Berlin Dance of Death

by Helmut Altner, Tony le Tissier

This is a teenager's vivid account of his experiences as a conscript during the final desperate weeks of the Third Reich, during which he experienced training immediately behind the front line east of Berlin, was caught up in the massive Soviet assault on Berlin from the Oder, retreated successfully and then took part in the fight for the western suburb of Spandau, where he became one of the only two survivors of his company of seventeen year-olds.

Genres: History, World War II, War, Military History

Paperback

First published April 1, 2002

Reviews

[Jeff Dawson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Imagine being 17 and your country calls you to stave off the invaders. You are inducted, sent to one week of training, without weapons and sent to the Eastern Front to stave off the Bolshevik hordes. Sound like fun? No.
Helmut Altner’s recollections of those final days of desperation are terrifying. For the first two weeks, being in the army doesn’t appear to be that difficult. Hitler has promised reinforcements and a host of new wonder weapons. Morale is high and many of his comrades actually believe victory is only a few days away. All of that changes on April 16 when Zhukov and Konev launch their last battle to encircle, crush and capture Berlin.
From this point on, a boy, who has dreamed of medals and parades finds himself embroiled in fight for survival, not for the Fatherland. Realizing he has been lied to, he does his best or defend himself, and his comrades from the impending defeat.
What he see and witnesses will have you cringing.

An excellent addition to any World War Two library.

Five Stars

[Gediminas Kulikauskas · Rating 2 out of 5]

Galima skaityti, viskas kaip ir įsivaizduojate - pasimetę jaunuoliai volksšturmistai, drebantys civiliai, yranti struktūra besiblaškanti agonijoje, švilpiančios kulkos, griuvėsiai ir ugnis.

[Martinxo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Harrowing account of the Battle for Berlin in the closing days of WW2 by a 17 year old German soldier. War in all its awful futility and barbarism is laid bare, difficult to read at times but well worth doing so.

[Colin Freebury · Rating 2 out of 5]

As others have noted, this narrative of how one young German conscript survived the fall of Berlin becomes a bit tiresome, partly because the conclusion is already well known. But, then, that reflects his experience, and likely that of the other few who survived: a long slog to survival of the fortunate few.

[Thomas Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent account of one mans actions during the fall of Berlin.

[Geicodave · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting and very detailed memoir describing the experiences of a teenager conscripted into the German army during the last days of the war. The book is primarily about his role in the fight for Berlin and his efforts to escape the Soviet encirclement of the city. In all candor, the book is so detailed that it becomes tedious at times, but one does get a real sense of the horror, chaos, and brutality of the last days of the Third Reich.

[Loren · Rating 5 out of 5]

The complete breakdown of society there was horrid. A must read. The complete breakdown of their class system was beyond belief. Maybe something apathetic Americans should read. Personally Id rather not feel blessed w/ some horse meat.