The Good Soldier: From Austrian Social Democracy to Communist Captivity with a Soldier of Panzer-Grenadier Division "Grossdeutschland"

by Alfred Novotny

Alfred Novotny was born in Vienna on 1 April 1924, and was perfectly placed to suffer the ancient Chinese "May you live in interesting times." His times were interesting and deadly, but that he survived them is not the greatest surprise. Rather, what stands out is that Fred never lost his compassion, nor his humanity, nor his mind. Growing up in 1930s Vienna, the former home of a young, frustrated, and fuming artist named Adolf Hitler, Fred was the stepson of an ardent Social Democrat. As such, he grew up with a visceral and deep dislike and distrust of their rival parties, including the National Socialists, or "Nazis." Although the political situation in Austria throughout the 1930s was stormy, the German annexation of Austria absolutely ended effective opposition to the "New Order." Attracted by the superficial benefits of unity with Germany and the evident achievements of the Nazis, young Alfred gradually parted ways with his stepfather. He performed his duty to the Reich when called up for service in the Labor Corps, and later proudly served in the most elite division of the German Army in World War II, Panzer-Grenadier Division "Grossdeutschland" ("Greater Germany"). From 1942 forward, Fred saw more than his share of combat. Starting with action as a member of a hurriedly-armed labor detachment in the famous British naval and commando raid at St. Nazaire, France, in March 1942, Fred later joined the Grossdeutschland Division in time to participate in some of the most well-known—and most bloody—battles of the war on the Eastern Front. During the Germans’ last great offensive in the Soviet Union in 1943, Fred fought at Poltava and in the titanic clash of thousands of tanks at Kursk. Wounded there, he later returned to his unit and fought in the long series of fiercely-contested defensive battles that ended only when the Soviets occupied much of eastern and central Germany and Austria. . . and when Hitler and the Thousand Year Reich were finally destroyed. Like so many members of German units, Fred was happy to surrender to the US Army at the end of the war, but under the terms of inter-Allied agreements reached months before, units which had fought only against the Soviets were turned over to the Red Army, en masse. Thus began the ordeal after the ordeal—2½ years in Soviet prison camps. After being freed from Soviet captivity, Fred eventually escaped the old world and the old conflicts . . . and started a new life in the United States, free of the competing "isms" of Europe that had wreaked misery on millions. Supported by detailed commentary by author/historian Marc Rikmenspoel, The Good Soldier contains 62 illustrations, including original diagrams and sketches drawn before the war and during the author's captivity; comprehensive documentary authentication of the author's military service; and extensive wartime photography.

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

160 pages, Paperback

First published October 8, 2002

About the author

Alfred Novotny was born in Vienna in 1924 and grew up amid the political turmoil of interwar Austria. Raised in a Social Democratic household, he developed early political awareness during the rise of National Socialism. As a young man, he was drawn into the structures of the German state during the Second World War, first serving in the Labor Corps and later in the Panzer Grenadier Division Grossdeutschland. From 1942 onward, he experienced intense combat in Western Europe and on the Eastern Front, including major engagements at St. Nazaire, Poltava, and Kursk, where he was wounded. Captured at the war’s end, he spent two and a half years in Soviet prison camps. After his release, Novotny rebuilt his life, eventually emigrating to the United States in the mid nineteen fifties. Beginning in hotel service, he rose to become a successful hotel executive and later President of the Illinois Hotel Association. Despite hardship, he remained marked by resilience, compassion, and humanity.

Reviews

[Vince Fontana · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was reluctant to consider this book but " never judge a book by its cover " and am glad that I chose to read it as it provided an interesting perspective from an Austrian / German soldier's service during the war and more importantly, his incarceration in a Russian gulag.
It's a short succinct read with real life experiences backed with factual narrative accounts of the battles and skirmishes which the soldier participated in.
The section on his incarceration as a POW was a real eye opener.

[Shan S Rea · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book, I have read many accounts from the fighting landser and this one definitely ranks high. It is not for the action craving, way better at explaining feelings and why they fought. The propaganda insights are very interesting and relevant to today in so many ways.

[Michael Dorosh · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very brief bio, but some amazing insights, and even a rare photo or two of a Knight's Cross winner whom the author served with. Does much to flesh out the divisional history with a "real" face. Better than Guy Sajer. Leaves the reader wanting more.

It is amazing how many good biographies of all the Second World War armies have come out so long after the war; what a shame it was not possible to write books like this immediately after the war.

[Peter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Probably my favorite memoir based on the war from a German's perspective. It's an amazing account of one boy who belongs to one of Hitler's Elite fighting units in Europe. It takes you from his early days as a young boy and his exposure to the Hitler Youth and the army to his questioning of his own sanity and morals. Highly recommend this to anyone.