The War Diaries of a Panzer Soldier

This book is a unique personal account of the war on the Russian Front, written using the diaries and photos of Erich Hager who served in the 39th Panzer Regiment, 17th Panzer Division throughout the war in Russia. Hager rose to the rank of Unteroffizier and served as a company commander's tank radio operator. During this time he kept diaries in which he recorded the events he went through every day at the front. His diaries have been translated and are presented with additional notes. Hager also took many personal photographs of comrades, and vehicles - many are included here. The book also includes a chapter on the 17th Panzer Division. Despite taking part in many in many battles on the Russian Front, including the attempted relief effort at Stalingrad, little information on the 17th Panzer Division has been published. Hager's material provides a tremendous insight into the war on the Russian Front from a front line soldier's perspective.