Operation Bagration: The Soviet Destruction of German Army Group Center, 1944

During World War II, the Soviet Army launched a massive offensive in 1944 known as Bagration, which resulted in the destruction of the German Army Group Center and was the greatest military defeat ever experienced by the German Army. This book uses rare and unpublished photographs to provide an absorbing insight into the German defeat and the Russian offensive, showing how the German Army tried to counter the overwhelming might of the Soviet Army as it poured thousands of men, weapons, and armor across the German lines. The battle was a swift and bloody battle of attrition, with many German units fighting to the grim death. The Russian offensive was so quick that many German units were encircled and destroyed, with the loss of over 300,000 men and most of its weaponry. The story of the destruction of Army Group Center has been overshadowed by the D-Day campaign in Normandy, but this book reveals the lesser-known battle in the East and shows how the German forces fought and lost against overwhelming odds.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 128 pages
Publication date: 15 October 2020
Publisher: Casemate Publishers

The Soviet Army's summer offensive in 1944, code-named Bagration, resulted in the utter annihilation of the German Army Group Center, marking the most significant military defeat the German Army had ever faced during World War II. This captivating book delves into the German defeat and the Russian offensive, utilizing a diverse collection of rare and previously unpublished photographs. Accompanied by detailed captions, text, and 20 artist profiles, along with comprehensive maps, the book unfolds the compelling narrative of how the German Army Group Center valiantly attempted to withstand the overwhelming might of the Soviet Army, as it deployed thousands of men, weapons, and armor across the German lines, relentlessly crushing its way through.

What followed was a relentless and grueling battle of attrition, as the German Army valiantly fought and gradually retreated, enduring the ceaseless hammer blows of Russian ground and aerial bombardments, as well as relentless armored and infantry attacks. Many German units, driven by a sense of duty, refused to retreat, resulting in a catastrophic disaster of colossal proportions. As the Soviet forces punched a massive hole in the German lines, sending shockwaves through Army Group Center, the German units were compelled to retreat or face utter annihilation. However, the Russian offensive was swift and relentless, trapping many German units within their encirclement, leading to their swift and devastating destruction. By the end of the battle, the consequences were more devastating than those witnessed at Stalingrad. The German Army was pushed out of Russia, retreating towards Poland, with a staggering loss of over 300,000 men and the loss of most of its weaponry.

The Russian victory at Bagration marked a significant turning point in the war, as it dealt a severe blow to the German military and set the stage for the eventual liberation of Europe. The book serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made during this pivotal period of history and provides a valuable insight into the strategies and tactics employed by both sides in the conflict.

Weight: 424g
Dimension: 180 x 253 x 15 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781612009230