Customer Reviews

SEVEN DAYS IN JANUARY: WITH THE 6TH SS-MOUNTAIN DIVISION IN OPERATION NORDWIND

5 star:		(22)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Seven Days in January is primarily a look at the 6th SS Mountain Division's commitment to the last German offensive on the Western Front in World War II. Operation Nordwind (North Wind) is a forgotten battle, as most histories of the war dispense with the Battle of the Bulge by the end of 1944, and then skip to events on the Eastern Front, particularly the upcoming events in Hungary. Nordwind is lost in this time warp, but, as Zoepf shows, that didn't make the combat any less fierce. The attack, set in the Vosges mountains, pitted several Volksgrenadier divisions and most of the 6th SS Mountain Division against a thin line of American units, mostly from the 70th Infantry Division (although later on other units, particularly the 45th Infantry Division, played important roles).

Zoepf begins his book by devoting a significant number of pages to the division's exploits in Finland against the Soviets. Given the title of the book, I was surprised to find that almost 20% of it is devoted to these actions. The information is interesting, though, and ultimately informs the reader about how the division would be able to perform against the Americans in the Vosges. Given the mountainous terrain, the snow, and the cold, it's no wonder that the Germans sought to employ the 6th SS Mtn Division, since they had a wealth of experience from their combat along the Arctic Circle.

Significant portions of the book are devoted to the planning of Nordwind. Zoepf does an excellent job in assessing the situation, and analyzing the combat resources that the Germans committed and the resultant likelihood of success. He critiques the overall mission in the first place, arguing that the German military situation was such that any attack would be of dubious value. More specifically, he argues that unrealistic goals were given to units that did not have the resources to meet them. Volksgrenadier divisions, for example, were organized for defense, not for the attack; they lacked enough infantry units, and their organic units were not mobile (instead relying upon foot marches or horse-drawn wagons). Or take Zoepf's own division: much of it had not even reached Germany, and was still en-route from the long retreat out of Finland. He also faults the overall lack of intelligence regarding US positions and units. Finally, he criticizes the decision to hold the armor back, in order to wait for a breakthrough, when units on the front sorely needed the protection of tanks and assault guns.

On the American side, Zoepf is critical of the US forces' almost complete lack of intelligence about the upcoming situation. Furthermore, a significant portion of the line was manned by recon units outfitted only with ineffective armored cars, jeeps, and not nearly enough infantry. Once again, it seems, the US defenders were caught off guard. Indeed, many US soldiers literally were caught asleep in their sleeping bags! Poor unit discipline, lack of intelligence information, and inadequate combat power meant that a huge gap was torn in the American front line almost right away. The key unit that utilized this hole was the 6th SS Mountain Division.

The second and third battalions of the 12th Regiment (the author was part of the third battalion) infiltrated other US positions, and overran rear-area and HQ troops in the town of Wingen (the 6th SS division objective). The rest of the book is then devoted to the US efforts to eject the SS troops from the town, as well the efforts to restore the situation generally by repairing the breach in the line.

Zoepf describes the combat with clear, concise detail, on a day by day or hour by hour basis. The actions of even very small units such as individual companies or platoons are very easy to follow. The author effortlessly switches between descriptions of small-unit combat in Wingen with larger-picture descriptions of combat elsewhere in the region between regiments belonging to other divisions on both sides. 36 (yes, 36) maps are included, which make following the action very easy. Many of the maps of Wingen are detailed enough to identify individual buildings, roads, and other features such as the cemetery and key railroad bridges. Zoepf also provides, at the end of each chapter, an assessment of the combat that took place. This is very interesting, and he pulls no punches in describing the failures and mistakes of both the Germans and the Americans.

In a nutshell: Fascinating detail, clearly described battles, and exciting suspense. Seven Days in January won't take you seven days to read.

Although the 6th SS-Mountain Division "Nord" may chiefly interest American readers because of its action during Op NORDWIND against the US Army in the Low Vosges, it mostly saw combat on the Soviet-Finnish front. As the book sums this up "Nord" was in combat against the Red Army for 1 214 days and against the US Army for 92 days. Thus it is only logical that the fighting in the Arctic and Subarctic is covered in a prelude (47 of the book's 304 pages).
The book's author "Nord"-veteran Wolf T. Zoepf makes it crystal clear just how great an embarrasment his division's first action was. In the author's words: "(...)a first-class debâcle that stigmatized the entire division within the German Armed Forces for about a year".
But then, the chaotic conduct of "Nord" in the summer or '41 was to be expected as the author provides numerous examples of how unprepared in the extreme his unit was for any type of action, let alone fighting in the roadless taiga. In Zoepf's words: "The division's artillery had fired just once and never in coordination with the infantry. Similarly, infantry leaders had never worked in concert with artillery. The antitank gunners had never fired their weapons, nor had the antiaircraft gunners."
It seems almost miraculous how "Nord" in spite of its disastrous baptism of fire could evolve into the superb fighting machine it became in 1943. But, as the author points out, the US "Big Red One" Ist Infantry Division went through a similarly sorry start in North Africa.
Zoepf explains how the effectively dissolved "Nord" started anew (the personnel turnover was almost 100% in some units the fall of 1941) with the help of Finnish expertise. The book's description of how the division was reorganized and equipped will keep even the combat-focused readers interested as Zoepf is an intriguing teacher in most aspects of land warfare.
The book is at its best in the main section dealing with Operation NORDWIND against US forces as the author has been able to benefit of the records and also veterans of the opposing side. One could wish that he had been able to do the same kind of research on the Soviet, now Russian, side but this would of course have demanded special language skills and was until very recently simply not feasible.
This reader does not share the author's conviction regarding the truth behind the destruction of the Finnish city of Rovaniemi (I'd say the truth has not yet been established). I would also have liked to have learnt more about Zoepf himself from his writing but this does not bring down the total value of the book. Anyone interested of the Eastern Front, the final battles in the west or the Waffen-SS will be richly rewarded by reading this book. The superb maps and many insights into wilderness adaptation are of use in the training of today's and, I venture to say, even tomorrow's soldiers.

Seven Days in January, by Wolfe T. Zoepf is a spectacular book written by the German point of view of the battle in the Lower Vosges during late 1944/early 1945. This is a battle few people know, or none the less hear about, but was important nonetheless.

Tragically, Mr. Zoepf died shortly after the book was completed, but his story is excellent to say the least. As the book mostly covered the preparations and battle for Wingen-sur-Molders in January 1945, a small portion of the book is covered dealing with the evolution of the 6th SS Mountain Division "NORD" during the years of 1941-1944 where it was heavily engaged on the eastern front. However, the background info covers the transformation of NORD from a division heavily mauled in 1941, into a battle hardened formation, and one of the best in the German order of battle by 1944.

The majority of the book covers the battle for Wingen-sur-Molders. Zoepf goes about telling his story in an excellent manner. He describes the tactics, shortcomings, strengths, and differences in command structure of both German and American forces during the battle.

As each day progresses during the course of the book, he describes the preparations for each day's fighting followed by the actual story of the day's events. Once the day's fighting is complete, he delves into the intelligence flaws of each side (i.e. the Americans believing they were facing merely 50 german soldiers and the Germans losing their radio car and fighting with virtually no contact with the outside world to know the progress of the rest of the battle in the Lower Vosges) and the plans for the next day, etc.

Another intersting point of this book is the respect both German and American soldiers pay their opponents while telling their story. There are numerous examples in the book where Germans and Americans have nothing but admiration for the spirit, courage, and determination of their opponents.

Readers will also be intrigued by the various stories of the joint first aid station set up and staffed by soldiers from both sides (although the American doctors and medics were prisoners of war by this time, they still cared for all wounded equally) who cared for soldiers from both sides equally and fairly.

Zoepf also tells the story of the declining quality of the German units by this point of the war and the drastic effect the loss of experienced officers and NCOs has on military units, well-equipped or not. He also points out the flaws in the American concept of placing Task Groups as "plugs" in their line, especially when an integral part of their formation (artillery in this case) was still back in the US training while the Task Force in the story had to rely on artillery from another US Division.

The stories of soldiers from both sides during this battle is what tells the story so well. It is they, and their courage Mr. Zoepf pays tribute to in his book. The respect amongst veterans of the units who participated in the battle is so strong, the one time enemies are now friends and have celebrated together several times.

"Seven Days in January" is an excellent read for anyone interested in learning more about the Battle for the Lower
Vosges, the 6th SS Mountain Divison "NORD", or the US 70th Infantry Division "Thunderbirds".

Wolf T. Zoepf "Seven Days in January" tells a story of a quite forgottten battle fought during "Nordwind" offensive between elements of 7th SS Mountain Division "Nord"(namely 1st and 3rd battalions of 12 SS Mountain Reg.) and American forces (mostly of 274th Infantry Regiment). Capturing Wingen -sur-Moder a little town in Low Vosges was essential for the Germans if any hopes of success for operation "Nordwind" were to become reality. And this task was entrusted to 7th SS Division.
The book starts with some fifty pages of introduction telling about the origins and campaigns fought by "Nord" in Finland during 1941-1944 and then it goes straight to the "Nordwind" operation. Story is told on a day to day and side to side basis which makes this book quite easy to follow. It not only gives the details of 1st and 3rd Battalions actions but shows greater picture as well. That allows the reader to understand the place and meaning of the course of events for both sides. Lots of maps help the reader to get clear picture of events and places where they occured to happen (that cannot be told about every book!). I only wish the author gave some info on the aftermatch and next actions of his unit.
But this is one hell of a book and if you are the second world war student or a waffen SS student tis is a MUST!

This is a balanced and objective memoir by a member of the German forces engaged in a vicious battle. It does a superb job of telling the story from both sides in a manner that does justice to both, giving credit where it is due and making substantiated criticisms where justified. It also substantiates claims by other SS veterans that they (at least their unit) were disciplined soldiers who abided by the Geneva convention and did not engage in atrocities. What I especially appreciated was that Herr Zoepf did not engage in chest-thumping claims of his unit being the best and that no other soldiers could match the best German troops, a tendency that has appeared in a number of German memoirs. Herr Zoepf expresses pride and appreciation for his fellow soldiers (entirely justified - these mountain soldiers were really good) and also recognizes soldierly abilities in his enemies. He also reveals (perhaps unknowingly) what I believe is true about the American troops' fighting spirit. This is disclosed when he recounts the efforts of entirely green troops of the 70th Division in attacking highly-experienced, superior forces defending with better equipment from highly-protected positions. Those green 70th Division troops really showed courage and determination when they were driving the SS troops from their positions in Wingen. This is a fine memoir written by a man of obviously great integrity and ability.

This is a great history of the 6th SS-Mountain Division. I enjoyed the play by play of Operation NORDWIND and the research that was put in to getting the facts of the battle right. Read Black Edelweiss: A Memoir of Combat and Conscience by a Soldier of the Waffen-SS first to get a really good look at what is was like fighting in Finland and in Operation NORDWIND. They compliment themselves very well.

I agree with the previous reviews, i.e. this book is a great combination of personal first hand accounts and tactical and strategic narrative supplemented by plenty of maps (unfortunately not many photos). It is sad that Mr. Zoepf passed away before he knew how much readers liked his book.

U.S. accountings of the battle for Wingen-sur-Moder during the German Operation NORDWIND in January 1945 have been documented in the several histories of the U.S. 70th Infantry Division units. Now "Seven Days in January" uniquely provides the German side of that fight. It is authored by Wolf Zoepf, an officer in the 3d Battalion, SS-Mountain Infantry Regiment 12, 6th SS-Mountain Division NORD. The story begins with a brief overview on the formation of the division, its three years of fighting Soviet forces above the Arctic Circle on the Finnish-Soviet front, showing how it was well prepared for its subsequent struggle with U.S. forces, and its movement from Finland to the vicinity of Wingen-sur-Moder in Northeastern France for that struggle.

The majority of Zoepf's book is dedicated to the details of the planning for Operation NORDWIND and a day-by-day (hour-by-hour, in many cases) account of the conduct of that operation at all levels down to the rifle squad. His research of U.S. and German archival data for this period not only provides accurate and finite details of the combat actions, but also allows the reader to compare what each side was doing at a given time.

An important adjunct of great value to the reader is that following each of the significant battle accounts, the author has summed up that portion with a Battle Analysis of both sides that contains the key elements he believes significantly influenced the conduct of that aspect of the operation, and the impact of those key elements on the final outcome.

The book is the result of many years of detailed research of official sources of U.S. and German operational data. Zoepf's text includes comments provided him by Trailblazers of the U. S. 70th Infantry Division's Task Force Herren and and the German soldiers of the 6th SS Mountain Division Nord who had engaged one another in the battles at Wingen-sur-Moder. The maps, sketches, and their explanatory notes are well done and helpful in following the actions.

Wolf Zoepf died unexpectedly after his review and approval of the last chapter of the book. Editor and publisher Keith Bonn, who had worked with Zoepf on the preparation of book as the technical and developmental editor, carried the remaining work to completion. The book opens with an insightful foreword by Brigadier General Theodore Mataxis (Ret.) who was Executive Officer and then Commander of 2d Bn, 276th Infantry Regiment which participated in the Wingen-sur-Moder operation of early January 1945.

It would take a German to give credit where credit is due.
Nordwind was a German offensive made at the same time as the more famous Ardennes offensive. It was of a slightly smaller scale, but no less fiercly fought and could potentially have had devastating consequences had it succeeeded.
Wolf Zoepf was a veteran from the war with Soviet Union north of the Arctic cirlce and gives a clear and concise description of the development of the Sixth Waffen SS Mountain Division, of its tactics and organisation, and of its heroic part in the failed Nordwind offensive.
The book not only describes in detail the course of the battle, but also - which is even more important - the strengths and weaknesses of the opposing military organisations.
It is not enough to say that the US army had superior manpower and superior firepower - history is full of examples where the inferior side carries the day, take for example the early German and Japanese victories in the second world war, or the Macedonian victories against the Persians.
The German strengths lay in superior tacical skill, initiative, off-road mobility, and tactical organisation (up to, say, regimental level). Usually, these factors would be enough to carry the day in any battle, but the US army had a superior organisation on the army level: not only did they have the manpower and the firepower, they could see to it that it got where it was needed! What played a role was also the superior US communications technology, and that they had one sole Commander who knew how to utilise his advantages and whose orders were obeyed. I get the impression that by this stage of the war the US army had developed a military organisation that was almost fool-proof; even mediocre army or divisional commanders could succeed by just following the rules. The German commander had to co-operate with other army commanders, including Himmler! and had cope with meddling superiors, including Hitler! He could not give orders to other units than the ones under his direct command, and then the communications were often so faulty that orders were not always received.
This book gives the reader so much more than just a first-hand account of the battle (which is interesting enough), and it is a valuable addition to any second world war or military history collection.
Let us not forget that the blood on the snow and the unmarked graves are no less real just becuase they are written on paper and happened over sixty years ago. This kind of madness continues, and shows no will to stop.

Wolf Zoepf's "Seven Days in January" is a solid piece of work documenting the 6th SS Mountain Divison. The title is however a little misleading as at least 1/3 of the book deals with the trials and tribulations of the early 6th Mountain in it's time above the Artic circle in Norway. While this is an interesting history on it's own I was disappointed to have to read so much background that ultimately didn't frame the Nordwind battle any clearer. Having stated this caveat, Zoepf's discussion of the Operation Nordwind was however fascinating and enlightening. Clearly the 6th was an elite force that was sacrificed at the alter of battle at the end of the Ardennes Offensive.

Aside from the slightly dull and unnecessary introductory portions cited above this is a solid 4 star book, with the intro it slips to a decent 3 star book. Probably not worth full new book price.

UPDATE (March 12, 2004): Upon reading another Aberjona Press book, Black Edelweiss by Johann Voss, I feel it is necessary to modify my original review of Seven Days in January. While I stand by each of my original comments I would add that if read together with Black Edelweiss - a wonderful combat memoir from a veteran of SS-Mountain Regiment 11 - Seven Days in January is a truly great book in total, including the first third of the book that I said seemed out of place. Black Edelweiss expands upon these passages about the Artic Circle combat and also deals with the battles of the Lower Vosges that Seven Days is mainly meant to convey. In this larger context Seven Days in January is a solid 4 star book -worth market value (granted you need to purchase two solid reads!)