The Battle of the Tanks

Kursk, 1943

By: Lloyd Clark

Narrated by: David Baker

Length: 12 hrs and 48 mins

Publisher's summary

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

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

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.

Excellent

Another excellent reading by David Baker. The author takes you through a brief history of the German's war up to the Kursk battles, then success right in. There is a good amount of unit information without being an overkill of minutia. The book is well researched and kept my attention throughout. I'll definitely listen to it again in the future!

The biggest battle in human history

The book is well researched. Very well balanced between the technical aspects, the main unit histories and general's memoirs, and first hand accounts on the battlefield. I especially liked the first hand accounts that paired a Russian and German from the exact battle on the exact same day.

I did not like the narrator at all. The
number mispronounced names is atrocious

Outstanding Detailed Account of Historical Battle

Wonderful account and great performance explaining one of the most significant battles(s) of World War II. Great account of a largely unknown period of Russian sacrifice and courage. A must read if you enjoy the stories of events that significantly shaped the outcome of World War II and beyond. Well done

A must listen to

What a captivating Listen. told from The German storyline and also the Russian story line. The author must have spent an incredible amount of time researching For this book , as you will soon find out. This is the most detailed account of any story I ever read of World War II. Enjoy!