Well - the end of WW11 onwards was my time, I was 10 in 1945. I trump Max Hastings on this one because he wasn't even born until 1945.
I knew, met, saw, celebrated with, heavily involved warriors returning from all fronts of WW11, in the air, at sea, Monte Casino, Desert Rats,subs, Queen ships, Burma,with russian forces, etc.etc. I knew guys who had been prisoners of war of Germans and Japs. Many of them were family, and fellow soldiers.
One thing I have to say - I never heard ONE of them commenting on the great quality of German forces at the time, far from it. They held no big reputation that I was ever aware of.
I also question Max Hastings on another point - did he ever serve up front in any arm?
How many Brit generals etc. were ever in awe of these German troops glorified by some so far from the action? I think I am happy with the face to face professional opinion of the time and place.
I do not accept the big IF for one minute; they called the time, they called the place, they called the action - now 'foul' is constantly called. Look - let's be honest. There was nothing noble or admirable about Germany's part in that war worth shouting about. Nothing.
Just my opinion you understand.