Dr Tom Thorpe, independent scholar and Secretary of the Antrim and Down Branch, discusses his research into the combat morale and motivation of German forces fighting against Soviet Forces on the Eastern Front during the Second World War. His talk considers what factors made German forces fight, endure and engage in the wide spread war crimes in which so many ordinary German units participated. In particular, he focuses on the role of two motivating forces; the role of ideology and nationalism and the role of small group cohesion. This lecture is a deviation away from the normal programme of Great War talks to explore whether the branch should consider talks across a broader historical sweep.
THIS EVENT IS VIRTUAL and is taking place on Zoom. Sign-up closes 24 hours before the event and an invite will be sent to everyone registered 24 hours before the beginning of the event. THE LINK TO REGISTRATION is https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/german-combat-motivation-on-the-eastern-front-during-the-second-world-war-tickets-130583485721?aff=ebdssbonlinesearch