BAYERLEIN FROM AFRIKAKORPS TO PANZER LEHR THE LIFE OF ROMMEL'S CHIEF-OF-STAFF GENERALLEUTNANT FRITZ BAYERLEIN

Book Type: C, O

By P.A. Spayd. This book is the first and only comprehensive biography of the life of Bayerlein. Bayerlein is often quoted - and equally criticized - for his military failures and successes. His experiences with Guderian in the invasion of Poland, France and Russia, along with North Africa, Hungary, Normandy and the Ruhr cover six years of intense war. During the Russian winter of 1943-1944, Bayerlein commanded the famous Berlin-Brandenburg 3rd Panzer Division. Officers and soldiers describe his battle experiences and provide valuable insight into the character and personality of this highly unusual panzer general. In addition, Spayd has edited many of the military manuscripts, articles and correspondence Bayerlein wrote which serve as the backbone of many of the chapters. In the process Bayerlein tells his own story and shows his feelings and frustrations on fighting a war of useless bloodshed. The author has researched Bayerlein's life for many years, discovering documents and photographs in military archives, visiting his friends, comrades and neighbors, learning about his early years, and family life. The author also had the cooperation and help of Beayerlein's nephew who shared intimate details of his uncle's life - including many family and behind the scenes war photos. Over 340 photographs, most previously unpublished, and twenty maps make this book a valuable addition to any military library. This is the first in a multi-volume work planned on Bayerlein. 288 pp.