these are the memoirs of Bruno J Trappmann , he was a communist (though his family were rather well off ) who was called up in 1940 for service in the Wehrmact , sent to fight on the Eastern front he was wounded twice before deserting and going underground in 1943 . He then seemed to live very well whilst pretending to be a wounded soldier on leave ,post war he was under American occupation dabbling in the black market . When the Russians --- his fellow communists moved in , he wasn t keen and promptly legged it to Western Germany . This guy was a coward who used his alleged communist sympathys to explain his desertion ! He was tricky ,unprincipled and a scumbag
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C'mon Terry, don't sugar coat it. Tell us how you really feel.pseudo-expert -
So should he have died at the front like a good Nazi? Because being a dead hero is an awesome way to spend your time. Especially in such a bitter, spiteful and hate fueled conflict--- a true cauldron of misery and horror.Originally posted by Terry OToole View Post
It's a shame the German army wasn't full of guys like him.
Personally, I'd find it impossible to fight for a country which executed it's way through Poland and Russia or any other country. The average freedom hating Nazi would've drove me bonkers.
So roughly, he fought and was wounded twice fighting for a regime known for being evil. Deserted and survived the war. He then saw for himself communism was bad--- skipped to the West and wrote a book after living many years in a democratic country and probably raised a freedom loving family. I'd have beer with him.
Cheers.
JamieComment
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Thanks
Hi Terry,
thanks for the review, sounds like one to avoid and save some money on! You're clearly an avid reader and I for one value your reviews and the time you take to post them.
Jamie - hopefully you would also refuse to fight for Stalin (who murdered more people than Hitler even though he was on our side). Of course it would cost you your life, which I'm sure you would sacrifice in a heartbeat on principle.
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Originally posted by PaulW View PostHi Terry,
thanks for the review, sounds like one to avoid and save some money on! You're clearly an avid reader and I for one value your reviews and the time you take to post them.
Jamie - hopefully you would also refuse to fight for Stalin (who murdered more people than Hitler even though he was on our side). Of course it would cost you your life, which I'm sure you would sacrifice in a heartbeat on principle.
Yes, I'd disappear from Stalins army too. Who killed more people is widely known--- both parties were murderers and the entire period was an horrific footnote to mankinds time on the planet.
Btw sacrificing yourself for good, is far better than sacrificing yourself for Hitler and Stalin. To die for either of those men and their causes is a waste. There is no glory in dying for evil.
Cheers,
JamieComment
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for me ,it was this guys total disregard for his comrades still at the front . How he applauded every crushing defeat and massive losses the Russians inflicted , c mon these were your erstwhile comrades ! He never mentions them! He was no communist he just used that title to excuse his betrayel , he was too busy feathering his own nest with his black market activities . A book review is an individual thing , I m not a professional and this is my review and I ll stick to it .If you don t like it read the book and do one of your own
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Hi mate,Originally posted by Terry OToole View Postfor me ,it was this guys total disregard for his comrades still at the front . How he applauded every crushing defeat and massive losses the Russians inflicted , c mon these were your erstwhile comrades ! He never mentions them! He was no communist he just used that title to excuse his betrayel , he was too busy feathering his own nest with his black market activities . A book review is an individual thing , I m not a professional and this is my review and I ll stick to it .If you don t like it read the book and do one of your own
I'm not criticizing you--- but I'm sure you know that
The title is "I deserted Hitler" and he did!--- and who knows maybe his fellow comrades were rabid Nazi's, maybe not? I haven't read the book and based on your criticism I probably wont (your review was fine in that respect). The only thing that intrigues me is this, how did he evade the Gestapo?
I did take reproach at your calling him a coward. Every man has to face himself at the end, and be the honest judge of his own actions. Maybe he was, who knows???? The Eastern front was murderous torture.
Cheers,
JamieComment
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no probs mate , he calls himself a coward, as for how he evaded the Gestapo and Field Police ,they didn t seem to be as efficient as we are told !He had a couple of close calls and though he was masquerading as a wounded soldier (he hardly hid away , drinking in bars ,and chasing the women )he had no papers He comes over as a not very likable type with no morals (not just about his army service) When the Russians took over he volunteered himself for the big job he thought was his right as a communist , but they didn t want to know him and took away all the rented properties his mother owned , he then carried on with his dodgy activities on the black market often at the expense of his fellow citizens As a footnote he does say that most of his army mates were not Nazi sOriginally posted by muzrub View PostHi mate,
I'm not criticizing you--- but I'm sure you know that
The title is "I deserted Hitler" and he did!--- and who knows maybe his fellow comrades were rabid Nazi's, maybe not? I haven't read the book and based on your criticism I probably wont (your review was fine in that respect). The only thing that intrigues me is this, how did he evade the Gestapo?
I did take reproach at your calling him a coward. Every man has to face himself at the end, and be the honest judge of his own actions. Maybe he was, who knows???? The Eastern front was murderous torture.
Cheers,
JamieComment
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It appears he's just a Prick!Originally posted by Terry OToole View Post
I look forward to the next review.
Cheers,
Jamie.Comment
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