German soldiers, sailors and airmen of World War II went to war with a fascinating variety of personal effects in their pockets and knapsacks. Chris Mason's new book explores this most personal, private, and often poignant aspect of military history, through a study of the small items German soldiers used in the barracks and in the trenches for work, hygiene, eating, relaxation, and survival. This study of these small personal items, presented with hundreds of full-color and period photos, provides a remarkable window into the daily lives of men caught in the maelstrom of history. 320 colour lb/w photographs