Generalleutnant Fritz Bayerlein wrote about 20 manuscripts while interred as a US Army prisoner of war in Oberursel Germany from 16 April 1945 until his release on 2 April 1947.  The German unit histories written by senior German officers for the US Army's Historical Division are referred to as “Foreign Military Studies” (FMS).  These manuscripts were long hidden in the National Archives for over 58 years. Occasionally, specific quotes are published, however there hasn’t been an effort to consolidate Bayerlein’s manuscripts. I am editing all of General Bayerlein’s studies and melding them into a chronological narrative of his experiences and that of his Panzer Lehr Division from the Allied Invasion at Normandy to his surrender of his LIII Armee Korps in the Ruhr pocket.

In general, these Military Studies are very detailed, providing village-by-village combat narrative recounted from the General’s personal battle experiences and his behind the lines refitting and replacement of his division’s losses. At times – with his middle-aged man’s memory – he can be incorrect, but I believe he provided the best information he could, based upon the circumstances.  Bayerlein wrote these manuscripts under less than ideal conditions, as many of the other generals in the prison camp were hostile to him on account of his surrender. Bayerlein was the first Corps commander to capitulate in the Ruhr pocket and his decision was supported by some and condemned by others.