The Memoirs of Field-Marshal Kesselring

From one of Nazi Germany’s most skillful commanders comes one of the great military autobiographies of World War II.

Field-Marshal Albert Kesselring was one of Germany’s most capable military strategists. Originally a Bavarian army officer, he transferred to the Luftwaffe in 1935 and became Hermann Göring’s deputy, commanding air fleets during the invasion of France and the Battle of Britain. In 1941, he was appointed Commander-in-Chief South, sharing the direction of the North African campaign with Rommel. As Commander-in-Chief in Italy in 1943 to 1944, his brilliant defense of the peninsula became legendary. In 1945, after the Ardennes offensive failed, Kesselring replaced Gerd von Rundstedt as Commander-in-Chief West.

In his memoirs, Kesselring describes his military training, his service in World War I, his work in the Reichswehr, his role in founding of the Luftwaffe, and all aspects of his command in World War II. Including Kesselring’s account of his trial and imprisonment for war crimes, these memoirs give a full picture of the whole military experience of one of Germany’s great commanders.