Hi folks,
When I read this book I actually thought that Max Kuhnert was referring to artillery and not armoured vehicles. As far as the markings on the Soviet tanks, I can't really comment as it's not an area that I have much knowledge of.
What I particularly enjoyed about the book was getting a bit of insight into a mounted scouts role on the Eastern front, from his relationship with his horse to the tactics employed in different situations. Oh, and I also rather liked reading about the author's other 'exploits', I got the impression he was 'a bit of a lad'.
As to the debate on how authentic any recollections can be, especially if they've been written years later, my own theory is that in times of great stress, images, sounds, conversations and even smells may be remembered vividly. These memories are 'burned' into the mind. I can recall events, conversations, whole days from years gone by, due to extreme circumstances affecting me at the time. I'm pretty sure it would be a similar thing for most people.
Anyway, great book, and I'm always on the lookout for more war memoirs.
PaulMc