Gents, I recently read the book "Hitler's Commander, Field Marshall Walther Model - Hitler's Favourite General"...Despite being a prominent senior commander in the wehrmacht, I had not strong understanding of Model's backrground (where he came from) nor his capability as a commander. I had, of course, heard the conventional wisdom that he was a devout nazi in theory and practice and as such was Hitler's so-called "Fireman". Perhaps the latter is true in that he was sent to "fix" many a tough situation in both the Eastern and later in the Western theatres. Though as the book presents it is unclear as to whether Model was as committed a Nazi or sycophantic 'Yes-Man' as is often suggested.
The book reviews, as well as probably can be done without the benefit of a greater volume of documentation...much of which was destroyed by Model himslef before he committed suicide, the early career and military vicissitudes of Model. The book is well contexted in respect of many credible sources well-known and others not so well-known, including the War Diaries of the formations, command and staff roles to which he was appointed. It reviews Models story through analysing many documents and informal communications (German and Soviet) in reaching its conclusions and/or comparisons. The book is well worth reading as it presents a very clear, well supported 'story' of the career and learnings of Model, from his entry into service of the Great German General Staff, describing how he was afforded the textbook path to the highest ranks of the German High Command, at least in as much as the orthodoxy of the Deutches Heer was concerned. I recommend this book to all with an interest in German Generalship and the dynamics of the high command in the Third Reich.
Given the weight and clarity of evidence that is provided by Steven H. Newton it is unlikely that anyone will read it without having had their understanding, and perhaps opinion, of Model changed if not transformed. I'd be very interested in any comments that anyone has on this topic?
Cheers, S
The book reviews, as well as probably can be done without the benefit of a greater volume of documentation...much of which was destroyed by Model himslef before he committed suicide, the early career and military vicissitudes of Model. The book is well contexted in respect of many credible sources well-known and others not so well-known, including the War Diaries of the formations, command and staff roles to which he was appointed. It reviews Models story through analysing many documents and informal communications (German and Soviet) in reaching its conclusions and/or comparisons. The book is well worth reading as it presents a very clear, well supported 'story' of the career and learnings of Model, from his entry into service of the Great German General Staff, describing how he was afforded the textbook path to the highest ranks of the German High Command, at least in as much as the orthodoxy of the Deutches Heer was concerned. I recommend this book to all with an interest in German Generalship and the dynamics of the high command in the Third Reich.
Given the weight and clarity of evidence that is provided by Steven H. Newton it is unlikely that anyone will read it without having had their understanding, and perhaps opinion, of Model changed if not transformed. I'd be very interested in any comments that anyone has on this topic?
Cheers, S
Comment