Afrikakorps Soldier 1941–43

Though it went on to become the most famous German formation of World War II, the men of the early Afrikakorps had no experience of desert warfare. Yet, in a matter of months, they proved themselves more than capable of surviving in the harsh conditions of the North African desert and managed to force their British enemy as far back as Egypt. Led by the celebrated General Rommel, the soldiers of the Afrikakorps were proud of their unique status and a strong esprit de corps soon emerged that survives to this day. This book examines the living conditions, training, equipment and battle experiences of a typical Afrikakorps soldier. Book jacket.

Pier Paolo Battistelli earned his PhD in military history at the University of Padua. A scholar of German and Italian politics and strategy throughout World War II, he is active in Italy and abroad writing titles and essays on military history subjects. A contributor to the Italian Army Historical Office, he is currently revising his PhD thesis for publication: The War of the Axis: German and Italian Military Partnership in World War Two, 1939-1943. The author lives in Italy.