Throughout history, German soldiers of World War II have been surrounded by an aura of mystery and exaggeration that has given rise to numerous myths. Many of these ideas emerged from Allied and German propaganda, while others were fueled by inaccurate films, novels, and documentaries. The result is a distorted view that turns these combatants into almost mythical figures, when in reality their daily lives were full of limitations and contradictions.
One of the most common myths is that all German soldiers were Nazi fanatics, when in reality, many of them were forcibly recruited young men with no true ideological commitment. Another common mistake is to think they were better equipped than their enemies, but most wore substandard uniforms and outdated weapons, while only a few elite divisions received modern resources. It is also often said that they were invincible in combat, ignoring the fact that they suffered devastating defeats on multiple fronts.
The image of perfect discipline is also a myth. Although the Wehrmacht was known for its organization, there were desertions, mutinies, and episodes of indiscipline like any other army. Even the idea that they were well-fed and supplied has been exaggerated, even though thousands of soldiers on the Eastern Front suffered from hunger, extreme cold, and lack of medical supplies. Subsequent propaganda transformed their suffering into stories of heroic resistance, obscuring the real harsh conditions.
Finally, another myth is that all German soldiers were directly responsible for war crimes. While many participated in atrocities, especially the SS and the Einsatzgruppen, most were simple combatants caught in a war machine that overwhelmed them. Reducing history to a set of clichés prevents us from understanding the true complexity of that army and its men. Debunking these myths does not mean exonerating, but rather approaching with historical rigor what really happened.
Credit to : Der Kommandant English