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Soviet Tanks at Kursk 1943

Series: New Vanguard
Brief Description
Illustrated throughout, this book explains the composition and qualities of the Soviet tank force that fought Germany’s mighty Panzers at the biggest tank battle in history. In the summer of 1943, Hitler’s army had rebuilt its Panzer forces after defeat at Stalingrad and retreat from the... Read More
Format: Paperback / softback
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Illustrated throughout, this book explains the composition and qualities of the Soviet tank force that fought Germany's mighty Panzers at the biggest tank battle in history.

Illustrated throughout, this book explains the composition and qualities of the Soviet tank force that fought Germany’s mighty Panzers at the biggest tank battle in history.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

Illustrated throughout, this book explains the composition and qualities of the Soviet tank force that fought Germany’s mighty Panzers at the biggest tank battle in history.

In the summer of 1943, Hitler’s army had rebuilt its Panzer forces after defeat at Stalingrad and retreat from the Caucasus. New types, including the Panther, Tiger, and Elefant, at last added technical superiority to the traditional tactical edge enjoyed by the Panzer divisions. The plan was to begin offensive operations by striking from the north and south to cut off Soviet forces in the Kursk salient.

In Soviet Tanks at Kursk 1943, Soviet military specialist William E. Hiestand explores the armour that met this Panzer force, in the biggest tank battle of World War II. The Soviets had benefited from their prodigious production capabilities but the tanks at Kursk varied widely. Still short of tanks, the Soviets also still operated weak T-60 and T-70 light tanks, along with the increasingly obsolete KV-1 heavy tank. Significant numbers of Lend-Lease tanks also fought, including M3 Lees, Valentines, Stuarts, Churchills, and the first Shermans to join the Red Army. The Soviets also benefited from the firepower of the first generation of Soviet self-propelled guns – the SU-76, SU-122, and SU-152.

With meticulously researched tank illustrations and rare archive photos, this is an expert account of the Soviet tank forces in the climactic clash on the Eastern Front.

Series: New Vanguard

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781472861443

Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 19 December 2024

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Osprey Publishing

Illustration: Illustrated throughout with 40 photos and 8 pages of colour illustrations

Contributors:

  • Illustrated by Edouard A. Groult
  • Illustrated by Henry Morshead

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 4.0mm

Width: 184.0mm

Height: 246.0mm

Weight: 164g

Pages: 48

About the Author

William E. Hiestand has worked for over 30 years as a US Department of Defense analyst. He holds an MA in History from Cornell University, and has a lifelong interest in military history with a particular focus on armoured and Soviet operations. He lives near Washington DC.
Henry Morshead, who created the tank profiles, is a senior vehicle and aerospace designer and a former Royal Engineers officer.
Edouard A. Groult is a London-based illustrator, who created the battlescene and cover.

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