To the Gate of Hell: A Memoir of a Panzer Crewman Hardcover – Illustrated, May 19, 2012

I enjoy reading about life as it is experienced during World War II, particularly as it unfolded for Germans of all castes, geographic locations, social, and economic levels. This book reads a bit like a graduate college history text at times, then it seems to delve into a philosophical analysis of National Socialism, but always tempered by the author's view of the matter at hand. Personal letters, and school essays are included.This guy's story is not typical of the work I have previously read. Some stories keep one up all night in tense interest, with riveting developments seemingly occurring on each page. There are a couple of times when the author physically was on hand at some potentially volatile settings, but it seemed his goal, or focus was always to "get out of there as quickly as possible!" I cannot blame him for that, it was a very dangerous world in the last couple of years of the war for a German enlisted man, and he was able to avoid the eastern front more than once, (though he was there for a short while as a communication operator inside of a Panzer.) He seemed to be successfully "ducking & dodging hot spots constantly all the way to his dash for the American Lines at the end, and for economic survival afterward as an educator in the field of Forensic Odontology.I just am not very interested in Forensic Odontology, and did not find much to hold my attention in his writing skills as he related his memories, though he makes some good points in conclusion as to the guilt that should, and should not be shared by the different levels of the German military, during and after the war.Honestly, ...the moment I concluded reading the book; I felt that I would have to read it again to know exactly what he was saying, what happened to him. The detail level varied quite a bit.It is a dry read, mostly, and I did not want to go through all that again, so I have only red it once.I will say that the title of the book does grab your attention, but that the title does not really fit the content of the book, in my opinion.I recommend "Innocence Lost", "Weeds Like Us", or the wonderful story of Jutta Bole in "Angels in the Darkness>" Angels in the Darkness: A Family's Triumph over Hitler and World War II Berlin: 1935-1949Weeds Like UsInnocence Lost: A true story of a young German girls surviving the horror of the Russian advance westward in the last months of world war two. From peace as an evacuee to survival as refugee.

'To the Gate of Hell: A Memoir of a Panzer Crewman' is a good, if not excellent account of the career of a Panzer Crewman on the Eastern Front in the Second World War. And oddly enough, it is actually quite career-based. The author, who became a senior lecturer in dentistry after the war, discusses promotion and awards at some length rather than the combat itself. Disappointing as this may be to some readers, it still is interesting to read about – as well as the everyday struggles of those in the Heer, like the constant longing for food and internal bickering between enlisted men and non-commissioned officers.The highlight of the book is in the final third, when the author struggles to avoid an inevitable, fruitless death on the front lines in the dying days of the Third Reich. As the Russian army pounds across eastern Germany and the Wehrmacht tears itself apart, Bottger avoids combat by exaggerating his injuries and doing various administration roles well behind the lines. Alright, this doesn’t sound all that interesting but it really is engaging seeing the author manipulate the overly-bureaucratic Nazi war machine to avoid what he saw, fairly early on, as an unwinnable war.‘To the Gate of Hell’ is more useful to the reader in understanding the day to day life of someone who fought in Panzers, rather than an account of the battles, strategy and tactics employed or the vehicles themselves. The account is highly personal, with little regard for the overall strategic situation, which really isn’t a bad thing. As such it is a good, easy read, but if you’re after something a little more technical, or focused on the fighting, you’d probably be better served by another book.

The author has written a narrative of times in WW II Germany that appealed to this reader, primarily on account of his honest, matter-of-fact style. That style is very, very similar to Bartmann's style in his book, "Fur Folk und Fuhrer". But Bottger presents as an entirely different person. He seems to be much more of an individualist whose first choice, assuming he had had one in reality, would be to have nothing to do with war. At one point he even refers to himself in context as a "shirker". But Bottger thankfully does not go down the path of moral purity for having such inclinations, as if collective guilt for the war does not apply to him since he tried to avoid participation. No, he just had an attitude, unlike the myth of the German Soldier that one normally comes across. And nevertheless he still had to do his job.Interestingly Bottger moved on after the war to become a successful professional. This naturally took up many more years of his life than did his war experiences. And also naturally, the author knew that the only story most people would ever want to read about would be those few years in the forties.

Though poorly edited/translated and often not in chronological order, this work gives surprising and powerful insight into the reality of German tank warfare. Primarily, we learn that the men who were not brainwashed party members or in the SS lacked the lust for war. Even those in the Panzers, who benefited from superior armor and billet conditions. These men fought for personal survival, self-respect and duty to those beside them (sometimes!), not Hitler. I was surprised by the lack of discipline at the front. Had the German army believed in and fought for the cause they likely would have conquered Russia and put up an even more fierce defense against the Allies.

I enjoyed this book but don't expect many tank battles as the author spent most if his time outside of the tanks and away from the fightingStill s good insight to his life before during and after the war

Good read from the German soldier viewpoint.

An interesting perspective

Quite a good read, storyline was down to earth, if a bit erratic. Seemed very political at the end though.

Love it - great!