Spandau sector of Berlin, the battle for the Olympic Stadium, the sacrifice of Hitler Youths, fighting in the city's subway tunnels and the disastrous attempt at a breakout to the west, culminating in his final capture.
This is an account of war at its most basic and brutal level, of the collapse of everything familiar and the hopelessness of imminent defeat.
Altner’s account covers in detail recruit training on the front line after only ten days in barracks, the execution of deserters and action against the Red Army and turncoat German 'Seydlitz' Troops.
He tells of the retreat back to Berlin with full kit, escaping capture time after time and the annihilation of nearly all his company in just one action.
He gives detailed descriptions of house to house fighting in the Spandau sector of Berlin, the battle for the Olympic Stadium, the sacrifice of Hitler Youths, fighting in the city's subway tunnels and the disastrous attempt at a breakout to the west, culminating in his final capture.
This is an account of war at its most basic and brutal level, of the collapse of everything familiar and the hopelessness of imminent defeat.
256 pages, Paperback
First published April 1, 2002
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
March 5, 2019
Imagine being 17 and your country calls you to stave off the invaders. You are inducted, sent to one week of training, without weapons and sent to the Eastern Front to stave off the Bolshevik hordes. Sound like fun? No.
Helmut Altner’s recollections of those final days of desperation are terrifying. For the first two weeks, being in the army doesn’t appear to be that difficult. Hitler has promised reinforcements and a host of new wonder weapons. Morale is high and many of his comrades actually believe victory is only a few days away. All of that changes on April 16 when Zhukov and Konev launch their last battle to encircle, crush and capture Berlin.
From this point on, a boy, who has dreamed of medals and parades finds himself embroiled in fight for survival, not for the Fatherland. Realizing he has been lied to, he does his best or defend himself, and his comrades from the impending defeat.
What he see and witnesses will have you cringing.
An excellent addition to any World War Two library.
Five Stars
Helmut Altner’s recollections of those final days of desperation are terrifying. For the first two weeks, being in the army doesn’t appear to be that difficult. Hitler has promised reinforcements and a host of new wonder weapons. Morale is high and many of his comrades actually believe victory is only a few days away. All of that changes on April 16 when Zhukov and Konev launch their last battle to encircle, crush and capture Berlin.
From this point on, a boy, who has dreamed of medals and parades finds himself embroiled in fight for survival, not for the Fatherland. Realizing he has been lied to, he does his best or defend himself, and his comrades from the impending defeat.
What he see and witnesses will have you cringing.
An excellent addition to any World War Two library.
Five Stars
November 4, 2017
Galima skaityti, viskas kaip ir įsivaizduojate - pasimetę jaunuoliai volksšturmistai, drebantys civiliai, yranti struktūra besiblaškanti agonijoje, švilpiančios kulkos, griuvėsiai ir ugnis.
August 26, 2011
Harrowing account of the Battle for Berlin in the closing days of WW2 by a 17 year old German soldier. War in all its awful futility and barbarism is laid bare, difficult to read at times but well worth doing so.
June 3, 2023
As others have noted, this narrative of how one young German conscript survived the fall of Berlin becomes a bit tiresome, partly because the conclusion is already well known. But, then, that reflects his experience, and likely that of the other few who survived: a long slog to survival of the fortunate few.
September 2, 2019
Excellent account of one mans actions during the fall of Berlin.
January 30, 2023
Interesting and very detailed memoir describing the experiences of a teenager conscripted into the German army during the last days of the war. The book is primarily about his role in the fight for Berlin and his efforts to escape the Soviet encirclement of the city. In all candor, the book is so detailed that it becomes tedious at times, but one does get a real sense of the horror, chaos, and brutality of the last days of the Third Reich.
March 5, 2011
The complete breakdown of society there was horrid. A must read. The complete breakdown of their class system was beyond belief. Maybe something apathetic Americans should read. Personally Id rather not feel blessed w/ some horse meat.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews