Panzer Commander is one of the classic memoirs of the Second World War. A professional soldier; Hans von Luck joined the Panzerwaffe in its earliest days; where he served under Erwin Rommel; and went on to fight in the Blitzkrieg in Poland; France and the Soviet Union. He then served with the Afrika Korps in the Western Desert; and tells of the sometimes chivalrous relationship with the British 8th Army.After the collapse in Africa; he returned to Europe and fought throughout the Normandy campaign; and was responsible for the failure of the British breakout attempt; Operation ‘Goodwood’. He then took part in the final desperate battles on the Eastern Front. Captured by the Soviets at the end of the war; he was held for five years in a prison camp in the Caucasus. After the war; he formed friendships with those who had been his opponents during it; including Major John Howard; who had led the capture of Pegasus Bridge in Normandy.With a new preface by the author’s widow; this unique and valuable account of one man’s war and its aftermath is required reading for all those interested in the Second World War.
#1878258 in Books LEONAUR 2006-03-30Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.50 x .43 x 5.51l; .54 #File Name: 1846770475188 pagesISBN13: 9781846770470Condition: NewNotes: BRAND NEW FROM PUBLISHER! 100% Satisfaction Guarantee. Tracking provided on most orders. Buy with Confidence! Millions of books sold!
Review
7 of 7 people found the following review helpful. Are we reading the same book?By Simon BullThis memoir of an ordinary soldier of the 95th-the Rifles-is one of probably less than ten first-hand accounts written by members of that regiment concerning the Napoleonic Wars.So it's value is indisputable and obvious to anyone interested in the subject.It is not edited by Hibbert or anyone else.It represents the original Curling record of Harris's verbal story.This edition contains an overview by Sir John Fortescue-one of the principal historians of the history of the British Army.It also contains an introduction by the publisher and additional extracts from books published by Leonaur which also concern the Rifles in this period. Whilst unedited;Harris's text here has been 'organised' by the publisher to make it a more cohesive and accessible work.Leading Peninsular War historian Ian Robertson has adopted this format for his work on Harris for a new Spanish language edition and he has acknowledged this publisher within it for their contribution.Over all this probably makes this edition near to definitive at the moment.It is available in hardcover too which some editions are not.For the confused-It is a history book : not a work of fiction.It also lacks whistles;bells and flashing lights-but then you can't have everything!3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. Vivid Memoirs of a Rifleman in the Napoleonic WarsBy danny boyThese memoirs were only recently published by another publisher with an overview written by Christopher Hibbert (noted Historian). The overview puts into context these memoirs by Benjamin Harris; a soldier of the 95th Rifles who served briefly in Spain and Walcheren during the Napoleonic wars.Harris is a great raconteur and his stories are nicely recorded by one Capt Curling. The anecdotes are sometimes rambling but they do convey a sense of what soldiering on campaign must have been like. The mortality rate is terrific and Harris appeared to have led a charmed life.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. A cobbler with no bootsBy conjunctionIf you want to learn about the military strategy of the time you will learn nothing from reading this book. You will however learn of the conditions of English soldiery at the time; and of the experience of warfare. What strikes me in particular is the extreme lack of food; drink and clothing especially boots which they had to contend with. A marvellous book; as good as any war memoirs I have ever read.
