Germans Speak out on World War II: Book 1

Discover a Unique Perspective on WWII with Donald Yates' Newest Book, Germans Speak Out on World War II. For history enthusiasts and those fascinated by the untold stories of war, Donald Yates' latest book,

Germans Speak Out on World War II, offers a compelling and unique perspective on one of the most pivotal events in human history. This book delivers firsthand accounts from German soldiers, officers, and civilians who lived through the chaos of World War II, offering readers a rare glimpse into the thoughts and emotions of those on the other side of the battlefield. What sets Germans Speak Out on World War II apart is the breadth of voices captured within its pages. Yates has painstakingly gathered testimonies from individuals spanning all ranks of the German military—from the lowest private on the frontlines to some of the highest-ranking officers just below Adolf Hitler.

These men, who were prisoners of the Allied forces during the war, reflect on their experiences, the war’s outcome, and the ultimate collapse of the Nazi regime. The personal nature of these interviews brings an unfiltered rawness to the narrative. Readers will hear stories of soldiers grappling with defeat, guilt, and the overwhelming destruction that came in the wake of Nazi Germany’s ambitions.

This collection does not shy away from difficult topics, delving into the moral dilemmas faced by German servicemen, their views on Hitler’s leadership, and the heavy price paid by civilians caught in the crossfire. For anyone interested in exploring World War II from a lesser-known angle, Germans Speak Out on World War II provides a rare opportunity to hear directly from those who lived through it. testimonies make this book a must-read.

SOURCE: German Infantry corporal captured Italy, Italy, 27 September l944.
“The German Luftwaffe is still something to be reckoned with. It lacks only fuel. But for this shortage, my brother-in-law in the Luftwaffe tells me we would have won long ago. We have three times many planes as the Americans, the fliers say, and at least three pilots for every plane. And our V-3 will bring the war to New York and Washington.”

SOURCE: German Second Lieutenant of Engineers captured at AQUINO, 20 May 1944, expresses his fear of the Poles.
“Their hatred of us is understandable. You know what we did in 1939. How we behaved in WARSAW. We made ourselves comfortable, killed their women and children, and smashed and stole everything we could lay hands on. One can understand all right why they hate us."

SOURCE: Twenty-Four-year-old Lieutenant in German Air Force, shot down off CORSICA, 5/6 August 1944.
“Wretched, unhappy Germany. It will be at least 30 years before we can wage another war!”

SOURCE: Geraman Infantry Sergeant-Major taken prisoner at FORLI, 8 November 1944.
“I bet my commanding officer was one of the first to dessert with his whole battalion. He used to say my friends at the first opportunity we are going over to the Allies.”

SOURCE: Austrian Private, truck driver, captured in Southern France, 30 August 1944.
“I experienced an attack by Allied fighter-bombers on a convoy near LORIOL on 25 August 1944. The drivers were frightened but after ten minutes they were back on the job. We feared fighter-bombers the most when they machine-gunned us because of their accuracy. “