Casemate Publishing

Two Soldiers, Two Lost Fronts German War Diaries of the Stalingrad and North Africa Campaigns

by  Don A. Gregory and Wilhelm R. Gehlen

Reviewed By  Mike Hinderliter, IPMS# 45124

MSRP: $32.95 Format: Hardback 6 x 9 Pages 288 ISBN: 978-1-935149-05-7 Review copy courtesy of Casemate Publishing: www.casematepublishing.com This new book from Casemate Publishing is based on two WW II war time diaries that were recently found. The first is from the 23rd Panzer Div and there is no name attached to it. After reading it you get the feeling that you are reading the daily log from the unit. It is very fact oriented- We went here, we went there. Attacked by who , etc. It covers the unit's movements from April 1942. to March 1943. It is interesting but a little dry. The second diary is written by Rolf Krengel who served in Rommel's Afrika Korps. This diary seems to grip your attention better because there is more personal detail of what is happening, and you are able to put a face with the diary. He wrote about when he was hurt, went on leave, unit rumors, and the names of comrades who were injured or killed. He also wrote of what else was going on in other areas of the war from what they heard on the radio. This diary covers the beginning of the war to the end. Before each diary there is an introduction to let you know what was going on at the time the diary was written and at the end there is a timeline that includes all of the major military events that were happening around the world such as the major battles of the Pacific. I did enjoy reading this book because I have always been interested in WWII history. The first diary may be a little dry but is very informative. The second diary more than makes up for the first by having a more personal view, including an appendix with Krengel's obituary and post war activities. Thanks to IPMS USA and Tara Lichterman at Casemate publishing for letting me review this book.