Demolishing the Myth: The Tank Battle at Prokhorovka, Kursk, July 1943: An Operational Narrative

What I liked about this book was the mind boggling amount of research and documentation that the author lays as the foundation for his assessment on the Kursk battle.This book is from the first page straight forward in its matter of fact, historical tone. As such, it is going to appeal to the hard core military history enthusiasts.I did not know, for example that the SS broke through all three defensive belts.Or that Citadel was called off in the middle of the battle, due to the Allied invasion of Sicily. That von Manstein argued vehemently to continue Citadel.Now, this 600+ page book is written in a clearly pro-Soviet prose, but the author is a straight shooter, and criticizes the Soviet commanders for their petty jealousies and backstage fighting amongst themselves, not cooperating with each other during the titanic tank battle...

Although the author of this book is Russian, and narrates the account of the battle referring to Soviet forces as "our" and the Germans sometimes as the "enemy" the account is extremely well balanced. And the author justifies the title to the book as well, dispelling the myth that Prokhorovka was history's greatest clash of armor, that it was a stunning Soviet victory, and that the Germans suffered heavy losses.The latter two points have long been discounted by knowledgeable students of the war, but the initial point, that Prokhorovka was a great clash of armor, tends to remain nonetheless. This account clearly demonstrates that the attack of the 5th Guards Tank Army was against just a portion of the SS Panzerkorps, that the number of tanks actually involved in the clash is well below what most other accounts give, and that the two side did not come at each other in a giant meeting engagement. Rather, anticipating the attack Germans established hasty defensive positions and fought the Soviets on that line, in an engagement that did not differ terribly from many other encounters in the east, wherein the Soviets launched large tank assaults on German defenses.There was savage and confused fighting, and at times the two forces were intermingled with tank combat occuring at close ranges, but this aspect of the fighting was relatively brief and involved a relatively small percentage of the forces engaged.Overall, a very good account of the battle for any serious student of the eastern front.

This is an excellent book. It is not a one sided account-the author takes pains to back up any assertions he has gleaned from his access to formerly secret Soviet archives with contrasting German Wehrmacht reports. In short, the formerly unquestioned belief of Prokhorova being the most gigantic tank battle ever is well & truly demolished, but that isn't to say that there was not a very large conflict around the place. He also points out-and a lot of folks sort of gloss this over-that "Citadel" as originally conceived was a dead letter very early on (although Manstein & Company were still going for a tactical victory), that the withdrawal of the SS Panzer Corps didn't occur as soon as the Western Allies invaded Sicily and they were in fact still around when the Soviets attacked on the Mius. And the translator gets a hat tip, too. Well worth your time.

Stunning! Who would have thought that Army Detachment Kemp was supposed to stop the 5th Guards Tank Army from crashing into the flanks of the II Waffen SS Panzer Corps? And not only FAILED but miserably as well! Or that the 3rd SS Totenkopf was still using the short barreled 50 & 75 mm guns on some of their Panzers? With the compromise of the Nazis S42 Lorenz encryption system left by a Luftwaffe Intelligence unit for the British to find in North Africa, precise data on the Nazi troops was provided to the Red Army from ULTRA, so every move the Nazis were making was being read by STAVKA in real time. I would say more but I don't want to ruin the story. My only complaint is the translation. Why not translate this gem into French and then English?

If you ever wanted to read a definitive explanation of the July, 1943, Battle of Kursk, written by a Russian historian from the Russian side then this is it. The author has clearly done both his homework and yours too when it comes to sifting through the, then, newly opened former Soviet archives as well as they considerably more pawed over German equivalents.He goes into, what sometimes seems, mind-numbing detail of which units were here and which there and where they went and what they did. And this, in turn, leads to my major criticism of the book and the reason why it only develops three stars. There is a complete paucity of maps, and this is a Kindle edition where, frankly, you could have a map on every page [and to follow the action you actually need one, certainly every chapter as an absolute minimum].For example, we get to hear of the defense of the 2nd Rifle Battalion in the sector Kommsomolets State Farm - Ivanovskii Vyselok while the 1st Rifle Battalion of the 295th Rifle Regiment managed to repel an attack in the sector Vasil'evka - Konsomolets State Farm. But nowhere to be seen are illustrations of how these two formations interacted with one another, or indeed what was their positioned orientation with relation to one another. A map here could have saved a considerable amount of checking and confusion.So, overall, the descriptions and technical research that went into this book deserves five stars but the lack of maps and therefore general incoherence of what was actually transpiring knocks two off.

It was VERY thorouh but tedious. You learn that the numbers associated with this battle are greatly exaggerated. Also the author, a russian officer in the battle isn't afraid to admit the many mistakes made by the Russians and that they literally threw away the lives of thousands of Russian soldiers.. Interesting that the medaling of Stalin was simaler to Hitlers' and had the same ill effect. If you're really into this battle it covers it all but be prepared for some heavy slogging through pages of statistics..

An excellent detailed study from which it’s easy to follow the authors analysis. Interesting to see the Soviet view and the newly declassified material. I was left with only one question. Was this operation called off just at the point of success? The author clearly thinks not. I’m not so sure. Had Manstein had full control over his reserve Panzer Corp it could have driven through the Soviets after the 12 July. They were not in any way capable of resisting. The Germans fully expected the attack on the 12 July and were well prepared. The Soviet counter attack was badly planed, poorly executed and wasted their strategic reserve. After the 12July most Soviet units were shattered and as the author points out morale was beginning to crumble as more soldiers and entire units retreated without orders

If you want to know the truth about Prokharovka, get this, read it and make notes.It's a superbly detailed account, but more importantly, it's underscored by constant critical thought on the part of the author. This critical thought brings a new dimension to the study of the battle.This is a 'must buy'.

Excellent - a must read for those interested in WW2 in the East. Dispels several myths that had built up regarding the losses on both sides and that it was mainly an armoured clash when there was more infantry and artillery activity over the full duration. Excellent maps and photos showing the battlefield as it is now as well as WW2 photos.

Amazing book, so much I didn’t knowWell written and concise

An impressively researched and detailed acoount of this engagement. The author's research is impressive and really sheds new light on what actually happened on the 12th july 1943 south east of Prokhorovka.If you have read the David Glantz book on Kursk and thought it detailed, this one is even more detailed.A must read for anyone who is seriously interested in this battle.The only drawback is the maps. My tip is to scan them, join them together as appropriate and keep them handy as you read. If the maps had been good I would give 6 stars.

Just started to read this tome!

Eye opening

Fantastic read.lots i didnt know about.

very good book ,very well well done ,still reading though

Great book

A very good book

A lot of details which were classified in Russia, mostly revealing the errors of the Soviet command ( no direct cooperation between Army and Air Force)

This is a remarkable though select study of the battle to reach Kursk from the southern salient. Though demanding and requiring your full attention, an enthusiast could read this operational treasure-trove over and over and never tire of it. It was intriguing but also challenging to read about the same engagement from different perspectives; usually two sometimes three different viewpoints discussed. The fighting on the 12th against the LAH and the 18th and 29th Tank Corps was especially involved. The commentary and analysis is superb and will give the reader a better understanding of the campaign. This book is Russian-centric and it spends more time discussing Soviet plans, assaults and manuvers than on the German perspective.In the introductory chapters, the author describes the political and military situation in spring 1943 when Hitler and his generals were discussing what the summer offensive should be. The Kursk salient was quickly proposed, debated and then chosen over the objections of some key people. On the Soviet side summer planning was also being debated. The second chapter provides the defensive preparations of the Soviet side for the southern half when it was decided to attack only after the German offensive exhausted itself. Due to the importance of Rotmistrov and his 5th GTA in stopping the 2nd SS PzC, the final chapter before combat coverage begins provides a profile of the General and his Tank Army. The author also explains how Rotmistrov and his Army had just arrived in sector from nearly a 200 mile force march and how he had to cobble an attack plan together when he learned Hausser was much closer to Prokhorovka than expected. On the German side, you will read about Hoth's decision to shift the axis of his SS panzer corps from Oboyan to Prokhorovka among other background info.The fourth chapter is a summary of the 48th PzC action on the western flank through the 9th of July as well as the opening moves of the 2nd SS PzC. (The initial assault by the 48th PzC on the afternoon of July 4th seems to be missing.) A key issue discussed is how the performance of this corps in not reaching the Psel had on the 2nd SS PzC. Another issue that was enjoyed is the terrain features the 48th PzC had to deal with that slowed their advance: The Pena, Vorskla and the Vorsklitsa Rivers and their corresponding swampland were definite deterents. The many fortified villages and hills were an even bigger impediment. The reactions of 1st TA's and 6th GA's attempts to stop the advance are also covered. The strengths of the two rivals are also presented and compared. The Soviets had the advantage in men, tanks, guns, vehicles. The author also emphasizes here and for the rest of book of the timely entry of Soviet reinforcements into battle.The next 402 pages of this 630 page book revolves around the highly detailed events of the Russian attempts in preventing the 2nd SS PzC from capturing Prokhorovka and the Psel River basin. A good summary of 3rd PzC's drive north and its eventual retreat through 7/16 is also included.Many key people are mentioned but the discussion details the impact these people's decisions, actions or communications had on the outcome of the battles. While some anecdotal experiences of a strictly personal nature is conveyed, the overwhelming amount of information is operational.Also included with the narrative are 12 colored maps. These are some of the best maps I've seen though I do have minor criticisms which I'll explain in a minute. Three maps are topographical and show the key villages, rivers and hills that are included in the campaign. The roads are presented but not labeled. The last nine maps are tactical and are broken down in the following manner. The first map shows the German deployment of the Orel and Kursk salients. The next map depicts Vatutin's estimate of the ideal route for the German offensive and succinctly shows Hoth's error in planning the 48th PzC's deployment. The next maps include: the penetration of the first defense line by the 2nd SS on 7/5; the advance of the SS to the Prokhorovka axis on 7/6; combat operations southwest of Prokhorovka on 7/10 and again on 7/11; Kempf's drive through 7/11; combat operations of the Soviet counterattack on 7/12 and the last map concerns Kempf's pullback from 7/13 to 7/16.These maps are new computer generated color maps that have great eye appeal, many details and are easy to study. The German side is depicted to division level while the Soviet side is shown in corps, division, regiment, brigade level as required. These are some of the most useful maps available but wish there were more maps. While these very detailed maps are the most important, showing the general progress of the SS advance on the 7th, 8th and especially the 9th plus the advance of the 48th PzC would have been very helpful, allowing the reader to graphically see the whole campaign in the south. Though gaining less ground than the other two SS divisions, the deployment of the Das Reich division could have been more extensive.The topographical maps are also visually appealing and helpful but they are presented in a less than perfect layout with gaps in the terrain. Different mileage scales and orientations increases the confusion. Unless you're an expert or invest a lot of time to study these maps, it will be difficult to take advantage of them. An additional map or two here would have been helpful culminating in a two page layout of the entire southern salient to tie the assortment together would have been nice. Also there are several villages and hills that are discussed in the narrative that are missing on these maps. Most are in 48th PzC sector but since they were mentioned it would have been nice to see them on the maps. The missing includes Gertsovka, Krasnyi Pochinok, Kalinin, Krasnyi Poliana, Kalinovka, Kruglik, Lutovo and especially Novoselovka. Hills missing include 260, 244 and 222. Some of these locations had bitter battle action.The last chapter which is quite extensive. Besides summation of the campaign, the author deals with the myths and realities of the Campaign and especially on the tank battles of 7/12 that have been generrated over the decades. Mr Zamulin describes the true scale of the separate tank engagements that TK, Das Reich and especially LAH found itself in as they launched their attacks that early Monday morning toward Prokhorovka. They weren't expecting the five+ corps would be attacking them that did prevent them from achieving their objectives. An interesting discussion by the author and several other historians are included on the tank casualties of both sides. The number of operable tanks 5th GTA had weren't as many as some claim but Rotmistrov did lose 80 pct of them in the next couple days. Human casualties for both sides is estimated as well. The importance of the results of this campaign for the rest of the war are also briefly discussed. There are also 34 informative data tables running throughout the book concerning key statistics that will help the reader understand the scope of this campaign. (There is a handy list to help you find the data you need) There are no wild claims; in fact the author downplays the scale of the tank battle but not the importance of 5th GTA arriving in the nick of time.There are many good photos of the key people from both sides but many more Soviets, as well as battlefield scenes. It was nice attaching a face with a name that you've read about for years. Some of the photos are in color and show the current fields where men died and tanks destroyed in 1943.Also appreciated is the detailed Orders of Battle that were included. With so many units discussed, it was studied often while reading the book. There is also a competent Notes Section and Bibliography that includes primary and secondary sources. Most entries are Russian related. A helpful Index that will speed your research closes out the book.Displaying a good understanding of strategy and tactics, Mr Zamulin does an excellent job of explaining the engagements as well as providing the significant results and ramifications of each that will add to the reader's understanding of the campaign. The author explains the terrain features, different defensive belts, why certain days the Germans made good gains and on other days few gains. He also discusses the strategic errors made by Hoth in planning, deployment of his forces and the poor utilization of the new Panther brigade that jeopardized the entire campaign. Vatutin's tactical errors that cost his armies dearly are also explained.Hundreds of communiques, after action reports, divisional diaries and personal diaries from both sides are blended nicely into the narrative. You'll get a real feel and understanding of what each side was thinking, experiencing.This is a specialty book that excludes the northern salient and gives only a summary to the 48th PzC and 3rd PzC sectors but its extraordinary when it comes to the 2nd SS PzC's drive toward Prokhorovka and its attempt to control north of the Psel River.The summary of the resistance and escape of the remnants of 48th RC from the encirclement between the two Donets Rivers when Kempf loosely linked up with Das Reich was also done well as is the attempted encirclement of 48th PzC by the 6th GA and 1st TA from the 12th on.While trying to judge this book critically, I found only trivial issues to mention. This book is solid, dramatically adds to the knowledge base and would ideally complement the other serious campaign books by Mark Healy, David Glantz and Franz Kurowski and is highly recommended to all Citadel fans.

The author thoroughly and objectively reviews the currently available military records relating to this most significant historical battle. He also quotes from many of the published histories, and valiantly attempts to reconcile the available data with the often highly politicised historiography. A very concise, interesting and human view of this huge and bloody clash of forces emerges. The author is very sympathetic to all the major players, expounding the reaction of each general to the great stresses the battle created. He explains the technical and political problems the Soviet general staff faced. He clarifies the highly skilled German general staff and their operational and tactical superiorities. The reader inevitably must come away from the book much better informed, and with much improved perception of this immensely significant but short period in the Great Patriotic War.

Es un estudio muy exhaustivo desde el punto de vista sovietico aportando datos y explicaciones desconocidas hasta ahora, especialmente completa la batalla de prokhorovkaQuizas el unico pero serian alguna confusion en los mapas y que alguno de los dias de la batalla que no esta a un nivel homogeneo respecto al detalle.Es un muy buen complemento a los diferentes libros publicados aportanto la perspectiva sovietica.