By Friedrich Sander, Translated and Edited by Rob SchÄfer.

BLOOD, DUST AND SNOW

DIARIES OF A PANZER COMMANDER IN GERMANY AND ON THE EASTERN FRONT

Written during the harsh fighting on the Eastern Front, the Sander diaries not only offer an honest assessment of the war, but also provide an insight into the mind of a young and highly politicised officer and the close-knit community of a German Panzer crew.

Historian

Rob Schäfer

I am a military historian specializing in the human experience of war in the modern period (c.1800-1945), with a particular focus on the German soldier. My primary interest are the personal accounts of war found in egodocuments like diaries and letters. I am fascinated by the cultural and social dimensions connected to these conflicts, seeking to understand the impact on individual lives and broader society.

My extensive experience in this field spans over three decades, during which I have built a vast personal collection of German soldiers’ journals and letters. This has equipped me with unique expertise in sourcing and working with such material in archives and private collections. I have collaborated with collectors, museums, and film/television productions, offering my knowledge and unique insights.

Beyond my focus on the German perspective, my research has also led to groundbreaking discoveries regarding the fate of the fallen of the Battle of Waterloo and the industrial exploitation of human bone in the modern age. This work challenges long-held assumptions and sheds new light on the aftermath of this pivotal event.

My contributions extend beyond research and collecting. I am a published author, producer, writer, researcher, media adviser, and battlefield guide. To discover more about my background and expertise, please visit the ‘What I do’ section.