A Retirada: A Primeira Derrota de Hitler

by Michael Jones

A batalha de Moscovo foi um inferno na terra, terrível e sangrenta para invasores e defensores. Michael Jones reuniu, uma vez mais, testemunhos de veteranos para nos trazer este quadro realista e impressionante.

"A Retirada" é a história intensa e realista sobre o princípio do fim da Segunda Guerra Mundial, quando os exércitos de Hitler – em confrontos selvagens durante o inverno – sofreram a sua primeira derrota na Frente Oriental. Num dos momentos mais dramáticos da crise na Frente Oriental, em 1941, com as tropas de Hitler concentradas na periferia de Moscovo, o milagre aconteceu: Moscovo foi salva.

No entanto, esta libertação foi seguida de uma retirada prolongada, durante a qual as forças russas obrigaram a recuar um exército alemão que sempre combateu ferozmente. Milhões de soldados e civis morreram nesta luta desesperada.

Michael Jones, autor de O "Cerco de Leninegrado" e "Guerra Total", explora um manancial de novos testemunhos presenciais de ambos os lados do conflito – o soldado alemão que encontra os seus camaradas congelados em blocos de gelo, o tenente russo que chora de raiva devido à destruição desnecessária da sua unidade – para destacar os custos humanos da primeira derrota de Hitler, naquele que foi o ponto de viragem crucial da II Guerra Mundial [1939-45]. Esta batalha custou aos russos 27 milhões de mortos, entre militares e civis.

Genres: History, World War II, Nonfiction, Military History, War, Russia, Military Fiction

368 pages, Paperback

First published November 12, 2009

About the author

Librarian note:
There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name

Reviews

['Aussie Rick' · Rating 4 out of 5]

This latest book from Michael Jones covers the German offensive in 1941 to take Moscow, Operation Typhoon, and the subsequent Soviet counter-offensive, leading to Hitler’s first retreat. The author uses numerous first-hand accounts throughout the book, taken from German and Russian soldiers and Russian civilians.

The book is easy to read and offers a nice overview of this period but nothing too technical or in-depth, more of a general or popular historical narrative. There are a number of black & white photographs within the book that had been taken by the soldiers involved in this conflict.

Some of the first-hand accounts are quite graphic and quite a few I had not previously read before. Here are a few examples:

“Osadchinsky and his comrades reached a German forward position. ‘Before us was a scene of utter carnage,’ he continued. ‘There were bodies of our soldiers, entangled in the barbed wire, and those of the enemy, littering the trenches, bayoneted or ripped apart by grenades.’ Osadchinsky had fought the Germans with a burning hatred in his heart, and had shown their soldiers no mercy. But now, to his surprise, he felt a grudging respect for them. ‘They have followed the orders of their high command,’ he thought, ‘and fought and died where they stood. What iron discipline! But what is the point of such senseless sacrifice? These men have shown real heroism – but I doubt whether their heroic deeds will ever be known or appreciated’.”

From a German soldier: “There was the stink of frostbite, as men used the same bandage – pus-encrusted and stiff with scabs and rotted flesh – again and again. Some had long rags of blackened flesh hanging from their feet. It was snipped off. The bones were exposed, but with their feet wrapped in cloths and sacking, the men had to go on standing sentry duty and fighting..….Everyone had diarrhoea, and one soldier was so enfeebled that he collapsed on the way to the doctor and froze to death. Older men developed rheumatism, and often screamed with pain. But we couldn’t let anyone go.”

Three maps are supplied within the text of a basic nature, but enough for the reader to have a general idea of the major locations mentioned and the major offensive movements. Overall this is a good and enjoyable (if you can say such a thing about a horrific conflict of this nature) book to read and offers a decent general narrative account for anyone who has not previously read about this period of history.

[Nick · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoy reading history which is infused with firsthand accounts. Mr. Jones' book is a history of the first winter on the Eastern Front told by those that were there - both Soviets and Germans. Mr. Jones focuses on how such a mighty calamity befell the German war machine and the consequences to the individual soldier. The following is a quote by Mr. Jones describing the Germans' psychological attitude regarding their military prowess and what that attitude resulted in during the Winter of '41/'42, "When a belief becomes a certainty, one loses the sense that it began life as a point of view, one which events might prove wrong. And when that certainty becomes internalized, it removes all thought of a plan for alternative outcomes."

This story is harrowing, brutal, and sad. Through the eyes of those that were there - many who didn't make it home in the end - we get a glimpse into what fighting on the Eastern Front was really like. I've always heard it said how vicious this war was to soldier and civilian alike. Mr. Jones' book takes it to a very personal level. You can envision the collapse of the German assault on Moscow as Operation Typhoon comes to a halting end and the Soviet counteroffensive picks up steam. Finally General Model comes on the scene and through a miraculous offensive makes the Soviets relinquish their offensive initiative. Both of these events, the halting of Typhoon in the suburbs of Moscow by the Red Army and the encirclement of the Soviet 29th Army by the German 9th Army were won on the narrowest of margins.

You'll also get some wonderful insight into the leaders of each side. For instance I enjoyed this quote from General Model, "'We will strike the Russian flank, and catch them in a stranglehold,' he declared. His staff officers were astounded by Model's optimism in a truly desperate position. 'And what, Herr General,' one asked him, 'have you brought us for this operation?' Substantial reinforcements were urgently needed, but none were at hand. Model regarded the man for a moment, and then replied with a calm assurance: 'Myself!'"

One of the best books I've read. I highly recommend this to any student of WWII.

[Carlos · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice narrative for a very important turning point during WW 2 . It was during the battles described in this book during the early months of the Russian campaign that the outcome of the War would be decided. While I had read many books in the subject, it will be a good effort to read this book to gain a different perspective in this subject that had such a big impact in the history of the world.

[Scott Whitmore · Rating 4 out of 5]

The fall of the Iron Curtain and the Soviet Union, and the subsequent release of archives and documents, has been a boon to military historians like Michael Jones. Jones has written several books on the Eastern Front, including my most recent read: The Retreat: Hitler's First Defeat.

The Retreat does not break any new ground in describing the Red Army turning back Hitler's armies at the gates of Moscow during the critical months of December 1941-February 1942, but where it stands out is the narrative method. Jones draws heavily from first-hand accounts in diaries, letters, unit histories, and interviews of soldiers and civilians people on both sides, crafting a very human perspective of events.

Of particular note for me was the number of very senior German officers who realized the Nazi's harsh treatment of Soviet prisoners was creating a human tragedy that would have severe consequences. We could argue whether these officers could or should have done more than simply report the situation — prisoners were starved, beaten, diseased, overworked, and out-and-out murdered while held in ad-hoc camps with little protection from the harsh winter — but the record at least shows they were aware and concerned.

Tens of thousands of Soviet prisoners died in German captivity, and the Red Army carefully ensured its soldiers were aware it was happening — ensuring most Soviet soldiers would fight fanatically and with utter hatred for the Nazi invaders.

Common German soldiers were also aware of what was happening with prisoners, and more directly the civilian populace. There are several instances in The Retreat in which individual soldiers from both sides displayed humanity and compassion, including a spontaneous Christmas mass attended by combatants and civilians from both sides.

Of course these incidents are overshadowed by the brutality and no-holds-barred fighting which is the common — and correctly held — perception of warfare on the Eastern Front. Many German soldiers and senior officers shared Hitler's rampant racism and hate of the Soviet system, and their actions and words show this clearly. Still, it is refreshing to see the views of a few individuals change over the course of the book, as they come to grips with seeing the results of their actions.

My largest quibble with this book is the lack of photos in the Kindle edition. The author speaks in the preface of obtaining photos during interviews with participants, and the hardcover listing on Amazon.com indicates eight pages of photos, but evidently these were not deemed necessary for the eBook version.

I found The Retreat to be very interesting and I would recommend it to anyone interested in getting a ground-level look at action on the Eastern Front. It was a quick read, with Jones setting the stage by providing strategic updates on the situation before shifting to first-person accounts that added color and drama.

[Jesper Jorgensen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really don't know why I keep reading books about the war on the Eastern Front. It is grim reading of atrocities, death and human suffering of an incomprehensible magnitude. But still the topic is fascinating, and I read books like this with horrified fascination. Maybe in the hope to get an answer to my question: Why? Why?!
Mr. Jones' book is very well written and easy to read.

[Stephen Hackney · Rating 4 out of 5]

The reason I have spent much of my reading time these past several years reading about the Eastern Front, WWII, is to capture an understanding of the struggles, purposes, insights of the common soldier, both on the German side and on the Soviet side. Michael Jones very effectively captures some very singular, poignant moments, most of them private thoughts of the individual soldier. Yet, his telling of the story of a specific period of this war and the days and weeks of "Hitler's first defeat," moves along well chronologically, and geographically, by the use of personal memoirs, soldiers' letters, and official unit histories, unifying his account of this time period - December 1941-to-February 1942. Mr. Jones is able to not just give an account of what was happening in the northeast around Rhzev, but he takes the reader across the entire front, from Klin to Tula and Orel. It is a panoramic overview of a coordinated counterattack by the Russian (Soviet) Red Army, told by the use of singular vignettes, of an event that, but for Stalin's poor military judgement (a chronic problem for him dating back to the Civil War and the war with Poland, 1922), the Soviets nearly ended the war in early 1942.

[Vasco · Rating 2 out of 5]

http://viajarpelaleitura.blogspot.pt/...

[T. Fowler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Michael Jones doesn't go into any deep analysis of the strategy and tactics of the Wehrmacht's offensive against Moscow in the fall of 1941 and the subsequent winter retreat, he does an excellent job of using interviews with both German and Russian veterans, along with German and Russian published memoirs and archival material to give the reader a real sense of the horrors of those months.

[Elliott · Rating 1 out of 5]

I’ve got no sympathy whatsoever for any German that crossed the frontier into the Soviet Union in 1941. Absolutely none.
I’m really suspicious how every Hun that Jones quotes just happens to be very sensitive and respectful of the Soviet citizenry, and also always just one step behind every atrocity. The author is far too trusting of their narratives.

[Philippe · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book. I particularly like the comparison of the German attack compared to Napoleon's venture into Russia. Napoleon got to Moscow by October while the Germans never made it.

The fact that most amazed me is that the Germans were so successful against the Red Army until December 6 1941 and then for two months from that date were in total disarray and retreated more often than not in full panic. The German high command believed erroneously that the Red Army was one push away from total collapse. It is ironic that during the two months the Russians took the initiative they committed the same errors and believed that the German Army was one push away from total collapse and therefor threw all caution to the wayside and got trapped in many locations surrounded by the Germans.

Hitler took over as commander of the Eastern front and his Stand Fast policy caused a tremendous amount of losses in men and material. After two month Hitler was finally convinced to rescind that policy. The Germans were able to stop the Russian advance by reorganizing the supply lines, learning how to fight in the freezing weather and exploiting opportunities where the Russians were overextended and isolated deep in the Germans rear.

They basically both committed the same mistakes of overoptimism, stretched supply lines and adventures attacks with understrength and under provisioned units. But halting the Russian and stabilizing the front the Germans were able to inflict on them serious losses and allowed them to take the initiative on the Eastern front in 1942 that of course will end in the debacle at Stalingrad.

A well written book using both personal stories to illustrate the plight of the soldiers on both sides as well as looking at the campaign from a strategic and tactical aspect.

[Regina Lindsey · Rating 3 out of 5]

In The Retreat, Jones brings his extensive research to light and tells the personal stories Operation Typhoon and Russian counter-offensive that led to Russia's victory over Germany. What makes this book different than other works on this battle is the intensely personal accounts by soldiers on both sides.

Regardless of your views on Russia the country has an amazing military history. Probably the two best known victories are those over Napoleon and Hitler. Jones begins by comparing and contrasting those two battles. It is easy to jump to the conclusion that "Hitler should have known better," but in reality the decision was much more complex. From there we follow the soldiers through the battles to Opertaion Barbarossa.

This is a very good overview of these battles. However, there are a few weaknesses with the work. First, there are very few maps. To really understand the movement and follow the battle I recommend finding a map to compliment the reading. Finally, the work could be quite redundant.

This was a gift from one of my daughters and I was thrilled that she took the time to choose a book she knew would capture my interest. I wasn't even aware of this book!

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well-written, full of diary entries and first-hand accounts, and difficult to put down. This book covers the hell that was the first winter on the Eastern Front, and how hubris and stubbornness outweighed common sense and the reality of conditions on the ground. It draws all the expected parallels between Napoleon's 1812 invasion and Hitler's, and shows how both sides were quite aware of this apparent repetition of history. It also attempts to expose the complicity of the Wehrmacht in the increasingly inhuman treatment of POWs and civilians; some of it is explained away because of impossible conditions, but the underlying racism and "total war" mindset promised a deadly and horrific result. The book focuses mainly on the fight over Moscow, and why the Germans failed to take it in 1941; how the infamous Russian winter, combined with a Soviet military that was far from defeated, stopped the Blitzkrieg within 12 miles of the city. The book ends with the changes of Spring and the promise of new fighting between an invasion force at a fraction of its original strength and the growing threat of partisan behind-the-lines fighting. Ultimately, this book left me wanting to keep reading, so I'm going to have to track down the author's follow-up, "Total War."

[Tobe · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is good to read books like this when you get too comfortable and bored with your easy life. This book is mainly a collection of diary entries, excerpts from letters, etc. from soldiers involved in the fighting in the eastern front during the winter of 1941. The first-hand accounts bring home the horror and misery of both the soldiers and ordinary Russians caught up in this warfare. It is mainly from the German perspective, but there are also many Russian accounts as well.

This is not the book if you are looking for a thorough description of troop movements, strategy, etc. of the oppossing armies. It is aimed at letting the humans caught up in this tell the story. There are many pages that will stick with me (and haunt me) for years. The author does an admirable job of sifting through all this primary material and letting us see the both the good and terrible that humans are capable of in battle.

[Sofia . · Rating 3 out of 5]

O livro baseia-se em diários que Michael Jones conseguiu recuperar junto de familiares de ex-militares que participaram na batalha na Frente Oriental. Nota-se que a função destes diários, nas mãos dos respectivos donos, era mais do que manter o registo dos acontecimentos do dia a dia em tempo de Guerra. Chegam a ter um papel terapêutico, registando em tom de desabafo os horrores que os olhos retinham. O frio insuportável, as parcas condições nos acampamentos, a escassez de provisões, a tortura e as mortes desnecessárias...

Apesar da descrição de acontecimentos mais chocantes e das pontuais comparações com os avanços de Napoleão Bonaparte no mesmo território - que Hitler tomou como um exemplo a não seguir - o autor consegue manter um relato imparcial dos factos, não tomando o partido das tropas aliadas, nem denegrindo de alguma forma o exército alemão.

http://deliciasalareira.blogspot.pt/2...

[Robert Morrow · Rating 2 out of 5]

While the book has some dramatic and moving passages, the constant stream of soldier reminiscences (many of which are redundant), cause the narrative to lose steam. The individual battles that make up the story are not framed effectively to create a connected story, and the strategies behind the actions are given limited attention. The failure of the Nazi government to remedy the Werhmacht's shortage of winter gear is never adequately explained and then one day, poof! The Germans have winter clothing. A good description of hell, but I would have liked more of an exposé as to its causes.

[Timothy Gretler · Rating 2 out of 5]

Pretty dry book, long chapters filled with a lot of anecdotes from surviving soldiers and/or their memoirs on both sides. It could have used more maps, I got lost with all the Russian place names and the back and forth movements of the armies.

[Martinxo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gripping and compelling account of this most gruesome theatre of war

[Patrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gripping, grim, moving, can't-put-down narrative of the German drive toward Moscow in 1941.

[La Gran Biblioteca de David · Rating 5 out of 5]

Las tropas de Hitler iban avanzando y haciendo estragos por toda Europa, pero en su decisión de invadir y reducir a cenizas la capital rusa falló. Este intento de invasión fue la primera derrota del Tercer Reich. Corría el año de 1941 y el duro invierno ruso azotaba sin piedad al ejército nazi. Este libro presenta testimonio de gran valor al traer la visión de los protagonistas de esta invasión.

Me ha parecido curioso, o al menos llamativo, es la comparación al comiendo del libro de Napoléon con Hitler: dos líderes que intentaron conquistar Rusia y ambos fallaron en el intento. Tras esto gira mucha teoría. A lo largo de las páginas encontraremos muchos protagonistas, tanto alemanes como rusos, con nombres y apellidos: Leopold Höglinger, joven operador de radio quien dejó testimonio escrito y fotográfico del avance alemán en Rusia; Heinz Otto Fausten, último superviviente de la I División Blindada. La historia contada desde la perspectiva humana, lo cual me ha resultado muy interesante y a la vez enriquecedor.

Este libro es una completa maravilla. No tenemos solamente el proceso bélico de esta campaña de Alemania contra Rusia, sino que el autor va narrando los hechos de forma cronológica pero apoyándose en los testimonios de sus protagonistas. las fuentes usadas son cartas, diarios y conversaciones de los combatientes tanto del bando nazi como del bando ruso. Esto hace una visión muy completa de lo ocurrido en 1941. Además, al ser soldados de distintos niveles, desde el raso hasta capitanes, hace una lectura y unos conocimientos muy enriquecedores. Y no solo esto, sino que además introduce fotografías del momento, sobre todo aquellas hechas por Leopold Höglinger.

https://lagranbibliotecadedavid.blogs...

[Mohd Sufian · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is fantastic. I finished it less than a week and that was almost a miracle since I normally took at least a month to finish a book. It just that good. The book is a masterful narrative that explains Nazi Germany Wehrmacht thrust into Moscow. The Battle of Moscow late 1941 was bloodily fought by both sides and the searing realities of savagery during several mini battles are too brutal for human minds to comprehend. The Wehrmacht came into just 20 miles outside of Moscow but series of blunders of the generals and the harsh Russian winter halted their advance. It marks the first defeat of the Wehrmacht in Operation Barbarossa.

What I like about the author is that he doesn't bogged the reader with the details of military battles but instead focus on the human story behind it. The only problem I had is that the author relies too much on German soldiers accounts. The soviets accounts are also told but not sufficient enough. But it is still worth the time. The accounts felt like you yourself sitting in a foxhole in an extremely cold weather and hungry with possibly frostbite creeping in. While inside it the land surrounding you shaking powerfully with artillery shelling from enemy position. This is the second book I read about WW2 by Michael Jones and he never disappoints. Absolute 5 star rating

[Mark Rodney · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have only recently, the last 12 months, been interested in the war on the eastern front during the Second World War. This book was perfect for someone of my intermediate knowledge of the conflict. I particularly enjoyed how the author dovetailed between his own narrative and primary sources. It read like a piece of fiction although, we know it was a terrible conflict. The book takes into account both the Soviet and the German experiences of the war. It astonishes me how the Soviets were able to repel the German army at the gates of Moscow. Jones, however, provides reasons for the defeat at the final hour through extensive research which reveals Hitler's arrogance and the Soviet fighting spirit, not to mention the harsh winter. A necessary addition to my library on the Soviet-German conflict.

[Read a Book · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the last word on the Battle for Moscow and Operation Typhoon. The author avoids the temptation for 'mission creep', and sticks to telling the dramatic yet underappreciated story of Army Group Center's push towards Moscow and its horrific aftermath.

The one phrase that will burn into your brain: "It was very, very cold."

[Michel D. Guernsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very good book

This book read more like a text book as the author had had done extensive research using German, Russian literature and collected narrative from WW2 veterans. I would give this book 6 stars buthe rating button is apparently not working. This book is very goodlike learning about German planning to Conquer

[Rick Chagouri-Brindle · Rating 5 out of 5]

A excellent account of the German retreat on the Eastern Front of World War 2 through the eyes of the ordinary soldiers of both sides, as well as the general, field marshalls and politicians.

[Tony O Neill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Detailed and eye opening resume of the retreat from Moscow and all the horrendous barbarity attached to war as regards Hitlers Armies.

[HaydenM · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting book but in some parts it was a little dull and sounded like a textbook.

[Antonio Jorge · Rating 4 out of 5]

4

[Cristina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Desde sempre gostei de ler obras relacionadas com a segunda guerra mundial. Tanto por ser um tema que manter um destaque a nível mundial, como devido à importância dos acontecimentos ocorridos durante essa época. E sabendo que o início de tudo se deveu às ações de um único homem, dá muito que pensar.

"A Retirada" é uma das diversas obras de Michael Jones que tem como tema esta grande guerra. Mas, mais concretamente, este livro trata da ofensiva alemã perante Moscovo que tomou lugar em 1941, da Operação Tufão e da ofensiva contra-atacante Soviética. Todos estes diferentes acontecimentos levaram, cada uma à sua maneira, à primeira derrota de Hitler. O desenrolar da mesma foi sendo contada com recurso a diversas passagens, por exemplo, de diários de soldados, tanto alemães como russos, e de civis russos que viveram na pele todas as consequências desta batalha.

Para quem é entusiasta deste tema, este livro tornou-se uma leitura bastante fluída e inquietante. O autor teve o cuidados de incluir termos ou vocabulário demasiado técnico. Optou sim por uma linguagem mais histórica e cativante para o leitor. O que foi uma mais valia, porque normalmente estes livros tendem a tornar-se chatos e maçadores! Existe ainda algumas passagens da obra que podem ser consideradas um pouco gráficas demais. Mas, a meu ver, isso só tornou o livro e a história mais real para quem o está a ler!

Gostei bastante da pequena surpresa que o livro inclui! Algumas imagens verídicas a preto e branco tiradas pelos soldados que retratam objetivamente os aspetos mais inquietantes desta história. Por falar em inquietante, devo dizer que para mim foi extremamente difícil imaginar que todos aqueles soldados tiveram de lutar contra temperaturas negativas, tendo mesmo alguns deles morrido em consequência disso mesmo!

Este livro foi uma verdadeira aventura! Apesar de a história ter um lado negro e bruto, acho que mostra a realidade daquilo que realmente se passou! E as passagens retiradas dos diários encontrados mostraram isso mesmo!

[Ted · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm always curious as to understand the Germans in WWII - at what point did they realize the war was lost, and then what motivated to keep fighting until Germany was totally destroyed? This book takes the history through the first major defeat of the Germans when they were at Moscow's door. The beliefs of Hitler governed what the Germans did far more than what the field commanders were experiencing. This led to the disastrous defeat. Of course then Stalin committed the same mistake and the Russian defeat of the Germans was equally and suddenly stopped as Stalin's armies over reached what they were capable of and Stalin made several tactical errors. The book ends with the German retreat stopped as Model took command of the Russian front and a series of German successes allowed the Germans to become entrenched on Russian soil, though now far from Moscow. The book portrays the brutal treatment of the Russian people by the German army as a major factor in the German failure. This brutal treatment which led to the deaths of millions of children and women was hardly acknowledged by the Germans.

[Rodolfo Hernández · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dramática narración del fracaso del intento de la conquista de Moscú por los alemanes en en el invierno de 1941. El autor utiliza testimonios tanto de alemanes y rusos los cuales los va entremezclando conforme avanza la campaña dando la sensación de estar en las trincheras de un bando para luego estar en los tanques del contrario.

La mezcla de pensamientos y sentimientos de todos los combatientes nos hacen ver lo cruel que es la guerra. Llama especialmente la atención los testimonios alemanes al inicio de la campaña, la seguridad con la que avanzaban gracias a lo efectivo del Blietzkrieg, en contraparte la desesperación de los rusos que cada día veían el fin de la Madre Patria; pero el otoño hizo presagiar a los alemanes que no sería fácil llegar a Moscú, pero que tendrían hacerlo antes del invierno ruso, para evitar una "retirada napoleónica".

EL General Invierno llegó con la crueldad propia de esos lares y con eso cambiaron los papeles de un ejército victorioso a una horda de soldados desprovistos de todo, siendo perseguido por los "untermensch".

Gran relato....