German divisional histories - quality and availability

[Ken S.]

Here's a listing currently on abebooks:

Bittere Pflicht: Kampf und Untergang der 76. Berlin-Brandenburgischen Infanterie-Division; + Nachtrag zu "Bittere Pficht" Bände 1 - 6 komplett., Unter Mitarb. d. Chronisten Fritz Bente .
Löser, Jochen:
Published by Osnabrück: Biblio-Verlag,, 1988
1 UsedfromUS$ 576.94

Description:

XVIII, 598 S.; SW-Abbildungen; Nachträge sind unpaginiert, je ca. 100 S. Bucheinband fleckig; Kanten berieben; Besitzerstempel auf Vorsatz wurde geschwärzt; wenige Anstreichungen; 2 Bände der Nachträge mit Besitzerstempel auf Schmutztitel; Einbände und Schnitt teilweise fleckig; Bei Band 2 ist die Ecke etwas geknickt. Die Nachträge enthalten alle Beiträge und Manuskripte, die für das Buch eingesandt wurden, aber nicht oder nicht vollständig im Hauptbuch abgedruckt wurden. Sprache: de Gewicht in Gramm: 8900 25 cm, Hardcover/Pappeinband; 29 cm, Softcover/Paperback. Bookseller Inventory # 18127

I finally have 76 Infanterie Division's history Bittere Pflicht, which cost me an arm and a leg (c.100 Euros) The good news is that it joins the pantheon of the very best divisional histories with a detailed narrative and loads of first-person material. Outstanding. If you don't mind biting the bullet on cost, definitely worth having.

[Urmel]

Looks like a good investment Richard.

[sotek85]

Hi, I'm new here and found all your comments in regards to the varying quality of books fascinating.

Does anyone have a list of some Divisional historians that are written in English that they would recommend? My wifes great uncle served (and died) in the 5. Jäger Division so I am halfway through translating that to English, but it has piqued my interest in reading other units histories. Translating the current book is quite slow, so im not willing to sign myself up for more punishment just yet. Also I saw a mention of a book about the 14. Infantry Regiment (“Infanterie Und Sturm-Regiment 14 im Zweiten Weltkrieg”) is there a translation floating about for this?

[krichter33]

Sotek, where you planning on publishing the translation of the 5. Jäger Division book when you are finished?

[sotek85]

Hi Krichter,
To be honest I don’t know. It started as something just for family history, but I’d love to share the information within as its enthralling as you usually don’t get this sort of view (obviously if you’ve ready other Division histories you would). I havent really looked into the legal side of this, however I am assuming that there would be some copyright issues if I published a translated work, but if anyone has any insight here I would love to hear it. I have already translated two other works on the Division and I would love to publish those as well.
Thanks
Greg

[Michate]

Reinicke's history of the 5th Jäger-Division is one of my favourite divisional histories. It is particularly useful on the role of the artillery, a usually neglected topic.

[krichter33]

I'm still learning German, so any English translation is greatly welcomed! As far as legal issues, I don't know what type of copyrights exist, but I'm sure there are...

[Urmel]

You'll have to get in touch with the publisher of the current edition, and they can then tell you if they hold translation rights (in which case you might be able to make a deal with them) and/or who the holder of the copyright is (in which case you might be able to make a deal with them). I think you wouldn't even be allowed to publish it for free as a translation without the copyright holder's agreement.

[battleofassche]

Hi, I'm currently researching the Battle of Assche May 18 1940, Belgium. My Dad fought in the battle and his MK VIb was KOed in Assche on Stationstraat. I have the usual sources for the Allies, war diaries, regimental histories, personal accounts, Belgium eye witness reports, streetview info, old photos from German soldiers etc. But not much for the German actions during the battle. 19ID IR74 and 73 were involved. I am interested in any personal accounts by Germans. I have some pages from A. Wasners regimental history of IR74, but not much here.

I was told that:

Knobelsdorff, Otto von, Geschichte der niedersächsischen 19. Panzer-Division 1939 - 1945 , 1986

had a couple of pages on the battle. I was wondering if anyone had this book and would be willing to scan the few pages. The book is available from some for 55-60 euros. Which is a little steep for 1 or 2 pages that might have some information.

I have been posting some accounts of the battle as I dig up stuff at:

http://ww2talk.com/forums/topic/58129-1 ... sse/page-4

See posts #100 to #104 for some examples.

Thanks for any help or suggestions on other sources.

Cheers Steve

[Jan-Hendrik]

A newer one on 1.Marine-Infanterie-Division:

An den Ufern der Oder:Genesis eines Kriegsendes

by Bernd Bölscher

Haven't got it yet...

Jan-Hendrik

[Richard Hargreaves]

I have. Excellent book based on KTBs and personal TBs mainly. A good investment

[Jan-Hendrik]

Bonjour, old Friend,

Seems I have to get it, thank you!

Jan-Hendrik

[Jan-Hendrik]

Just got Ritgen's history of Panzerlehr for.....





6,05€ at E-Bay!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Good Sunday, my friends!

Now a bottle of wine on it

Jan-Hendrik

[krichter33]

"Ghost Division" the new 11. Panzer Division history by Ganz from Stackpole books in now available. I haven't read it yet, but going through it reveals it to be very detailed, based on a lot of primary archival sources...

[ViKinG]

Ganz's Ghost Division is an excellent read, I picked it up last month. Highly recommended.