IN THE HELL OF FORTRESS POZNAN: First-Hand Accounts of German Soldiers on the Eastern Front in 1945

1-253690

Contains three first-hand accounts. Oberleutnant Heinrich Lohse's memoir details his time as a training officer at the 5th Wehrmacht Infantry School in Poznan. When the battle for the city began, he led a reserve battle group and commanded the fortress headquarters' last defense. Leutnant Jonny Neuwirth recounts his role in the battle of Poznan. After being wounded, he describes the dire conditions in military hospitals, his attempted escape and his experience of being captured by the Polish militia and taken into Soviet captivity. Details his suffering and that of his fellow German soldiers under a ruthless enemy, highlighting the brutal reality of war and its aftermath. Kurt F. Lange, a pre-war German citizen of Poznan and former Polish Army soldier, faced persecution due to his origins. Offers detailed battle accounts from across the besieged city, culminating in the Citadel's defense. Captured, he narrowly escaped execution after being identified as a member of the Waffen-SS. Contains 140 mono illustrations.