Stopped at Stalingrad: Luftwaffe and Hitler's Defeat in the East, 1942-43 (Modern War Studies) by Hayward, Joel S. A. (2001) Paperback

Modern War Studies

by Joel S.A. Hayward

A case study in combined arms warfare that fills many of the gaps left by other studies of the eastern war, reconsidering Luftwaffe operation in the Battle of Stalingrad in light of a wider body of documentary sources and analyzing many previously ignored events. Focuses on Hitler's use of the air force as a tactical rather than strategic weapon in support of ground forces, and shows that the army relied on Luftwaffe support to a greater degree than previously revealed.

Genres: History, Military History, World War II, Nonfiction, Aviation

Paperback

First published April 1, 1998

About the author

Joel Hayward BA MA PhD FRHistS FRSA is a New Zealand-born British scholar of war and strategy, shaykh, writer and Muslim poet. He is best known for his published books and articles on strategic and security matters, including the use of air power, his 2003 biography of Horatio Lord Nelson, and his writing and teaching on the Quranic (Islamic) concepts of war, strategy and conflict.

Reviews

[Jesper Jorgensen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not many books I have read about the Eastern Front relates much - if anything - about the role and contribution of the Luftwaffe.

However, after reading this book I am much more enlightened. Information-heavy and detailled I see it as a 'must-read' for any reader with an interest in the Luftwaffe history as well as the fierce battles on the Eastern Front.

Highly recommendable

[Alex · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s a superb study. Engagingly written.
I have one gripe. There’s a section where the author dismisses VVS kill claims. This is entirely reasonable. Evidence shows that all pilots of all sides had a tendency to overclaim kills. Yet. The entire work continually mentions luftwaffe kill claims and never once suggests we ought to view tre numbers with some cynicism.

That one-sidedness just grated.

Otherwise it’s a splendid balanced study and highly informative

[Jared · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent read if you're wanting more detail on the Luftwaffe's activities in the southern region of the Eastern Front during this time period. While explaining what was happening in the land campaign was necessary sometimes it felt like the balance of narrative could have benefitted by more emphasis on the Luftwaffe. The detailed explanation of events surrounding Stalingrad, the airlift and the impacts on the Luftwaffe were fascinating. And excellent book that I didn't want to put down.

[Ashley Roeder · Rating 3 out of 5]

Stopped at Stalingrad is a tightly focused look at how the Luftwaffe’s failures, and more importantly, the German high command’s decisions, contributed to the collapse at Stalingrad. What stood out most to me was the sense of slow, inescapable tightening as the situation deteriorates, both physically for the trapped soldiers and structurally within the chain of command.

The book does a fantastic job showing how logistics, communication, and leadership all broke down, slowly not failing all at once. That said, the level of detail makes the book dense which made it feel almost too heavy at times, and it’s not always the most engaging narrative.

[Jesse Callaghan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Been meaning to read this for years and finally got round to it. Excellent military history written by a rather unusual character.

[Br1cht · Rating 5 out of 5]

Illustrates the inherent weakness of the Luftwaffe with an tranparens that´s amazing.

A must read for all!