'I swear by God this sacred oath that I shall render unconditional obedience to Adolf Hitler, the Führer of the German Reich, supreme commander of the armed forces, and that I shall at all times be prepared, as a brave soldier, to give my life for this oath.' (German armed forces oath of loyalty, instituted 2 August 1934)This extensively illustrated new title from renowned historian, David Stone, describes and analyses every significant aspect of the rise and fall of 'Hitler's Army' within the Wehrmacht from 1933 to 1945, including its creation, organisation, weapons, equipment, training and tactics. The book also considers its conduct in battle and its strengths and weaknesses, together with the motivation, lifestyle, performance and nature of its officers and soldiers, both prior to and during the conflict. Hitler's Army is an essential reference for anyone seeking a definitive explanation and analysis of one of Europe's most formidable fighting forces. It is also a balanced and indispensable aid for those wishing to understand how the much vaunted and apparently unbeatable German army that went to war in 1939 and so speedily achieved military pre-eminence in Europe, was consigned just over five years later to total military defeat and the ignominy of unconditional surrender in a devastated, demoralised and shattered Germany.
