Panzers on the Vistula: Retreat and Route in East Prussia 1945 - Hans Schaufler

This review has been submitted to War History Online.

Title: Panzers on the Vistula: Retreat and Route in East Prussia 1945
Author: Hans Schaufler
ISBN: 978-1-526-73431-0
Publisher: Pen and Sword
Year: 2018
Hardcover
Pages: 139
Photos/Maps: 42/6

The author served as a member of the 4^th Panzer Division from 1939-1945. Commencing his career as soldier, he finished the war as a 2^nd Lieutenant and signals officer for Panzer Regiment 35 of the 4^th Panzer. This autobiography of his experiences commences in the dying days of the war as 4^th Panzer grapples with the Soviets during the three battles of the Kurland Pocket (encompassing the Baltic region of Latvia). These battles, running from October 1944 until early January, 1945 culminated in 4^th Panzer being evacuated by sea to the port of Danzig where the main narrative of the book begins. The author establishes himself as a thoughtful and insightful observer, well placed to present the reader with a strong sense of the environment within which he carried out his duties. 

The discussion of the fighting in the Danzig region is of particular note for a number of reasons. As the situation for the Germans continued to deteriorate, Shaufler notes the difference between units that maintain their discipline (such as his) and those that fracture. He discusses at some length the impact that leadership and unit pride has on continued cohesion and effectiveness, even in the face of catastrophe. Additionally, one is struck by the ability of the Germans to continue to logistically support their forces. While it was getting more difficult to maintain effective supply lines, Schaufler remarks repeatedly on how they were able to overcome. Given the pressure from the Soviet forces, the reinforcement of the Regiment with 27 new panther tanks in late February, 1945 serves as a good example. 

The book is not limited to discussion of the military elements of the author’s experiences. He highlights at length about the impact upon the non-combatant population of the fighting. As the Danzig region was cut off from a land route back to Germany by the Soviet forces, the civilian population became more desperate for a way out. Refugees clogging the roads impacted the ability of German forces to move throughout the region. Also, the limited naval support available to carry people and equipment out, had to be balanced between military forces critical to the ongoing defence of Germany, and the civilian population trapped within the pocket. Typical of the tragedy of this time was the sinking of the Goya, a liner, that was evacuating 7000 civilians and soldiers out of the Danzig area. The author narrowly missed being a passenger but lost hundreds of his comrades when a submarine sunk the ship on 16 April, 1945. Only 137 people were rescued. 

The story that the author relates regarding his and a few of his comrades, eventual escape back to Germany via a small watercraft following the cessation of hostilities on May 8, 1945, is an adventure in itself. His description of the chaos, luck and determination to return to Germany proper is an excellent synopsis of the desperation and anarchy evident in Central Europe as the war came to a close. He has also included first person accounts of those soldiers who escaped to Sweden only to be turned over to the Soviets months after the war was over as well as those who did not escape and were interred for years in Soviet prisons. 

Overall a very interesting and engaging read. This is a tactical, street level perspective on the closing days of the war and its immediate aftermath. While there are no references provided, the author presents a passionate and insightful account of his and his comrades’ experiences.