Facing the Red Army in Festung Posen: First-Hand Accounts of German Soldiers on the Eastern Front in 1945

Facing the Red Army in Festung Posen is a collection of two German soldier's memoirs that provide details about the battles for Festung Posen in 1945. Both accounts are different, representing different branches of the armed forces and taking place in different parts of the city. What separates the two accounts the most is the fate of the heroes immediately after the battle, with Klapa describing his epic struggle to avoid being captured by the enemy.

Format: Hardback
Length: 200 pages
Publication date: 30 September 2023
Publisher: Pen & Sword Books Ltd

Facing the Red Army in Festung Posen is a captivating collection of firsthand accounts that delves into the intense battles for Festung Posen (Pozna? Fortress) in January and February 1945. These previously unpublished narratives, penned by Hans Klapa immediately after the war in 1946 and Alfred Kriehn in the early 1990s, offer invaluable insights into the course of this pivotal conflict.

Hans Klapa's memoir, written with unwavering immediacy, provides a detailed account of the battle, encompassing the armaments of the German garrison, their morale, and poignant firsthand descriptions of the bloody street fighting. While Klapa's perspective is limited to the eastern part of the city, Alfred Kriehn's memoir offers a broader view, capturing the intense combat on the western side.

What sets these two accounts apart is their unique perspective, stemming from their respective branches of the armed forces and their experiences in different parts of the city. Hans Klapa's memoir vividly depicts his solitary struggle in the eastern part, where he fought valiantly to avoid falling into the enemy's hands and being taken prisoner by the Soviets. His determination and resilience are truly awe-inspiring, as he recounts his epic months-long journey to evade capture.

In contrast, Alfred Kriehn's memoir offers a different perspective, showcasing the bravery and camaraderie of his comrades on the western side. His account reveals the challenges and hardships faced by the German soldiers as they battled against overwhelming odds. Kriehn's memoir also sheds light on the strategic decisions made by the German command and the impact of Soviet artillery on the battlefield.

Through their narratives, Hans Klapa and Alfred Kriehn bring the reader closer to the human cost of war. Their stories remind us of the bravery and sacrifice of those who fought in World War II, and their memories continue to inspire and educate us today. Facing the Red Army in Festung Posen is a testament to the resilience and determination of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781399061759