Operation 'Berlin', the Soviet offensive launched on 16 April 1945 by Marshals Zhukov and Koniev, isolated the German 9th Army and tens of thousands of refugees in the Spreewald 'pocket', south-east of Berlin. Stalin ordered its encirclement and destruction and his subordinates, eager to win the race to the Reichstag, pushed General Busse's 9th Army into a tiny area east of the village of Halbe. Meanwhile General Wenck's 12th Army, ordered to disengage with the American forces on the Elbe and come to the relief of Berlin, ...
Read More
Operation 'Berlin', the Soviet offensive launched on 16 April 1945 by Marshals Zhukov and Koniev, isolated the German 9th Army and tens of thousands of refugees in the Spreewald 'pocket', south-east of Berlin. Stalin ordered its encirclement and destruction and his subordinates, eager to win the race to the Reichstag, pushed General Busse's 9th Army into a tiny area east of the village of Halbe. Meanwhile General Wenck's 12th Army, ordered to disengage with the American forces on the Elbe and come to the relief of Berlin, launched an attack from the southwest in a desperate bid to rescue the 9th. To escape the Spreewald pocket the remnants of 9th Army had to pass through Halbe, where barricades constructed by both sides formed formidable obstacles and the converging Soviet forces subjected the area to heavy artillery fire. By the time the 9th Army eventually escaped the Soviet pincers and linked up with the 12th Army, it had suffered over 40,000 killed and 60,000 taken prisoner. Teenaged refugees recount their experiences alongside Wehrmacht and Waffen-SS veterans attempting to maintain military discipline amid the chaos and carnage of headlong retreat. While army commanders strive to extricate their decimated units, demoralised soldiers change into civilian clothing and take to the woods. Relating the story day by day, Tony Le Tissier shows the impact of total war upon soldier and civilian alike, illuminating the unfolding of great and terrible events with the recollections of participants.
Read Less
Edition:
Uitg and Revised and Updated to Include New Develop and Blue
Publisher:
History Press
Published:
2005
Language:
English
Alibris ID:
18127504187
Shipping Options:
Standard Shipping: $4.61
Choose your shipping method in Checkout. Costs may vary based on destination.
Seller's Description:
Book is in good condition and may include underlining highlighting and minimal wear. The book can also include From the library of labels. May not contain miscellaneous items toys dvds etc. We offer 100% money back guarantee and 24 7 customer service.
Edition:
Uitg and Revised and Updated to Include New Develop and Blue
Publisher:
History Press
Published:
2005
Language:
English
Alibris ID:
18117194799
Shipping Options:
Standard Shipping: $4.61
Choose your shipping method in Checkout. Costs may vary based on destination.
Seller's Description:
Very good. Connecting readers with great books since 1972! Used books may not include companion materials, and may have some shelf wear or limited writing. We ship orders daily and Customer Service is our top priority!
Choose your shipping method in Checkout. Costs may vary based on destination.
Seller's Description:
Fair. Dust Jacket Included. Size: 6x1x9; Hardback with jacket. Former library book. Moderate wear. Tilted binding. Odor free. Text is unmarked. (Shelf: E7) Books are carefully sealed in waterproof mailers and then boxed to prevent damage during transit.