Sven Hassel Books in Order

Sven Hassel is a renowned author, renowned for his gripping war novels. Serving in the Danish merchant navy until 1937, he joined the German army and was stationed with the second Panzer Division at Eisenach. As a tank driver, he participated in the invasion of Poland in 1939. Following a failed escape attempt due to mental exhaustion, he was transferred to a Sonderabteilung, a penal unit, where he served alongside notorious individuals. Hassel's military career spanned multiple regiments and fronts, earning him the rank of lieutenant and the Iron Cross, 1st and 2nd class. After surrendering to Soviet forces in 1945, he spent years in POW camps before releasing his debut novel, <i>Legion of the Damned</i>, while interned. Following his release in 1949, Hassel began a new life, marrying Dorthe Jensen in 1951 and working in a car factory. After a debilitating illness in 1957, he recovered and continued writing, producing a prolific body of work.