Born in 1910 in Fohnsdorf, Austria, Sylvester "Vestl" Stadler became one of the most capable field commanders of the Waffen-SS, serving on every major front of the Second World War from its opening campaigns to its final days. Beginning the war as a radio operator in the Der Führer Regiment, he rose through the ranks to battalion, regimental, and eventually divisional command.
Stadler led his regiment through some of the fiercest fighting of 1943, from Kharkov and Kursk to the Mius Front and the retreat to the Dnieper, before being transferred to France. During the movement north to confront the Allied landings in Normandy, elements of his regiment carried out the infamous Oradour-sur-Glane massacre.
Promoted to command the 9th SS Panzer Division Hohenstaufen, Stadler led the formation through the brutal battles of Normandy, including Hill 112 and Operations Jupiter, Goodwood, and Spring, before being wounded and temporarily removed from command. Returning in October 1944, he commanded the division through the Ardennes offensive, the final battles in Hungary during Frühlingserwachen, and the last fighting retreat into Austria, before ending the war little more than 100 kilometers from his birthplace.
Drawing on extensive archival research, official documents, maps, and a wealth of photographs-many previously unpublished-this book provides the first comprehensive English-language study of Stadler's military career.
Essential reading for students of the Eastern Front, Normandy, the Ardennes, German armoured warfare, and the history of the Waffen-SS.
