The Three Battles of Vitebsk Volume 1
The Three Battles of Vitebsk Volume 1 is the first of three books to examine the battles for Vitebsk in Byelorussia from July 1943 to May 1944.
A largely ignored struggle because of the importance of Operation Zitadelle and its aftermath in southern Russia, it nevertheless involved large numbers of German and Soviet troops, resulting in significant losses to both sides. The operational moves were initiated by the Soviets, who wanted to capture Vitebsk, an important German supply node, and then drive northwest to the Baltic Sea, cutting off Army Group North. The assault hit 3. Panzer Armee, the unit on the boundary between Armeegruppe Nord and Armeegruppe Mitte.
The Three Battles of Vitebsk Volume is a photographic, text and map record of the fighting. Especially pleasing are the photographs and the artwork from Jean Restayn. Many of the photos are full-page, and the collection is a treasure trove for the aficionados of German armour, especially Tigers. The artwork shows German and Russian armour profiles in full colour, includes lots of equipment and marking details, and several figures with weapons. This book is a welcome addition to any WW II armour library.
Book Data
Author: Jean Restayn
Language: English
Pages: 194
Photos: 215 black & white photos
Illustrations: 32-pages of colour illustrations + fold-out map
Physical: Hardcover, 300x230mm, portrait
Contents
- Introduction
- The Challenge
- The German Handicap
- The Warning Signs
- The Panther Line in the Vitebsk Sector
- The Offensive of 6 October 1943
- The Thorns in von Kluge’s Side
- The Offensive in Lake Sadratscho Sector on 17 October
- The Meeting between Reinhardt and von Kluge on 23 October
- The New Soviet Offensive on 29 October
- Reinforcements for the 3. Panzer-Armee
- The Unexpected Developments for the Attack of 3. Panzer-Armee
- The Reality of the Attack
- The Beginning of the Soviet Offensive East of Vitebsk
- The Evolution of the crisis at the Northern Front and in the Sector of the 3. Panzer-Armee from 17 November to 24 November 1943
- The Fighting in the Northern Sector of 3. Panzer-Armee
- The Thaw, a Period of Calm
- Outcome and Casualties
- Footnotes