In November 1999 Sven Hassel agreed, through his son Michael, to answer a series of questions asked by members of the Porta's Kitchen mailing list. The replies do follow the short, unembellished Hassel tradition but there are some fresh topics covered and plenty of positive words about the future.

Of course, quite a few of the replies immediately create more questions - the photos being the prime example here.

There are many rumours that you are writing a new 27th Panzer story. Is this true and, if so, when might we hope to see the book in print?

- Yes, but it goes slow, so when it is ready, I don´t really know.

Do you have a personal favourite among your own books?

- SS General... maybe.

Which book best pays tribute to your comrades, as you promised you would do?

- The Legion of the Damned.

Did you ever read other 'Ostfront' genre fiction such as Leo Kessler, Willi Heinrich, Konsalik etc?

- I have read Heinrich and Konsalik. The books of Kessler are plagiarisms of my books, I have been told.

Did you know that there is a character named Sven Hassel in one of Kessler's books?

- No I didn´t. I know however that the lawyers of my British publishers were sueing him once.

Do you like the way that your books have always been marketed, with comic book pictures of war and Nazi imagery?

- No, and it will not happen now, as in new agreements I have requested that covers etc must be accepted by me.

Do you think it would be possible to make an authentic film, or film series, of your books?

- Yes, of course.

What do you really think of the film treatment of 'Wheels Of Terror' with American and British actors?

- It was no good.

Who currently owns the film rights for your work and are there any plans to make a new movie?

- I do.

Would it ever be possible to trace any of the original characters in your books, or are they all fictitious?

- Most of them died in the war, but Tiny, Legionnaire and Heide survived.

Do any photographs exist of any your characters and do you have any wartime photographs of you with the Old Man, Porta, Tiny etc?

- Yes, I still have some photos.

Have you ever met any of your readers, and what do you think of them?

- Yes, I have met a lot of my readers and it has been very interesting and of course an honour to meet them...

Have you seen any of the web sites dedicated to you?

- No, sorry about that, but I think I am too old to learn to navigate on the net.

Does it upset you that a certain group of people in Denmark seem determined to undermine your character - going so far as to set up an 'Anti-Hassel' web site specifically to attack you?

- Not really as this is done by a lunatic extreme rightist, who has written a couple of documentary books glorifying the SS and that such kind of elements attacks me is normal and certainly does not bother me. On the other hand I could easily sue him for libel, but according to my lawyer this is not even worthwhile as the man is bankrupt.

You often mention the NKVD's "Green Cross" insignia but no one seems to be able to locate such a thing - can you give us any more clues?

- The badges on the uniform and caps of the NKVD were green.

Did you really serve in 27 Panzer Regiment? In what division was 27 Panzer?

- Yes I did. The 27th Pz Rg. was in the 6th Panzer Division.

The Legionnaire often sings "Come Death Come" in times of danger. Does this song exist and in which language should it really be sung?

- "Come Death come" was a saying the Legionnaire always recited...in French "Viens mort, viens".

How did the war end for you? Where were you captured and what was imprisonment like? Did this period influence the large number of prison episodes in your books?

- In Berlin, May 1945. Then I was in Russian, American, British and Danish prisoner camps and of course that has influenced me.

How do you pass your time these days?

- Reading, travelling, living...

Why did you choose to live in Barcelona (apart from the beautiful climate)?

- The people.

What is the connection with the Barcelona character in the books - which came first?

- Barcelona Blom came first.

Are you in good health?

- Yes, but a little old.

Do you have any religious or political beliefs or did you lose all faith in such things as a result of your wartime experiences?

- Yes, more or less I have lost the faith.

What medals, decorations or awards did you receive in the war?

- War Merit Cross, Iron Cross, Close-combat badge, Panzer Sturm Medals (3, 25 and 100), Medal for the Wounded in gold.

Would you ever consider co-operating with someone who wants to write your biography?

- No, I don´t think I would lose my time on that at my age.

Of all the people you have met throughout your life, who inspired you the most and why?

- My war comrades and that is why I have written so many books about them.

Is there any special reason why you have chosen to stay out of the public eye?

- Yes, I am tired of journalists.

Do you ever make contact with your war comrades?

- I used to.

Do you ever return to Germany?

- Yes, I have many friends in Germany.