Operation Barbarossa: The Day By Day Account of German Invasion of the Soviet Union | Part One

Friedrich Zander was born on August 31, 1916, in Grudens, West Prussia. He was apprenticed to a merchant in Osnabrück, Germany, before being conscripted into the Reich's Labor Service. Zander later volunteered for service in the Wehrmacht as a signalsman and radio operator, rising to the rank of officer by 1940. He did not see frontline service in Poland and France but trained troops for the regimental replacement battalion. Zander's military expertise and leadership were acknowledged with various decorations, including the Iron Cross and the German Cross in Gold.

The narrative is interspersed with music, setting the tone for the historical recount. Zander, at the age of 24, commanded a platoon of Panzer III tanks and was part of Operation Barbarossa, the largest military invasion in history. On June 17, 1941, his company assembled for deployment, and the German forces began their advance into the Soviet Union. The initial optimism and camaraderie among the soldiers are palpable, with references to personal anecdotes and interactions with the local population.

Zander's experiences during the Baltic offensive are detailed, highlighting the harsh realities of war. The German forces encountered fierce resistance from the Red Army, leading to significant German casualties. The narrative describes the German strategy, the rapid advance of the Panzer divisions, and the personal experiences of soldiers on the ground. The text also touches upon the living conditions of the Soviet civilians and the ideological motivations of the German soldiers.

The narrative delves into the brutalities of close combat, where Zander and his men faced the constant threat of death. The emotional toll of losing friends and comrades is emphasized, with descriptions of fallen soldiers and the reactions of their comrades. The harsh treatment of prisoners and the ruthless nature of warfare are also depicted, showcasing the dehumanization that occurs on the battlefield.

The text describes the interactions between German soldiers and the civilian population, highlighting the dire conditions faced by the locals. Soldiers were often billeted in Russian homes, and the narrative provides insights into the living conditions and cultural differences. There are also accounts of the struggle for survival, with references to the scarcity of food and the harsh treatment of the Soviet population by the German forces.

The challenges faced by the German forces in terms of logistics and infrastructure are outlined. The rapid advance of the troops led to overstretched supply lines, making it difficult to maintain the necessary flow of food, fuel, and ammunition. The text also discusses the impact of the war on the local economy and the living conditions of the Soviet people, with many left destitute and struggling to survive.

As the campaign progresses, the changing seasons bring new challenges. The summer heat gives way to colder temperatures, and the rain turns the sandy roads into quagmires, hindering vehicle movement. The German High Command reassesses its strategy, with a shift in focus from Leningrad to Moscow. The narrative reflects on the uncertainty and the psychological impact on the soldiers, who are unsure of the campaign's end.

The text concludes with the onset of winter and the decision to lay siege to Leningrad. The German forces are faced with the daunting prospect of spending the winter in Russia, with the harsh weather conditions exacerbating the difficulties of warfare. The narrative reflects on the resilience of the soldiers and their determination to see the campaign through, despite the mounting hardships and the high human cost.