Comments on the book: Devils Guard, by: George Robert Elford.

Anyone on this forum ever read the above mentioned book? If so, I would like your comments on it.

If your not familiar with the book, it starts off in the last days of WW2, near Liberec Czecholslavakia. You meet an interesting mix of Wehrmacht forces. You have Waffen SS, some Gebirgsjager, some Flak troops, and regular Heer troops.

Some surrender to the Russians, and are summarily executed, the rest escape. Many were killed during their escape and many were captured. Some of the captured ones, joined the French Forign Legion, so they could serve in Indochina.

What do you think? Do you think the book is true or do you think it isnt?

 

Hi C.E. it sounds like a great book to read, where can you but it at?

 

I have had my copy since 1981. I have not seen any reprints since. I think it first came out in the 70's. You might be able to find a copy online somewhere or at a used bookstore. I have been trying to find another copy of the book for about 15 years now.

 

I read this book about 10 years ago, and it is bad ass..

 

Sorry Chris-you sure that was the author?-I thought he(remembered) had a german name.
As for the book-I think it's the best I've read,and puts'fiction' such as Sven Hassel in the shade.I think some may be true,and the methords used fine for fighting commies-they didn't play by the rules either.The tieing of locals to tanks from village to village to stop the 'locals' fighting was a bit harsh-but still-in love and war.......

 

I agree with you about the methods used but, then again, had I been in their situation, I might have done the same. At that stage in the war, they were definately sick and tired of the Viet Minhs tactics and did as the Bible says: "An Eye For An Eye"

Oh and definately the authers name is: George Robert Elford. The main person this book is about is: "Hans Josef Wagemuller" His real first name is Hans, his real middle name starts with a "J", but his last name starts with an "S".

This man lived in Florida, untill his death in 1999.

 

This book sounds great.

I have heard accounts of former German soldiers serving in the French Foreign Legion in Indochina. I know for a fact members of the Waffen SS 'Wiking' division served there. I'd love to get a hold of a copy.

I'd like to read a little more about it, maybe a review of it, especially since it might get into the book review section and the review author would then be both critically acclaimed and world famous. (just a little hint Carl )

 

OK, I will do a review of this book for you tomorrow morning when I have more time. I would do so now but are just about out the door to go to work.

I will try and make it interesting

 

Found this book from the antique shop...

I first read it back in 1983 and it was one of my favourites at the time. I read it in two days now and think it´s still a great book though I´m not sure of how true it all is...

Tells the story of Hans Josef Wagemüller ( previously in Russia as Partisanjäger or Kopfjäger as he himself says ) in the last phase of war and later on in the legion in fighting in Indochina.

I guess Carl will have more to tell ?!

http://books.stonebooks.com/cgi-bin/foxweb.exe/feedback/feedback?1005775

 

I first read his book in 1983 as well. At that time--I did collect paperbacks but--comic books were more important--till by chance--I happened across his book, and bought it for the then high price of about $1.95.

I started reading that book that night, and kept reading till late into the night. I could not put that book down, but forced myself into doing so--so I would not read it in one sitting. After that--I allowed myself to read one chapter a day.

Now on the personal side to this:::

Hans Josef Wagemuller is really Hans J. S.(last name not posted as per his wish before passing away)--a man whom I had a brief time to become friends with before he passed away.(He was in his 90's) This man was also best friends with a very wellknown man who served on U 505--whom I was also friends with untill his death in February 1999 -- a few short months before he himself passed away in Florida.

Mr. Schwartz and I were going to meet later in the year and he was going to allow me to tape an interview with him but--he had passed away before anything could happen.

This man was an SS Paratrooper, who was involved in operations which included hunting for partisans--hence--he was with a unit called: Partisanjagers ~~ Kopfjagers (Partisan hunters ~~ Headhunters)

In 1999, this man made me an honorary lifetime member of the French Forign Legions all German Battalion. My first such honorary membership. This also now includes honorary memberships as a member of U 181s crew, one of the two last members of the Kriegsmarine, honorary member of the 101st Airborne Division (Operation Ripcord) and lastly, an honorary member of the Luftwaffe Flak Artillerie.

[ 21. August 2003, 02:12 PM: Message edited by: C.Evans ]