Soviet Tanks at Kursk 1943

This illustrated book provides an in-depth exploration of the composition and characteristics of the Soviet tank force that faced off against Germany's formidable Panzers in the largest tank battle in history.

In the summer of 1943, after their defeat at Stalingrad and retreat from the Caucasus, Hitler’s army had rebuilt its Panzer forces. With the introduction of advanced tanks like the Panther, Tiger, and Elefant, the German army gained both technical superiority and a tactical advantage. Their plan was to launch an offensive from both the north and south to trap Soviet forces in the Kursk salient.

In this work, Soviet military expert William E. Hiestand examines the Soviet tanks that confronted this Panzer force in the pivotal Battle of Kursk. Despite their massive production capacity, the Soviet tanks at Kursk were varied in quality. They were still short on tanks, with older models like the T-60 and T-70 light tanks and the increasingly obsolete KV-1 heavy tank in use. Additionally, significant numbers of Lend-Lease tanks, including M3 Lees, Valentines, Stuarts, Churchills, and the first Shermans, joined the Red Army. The Soviets also had the firepower of early-generation self-propelled guns like the SU-76, SU-122, and SU-152.

Featuring meticulously researched tank illustrations and rare archival photos, this book offers an expert account of the Soviet tank forces involved in the decisive clash on the Eastern Front.

Details:

• 48 pages, softcover
• Author: William E. Hiestand
• Illustrators: Henry Morshead, Edouard A. Groult