The Battle of the Tanks

Kursk, 1943

De: Lloyd Clark

Narrado por: David Baker

On July 5, 1943, the greatest land battle in history began when Nazi and Red Army forces clashed near the town of Kursk, on the western border of the Soviet Union. Code named Operation Citadel, the German offensive would cut through the bulge in the eastern front that had been created following Germany's retreat at the battle of Stalingrad. But the Soviets, well informed about Germany's plans through their network of spies, had months to prepare. Two million men supported by 6,000 tanks, 35,000 guns, and 5,000 aircraft convened in Kursk for an epic confrontation that was one of the most important military engagements in history, the epitome of total war. It was also one of the most bloody, and despite suffering seven times more casualties, the Soviets won a decisive victory that became a turning point in the war.

With unprecedented access to the journals and testimonials of the officers, soldiers, political leaders, and citizens who lived through it, The Battle of the Tanks is the definitive account of an epic showdown that changed the course of history.

©2011 Lloyd Clark. Recorded by arrangement with Grove Atlantic, Inc. (P)2014 Audible Inc.

Well written easy to listen to lot of information

Love that will listen to it again This is the take up the rest of the words necessary to post it

Misleading Title, Valuable Insights..

This is an informative and well-researched account of the pivotal Battle of Kursk, but readers expecting a deep dive into tank warfare, based on the title, may feel misled. Surprisingly, the book doesn't focus heavily on tanks until later in the narrative, and even then, the coverage of armored engagements feels somewhat lacking given the central role tanks played in the battle. Despite this, Clark offers a thoughtful and comprehensive view of the broader context, providing valuable insights into the strategies, leadership decisions, and the human element that shaped the outcome of Kursk. It's a well-crafted historical analysis, but those seeking detailed tank combat discussions may come away wanting more.

The narration was 5/5, production 5/5.

Great story that put you there

I’ve listen to many books of World War II, and I honestly got to say I was this book went on I could almost feel myself being there, seeing it, smelling it witnessing it. I think that only soldiers who have been in the most horrible places in the world pelted by rain clothes, rotting off of you Equipment constantly rusting find yourself short on food replacement, clothes, and even time medicine.

These men were there for the duration, I cannot say the same thing I had a Calendar if I could live to that date I was going home, scarred, upset, mad angry but nonetheless I just had to make my 13 months

Like my uncle, who served in World War II going in at Normandy walking across Europe, fighting at the battle of the bulge, ending up in Belgium, and then being forced to stay because she didn’t have the points to go home. Even though he went into the army in 1943, did not see home until 1947 even though, he still had nightmares. He had a year and a half be there under different circumstances to be with soldiers who experience the same thing and summer did not what this book has you smelling all the smells as you see the colors as you see your uniform if you call dad in unrecognizable state to appoint or burning them was all it was left. God bless them. I’m glad they found each other and they were able to find peace in their lifetime.

decent history of Kursk / Citadel

This is a pretty good audio version of the story of the battle of Kursk, often known by its German code name "Operation Zitadella" or Citadel. the story moves decently well. of course there are a number of drawbacks to an audiobook version. often we are left wanting for maps or visual aid that are just not possible the spoken book. still if you're looking for a decent history and a really good preface to the battle this is a good book to listen to.

Excellent

Excellent, details details details. I wish there was a map to go along with the book

Detailed and well researched

Amazingly detailed account of the World War II Eastern front and the Battle of Kursk. The first part of the book goes into the circumstances that led to Kursk, and the second part goes into fine detail on the actual battle. The numbers of soldiers, aircraft and Tanks involved in this battle is staggering. I had no appreciation before reading this of how large this battle really was, and what the impact of the battle had on the rest of the war in that theater. The author presents the battle from both perspectives, even ending the book with a meeting of infantry soldiers from both sides that fought there. The battle essentially pitted technology & tactics versus numbers and the capacity to produce replacement weapon systems.

Without having a really good understanding of the army components for each of the combatants prior to reading this, some of the information I found to be a little too in depth. I think that people who are familiar with the battles of the eastern front will find the book fascinating.

The narration was excellent.

Like a first person account

After an interesting summary of the events in Germany and the Soviet Union from 1918 through 1942, this story explodes with an "edge of the seat" narrative of the battle of Kursk in July 1943. I've heard and read a lot of war histories and found this one to stand out in sustaining my interest and understanding. A detailed map helped my comprehension some, but it is the intensity and intimacy of the personal stories and the art of tying it all together that rate the five stars. Davis Barker's narration is sublime and faultless.

Detailed analysis of ww2 turning point in the east

Mercy but this was one horrific battle. So many grim, gritty encounters. So many confusing interplays. No wonder westerners have so little understanding of this important, complex battle.

Narration is clear and holds ones interest.

a good worm's eye view

The book starts out with explaining the rise of both Hitler and Stalin before describing the battle as seen by the actual combatants. It's not too gory but it is sometimes difficult to remember which side is being discussed. Eventually Nazi might was drowned in Soviet production numbers and manpower. I can't imagine waiting in a trench to throw a sticky grenade at a tank as it rolled over me.

Excellent

An in-depth analysis of a little covered, historic and important battle. I enjoyed it.