Panzer Commander: The Memoirs of Colonel Hans von Luck
by Hans Von Luck
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Book Summary Information
Author: Hans Von LuckEdition: Mass Market Paperback
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Published: 1991-01-05
ISBN: 0440208025
Number of pages: 368
Publisher: Dell
Product features:
- ISBN13: 9780440208020
- Condition: New
- Notes: BRAND NEW FROM PUBLISHER! 100% Satisfaction Guarantee. Tracking provided on most orders. Buy with Confidence! Millions of books sold!
Book Reviews of Panzer Commander: The Memoirs of Colonel Hans von Luck
Book Review: A fascinating read!
Summary: 5 Stars
I had seen Hans von Lucks name in other books. When I saw he had a book I decided to pick it up.
I found it fascinating enough to want to write the man a letter. Sadly he passed in 1997.
Overall this book is reasonably balanced. He tries to tell his stories with an objective point of view. You will not see the glorification of Hitler, he does not write prejudicial views of Russians even though it could be argued he had good reason.
This is not a book analyzing battle tactics. It is a about the memories and experiences of a man who happened to be involved in the Battles of Poland, France, Eastern Front, Africa, D-Day, and the final attempt to stop the Russians at the Halbe. He spent time in the Gulags and was released. His release starts the book.
Some observations:
* He goes about describing himself as a guy doing his duty. However, he was part of the early officer corps and was at Hitler's early speeches. I wondered if he was avoiding the label of Nazi but considering how people went out their way to help him while at the Gulags and after the war. Never mind the fact that many of his former enemies befriended him; he had to be a decent guy.
* He mentions a meeting between Guderian and Rommel. He didn't know what they discussed but it would be fascinating to find out what they did talk about.
* He was very close with Rommel and it gives you insight to the man. It's interesting that he doesn't talk about events involving his death.
* The top reviewer said he didn't mention the attempt on Hitler's life. He in fact did and talked about Rommel telling him it would create a "Stab in the back" legend.
* He comes across as rather honorable as he changes names or does not give full names to people he thought would get in trouble or should be left alone.
* I found it interesting that during D-Day his group was to hold position and that Rommel had sent word to attack with everything. The message never made it to him other the other commanders. It makes you wonder what might have happened to the Para units if they were hit before they could organize their defenses.
* He talked about Operation Goodwood and how Monty claimed it served its purpose because it tied up 4 divisions and allowed the Americans to break through. Yet, captured Canadian soldiers said Monty told them they were going to go for Paris.
* He talked about a battle I didn't know about "The Battle for Hatten-Rittershoffen" A nasty affair that decimated his unit, the American 72nd Infantry division and the 14th Armored division. Two villages were leveled and nothing was accomplished.
* He has a few funny stories like the adjunct he ran a plate of food to him through a bombardment as he felt it was bad for the commander to have an empty stomach. He also talked about how he obtained and lost a wine collection and a Mercedes.
* He doesn't mention the fall of Hitler.
* He tries to give insight to the ways of the Russians and the Russian mindset.
As I mentioned he would have been a fascinating man to hear talk about his experiences. Luckily this book and a few videos will keep them around.
Summary of Panzer Commander: The Memoirs of Colonel Hans von Luck
A stunning look at World War II from the other side...From the turret of a German tank, Colonel Hans von Luck commanded Rommel's 7th and then 21st Panzer Division. El Alamein, Kasserine Pass, Poland, Belgium, Normandy on D-Day, the disastrous Russian front--von Luck fought there with some of the best soldiers in the world. German soldiers.
Awarded the German Cross in Gold and the Knight's Cross, von Luck writes as an officer and a gentleman. Told with the vivid detail of an impassioned eyewitness, his rare and moving memoir has become a classic in the literature of World War II, a first-person chronicle of the glory--and the inevitable tragedy--of a superb soldier fighting Hitler's war.
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