Surgeon with the Kaiser's Army

The Author, a medical student at Freiburg University, enlisted in the German Army in 1914 and served on the Western Front, witnessing the horrors of aerial combat and treating wounded soldiers of all nationalities. His insights into the social, political, religious, economic, and medical aspects of war-time life are insightful, and the text is enhanced by contemporary photographs.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 176 pages
Publication date: 11 April 2022
Publisher: Pen & Sword Books Ltd

In 1914, the author abandoned his medical studies at Freiburg University to enlist in the German Army. He quickly found himself engaged in fierce hand-to-hand combat with the French, before transitioning to the Russian front. Despite his lack of qualifications and youthful age, he was promoted to the rank of medical officer. Despite his inexperience, he was assigned command of an ambulance train on the Western Front.

Westmann's duties included treating and operating on wounded soldiers of all nationalities and ranks, regardless of their rank or allegiance. He bravely rescued British and German soldiers from the trenches of the Somme after they were subjected to gas attacks. As medical officer to the German Air Force (von Richthofen Circus), Westmann had a front-row seat to witness the dangers and effects of aerial combat. He observed the British tank attacks at Cambrai firsthand.

Westmann's writing vividly portrays the realities of life and death on the front line, showcasing the carnage and humor that sustained soldiers from all nations. His insights into the social, political, religious, economic, and medical aspects of wartime life are particularly enlightening. The text is further enhanced by contemporary photographs that provide a visual context to the narrative.

Weight: 316g
Dimension: 234 x 158 x 15 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781399020282