Heaven & Hell: The War Diary of a German Paratrooper

This book begins with a short description of the author’s Hitler Youth service from 1933, and continues with his subsequent service with the paratroops. By volunteering, Martin Pöppel expected to serve for two years instead of four. Basic training in Stendal in 1938 is described, as is his rebellious reaction to discipline and the uncritical fervour with which he and his comrades reacted to the outbreak of war. We learn what he thought, what he felt, and what he went through.

A deeply personal book from a man who was there from the beginning through to the bitter end.

Poland 1939, Holland and Narvik 1940, Crete 1941, Russia 1941-2-3, Sicily and Southern Italy 1943, Normandy 1944, Holland/Lower Rhine 1944-5.

Captured by the 6th Airborne Division on the Rhine, he was a prisoner of war in England, returning home in 1945.

We witness his development from an eager soldier desperate for action, into a war-weary veteran wanting mainly to bring his men home safely. The chaos, confusion and improvisation of warfare are vividly recreated.