German soldiers served from the invasion of Poland in 1939 to Germany's surrender in 1945 and survived to tell their stories. These soldiers were part of the Wehrmacht (the unified armed forces of Nazi Germany), and after the war, many of them shared their experiences in books, interviews, and documentaries.
Soldiers Who Served Through the Entire War
During the early stages of the war, many German soldiers were initially involved in the blitzkrieg (lightning war) tactics that led to quick victories in Poland, France, and other parts of Europe. As the war dragged on, however, the experience of soldiers varied greatly depending on where they were deployed, their rank, and the specific battles they fought in.
Eastern Front: Soldiers who fought on the Eastern Front faced some of the most brutal and destructive fighting of the entire conflict. The war against the Soviet Union was characterized by large-scale battles, extreme weather conditions, and significant casualties. Some soldiers, particularly those who were not at the front lines, managed to survive these horrors and make it through to the end of the war.
Western Front: Many soldiers who fought on the Western Front, including in France, Italy, and later in Germany itself, were also involved in long, grueling battles. As Allied forces pushed into Germany, some soldiers were captured by the Americans, British, or Soviets, while others fought in defense of their homeland. Some were eventually taken as prisoners of war, while others managed to survive and avoid capture.
Survival Stories: A number of German soldiers survived the war and went on to become prominent authors or participants in interviews. For example, Erich von Manstein, a German field marshal, was captured by the Allies but eventually released after the war and lived until 1973. Another example is Günter Grass, the Nobel laureate, who served as a soldier during the war and later wrote about his experiences in the novel The Tin Drum.
Additionally, soldiers who fought in more peripheral theaters of war, such as in North Africa, the Balkans, or the Mediterranean, also managed to survive and return home after Germany's defeat. These men often had different experiences compared to those fighting on the more brutal Eastern or Western Fronts.
Post-War Narratives
After the war, many German veterans told their stories through books and memoirs. Some of these accounts were highly critical of the Nazi regime and its leadership, while others were more focused on personal survival and the brutal conditions that soldiers faced.
For example:
Wilhelm Tieke, who served in the German Army throughout the war, wrote extensively about his experiences, particularly during the battles in the Soviet Union and later during the defense of Germany.
Oskar Dirlewanger, although infamous for his involvement in the SS, also survived the war and became a figure of historical interest, though his post-war life was controversial.
Many of these survivors found it difficult to reconcile their actions during the war with the aftermath, leading to a period of reflection and, in some cases, remorse. Some soldiers were reluctant to talk about their roles, particularly if they were involved in war crimes or atrocities, while others, like Rüdiger Overmans, a historian who served in the German military, have contributed significantly to the research on World War II and the experiences of German soldiers.