The Forgotten Soldier

Synopsis

An international bestseller, this is a German soldier's first-hand account of life on Russian front during the second half of the Second World War.

When Guy Sajer joins the infantry full of ideals in the summer of 1942, the German army is enjoying unparalleled success in Russia. However, he quickly finds that for the foot soldier the glory of military success hides a much harsher reality of hunger, fatigue and constant deprivation. Posted to the crack Grosse Deutschland division, with its sadistic instructors who shoot down those who fail to make the grade, he enters a violent and remorseless world where all youthful hope is gradually ground down, and all that matters is the brute will to survive. As the biting cold of the Russian winter sets in, and the tide begins to turn against the Germans, life becomes an endless round of pounding artillery attacks and vicious combat against a relentless and merciless Red Army. A book of stunning force, this is an unforgettable reminder of the horrors of war.

Summary

Chapter 1: The Forgotten Front

* Introduction to the Eastern Front during World War II, often neglected in Western accounts of the conflict.
* Example: The Battle of Stalingrad (1942-1943), a pivotal turning point in the war on the Eastern Front that resulted in heavy casualties for both sides.

Chapter 2: The Soldiers' War

* Explores the experiences and motivations of ordinary soldiers on the Eastern Front.
* Example: Ivan Pankratov, a Soviet peasant who joined the Red Army in 1941 and fought through the war.

Chapter 3: The Clash of Ideologies

* Examines the ideological clash between the Soviet Union and Nazi Germany, which fueled the intensity of the fighting on the Eastern Front.
* Example: The Commissar Order issued by Nazi Germany, which instructed troops to execute Soviet political officers captured in battle.

Chapter 4: Total War

* Describes the devastating effects of the Eastern Front, including mass civilian casualties, famine, and the destruction of infrastructure.
* Example: The Siege of Leningrad (1941-1944), where more than one million civilians died as a result of starvation and disease.

Chapter 5: The Road to Victory

* Chronicles the Soviet counteroffensive that ultimately led to victory and the liberation of Eastern Europe.
* Example: The Battle of Kursk (1943), the largest tank battle in history that marked a turning point in the war.

Chapter 6: The Human Cost

* Examines the enormous human cost of the Eastern Front, focusing on the millions of lives lost and the long-term impact on societies.
* Example: The Soviet Union lost approximately 27 million people in the war, more than any other country.

Chapter 7: The Legacy of the Forgotten Front

* Discusses the historical significance of the Eastern Front and its continued relevance in shaping the post-war world.
* Example: The Cold War, which was heavily influenced by the divisions created during the Eastern Front campaign.

Chapter 8: The Forgotten Soldiers

* Highlights the stories of individual soldiers who fought on the Eastern Front and their efforts to preserve the memory of their experiences.
* Example: Aleksei Pyatibratov, a Soviet veteran who dedicated his life to sharing his wartime experiences with younger generations.

Conclusion

* Emphasizes the importance of remembering the sacrifices and struggles of the forgotten soldiers of the Eastern Front.
* Calls for a broader understanding of World War II and its impact on the world.