Soviet Motor Gunboats of World War II: The Red Army's 'river tanks' from Stalingrad to Berlin

The book "Soviet River Tanks: The History of Russia's Armoured Motor Gun Boats" is the first English-language history of these vessels, which were highly mobile and capable of carrying up to 20 infantrymen directly into action. They were versatile enough to be used in naval landing operations and were prized by local commanders for their military value.

Format: Unspecified
Length: 48 pages
Publication date: 23 November 2023
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Russia's vast river system has long served as its primary thoroughfare, and as early as 1908, the Tsar's armies were pioneering the development of armored riverboats that conferred upon them tank-like mobility, firepower, and survivability on the Russian battlefields. This book, the first comprehensive history of these vessels in English, delves into the origins of this concept, which ultimately resulted in one of the most remarkable naval weapons of World War II: the Soviet river tank, or Armoured Motor Gun Boat (AMGB). These highly mobile vessels were capable of transporting up to 20 infantrymen directly into action, offering immediate firepower from their tank turrets, machine guns, or Katyusha rockets. Their military value was widely acknowledged, and they were versatile enough to be employed in naval landing operations off the Gulf of Finland, the Azov Sea, and the Black Sea. Local commanders highly valued their capabilities, recognizing their immense utility in the fierce fighting on the Eastern Front.

To uncover the history of river warfare on the Eastern Front and the pivotal role played by these boats, this book employs meticulously researched new color profiles, rare photographs, and breathtaking artwork. It sheds light on the development and deployment of these vessels, their operational strategies, and the significant impact they had on the course of the war. Through its vivid storytelling, this book provides a captivating glimpse into the lesser-known aspects of World War II, highlighting the bravery and ingenuity of the soldiers and sailors who operated these remarkable vessels.

In conclusion, "Soviet River Tanks: The Arsenal of the Eastern Front" is a must-read for anyone interested in military history, naval warfare, or the bravery of the soldiers who fought on the Eastern Front. It offers a comprehensive and engaging account of the Soviet river tank and its role in shaping the course of the war, providing a valuable insight into the lesser-known aspects of World War II.

Weight: 166g
Dimension: 184 x 248 x 7 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781472857217