It is important in that little is actually known about the soon to be Chancellor's war experiences. Partly this was because Adolf ensured much was hidden or destroyed, and others did not wish to be involved, certainly after Adolf's second war. The author has researched widely, seeking official documents where they survive, memoirs written before the Nazis came to power, letters, photographs and occasional interviews, all the usual, often hard to find, records that open up the background to any individual.
We all know Hitler was Austrian, we all know he managed to get himself into the German army during 1914, and we all know something of his family past. This book goes some way to explain his role during the Great war from August 1914 until he was demobbed after the war. We knew he served but had few details of what he actually did, whom he served with, and we also get some idea of what his officers saw in him.
Hitler enlisted in the 16th Bavarian Reserve Infantry Regiment (RIR 16), as in the manner of the Great War such regiments took their officers name, or the name of the man who originated such a regiment. The 16th were named the 'List' regiment after Julius von List their commanding officer who was to die in action at Ypres.
Germany then as now is a federated state, a mass of small Germanic states working, in theory, together as Germany. However, the Bavarians looked to their own monarchy rather than Kaiser Wilhelm for a lead, as I suspect other similar regiments throughout the nation did also.
After basic training, some say very basic training, the regiment eventually found itself at war at Gheluvelt, part of the 1st Battle of Ypres. This was a terrible battle, leaving Hitler's Regiment with 725 dead after the few days fight. Once withdrawn however life changed for our Adolf. With the casualties promotions were given out to replace the lost, and Adolf was transferred to a place of relative safety, Regimental HQ and classed as a despatch runner.
Runners did indeed have a difficult and dangerous life, however, the German regimental runner was based almost two miles behind the line and his messages were deposited at the HQs of each individual Company. From there the Company runner would take messages into the trenches whatever the conditions, while the regimental runner went back home to relative safety and warmth.
In short, the danger of front line warfare never again affected Adolf Hitler, he remained where he felt at home, and in almost, perfect safety. Certainly there were dangers from long range shells, machine gun and occasional rifle bullets, but the danger was considerably less than that of the company runner in the front line trench! His front line service was a mainstay of his claim on others throughout his rise to power, and indeed a constant talking point until his death.
Hitler did receive one wound in the leg from shrapnel from a shell that landed close by, he was in a dugout at the time. Long after the war, a one time comrade wrote that this cost him a testicle, however, that author has been dismissed by most Historians as unreliable. His work is confusing, often wrong, and as a man with criminal tendencies he is not a good source. Likewise those who claim a degree of homosexual activity from Adolf and one of the other runners, this too appears nonsense.
The author of this book goes into some detail as to Adolf's enjoyment among the company of despatch runners. Not only comparatively safe but also this took the place of a family for him, and interestingly he never wrote home to any relative during his time in the war. This company of comrades certainly appear to have left an impression upon him, an impression that added much to his organisation of the Nazi party years later.
Hitler served his time, earning mostly support from his superiors, and indeed an Iron Cross 1st Class, recommended by a Jewish officer! While many Jews did indeed serve in the regiment there appears to be no trace of anti-Semitism in the army at this time, certainly none from Adolf.
After the war Hitler joined with the Red Revolutionaries who took over Munich for six months. This was something he appears to have almost scrubbed from history, certainly he never mentioned this to anyone. Author Thomas Weber inclines to the view Adolf had no real politics at the time but was looking to a group that would be nationalistic and classless, and soon both Communist and Fascist groups would offer this.
Working for an old army friend he came across the German Workers Party, and here he once again found a home. The Weimar years were not good to a man who had decided a one party state was the answer for the nation, wealth and democracy obscured his hopes. However, the great crash of 1929 soon left Germany devastated, a situation which politicians with easy answers and clear enemies can take power. The party, now with National Socialist attached to the name, made inroads with a hungry population. By 1933 when Hitler took control, to the surprise of many army men who knew him, the despatch runner was a life saver, to others a danger.
The 20s and 30s were not a great time for Europe, Germany suffered greatly, Hitler soon offered a way of escape and huge numbers hoped for a better time through him, few were actual Nazis, and ever fewer understood he wished to create another war and even demolish the Soviet Union.
The research in this book is extensive and a great effort has been made to seek sources and investigate the findings. Since 1945 much has been destroyed, many have refused to speak, or indeed consider what they were doing at the time, but the author does give us a clue as to Adolf's growing political outlook, his many, many lies and misuse of facts, even in his letters when at 1st Ypres, he was born an exaggerating liar, and by the way we get an inside into what makes people obey a leader who goes bad. That alone is worth knowing today!
Published in 2011 the book is well worth a read. Especially when obtained free on Amazon gift cards! For those interested in this subject it is well worth a go.
