Rommel’s last tank commander

Rommel’s last tank commander

Looking back at age 101: From El Alamein to Monte Cassino

For two years, Hans Eckstein lived in a world of steel, stone, and sand. He experienced all the major battles of the North African campaign from the very beginning and, as a commander, loader, and radio operator, was able to witness the development of the German Panzer Troops from the Panzer I to the Panzer IV. In 2025 – now 103 years old – he is likely the last contemporary witness who is able to look back on such a military career. He is one of the few early North Africa campaign veterans who escaped captivity at the time of the surrender in Tunisia. The remaining years of the war saw Eckstein in Sardinia, Corsica, and Italy, finally serving as the commander of an assault gun.

164 pages, hardcover, 146 illustrations (color), including numerous unpublished original photos and documents.

Language: English

Please note: These are not facsimile signatures. Mr. Eckstein took great pains to sign each card by hand for his readers. This is surely your last chance to obtain the signature of an Afrika Korps tank commander. There are two autograph card designs (Eckstein with a Panzer I tank in front of Tobruk and Eckstein with his medals) shown in the product gallery. A photo of him signing can also be found in the product gallery. The signatures may vary slightly from one another and correspond to the handwriting of a 102-year-old. Personal dedications are not possible due to demand and logistics. Currently, I can only offer signed cards. I do not yet know whether and how Mr. Eckstein will be able to sign books in the coming weeks.

++ International shipping is available. You will receive a tracking number by email within 4 days of placing your order ++

++All signed books are currently sold out. A few signed cards are still available! Whether there will be more signed books depends on Mr. Eckstein’s health when I visit him next.++