Beginning with the strategic situation in 1943, this compelling tale recounts the circumstances that led to this decisive battle that was a key turning point of the Second World War on the Eastern Front. Considered by both the Germans and the Soviets to be a highly unpromising place to fight a battle, Kursk would prove the undoing of the Germans. Never again would they be able to mount a major offensive to the east and never again was the end result of the war in doubt. The road to Berlin was open, even though another two years would pass before the Red Army marched into the German capital. Recalling the various stages of the fighting, the early tactical advantage of the Germans and the subsequent Soviet victory, The Battle of Kursk is a fascinating account of a major campaign that involved more than 3 million men, 8,000 tanks, 40,000 guns and 5,500 aircraft.
Quite surprisingly,I found this book an enjoyable read. Even though this book lacks a reference system,it makes my reading quick and easy without needing to refer to foot/end notes. Recommended to read especially to beginners who want to study the Battle of Kursk of July 1943. The author presented his writing by unfolding events and stages which happened during the battle in a concise and easy to understand basis.
A concise overview of the WWII battle of Kursk, accessible to casual readers and military historians alike. Matthews explains the political and military environments leading to the battle and provides detailed information about key figures and the chains of command. He also lays out the technical developments of the panzers, which played a crucial role in the battle. Only a few basic tactical maps and photographs are included.