In Screams of the Drowning, Klaus Willmann tells the story of German solder Hans Fackler during World War II. He also briefly sheds light on the sinking of the liner Wilhelm Gustloff during that conflict.
Willman opens with an exploration of Fackler's childhood and his take on the events going on around him at a period towards the end of World War II. He then moves into an exploration of Fackler's training and indoctrination into the Hitler Youth, and his experiences on the Eastern Front. Following that, he explores trips to field hospitals and Fackler's eventual transfer and evacuation on Wilhelm Gustloff
This is not a technical examination of the strategy and tactics employed on the Eastern Front. Nor will readers find a deep analysis of battles and tactics. Hans Fackler's experiences do, however, provide a first-hand account of the average German soldier on the Eastern Front at war's end. For example, the discussion of disparities in equipment throughout the German Army, and the rapidly deteriorating situation at the front is both intimate and chilling. Although students of military history may not find anything particularly new or revealing in Fackler's story, those less familiar with the topic will find the book a readable introduction to the period while more advanced students will find it a solid piece of non-technical background to events on the Eastern Front.
Despite its vivid description of the Eastern Front, Screams of the Drowning suffers from a number of shortcomings. The events surrounding the sinking of Wilhelm Gustloff may not be well known outside the context of maritime or military history, but the author only addresses it briefly in barely a dozen pages. Of course, the actual sinking occurred quite quickly and a passenger below decks, like Fackler, would not necessarily be aware of the technical situation regarding the state of the ship or the nature of the attacks. Lack of access to such information accounts for the limited explanation of the sinking, not the author's inability or unwillingness to explore the facts.
As a memoir, the text does not refer to primary or secondary sources, which limits the work as an academic resource. While the author does not draw direct conclusions, readers should cross-reference political or strategic comments against other sources for a more complete picture. Finally, it should be noted that this is a translation of a transcription of a memoir. Students who read this in the original German may find additional context or nuance not present in the English transmission. The translator does note that some sacrifices and changes from the original were necessary, readers should remember that some things are lost in translation.
Screams of the Drowning offers an engaging account of one man's experience during World War II. While of limited academic value, the memoir does shed light on a little-known aspect of the war that students at all levels should find useful. Perhaps the questions it provokes will encouraging further exploration of the war on the Eastern Front.
