Call it revisonist history, but it appears that history has not painted Walther Model as the man that he really was. Considered by many who have written about him as an obedient toady of Adolf Hitler, it seems that Model was one of the most competent generals that Germany had during WWII.

To paraphrase a famous quote, when the going got tough, Hitler got Model. His abilities to not only rally troops, but prevent unmitigated disaster were shown time after time again as he was called upon during the second half of the war. He had an uncanny ability to gather around him men on whom he could rely to get the job done when asked. He was also one of the few general officers who was not afraid to stand up to Hitler and on several occasions, ignored orders from him that he new were folly.

Model was not a Nazi party general, but one who had a deep sense of honor and of conviction. He was loyal to the leadership of his country as he was a devout nationalist. Most of his efforts were in the Eastern Front, though after D-day he was called upon to help stem the Allied tide in the west. In addition to his early war victories, he was Hitler's favorite 'fire fighter' and was sent in after less competent commanders were relieved and often when the situation was dire. His lone tactical error of the war was not to blow up the bridge at Remagen, which was used by the Allies to cross the Rhine late in the war.

Considered the finest defensive commander of modern time, Model could not endure the fall of his country and committed suicide in the last week of the conflict. A general that cared deeply for the well-being and training of his soldiers, yet was not afraid to send them into harm's way to meet his goals.

In this book as part of Osprey's Command series, author Robert Forczyk takes look at the life of Walther Model, a man not born to aristocracy as were many of Germany's generals. We see his early years through his WWI experiences and the events of WWII that shaped his career.Throughout the book are period photos and superb artwork that includes maps and charts of the campaigns in which he was involved.

In all, it is a fascinating look at one of Germany's more capable yet somewhat misunderstood commanders. A most interesting read and one that I am sure you will enjoy.

August 2011

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