GOD, HONOR, FATHERLAND: A Photo History of Panzergrenadier Division "Grossdeutschland" on the Eastern Front 1942-1944

I purchased this excellent volume last Sept, but am only now getting to read it due to having moved house. May I just start with a caveat, which is that I am an enthusiastic reader of WW2 accounts and indeed much of the political life of the first half of C20th Europe, but I have not before been a fan of what I had seen as "coffee-table books". That is to say, books like this -- large format, lots of pictures and (I imagined) light on both campaign strategy and even battlefield tactics, to say nothing of an analysis of the larger picture.This history of a great Regiment has changed my view. I recognise that perhaps this type of publication caters to readers who have a slightly different angle than me. Folk interested in more intricate details of types of vehicle, weapons, uniforms etc as well as ranks and awards; in reading this book, I have gained an appreciation for at least some of these things. Especially do I mentally stand to attention when seeing a photo of a courageous soldier receiving an award in the field. I am grateful to this book that moments such as this are right there in visible record before me, and I salute such men as their comrades did back then. The potted biographies/short 'snapshots' of soldiers of all ranks in the Großdeutschland are similarly appreciated, indeed all aspects of life at the Front or in training reserves.So I have given this book full marks, perhaps because it has taught me something. It has not repudiated the world of words, but has shown me how an illustrated account such as this can and indeed has enhanced my understanding. As another reviewer has said, I do believe I will return to this book and glean yet more from it.

Not just another mundane collection of photos, this book is perhaps one of the best volumes in English regarding German soldiers, and especially the GD Division. The captions cast light on many arcance areas of study - uniforms, organization, history, tactics - and all the details are consistently correct and well researched. The only minor nit I was able to find is the mis-captioning of an NCO equivalent beamten as a "Hauptmann" - (p. 114)Overall, a thoroughly excellent photographic record, with emphasis on naming photo subjects (a very nice touch). Of course, as with any collection of WW II photos, most of the pictures in this book are obviously posed, and there is nothing in the way of "real action" shots. This is not a drawback, and few "real action" shots were taken during the war by any of the combatants.There are also some excellent biographical sketches of Knight' Cross winners and unit commanders.

I've had this book now for about five years and I have to say it's probably the best photo history of the German Army (whether single unit or campaign/theater focused) during WWII that I own, and I own dozens, if not well over a hundred at this point! The clarity and reproduction quality of most of the pictures is stunning, and the text and captions are actually very informative and well written. The layout is well done and attractive. I can't tell you how many times I've picked up this book and discovered another hidden detail that I missed before, whether of uniforms or equipment, or unit markings and insignia. I seem to learn something new every time I read or peruse it. Much better than the Helmut Spaeter/Schiffer GD photohistory, where the photo reproduction as well as selection is very poor. If you are interested in the Grossdeutschland Division, or the Wehrmacht Heer in general, buy this book!

A great picture history of the Panzer grenadier Division Großdeutschland. It doesn't just have pictures of which there is alot but it also has texts describing the campaigns and operations that it was a part of. Now apparently there aren't pictures for every campaign they were involved in for example operation citadel no pictures at all. Also good biographies of the commanders and NCOs of the division, and also good picture captions. Overall a great book highly recommended, it would be great if the same was possible for some Russian or American divisions.

as expected

This book is a treasure, full of sharp photos, short but insightful biographies, and concise unit histories. Captions are detailed and informative, large format pages, photos of soldiers and equipment I've never seen before. Belongs on the shelf of every serious WWII historian and model builder alike.

An excellent book and well worth the price. Excellent dust cover, hardback, photos and text. I am very pleased. the photos alone will provide many hours of enjoyment and are worthy of detail study. Haven't read all the text yet but what I have read is well written and informative without boring you to death. Just very pleased.

This is an outstanding pictorial history of Panzergrenadier Division "Großdeutschland" for the period 1942-1944. I liked it so much I bought a second copy as a backup just in case something happens to the first one. Highly recommended.

Fabulous picture history of this elite regiment. Others have expressed better than me in their reviews. So many pics I have never seen before. Anyone with an interest in the WW2 German Panzer Elite will love it

Das Buch ist zwar auf englisch geschrieben, aber allein die hervorragenden Bilder machen es zu einer wertvollen Quelle für alle die sich für diese Zeit interessieren. Vor allem die Auswahl der Bilder und der Themen in diesem Buch geben einen sehr vielseitigen Einblick in das Leben und Kämpfen der Division Großdeutschland. Das die Autoren Amerikaner sind empfinde ich insofern als positiv, dass man hier nicht mit Landser-Romantik oder gar braunem Gedankengut zugemüllt wird sondern nüchtern und doch faszinierend einen kleinen Ausschnitt aus dieser Zeit erhält. Das ausgewählte Bildmaterial und die Texte heben sich sehr positiv von der Qualität ähnlicher Publikationen ab.

日本語版も持ってるので、内容の良さ、写真のすばらしさは知っていた。英語版も買ってよかった❗️

This is an excellent book. Well worth the money. Great photographs. Really glad I bought it. If you are interested in this particular division this would be a worthwhile buy. Others I have seen are very expensive up to £100 per book so at the price its a steal!

Great book that shows the history in writing and quality pictures of Grossdeutchland from 41-44. This book also talks about the organisation and the battles they took part in. I really wish more books in this style especially for ww2 units.