Fake History – a short thread.
One of the perennially best-selling books about D-Day is called D-Day Through German Eyes, by Holger Eckhertz. It contains graphic accounts from Germans in the frontline of battle. 1/10
One of the perennially best-selling books about D-Day is called D-Day Through German Eyes, by Holger Eckhertz. It contains graphic accounts from Germans in the frontline of battle. 1/10
It’s so good that it doesn’t ring true. At least, it didn't to me.
Eckhertz claims that the accounts were collected by his journalist grandfather, Dieter Eckhertz. But there are no records of this elder Eckhertz 2/10
Eckhertz claims that the accounts were collected by his journalist grandfather, Dieter Eckhertz. But there are no records of this elder Eckhertz 2/10
I investigated and smelled a rat. I didn't believe the stories (they were too perfect) and I was unable to cross reference any of the soldiers mentioned. Discussions about ‘secret weapons’ also seem fishy. And the level of detail is astonishing – if true. 3/10
I searched for the author on google. Nothing. I searched for his publisher, Sprecht Media. Not listed in Companies House in either the UK or Germany. 4/10
On the suggestion of @guywalters I approached the Times. They were interested enough to publish an article about the fraudulent book: it was widely followed up. 5/10
Now, I’ve received some additional information. Belgian historian (and specialist in D-Day) Carl Rymen contacted me: he’s an expert on the German Herouvillette murders on 6 June and has done extensive research in the German archives. 6/10
After reading Eckhertz’s book, he decided to focus his attentions on the 716 Infantry Division, responsible for defending the coast. He checked the soldiers mentioned in the book alongside surviving records in the German archives. Nothing. 7/10
'I started to look into the German files for the names of the Germans. They are not listed. I went through enough lists of the 716 artillery unit to be almost certain that it was made up.' 8/10
The soldiers in Eckhetz’s book never existed. Nor did Dieter Eckhertz. Nor does Holger Eckhertz. He’s hiding behind a pseudonym. 9/10
Rymen concludes: 'D-Day Through German Eyes is the biggest hoax I’ve read until now.'
Yet it continues to be among the biggest selling books on D-Day.
An insult to all who fought and died.
The lesson to be learned? Beware of your sources! 10/10
Yet it continues to be among the biggest selling books on D-Day.
An insult to all who fought and died.
The lesson to be learned? Beware of your sources! 10/10
• • •
Missing some Tweet in this thread? You can try to
force a refresh
