MARCUS A. NANNINI: WINNER, 2019 NON FICTION BOOK OF THE YEAR. WINNER, 2020 NON FICTION BOOK OF THE YEAR-HISTORY CATEGORY. WINNER, OVERALL GRAND PRIZE NON FICTION BOOK 2021-2022.
ON THE NIGHT OF 17/18 SEPTEMBER A SERGEANT FROM THE 82ND AIRBORNE WAS INTERROGATED BY HEINRICH HIMMLER DEEP IN THE BOWELS OF AN ANCIENT CASTLE. AN SS GUARD KNOCKED OUT SOME OF HIS TEETH. DOES THIS RING FAMILIAR WITH THE STORY OF A RELATIVE OF YOURS? WE ARE SEEKING HIM. PLEASE HELP OUT.
BREAKING NEWS:
AN ARTILLERY OBSERVER FROM THE 82ND MADE IT TO THE TOP OF BELVEDERE TOWER ON THE EVENING OF SEPTEMBER 17, 1944. SUDDENLY HE FOUND HIMSELF TRAPPED WHEN SIGNIFICANT GERMAN ACTIVITY BEGAN TAKING PLACE ON THE FLOORS BELOW HIM. DOES ANYONE HAVE A LIVING OR DECEASED RELATIVE WHO WAS THAT OBSERVER? CERTAINLY HE WOULD HAVE TOLD HIS STORY TO HIS GRANDKIDS. HE WAS STILL LIVING IN 2013. PLEASE REACH OUT TO ME IF YOU KNOW OF HIM, MARCUSNANNINI at AOL dot COM. THANKS!
******************
Amazon link: HTTPS://WWW.AMAZON.COM/LEFT-DEAD-NIJMEGEN-AMERICAN-PARATROOPER/DP/1612006965
Hello Marcus, (A letter from holland)
A possibility about Himmler’s presence in Nijmegen may be explained by the fact that at “Berg en Dal” (a small village east on Nijmegen along Waal river), between 14-19 Sep 44, was the HQ of a special SS Division. That was the so-called Division zur Vergeltung (Division for Retaliation). It’s Commander was SS-Gruppenführer and Generalleutnant der Waffen-SS Dr. Ing. HANS KAMMLER from Oct 1, 1944 till Jan 27, 1945.
However, he was also the so-called: “Bevollmächtigter des Reichsführers-SS für das A 4-Programm” or Himmlers Deputy(!) in charge of all V-weapons, both with regard to production and as well as their deployment against Allied targets. The units of this division fired both V1’s and V2’s at Allied targets and cities (Paris, London. Antwerp).
A meeting between Himmler and Kammler could have taken place at Kammlers HQ in the days before Sep 18th. Distance from that HQ to the Waal-bridge and/or the Belvedere tower is just over 3 miles as the crow flies. Guess Himmler would have left on the night of the 17th but no later than at the very early morning on 18 Sep due to the threat to him in the Nijmegen area. That day also Kammlers HQ moves to SUTTROP in Germany itself. Just in time to stay out of the hands of the 82 (US) AB Div paratroopers.
Himmler’s personal security detail (platoon-size?) would most likely have come from the SS-Panzer Grenadier Division 16 “Reichsführer SS”. His “own” Division. (My note: About 10 days earlier Himmler moved an entire combat group of his “Reichsführer SS” from Italy to Nijmegen.)
READERS PLEASE TAKE NOTE OF THIS NEW DISCOVERY:Amazon link: HTTPS://WWW.AMAZON.COM/LEFT-DEAD-NIJMEGEN-AMERICAN-PARATROOPER/DP/1612006965
An expert fellow battlefield tour guide from the Nijmegen area recently related a story to me from another US Paratrooper (name unknown to him) he met in 2013. This para was an artillery observer and he did make it to the Belvedere Tower on the evening of the 17th. At that moment he could get into the Tower unopposed. He indicated that he made it to the top floor when suddenly all kinds of German activity were taken place on the level just below him. After a while, it all died down and it became quiet again. This story can, although second-hand, confirm German activity in the Belvedere Tower in the timeframe Gene might have been there.
I found confirmation on the dates and location of general Kammler’s HQ in the Div z.V.’s war diary from the German Military Archives in Freiburg. Next, I am going to look for any indication of the exact location of this HQ.
Kind regards,
Dirk W. Hoekendijk
NB: Location/dates source:
- Pieter Serrien, Elke dag angst, ISBN 978-949 262 6547, page 114 (Flemish only as far as I know)
- War diary Division z.V. RH 26-1022/3 (page 5) Kriegstagebuch Division z.V. (Military Archives, Freiburg, Germany)
Kind regards,
Dirk W. Hoekendijk
NB: Location/dates source: Pieter Serrien, Elke dag angst, ISBN 978-949 262 6547, page 114 (Flemish only as far as I know)
A first time buyers discount of 30% is available here. Click: https://www.casematepublishers.com/left-for-dead-at-nijmegen.html
Amazon link: HTTPS://WWW.AMAZON.COM/LEFT-DEAD-NIJMEGEN-AMERICAN-PARATROOPER/DP/1612006965
Midwest Book Review calls it “EXTRAORDINARY AND SIMPLY RIVETING”
A“BESTSEL” in Holland, buy it here when in the Netherlands: https://www.athenaeum.nl/boek/?authortitle=nannini-marcus-a-/left-for-dead-at-nijmegen–9781612006963
LEFT FOR DEAD AT NIJMEGEN IS IN THE UNITED STATES NATIONAL ARCHIVES. The Audio Book is NOW AVAILABLE!
Overall Winner of the 2019 PenCraft Awards for Literary Achievement in a Nonfiction book. Left for Dead at Nijmegen is the PenCraft 2019 Nonfiction Book of the Year.
On 21 September, 1944, Heinrich Himmler gave a speech. In it, He stated he had just spent the last week touring the entirety of the Western Front, from North to South. If you have a copy, even if it is in German, I would very much like a copy of the transcript of that speech please. MarcusNannini@aol.com
Cor Kluitenberg, Nijmegen, the Netherlands. On March 17, 2019, Cor messaged me that Heinrich Himmler had been in Nijmegen on the night of 17/18 September, 1944. Cor was born in 1950 and his firm assertion that Himmler was in Nijmegen is based upon Oral History, passed down from his elders. A further confirmation, from 1961, is set forth at pages 209-210 in the book Left for Dead at Nijmegen.
A CONVERSATION BETWEEN HEINRICH HIMMLER AND THE MAN IN WHOM HE ENTRUSTED PERSONAL THOUGHTS AND SOUGHT ADVICE:
- A conversation between Heinrich Himmler and Dr. Felix Kersten on 19th December, 1944. Bear in mind that prior to Operation Market Garden Himmler transferred an entire combat group of the Reichsführer-SS from Northern Italy to Nijmegen. Yet, somehow, the Brits never caught on.
- Here is the conversation from the book, The Kersten Memoirs,1940-1945: “Location: Triberg, in the Black Forest. While I was giving him treatment, Himmler told me that the pick of the English troops had lost their lives at Arnhem. The English had planned a large-scale attack with their best parachute units. There had very severe fighting. In the end the Waffen SS had triumphed.
- ‘We had known for a long time that the English were planning something, but we didn’t know where. Then, six days before the English attack on Arnhem, we got reliable information about it. So I was able to bring my Waffen SS quietly into position round Arnhem and give the English a warm welcome. This time we were more wily than they were.”
I admired Himmler’s sagacity and said that if he had not got wind of it at the right moment, it would certainly have been a severe setback for Germany. ‘I suppose there were no German troops stationed at Arnhem?
‘None’ Himmler replied, it was practically denuded of troops. The English would have had their own way. But, you see, there are decent Germanic people, who have a feeling for Greater Germany; and one of them was on the Dutch staff and he warned us. I will be eternally grateful to that fine Dutch officer for this.’
I asked Himmler: ‘But how is it possible to get a warning through the front line?’
‘You must let that be my secret,’ Himmler answered, laughing. ‘I can tell you nothing about the details.'”
Pages 267-268.
AMAZON HAS LEFT FOR DEAD AT NIJMEGEN ON SALE TODAY https://www.amazon.com/Left-Dead-Nijmegen-American-Paratrooper/dp/1612006965
Told in the matter-of-fact tone of a college essay, the book is a page turner, full of coincidences, narrow escapes, and tension worthy of a Hollywood film. Left for Dead at Nijmegen is well worth the read.” Paul Garrett for Reedsy Discovery
“Some savvy screenplay writer will inevitably snag the rights to this one. The comic relief is already built into the suspense-driven plot. The story is just the right size for a movie in an industry struggling to break-away from comic book heroes into the genuine article.” Reviewed By: Casey Quyn, Manhattan Book Review of LEFT FOR DEAD AT NIJMEGEN.
Je naar een prachtige podcast luisteren met Gene Metcalfe door op deze link te klikken: HTTPS://WW2PODCAST.COM/WW2-PODCAST/100-LEFT-FOR-DEAD-AT-NIJMEGEN/
We are seeking definitive evidence of the whereabouts of the Reichsfuhrer, Heinrich Himmler, during the late night hours of 17/18 SEPTEMBER, 1944, the first day of Operation Market Garden. We very much want to hear from you.
Email: Marcusnannini@aol.com
Follow me on FaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/MarcusANannini/
Als je weet waar Herr Himmler was op 17/18 september 1944, stuur me dan een e-mail naar MarcusNannini@aol.com
Wenn Sie wissen, wo sich Herr Himmler am 17./18. September 1944 befand, senden Sie mir eine E-Mail an MarcusNannini@aol.com
Kurz nach der Operation Market Garden hatte Heinrich Himmler angeprangert, er habe gerade die gesamte Westfront von Nord nach Süd bereist. Wir suchen jemanden, der bei seiner Reise nach Nijmegen in den Niederlanden am 17. September 1944 bei ihm war oder ihn gesehen hat.
Wir suchen endgültige Beweise für den Verbleib des Reichsführers Heinrich Himmler in den späten Nachtstunden des 17./18. September 1944, dem ersten Tag der Operation Market Garden. Wir möchten sehr gerne von Ihnen hören.
1944-2021 Marks the 77th Anniversary of Operation Market Garden.
The WORDERY has a few copies remaining from the first press run WITH FREE SHIPPING and often-times no tax! HTTPS://WORDERY.COM/LEFT-FOR-DEAD-AT-NIJMEGEN-MARCUS-A-NANNINI-9781612006963?
Coming in Fall 2021: MIDNIGHT FLIGHT TO NUREMBERG,The Secret Mission to Snatch the Man Who Put Adolph Hitler into Power. You can order your copy here: https://www.amazon.com/Midnight-Flight-Nuremberg-Capture-Hitler/dp/1526792737
Never forget to inquire with your favorite brick and mortar bookshop as many of them carry my books. Nothing like the instant gratification of going home with your purchase in hand.
Sie können einen wunderbaren Podcast mit Gene Metcalfe hören, indem Sie auf diesen Link klicken:HTTPS://WW2PODCAST.COM/WW2-PODCAST/100-LEFT-FOR-DEAD-AT-NIJMEGEN/
A“BESTSEL” in Holland, buy it here when in the Netherlands: HTTPS://WWW.ATHENAEUM.NL/BOEK/?AUTHORTITLE=NANNINI-MARCUS-A-/LEFT-FOR-DEAD-AT-NIJMEGEN–9781612006963
Follow me on FaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/MarcusANannini/
The Highly Respected Midwest Book Review calls it “extraordinary and simply riveting”
LINK TO THE TELEVISION COVERAGE OF THE SPECIAL US ARMY AWARDS CEREMONY RESULTING FROM THIS “RIVETING” BOOK: https://www.fox10phoenix.com/news/two-valley-veterans-honored-with-medals-75-years-later
He was the last to jump from his fatally stricken C-47 and the lead man when he walked into a prepared German defense. He was left for dead, captured by the SS, interrogated by Heinrich Himmler and that was all on Day one of OPERATION MARKET GARDEN, 75 years ago. 1944-2019.
Gene quit high school and joined the paratroopers only to find himself wedged between machine-gun toting “SS” fanatics while being interrogated by the notorious Nazi, Heinrich Himmler.
“Nannini dutifully constructs images and characteristics of the POW camps that his subject was forced into that were previously unknown. This work, therefore, is as important to historical study of the period as it is a riveting and fascinating tale…The writing is direct, simple, and honest, relaying the same feeling that you get from the main character. Left for Dead in Nijmegen, written by Marcus A Nannini and published by Casemate, a resounding recommendation to readers of historical novels.” Literary Titan, July 12, 2019. https://literarytitan.com/2019/07/12/left-for-dead-at-nijmegen/
“The author has researched and studied this subject in great depth, his knowledge and ability to engage and keep the interest of the reader is accomplished and proficient. Army Rumour Service, 20/06/2019 (United Kingdom)
Help Support the NATIONAL WORLD WAR II MUSEUM! https://store.nationalww2museum.org/left-for-dead-at-nijmegen-hb.html
Midwest Book Review calls it “extraordinary and simply riveting”
“Marcus, I thoroughly enjoyed the book. It’s perhaps one of the best memoirs I’ve read.” Angus Wallace, WW II Podcast, United Kingdom
“Dear Mr. Nannini,I’ve just read your book “Left for dead at Nijmegen”. The story of Gene Metcalfe is really amazing and beautifully written. I salute you for keeping his brave history alive!Yours sincerely,Harry Hekman, Lieutenant Colonel , Royal Military Police (Koninklijke Marechaussee)The Netherlands“
“Very Riveting” Herbert Bauernebel, American Correspondent for the German periodicals BILD and amerikaREPORT.
“This is an important biography worthy of inclusion in World War II themed collections.” AuthorsReading
Fliegen von Berlin nach Nijmegen nach Sonnenuntergang am 17. September 1944 und kehrten am nächsten Tag mit frischer Intelligenz auf die Operation Market Garden zurück, als Himmler sich direkt bei Hitler gemeldet hätte. Kein Zweifel, Hitler nahm den Kredit (weil er immer Anerkennung für andere), die Himmler gebührte, als Hitler ankündigte, Market Garden sei eine erste Gelegenheit für einen dringend benötigten Sieg über die Alliierten an der Westfront und ordnete die sofortige Überweisung von 1.000 an. Kampfflugzeuge nach Holland.
Flying from Berlin to Nijmegen after sunset on September 17, 1944, and returning as the sun rose the following day with fresh intelligence on Operation Market Garden when Himmler would have reported directly to Hitler. No doubt Hitler took the credit (because he always took credit due others) that was due Himmler when Hitler announced Market Garden was a prime opportunity for a badly needed victory over the Allies on the Western Front and ordered the immediate transfer of 1,000 fighter planes to Holland.
If you have information about Himmler and his use of Belvedere Castle in Nijmegen, The Netherlands, email me: MarcusNannini@aol.com
EVEN, WENN ER SICH AN DER WOLFSSCHANZE BEFINDET. RATHER THAN VON BERLIN, HE COULD HAVE QUICKLY GONE TO THE LUFTWAFFE AIRFIELD AT RASTENBURG AND HOPPED A 320 MPH RADAR-EQUIPPED TWIN-ENGINE BOMBER UND BEEN TO NIJMEGEN WELL VOR GENE WAS CAPTURED. I SEEK ANYONE WHO WAS THERE IN 1944, IN THE PRESENCE OF HEINRICH HIMMLER. I DESIRE A DIALOGUE MIT THEM. PLEASE EMAIL ME AT: marcusnannini@aol.com
Even if Himmler had to fly from the Wolfsschanze. rather than from Berlin, he could have quickly gone to the Luftwaffe airfield at Rastenburg and hopped a 320 mph radar-equipped twin-engine bomber and been to Nijmegen well before Gene was captured. I seek anyone who was there in 1944, in the presence of Heinrich Himmler. I desire a dialogue with them. Please email me at: MarcusNannini@aol.com
It is simply a matter of time before someone in Germany realizes the 2 books of sketches buried in their attic belong to U.S. Paratrooper Gene Metcalfe, 82nd Airborne, 508th pir, Stalag VII-A. They were taken from him by a machine gun waving SS Captain in April, 1945 while Gene sat on the front steps to his barracks.
A woman has come forward recalling she was 6 when she met Gene on a train that was attacked by air, as described in the book. A man has come forward with stories of Himmler at Nijmegen, as described in the book. Libraries are carrying the book, Left for Dead at Nijmegen, and it is a best seller in Holland. Gene’s story is getting noticed around the world.
But where are the stolen sketch books? Sooner or later someone will become aware they have the sketches and reach out. Gene will be in Nijmegen this September, a good time to return his sketch books to him!
AMAZON HAS LEFT FOR DEAD AT NIJMEGEN ON SALE TODAY https://www.amazon.com/Left-Dead-Nijmegen-American-Paratrooper/dp/1612006965
Copyright Marcus A. Nannini, 2018-2023