The Other Trench: The WW1 Diary and Photos of a German Officer

“This diary is not just a recollection of experiences written after the war, but literally the experiences I wrote down every day. They are therefore a genuine reflection of the heavy fighting against the enemy and nature that the Kurhessian Jäger Battalion (Marburg), and especially my company and I, had to endure. Particularly at the beginning, there are a lot of things that I might not have written or at least later expressed differently as an experienced fighter of the Front. However, I have intentionally changed nothing, as these reports are intended to reflect my true feelings at the time.”

From the trenches in France, to the mountains of Eastern Europe and the landscapes of Italy; step into the life of Alexander Pfeifer, a company commander within one of the most prestigious and utilised battalions of the Imperial German Army. Covering over 4 full years of continuous tough combat and service, ‘The Other Trench’ offers one of the most visual, touching, and brutal accounts of the Great War through his many photographs, authentic diary, and connections to people and the world we live in today. Co-authored by his English great-great-grandson, this book also offers narrations, research, and stories that intertwine the past with the present. It brings a chronicle and an interesting family history to life, as well as fully shedding light on the German perspective, but also that of the opposing sides during the war. The authenticity of this diary provides a unique insight into the life of an ordinary soldier during this era, all while completely elevating the reader’s understanding of what was witnessed to the next level.