Dr. Alois Beck "Bis Stalingrad"

[feldpost 58]

Hi,

I wonder if anyone on the forum has read this book?
I believe it was published (in German language only) in 1983, and is the history of the (I think) 257th Infantry Regiment.
Dr Beck was a Catholic Field Chaplain for this unit, and appears to also have written several other books; all about different aspects of Catholic theology.
Could anyone tell me if the book is illustrated. in particular with a photograph of the author?
I would love to buy a copy of this book if the author is pictured, as I have two feldpost letters and several photographs from Dr. Beck describing a funeral he presided over in Russia.
The letters are written to my mother of the 21 year old KIA, and I would love to "put a face to the name" of this Field Chaplain.
Have seen photographs of the book cover on some German antiquarian book sellers lists, but I do not want to spend 50+ Euro on the book if the Chaplain is not in the illustrations!
Hoping someone here can give me any further information - or perhaps a photo of the man himself?

Best wishes,

John.

[jmark]

The books is about 297. Infanterie-Division and it contains many excellent photos, including a lot in colour. And there are several photos of Beck. I have a photo album to an officer from this same division and it has a few photos showing Beck. If interested, I can post some. However, the book has far better photos of him, including one in full colour (if I'm not mistaken).

If you did not know, Beck was the division's unofficial photographer. His duties enabled him to travel from unit to unit within the division. He was also the one responsible for taking the colour photos.

All the best,
Jason Mark

[feldpost 58]

Hi Jason,

Many thanks for your very informative reply!
Have checked through the grouping with the Alois Beck letters, and you are indeed correct in stating his book is the history of the 297th Division.
The grouping has three award citations to the KIA soldier - Wound Badge in Black (dated 29/9/1941) when he was in 2nd Company, Infantary Regiment 522, Infantary Assault Badge (dated 2/11/1941) same unit and EK11 (dated 20/1/1942, which bears the stamp of the 297 Division.
The letters to the boy's (only 21) are on Dr Beck's letterheaded paper.
It looks as if I am going to have to buy the book now, which from your description sounds very interesting!
If you could find your way to post a photograph of Dr. Beck from your photo album in the mean time, I would be very grateful!
Thanks again for your very informative post!

Very best wishes,

John

[feldpost 58]

Hi,

Have finally received a copy of "Bis Stalingrad" by Dr. A Beck from a German bookshop in Leipzig via Abe Books for less than £35:00.
Has taken a good while to obtain a copy for a reasonable price, and I am pleased with my purchase.
Highly informative (in German language) account of the Division, with a good colour photograph of Dr. Beck himself!
At last a face to the name!
Now reading through the book, which has many recollections of events from a good many of divisional members of all ranks - with excellent photos.
Will be able to piece together what was happening on the day the soldier in my grouping died and later events for the men in this unit.
So pleased to have a photograph of (until now) an unknown letter writer and photographer who took the time to write and send pics to a family in despair.
This, to me is what makes this hobby so interesting, although Dr. Beck is not how I imagined him to be.

Best wishes,

John.