"Smiling 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 Goring'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. Kesselring was made Commander-in-Chief Southwest in 1943, and his defence of the Italian peninsula became legendary. In this edition of his memoirs, which includes introductory material from James Holland and Kenneth Macksey, Kesselring details his military training, his service in World War I, his work in the Reichswehr, his role in the founding of the Luftwaffe, and all aspects of his command in World War II. Concluding with Kesselring's account of his trial and imprisonment, these memoirs give a full picture of the whole military experience of one of Germany's key commanders. AUTHORS: Albert Kesselring was a German Luftwaffe General Feld-Marshal in World War II and renowned as one of Nazi Germany's most skilful commanders. After the war, he was sentenced to death but this was commuted to life imprisonment. He was released in 1952. Kenneth Macksey is internationally known for his works on military history, including his biography of Guderian and 'Why the Germans Lose at War'. James Holland is the author of 'Dam Busters' and 'Twenty-One: Coming of Age in the Second World War' SELLING POINTS: ? A rare memoir from one of Hitler's key commanders ? A full translation encompassing his service in both World Wars ? Introductory material what explodes the myth of ?Uncle Albert' and focuses on his culpability for war atrocities 16 b/w illustrations
