Feldgrau.net

I have just obtained this photo with some Hungarians and Germans. The Germans are wearing the three-buckle laced boots, which indicates that they probably aren't serving in a frontline unit. The Hungarian sergeant in the center has a curious blend of uniform insigina: Hungarian collar patches, Germa...

I've started a blog, World War 2 in Photos, where I post original photos taken by German soldiers before and during WW2. Welcome and have a look!

Could it be Apt Pupil?

The third best Stalingrad movie since 1993! OK, there's only been three... Absolutely dreadful. Poor script, unengaging characters, slow motion in every effing battle scene (Peckinpah, come back!), forgettable score... Only bright points were the sets and uniforms. 3/10. Some silly stuff (slight spo...

Nice to hear him tell his story. We are fortunate to have veterans who can tell us how it was.

It was to have one of the best Tiger replicas built, but production problems and time constraints forced them to use some fantasy tank instead. Here's a trailer.

If you remember reading Hassel as a schoolboy, then you must read "Achtung Schweinehund!: A Boy's Own Story of Imaginary Combat" by Harry Pearson. The author's autobiographical account of growing up in Britain during the 70s and early 80s is a hoot. He writes at length about the influence...

Well, the author's website doesn't mention any reprint, nor any details on the fourth volume.

And the submarine commander was awarded "Hero of the Soviet Union" for this deed. Makes the word "hero" rather meaningless, doesn't it? It's the "of the Soviet Union" that puts it in perspective... While the sub captain couldn't know that there were that many civilians...

This is what Lexikon der Wehrmacht has to say about the unit: Veterinär-Ersatz-Abteilung 2 Veterinär-Ersatz- und Ausbildungs-Abteilung 2 Die Abteilung wurde am 3. März 1941 in Deutsch-Krone, im Wehrkreis II, aufgestellt. Die Abteilung unterstand direkt dem Korpsveterinär vom stellvertretenden Genera...

Yes, those are known facts. Still, no German combat units were allowed to rest and refit on Swedish territory. Your cousin's memory must be faulty on this issue.

Victory Was Beyond Their Grasp by forum member Doug Nash has received favourable reviews.

From comments I've read elsewhere, Hassel's books were often taken as true when the reader was in his teens. Some have grown up since then, others still regard them as basically true, while some file them under "guilty pleasure". From comments I've seen over the years, it is my impression ...

I believe the outfit was pulled out to Sweden for rest/refit and re-inserted by boat/prahm landings. Er... Sweden was neutral, and no German soldiers had been allowed to enter Swedish territory since August 1943. Only one division was allowed to relocate via Sweden (163 ID), and that was prior to O...

Sven Hassel has popped the clogs, aged 95. The myth will live on - next year, it is 60 years since the purportedly autobiographical "Legion of the Damned" was published. Article in Danish.