Panzer Commander is one of the classic memoirs of the Second World War. A professional soldier, Hans von Luck joined the Panzerwaffe in its earliest days, where he served under Erwin Rommel, and went on to fight in the Blitzkrieg in Poland, France and the Soviet Union. He then served with the Afrika Korps in the Western Desert and tells of the sometimes chivalrous relationship with the British 8th Army.

Growing up, 1911-1929 --The Reichswehr and my teacher, Rommel -- The buildup of the Wehrmacht, 1934-1939 -- Europe on the eve of war : travels and experiences -- Blitzkrieg : Poland, 1939 -- Interim, 1939-1940 -- France, 1940 -- Interim, 1940-1941 -- The Russian Campaign, June 1941 to January 1942 -- Interim, 1942 -- North Africa, 1942 : Rommel, the Desert Fox -- The retreat from El Alamein -- The end in North Africa, 1943 -- Berlin and Paris, 1943-1944 -- The start of the invasion, 6 June 1944 -- "Operation Goodwood," 18/19 July 1944 -- Retreat to Germany, August-November 1944 -- Fighting the Americans, December 1944 -- The Eastern Front : the last battle -- The 21st Panzer Division as "Fire Brigade" : the beginning of the end -- The end -- Capture and deportation -- In the coal mines of the Caucasus Mountains -- Kulture and corruption : the Russian mentality -- Punishment camp : hunger strike and the KGB -- Release -- A new start.