Sieg Heil!: War Letters of Tank Gunner Karl Fuchs, 1937-41

English (translation)
Original German

This selection of some 200 letters written by a young German school teacher and sergeant in an armoured division provides an unusual and touching view of history from the bottom up. The letters are to Fuchs's parents and young bride, mostly dating from his military training, occupation service in conquered France, and the beginning of the campaign in Russia. The letters are full of patriotism, enthusiasm for the Third Reich, desire to prove oneself in battle, and yearnings for family and home, written by an intelligent but provincial idealist and romantic. On rare occasions ugly comments about Jews, Bolsheviks, and English "dogs" are excessively chauvinistic. Showalter's comments and notes are helpful, connecting Fuchs's situation with larger events. For interested laypersons as well as specialists. James B. Street, Santa Cruz P.L., Cal.
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc.