This book; originally published in German in 1956; has now been translated into English; unveiling a wealth of both experiences and analysis about Operation Barbarossa; perhaps the most important military campaign of the 20th century. Hermann Hoth led Germany’s 3rd Panzer Group in Army Group Center―in tandem with Guderian’s 2nd Group―during the invasion of the Soviet Union; and together those two daring panzer commanders achieved a series of astounding victories; encircling entire Russian armies at Minsk; Smolensk; and Vyazma; all the way up to the very gates of Moscow. This work begins with Hoth discussing the use of nuclear weapons in future conflicts. This cool-headed post-war reflection; from one of Nazi Germany’s top panzer commanders; is rare enough. But then Hoth dives into his exact command decisions during Barbarossa―still the largest continental offensive ever undertaken―to reveal new insights into how Germany could; and in his view should; have succeeded in the campaign. Hoth critically analyses the origin; development; and objective of the plan against Russia; and presents the situations confronted; the decisions taken; and the mistakes made by the army’s leadership; as the new form of mobile warfare startled not only the Soviets on the receiving end but the German leadership itself; which failed to provide support infrastructure for their panzer arm’s breakthroughs. Hoth sheds light on the decisive and ever-escalating struggle between Hitler and his military advisers on the question whether; after the Dnieper and the Dvina had been reached; to adhere to the original idea of capturing Moscow. Hitler’s momentous decision to divert forces to Kiev and the south only came in late August 1941. He then finally considers in detail whether the Germans; after obliterating the remaining Russian armies facing Army Group Center in Operation Typhoon; could still hope for the occupation of the Russian capital that fall. Hoth concludes his study with several lessons for the offensive use of armored formations in the future. His firsthand analysis; here published for the first time in English; will be vital reading for every student of World War II.
#763518 in Books 2016-05-31 2016-06-14Original language:English 8.90 x .40 x 6.00l; .84 #File Name: 1611212561168 pages
Review
7 of 7 people found the following review helpful. A large-scale cavalry battleBy Steven PetersonMany have said that the battle at Brandy Station "made the Federal cavalry." This was a large; swirling cavalry battle; with infantry involvement; too. As Robert E. Lee began his march north after the cattle at Chancellorsville; the Federal army needed to scout out the position and movement of the Confederate army; to provide intelligence to the leadership of the Army of the Potomac so that it could make proper dispositions.Just before the battle; the cavalry of Jeb Stuart had carried out exercises; bringing a lot of "wow" to those who viewed it. He chose to reprise this activity shortly thereafter.This series of books; published by Savas Beatie; provides brief discussion of key military actions--plus a discussion of the battlefield as it is today; including suggestions about what parts of the original battlefield should be visited. This is valuable service--and suggests the value of trying to preserve key battlegrounds.Key actors here? The commanding cavalry officers--Stuart for the South and Alfred Pleasonton of the Northern forces. The latter tended to be too cautious; according to the authors. Major active commanders: the redoubtable John Buford and David Gregg for the Union cavalry (supported by infantry under Adelbert Ames and David Russell). For the Confederate forces? Brigade leaders included (some doing better in combat than others): "Grumble" Jones; Rooney Lee; Wade Hampton; Thomas Munford; Beverly Robertson; and Robert Beckham's artillery.The combat was hot. In the end; it was pretty much a standoff; even though each side made claims. . . . A nice analysis of the battle as well as the geography of the fight.4 of 5 people found the following review helpful. More of a Battlefield Guide than a HistoryBy MickMI wanted to like this book. I really did. I even re-ordered it when the first publication date got delayed. I was disappointed; however. The format is disjointed and makes it hard to follow the flow of the battle in a chronological sense. I ended up trying to figure out what happened where first; and how events on different parts of the field effected other actions. There were some interesting passages; but the authors didn't bring it together in a cohesive narration. They could have done with a bit of editing and proofreading; too. I do think the book would be helpful if you were actually at the battlefield. They make a point of giving directions and locations of events in relation to modern roads. A reader at the scene would find this book beneficial; but as someone hoping for a good cohesive analysis of the battle to be read in my study; I cannot recommend it.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Must Read.By John M. JohnsonThis book has it all. The soldiers; the chronology; the monuments and the terrain of the largest Calvary battle fought in the civil war. You would expect that. But then the authors have added the story of the battle to preserve the battlefield. A cautionary tale. Praiseworthy effort. Much; much more than the story of the civil war.
