Introduction

There are many personal accounts of World War II, but not many from the German perspective. This account gives a candid insight into the fight with the German SS against the Russians and the horrors encountered. This book published by Pen and Sword, is written by Mintauts Blosfelds and edited by Lisa Blosfelds (his daughter). It tells Mintauts story in his own words.

Review

This is a soft back book, containing 207 pages, with a section of glossy black and white photographs at its centre. Some of the entries are written in a diary style, while others are more detailed. The contents comprise of: List of maps, forward and acknowledgements, notes on the pronunciation of Latvian names, biographical note and an introduction to the six parts. These parts cover training, the Russian front, recovery, return to the Russian front, retreat from the Russians and prisoner of war.

This book gives a unique perspective of a defining time in world history, as there are not many books that give an insight of war from the other side. Having been given a stark choice of serve the SS or be shipped off to a forced labour camp, this is a honest and insightful personal story. Becoming a prisoner of war and being neglected by the Americans that he surrendered to, and having to find another country to call home. The book finishes with Mintaut’s entry into a displaced persons camp.

Conclusion

The part of the book that touched me the most is the biographical note from Lisa Blosfelds, giving her father’s history in her own words, from his time in Latvia to becoming a displaced person, coming to England, working in the coal mines of Yorkshire, marrying and raising a family.