WW2: 96 year old shares his story as a soldier in Russia & POW in Siberia. Episode #1
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- Опубліковано 1 січ 2021
- Episode #1 focuses on life growing up in Germany, joining the Hitler Youth and his first 4 months on the frontlines in Russia.
This video series highlights the life of 96 year old Herbert Scherer. At 18 yrs of age, this German soldier was sent to the Eastern Front for 1.5 years and became a POW in Siberia for 4.5 years.
For more information, or to get a copy of his book, please go to my website: www.melaniewillard.com
Disclaimer: Although his book has "God" in the title, 99% of the content is about his experience as a soldier in WW2.
Thank you to Steven Sidebotham, Professor at the University of Delaware for leading this interview.
How can anyone not be impressed with this 96 year old former Wehrmacht soldier who volunteered to go to the Russian Front. As an avid reader of WW2 history written by the victors and also books written by German authors who experienced a hell on earth. This man is an honourable person who is a delight to listen to. Now on the episode 2.
Kaycee 777.
Many German soldiers were not hard core nazi's, nor did they all murder with impunity in Russia.
@@silversurfer7079 I know that to be true. My respect!!
@Koen R and one should never forget the hell and carnage that the European civilians suffered by the Nazi regime. Most of what I have read covers the horrors that people experienced including the staggering number of people who died in the Soviet Union. No one in their right mind would condone this madness that darkened the world for 5 long years. My father, a Canadian Army veteran who joined the Canadian Armed Forces, never spoke about that period (1939-1945) . This was common of the men who served their Nations during World War Two. These were good men doing an unimaginable job, and there were good men on both sides.
Only one word: amazing. This guy is living history - he has MAXIMUM RESPECT from me.
🔥BRAVO🔥RED🔥 ARMY🔥I am Russian, and I do not hate Germans now, because most of Germans at that time didn't have much choice. I hooked up on reading Germans' veterans books about fights on Eastern front and captivity, and I got many answers to my questions , and were surprised to find sensitive info about how locals were interacting with German soldiers and much more! No one is born with red star or black swastika on forehead❗❗❗
Very good... I like ppl like u... Not ignorant like most
The world owes Russia.
The whole idea of war is stupid. We don't need enemies anymore.
In war, there are no winners.
@Graf von Losinj You are inorganic. Get out of your little fantasy world and step into the real world. Stop talking all that nonsense
My grandfather was in a gulag for most of the war. He survived. Siberia. He always expressed love and respect for the Russian people. He was always clear about that.
Saw Melanie's interview from last year; this guy is as sharp as a tack...now at 96! Glad to see these interviews...
The interviewer asked good questions and the former German soldier gave his opinion which was very insightful of their interpretation of history.
If you're so keen on learning what "their" interpretation of history is, then you should read "Mein Kampf"
@@stewartgriffin6907 Mein Kampf does not have anything to do with this brave soldier's experiences and opinions. He made the choice to fight the largest mass murderer on the the planet, that being Stalin, and attempted to protect Western culture from the Communist hoards that had the conquest of Europe on their minds. Victors will always write the version of history that is accepted but it does not mean that it is the truth.
@@stewartgriffin6907 Typical out-dated boomer perspective 🥱
Oh Stewie Louie come on son,
we both know reading Mein Kampf doesn’t really provide the clear cut German perspective regarding the Germanic history!
Especially, thru the eyes of the this veteran speaking within this video!
Veterans regardless of which side they we’re on should be viewed as international treasures once in their golden years!
What a pleasure it is to hear stories that other wise would never be told in any classroom..
@@klausvonschmit4722 Should mass murderers be viewed as national treasure too ? After all they're veterans, you know.
Very interesting. Very impressive you held your position and didn't run when your leaders did. Thank you for sharing.
Youngest looking 96yr old ever!!!
I agree ❗️🇩🇪✅
A hero of the old days. What this man went through, fascinating.
An articulate interviewer and a sensible and observant interviewee. Thank you. 👍
priceless interview. thank you
I visited Herbert yesterday (May 9, 2024). Now 5 months shy of his 100th birthday, he is just as sharp. He was sharing more stories of the war and growing up in Nazi Germany. I studied this in university, so it is odd talking with someone who was there!
I’m English and my wife is from what was Sudetenland. We travel through Germany. It’s crazy now to think how all this happened.
Thanks for uploading this Melanie
Great interview! 20 plus years ago I was interviewing these brave men on a monthly basis. Sadly there aren't as many left. What division was he in?
Mr. Scherer doesn’t remember the regiment but he was with the 1st East Prussian Fusilier’s Division.
@@melaniewillard5335 thank you for your response. Could you ask him if he remembers seeing a KriegsPfarrer in his unit. I am researching clergy in the Whermacht during WW2. Thank you.
This was amazingly interesting. I could listen to this guys War stories all day every day. So interesting to hear what life was like on the Eastern Front. You don't hear many stories like this. And I thought that was very humane of him to not shoot the russians in the back while they retreated. That's why this man is still alive to this day.
You are probably right on that Mini!
Nino(rather)
That's right!
He is definitely correct about Stalin being the professional murderer compared to Hitler.
"Little Germany" wasn't alone. They had the Bulgarians, Romanians, Italians, Croatians, Ukrainians, parts of most of the Scandinavian countries not to mention Japan diverting a great deal of military resources of the western allies.
Bulgarians, Romanians, Italians, Croatians, Ukrainians hahahaha ok we were alone
Hitler was an amateur killer,Stalin was a Professional murderer. So true!
Thankyou very much for this he looks great and I have much respect for him and what he went through.
Thanks! He sure does look great! I love his heart, a hero of mine for sure.
God Bless. His story mirrors my Opas story in WW2 as a German in WW2
Remarkable man!
Wow just a month before my grandpa was born! This man speaks the truth!
He is pretty special with a heart of gold.
If you like this video, please read the book The Forgotten Soldier by Guy Sajet
. I read it many years ago, and I will never forgot the bravery of the young German soldier on the Eastern front. True story. Unbelievably brilliant.
Wow he looks absolutely amazing for being 96.
The Eastern Front had 90% of the fighting.
What a tough time to be a man
An amazing story by an amazing man! Thanks for this!
Glad you enjoyed it!
@@melaniewillard5335 Are you his granddaughter or something ? Why are you retransmitting what an old Nazi has to say ?
@@stewartgriffin6907 why are you watching if what this man has to say offends you? I'm seriously asking
@@64maxpower I'm curious by nature; I also hate Nazis. So, what's your deal, why do you publish what a Nazi has to say ? Do you like Nazis ? I'm seriously asking
@@stewartgriffin6907 no, I think Hitler and Stalin were some of the worst things to happen to humanity. But there are lessons to be learned in both good and bad. I like to look at why people do things. For example in his story he mentioned the things Poland was doing to German citizens and how Russia was setting to attack so that's why Hitler attacked first. He went in a a German soldier thinking he was defending his country. From every thing I've studied, neither was true. History is important or it get repeated. I'm also fascinated by the uncommon bravery by the common person. And how people's morals are tested in tough situations. For me listening to all sides and drawing my own conclusions is more important than believing what someone tells me I should think and feel
Amazingly spry for 96! He has some "interesting" viewpoints...
Yes he is. The media has great power to make people believe some things...
Please someone with a kind Heart tell me how , when and most importantly is there a 4th episode? If there is any consolation, this story has everything in it. If you can help a brother out, would very much like to know if there was another 4th episode, to catch up on. I very much want to hear it from the common soldier, it matters not which "Side" they were on its their story. And with this Gentlemen he just wants to tell his story, great Story and I have heard some of the Best, including my own Father who captured a German Colonel.
Wade Bonds yes there will be more episodes. They come out once a week usually on weekends! Thanks for the comment, I couldn’t agree more.
And the story ends well!
@@melaniewillard5335 Thank Ms. Willard looking forward to more of the same.
Thank you.
what did patton mean when he said "we're fighting the wrong enemy " .in your opinion ?
Well, I guess that he realized that the soviets were becoming more of an enemy, than an ally, after the war and saw a potential ally in the face of Germany, the country the allies had just fought. Whatever the reason for his comment was, it (the comment) was still ill-thought and incorrect.
My dad guarded German POWs in the north of Russia in Komi(Inta) and in the Volga region(Saratov)
Also escorted Romanian POWS from Russia to Romania after the WW2
My dad too in Algeria (1945/46), he told me Germans were very impressive (disciplined) even as POW unlike the Italians ones.
@@alexandre210613 My father used to say that the Germans were neat farm workers.
Where can I find more interviews to german WW2 veterans?
If you google it, you will find plenty. There are many more episodes with Mr. Scherer you can watch on my channel, just find the WW2 playlist. Hope this helps.
Why does he keep skipping clips? Seems as if the interviewer found what this hero had to say was useless or distasteful. Don't interview heroes like this if you are not going to show he whole recording!
I apologize if the editing is irritating! It’s my doing. Mr. Scherer is 96 yrs of age and I’m simply removing the dead space, where he maybe looking for his words.
Trust me, no disrespect intended. I can do less editing if you don’t mind longer interviews.
@@melaniewillard5335 yes, in these times, we don't trust editing. Please allow the whole interview.
This is news to me, the Polish hanging German minority farmers. I've studied WW2 history from an early age, through university, to adulthood, and I've never read about these hangings anywhere. Can someone point me to a credible source dealing with these events? I can't believe I could've missed this as the immediate events leading up to WW2 are quite clear.
That could be propaganda he was told at the time?
The Danzig corridor.
Remember, victors write the history, the "real" story of any war is often different than the written story...
Bloody Sunday on wikipedia is a start. Heavy propaganda from both sides going on and I am sure news articles from the area can be accessed. Interesting in that it will be impossible to gain the complete picture in one lifetime of taking in knowledge of the war that defined the world for many years. The war that still holds fascination even for young adults today. God I hope we have learned something from the most deadly time in the world.
There is a lot to find on the internet; google "Bromberg" and "Blutsonntag" for example.
The question is: do I believe the information that I find...
This time was very complicated, England, Italy, Japan and others were colonizing weaker third world countries everywhere, These policies created a competition among other countries. A thorough in depth study will still leave you wondering about these wars...
I wonder how come he speaks such excellent English ? His accent ist wie Arnie Schwarzenegger, but his language is brilliant !
Nice job. The citizens of America should listen to the begining of this video and look at what is happening in the media ect.
Great interview. Horrible camera angle on the interviewer.
"This is interesting, you don't hear too much about the Eastern Front"
To those commenters here who attack this man as some Nazi conqueror, fast forward to 2001 and 2003 respectively. Many thousands of US troops happily went off to invade Afghanistan and Iraq, two small countries on the other side of the world that they knew next to nothing about and that had never attacked the US. Yet, they were convinced they were defending America.
He seems to ignore Hitlers aggressive racist ideology and invading Russia for lebensraum, also,I dont think Hitler invaded poland to save some germans living there, quite warped.
I hear the goulash in the Siberian camps was really good
The world owes Germany an apology. Please view "Europa the last battle". It is on Bitchute.
Why is the narrator yelling
haha! Not yelling, likely just making sure that the ears of the 96 year old hear him
This guy is nuts Russian never thought about attack in Germany the first two weeks of the war when Germany attacked Russia Stalin was in shock and hiding for the first two weeks
He's talking as an ordinary German living at the time. This is what he was told by the nation's media and he makes this clear in his comments. He's not stating it as fact.
Lool sure, stalin wanted to attack germany and everyone knows that.
Germany knew that as well and attacked preemptively.
To me German soldiers is the best soldiers! They have iron balls! What they had suffered during winters in Russia just hard to comprehend ... and they still had will to fight!🔥🔥🔥
They were murdering butchers fighting for the worst cause ever.....
@@kevinloignon7943 Comrade citizen?
@@hansgruber650 lol ... right on the money mein Freund Hans
@@kevinloignon7943 Try to understand that no one is born with red star or black swastika on forehead! Everything that happens on this Earth has its reason. This WW2 has its reasons. If you were born at that time in Germany >>> you would do the same as any other German citizen! Soldiers do not ask questions >>> they have to obey! Most of German soldiers did not know about Jewish camps...
Gott ist mit dir kamerad.
Excuse me. Germany bombed Britain relentlessly through 1941. My city Nottingham, was bombed on 71 nights. Hundreds were killed. And what about the battle of Britain and the blitz?
Needs Educating on true history. Thinks ever one was attacking Germany first .
I think it's you that is in need of educating on true history , I am am ex British infantryman , and even I have to admit Churchill was a war monger Hi..tler wanted peace with the uk but Churchill kept pushing for war , and as for Czech and Poland ect ethnic German people were being killed in the thousands , you need educating yourself ,.
@@MICHAEL-wg2lh why did they kill the ethnic german people in poland and czech ?
@@incorectulpolitic The Czech and Polish Governments had an issue with those ethnic Germans, and the land they inhabited for centuries, wanting to be re-united with Germany as these areas were taken from Germany after WWI. To quell and silence these notions, the Polish government had a policy of murder of these ethnic Germans, even more so once the supposed protection from France and Great Britain were promised (how did that work out by the way ... oh yeah). If you care to actually read up on the truth of this situation, here it the link to one of numerous studies done on this issue, that of course you would never hear about in the mainstream news: www.ibiblio.org/hyperwar/NHC/NewPDFs/GERMANY/GER.Polish.Atrocities.Against.German.Minority.in.Poland.1940.pdf
Hollywood also says the south attacked the north too.
Thank you Melanie for providing us just one of the Millions of untold stories of German heroes who recognized the threat that Soviet Russia was to the world. The debt that Western people and culture owe him, and millions of others like him, can never be paid. I look forward to watching all of the following videos in this series to learn more of his experiences. As my Opa passed away some time ago, I know he would want to say: Vielen Dank fur Ihren Dienstgenossen. Deutschland Uber Alles.
I support his views
The propaganda really stuck with him.
1) poles weren't hanging germans
2) Stalin wasn't going to invade germany
Says you who spews propaganda lol.
Its well documented that poland killed german minorities.
And stalin DEFFINITELY wanted to invade germany and that is well known.
@@MeanApollo no it is not.
ua-cam.com/video/TyANHGWbUHA/v-deo.html
I bet he voted for Trump.
We live in Canada
@@melaniewillard5335 So did Ted Cruz
I bet you vote for whoever hates people of european origin.
I don't want to sound disrespectful, but no, the Poles were not hanging Germans from lamp posts before the war. Propaganda
Nazis apologist. He lied from start as Gobels. Disgusting how easily he put poisenous words out of his old mouth. Almost you can think, that those nazis are victim not the perpetrators.
Beta, not fit to polish his boot's.
No one is born with star or swastika on forehead! Everyone who survived that war is hero!🔥
You can’t judge a man, until you walked in his shoes. Did you not hear when he said ‘his father would lose his job if I didn’t join Hitler youth’ Nazi’s ruled by total fear.
@@hoonaticbloggs5402 this is why reproduction must stop, stop producing food (children) for the beast(system).. the root of all evil is adultery/fornication/reproduction.
You need to educate yourself and do some reading that is not simply from your victors version of history. You can start with report on Polish atrocities against Germans: www.ibiblio.org/hyperwar/NHC/NewPDFs/GERMANY/GER.Polish.Atrocities.Against.German.Minority.in.Poland.1940.pdf