Red Army Tank Commander: At War in a T-34 on the Eastern Front

During the Second World War, Vasiliy Pavlovich Bryukhov commanded a T-34 tank on the Eastern Front. His memoir provides a fascinating and authentic insight into tank operations, combat, and the qualities that made the difference between success and failure. It also offers an accurate record of the day-to-day life of a tankman, showcasing the reality of tank warfare seventy years ago. Bryukhov's bravery and leadership earned him the title of Hero of the Soviet Union in 1995.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 06 October 2022
Publisher: Pen & Sword Books Ltd

During the Second World War, Vasiliy Pavlovich Bryukhov commanded a T-34 tank on the Eastern Front. In his memoir, he provides a fascinating and authentic insight into the experiences of tank commanders during the war. Bryukhov's memoir offers an accurate and unsentimental record of the day-to-day life of a tankman, detailing his battles and experiences throughout the conflict.

Born in 1924 in Osa, Bryukhov graduated from tank school in April 1943 and was given command of a T-34 tank. He participated in the Battle of Kursk and served continuously until the end of the war, fighting through Ukraine, Moldavia, Romania, and Hungary to Austria. Throughout his service, Bryukhov demonstrated exceptional courage and leadership, destroying nine German panzers in one action and leading the vanguard of his tank brigade through German lines to capture bridges and cut off the German retreat.

In 1944, Bryukhov was promoted to battalion commander. For his actions at the end of 1944 and 1945, he was nominated for the title of Hero of the Soviet Union. However, this nomination was not fulfilled until 1995, when Bryukhov was given the title of Hero of the Russian Federation for his courage and gallantry in battle during the Great Patriotic War.

Bryukhov's memoir provides a powerful insight into the reality of tank warfare seventy years ago. His first-hand eyewitness account is a memorable personal story, and it gives a powerful insight into the courage and sacrifice of those who served in the tank crews during the war. Bryukhov's memoir is a valuable contribution to our understanding of the Second World War and the role of tanks in combat.

Weight: 312g
Dimension: 156 x 234 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781399077330