Focusing on the Soviet perspective, the book delves into the significant battle of Kursk, highlighting the Red Army's true costs and achievements, particularly at Prokhorovka. It analyzes the impact of strategic errors and poor decisions that hindered the Voronezh Front's ability to counter the Fourth Panzer Army's offensive. The narrative also emphasizes the courageous and selfless actions of Soviet soldiers during this critical conflict, providing a nuanced understanding of their experiences and sacrifices.
In this book, noted historian of the Battle of Kursk Valeriy Zamulin, the author of multiple Russian-language books on the Battle of Kursk and Destroying the The Tank Battle at Prokhorovka, Kursk, July 1943: An Operational Narrative takes a fresh look at several controversial and neglected topics regarding the battle and its run-up. He starts with a detailed look at the Soviet and Russian historiography on the battle, showing how initially promising research was swamped by Party dogma and censorship during the Brezhnev area, before being resumed with the collapse of the Soviet Union. Zamulin then transitions to discussions of how the southern shoulder of the Kursk bulge was formed, preparations for the battle on both sides, and the size and composition of Model’s Ninth Army. He then examines such controversial topics as whether or not the II SS Panzer Corps was aware of the pending Soviet counterattack at Prokhorovka, and the effectiveness of the Soviet preemptive barrage that struck the German troops that were poised to attack. Zamulin also discusses whether or not General Vatutin, the Commander-in-Chief of Voronezh Front, erred when arranging his defenses. Zamulin also takes a look at how the myth of 1,500 tanks colliding on a narrow strip of farm fields became perpetuated in Soviet and foreign history books, when in fact it was impossible for the 5th Guards Tank Army’s tanks to attack in massive wave after wave due to the constrictions of the terrain. Zamulin also reveals incidents of the battle that were long kept “behind the curtain” by Soviet censorship. For example, the 183rd Rifle Division defending the Prokhorovka axis was repeatedly struck by friendly aircraft, and a Soviet tank counterattack overran the positions of one of its battalions. Zamulin discusses other cases of fratricide in the Voronezh Front, including the death of one of the 1st Tank Army’s foremost tank commanders in a friendly fire incident. In the process, he reveals that a wave of suicides swept through the junior command staff of the 5th Guards Tank Army immediately prior to the famous counteroffensive on 12 July 1943. All in all, Valeriy Zamulin with this collection of essays and articles, two of which have been reprinted from the Journal of Slavic Military History, makes a new contribution to our knowledge and understanding of this pivotal, epochal battle of the Second World War.
The Battle of Kursk remains a focal point of historical interest, drawing attention even after seventy years. Its significance in military history and the strategies employed during this pivotal conflict continue to inspire analysis and discussion among historians and enthusiasts alike.
Focusing on the aftermath of the winter campaign, this volume provides an in-depth analysis of the state of German and Soviet forces. Zamulin examines the strategic, logistical, and morale-related challenges faced by both sides, setting the stage for understanding the broader military context. This detailed exploration aims to shed light on the pivotal moments and decisions that shaped the conflict, making it an essential resource for military history enthusiasts.
Focusing on the strategic military preparations by Moscow for the Kursk offensive in 1943, this volume delves into the events leading up to the significant battle. It is divided into two parts, providing a detailed analysis of the planning and execution of hostilities during the spring and early summer months. The narrative offers insights into the tactics and decisions that shaped this pivotal moment in World War II.
Examining the battle from primarily the Soviet side, Zamulin reveals the real
costs and real achievements of the Red Army at Kursk, and especially
Prokhorovka.
