A fascinating and detailed photographic exploration of Hitler's numerous headquarters which he used throughout the Second World War. Included amongst these are the well-known ones, such as the Berghof, the Eagle's Nest, the Wolf's Lair, the Reich Chancellery, and the Fuhrerbunker where Hitler spent his final weeks, but also the much less familiar sites such as Felsennest, Tannenberg, the Wolf's Gorge, and Wehrwolf, as well as his personal aircraft and train. The photographs give a vivid impression of the construction and operation of each, showing their communications arrangement, hospital, kitchen etc, and visits by senior SS and Nazi party personalities. These are interspersed with images from the front line, in those areas which were relevant to the operations being conducted from the headquarters at the time. The book closes with a considerable array of wonderfully atmospheric winter images of the Wolfs Lair as it appears today.

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Pegasus Archive

Ian Baxter’s book as the title suggests provides an excellent array of historical photographs of the Third Reich during the Second World War and in this respect it certainly does not disappoint. It even includes in its concluding chapter a look at some of the ruins today.
Accompanying this is a good short summative narrative of the military events of the War. The book follows the German dictator’s journey from the first few anxious hours of the war as the Wehrmacht massed on the borders of Poland in September 1939, through to the final conclusion of his reign, where Russians troops are swarming over the ruins of Berlin, and the once great war leader hides in the infamous bunker April 1945. Baxter’s book is a great illustration of a number of central themes of Hitler’s life, answering a lot of questions of what went on behind the scenes such as how he lived, moved and interacted with others during his dictatorship. It excellently highlights the distrust he held of his senior Wehrmacht officers, which was repeatedly shown by Hitler’s insistence on taking personal command of Germany’s armies. It is fascinating to see the sheer scale of planning and logistics that went into Hitler’s Headquarters. It is certainly worth a read, and would be a good addition to anybody’s bookshelf, providing a greater understanding to life behind the scenes at Hitler’s headquarters.

World War II Discovery

‘Images of war’ series, which are basically, picture books, and I have rarely found them worth reviewing. This one however, is a fascinating subject and there is a ‘before and after’ element, insofar as the author shows photographs of the ruins that still exist today.

Windscreen – Military Vehicles Trust

For those with a specific interest in the subject matter this book will provide a good visual reference. For others it will provide an interesting insight and a good read about the thoughts and actions of one of the key key decision makers in the war.

Military Model Craft International

A fascinating archive, 8/10

The Great War Magazine