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WWII began with a metallic roar as the German Blitzkrieg raced across Europe, spearheaded by the most dreaded weapon of the 20th century: the Panzer. No German tank better represents that thundering power than the infamous Tiger, and Otto Carius was one of the most successful commanders to ever take a Tiger into battle, destroying well over 150 enemy tanks during his incredible career.
About the Author
Otto Carius won the Knight's Cross with Oak Leaves for his bravery and leadership during WWII.
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"What they want with that little runt . . . that's what I'd like to know, too," said one of the card players. Read the first page
Front Cover | Copyright | Table of Contents | Excerpt | Index | Back Cover
"What they want with that little runt . . . that's what I'd like to know, too," said one of the card players. Read the first page
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Front Cover | Copyright | Table of Contents | Excerpt | Index | Back Cover
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
26 of 28 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
"Tigers in the Mud" is a wonderful volume written by Otto Carius on his military career during WWII, mostly his action as commander of a company of Tigers(Tiger I). Most of the action takes place on the Eastern Front against the Russians although there is a brief excerpt against the Americans where he commanded Jadgtigers.
His accounts of the the individual actions is very interesting as well as the atmosphere of being surrounded by reliable comrades. Throughout he describes his interaction with men he had to rely upon and their deep comradeship. He doesn't fail to mention some people who really had no idea of what they were doing or those who did but simply couldn't get on with the men under their command. He also points out some of the aspects of military action as practised by the Germans and the Russians. Whereas there were never very many Tigers available at any time, and so their use was carefully orchestrated so that losses were kept to a minimum, the Russians tended to throw T-34's into action quickly and without concern as to losses. It demonstrates why he had so much success fighting the Russians in comparison to their success against his tanks. Nonetheless he never fails to say when things went awry due to basic mistakes in comand or just simple errors during combat.
It also becomes clear that even in late 1943 and early 1944 it was still possible for the Luftwaffe to maintain air superiority on the Eastern front. The kind of massed bombing carried out by the US and Britain in the west was never practised by the Russians to the same extent even though the size of their airforce was greatly superior to the Germans. Mind you the Russians never had access to the superb P-51 Mustang whereas the Germans had the Focke Wulf 190.
It was obvious that German tanks were generally superior to the Russian models, except the later JS-1's and IIs, and provided they were used properly i.e. taking into account their problems with transmission, road wheels/transport etc they would almost always defeat larger numbers of the enemy. Carius knew how to use his Tigers, as well, he knew how to cooperate with infantry and knew all of his company tank commanders well. It is through this kind of understanding he was able to have so many successes against larger numbers of Russian T-34s. I certainly have no problem believing that he could knock out 10 T-34s with a single Tiger.
It is important to understand that Carius took the initiative at the right moment or whenever he was able to given the limitations of supply and orders from above. He attempted as much as possible to make use of the element of surprise and it is this which helped him during his destruction of the 17 Russian tanks in the village of Malinava.
Throughout the text Carius never blew his own trumpet, the actions are described matter of factly and it is clear that he wished to make sure people such as Kerscher and "The Graf" got the accolades they deserved. His meeting with Himmler is also informative in terms of the man's character.
All and all an excellent book.
His accounts of the the individual actions is very interesting as well as the atmosphere of being surrounded by reliable comrades. Throughout he describes his interaction with men he had to rely upon and their deep comradeship. He doesn't fail to mention some people who really had no idea of what they were doing or those who did but simply couldn't get on with the men under their command. He also points out some of the aspects of military action as practised by the Germans and the Russians. Whereas there were never very many Tigers available at any time, and so their use was carefully orchestrated so that losses were kept to a minimum, the Russians tended to throw T-34's into action quickly and without concern as to losses. It demonstrates why he had so much success fighting the Russians in comparison to their success against his tanks. Nonetheless he never fails to say when things went awry due to basic mistakes in comand or just simple errors during combat.
It also becomes clear that even in late 1943 and early 1944 it was still possible for the Luftwaffe to maintain air superiority on the Eastern front. The kind of massed bombing carried out by the US and Britain in the west was never practised by the Russians to the same extent even though the size of their airforce was greatly superior to the Germans. Mind you the Russians never had access to the superb P-51 Mustang whereas the Germans had the Focke Wulf 190.
It was obvious that German tanks were generally superior to the Russian models, except the later JS-1's and IIs, and provided they were used properly i.e. taking into account their problems with transmission, road wheels/transport etc they would almost always defeat larger numbers of the enemy. Carius knew how to use his Tigers, as well, he knew how to cooperate with infantry and knew all of his company tank commanders well. It is through this kind of understanding he was able to have so many successes against larger numbers of Russian T-34s. I certainly have no problem believing that he could knock out 10 T-34s with a single Tiger.
It is important to understand that Carius took the initiative at the right moment or whenever he was able to given the limitations of supply and orders from above. He attempted as much as possible to make use of the element of surprise and it is this which helped him during his destruction of the 17 Russian tanks in the village of Malinava.
Throughout the text Carius never blew his own trumpet, the actions are described matter of factly and it is clear that he wished to make sure people such as Kerscher and "The Graf" got the accolades they deserved. His meeting with Himmler is also informative in terms of the man's character.
All and all an excellent book.
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
This excellent book details in great depth the combat experience of Otto Carius (Knights Cross and Oak Leaves winner), perhaps one of the less well known Tiger Tank commanders, but clearly someone in the same league as Michael Wittmann, only an army officer in this case, rather than a Waffen SS one and, perhaps, most importantly, one who actually survived the war and kept his diaries and photograph albums intact, with which this book was produced. Heartily recommended for any serious student of German armour (in the sense of tank forces) in WW2.
39 of 43 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Writing as an afficiando of WW2 books and accounts this is one of the best German tank books I have. The author is actually a funny and likable guy too, some of his exploits are laugh out loud type. Not too serious but immensely informative from the man on the line point of view. A gripping WW2 account.
Its likely that his perspective on National Socialism and the Third Reich may be disorientating at first. However there is really only thoughtful commentry. Its well worth digesting these views for an open minded exploration of the 'other side's' mentality. Good Book.
Its likely that his perspective on National Socialism and the Third Reich may be disorientating at first. However there is really only thoughtful commentry. Its well worth digesting these views for an open minded exploration of the 'other side's' mentality. Good Book.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Great, but lacking is some detail
Overall, I believe that 'Tigers in the Mud' is a fantastic book, and i recommend it to anyone that wishes to learn about the German armoured arm in WW2. Read more
Published 18 days ago by Angel Droth
squadie
I enjoyed this book although it was a very difficult read. I am fortunate that I am coversant with the German and you need this skill to help you pronounce some of the words, it... Read more
Published 1 month ago by squadie
Sensational action war story !
This book reports the diary of war by the Panzer Ace Otto Carius. Literally, the reader find himself (even herself...) inside the story. Read more
Published 3 months ago by Luciano
warmly recommended
I've always wanted to know what it was like for these guys and their big machines during WW2. I was a little sceptical as to how exciting such stories might be but I found "Tigers... Read more
Published 8 months ago by Frank Kaspa
Tiger on the prowl
Commander Carius started his career as a loader in a czech-built Panzer 38(t) before being wounded during the russian campaign. Read more
Published 18 months ago by Mario Scalas
Terrible
I read the book with a growing sense of disbelief which culminated in outright disgust and I promptly threw it away. Read more
Published 18 months ago by Bluenose
Nazi propaganda
Most books on the Eastern Front glorify the German army and cover up its active role in the genocidal assault on the Soviet Union. Read more
Published on 16 Mar 2010 by William Podmore
Gripping authentic account of Panzer combat
Otto Carius was a hugely successful Tiger commander, principally on the eastern front and this is his story. Read more
Published on 25 Feb 2010 by Siko
Superb
Very briefly, I am halfway through my third reading of this book and with the knowledge that I shall re-read it time and again in the years ahead. Read more
Published on 6 Dec 2009 by N. Metson
The other Wittman
Michael Wittman is well know to WW2 historians but Otto Carius was every bit his equal but since he fought mainly on the Eastern Front his exploits are less know (there is a third... Read more
Published on 10 Oct 2009 by Gisli Jokull Gislason
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