I have been wading through this since before christmas and its a fascinating detailed look at the kessel that formed around Korsun during winter 1944. A really excellent detailed book interlaced with survivor letters, first hand accounts and diaries etc. It is 98% told from the German side with a handful of soviet account/statements to add context but a worthy addition to any one interested in the eastern Front theatre. The battles are desperate and deadly. Plenty of photos and useful maps throughout too.
I put this book up there in my top 5 Ost front books along with the greats like Island of Fire and Leaping Horsemen.
I like that you mentioned the survivor letters and diaries — those personal accounts always make the operational story hit a lot harder. Sounds like one to add to the reading pile.
"Si vis pacem, para bellum." — Vegetius
"Do not hurry to the sound of the guns without knowing why they are firing." — British maxim
"In war, the simplest things are difficult." — Clausewitz
"No plan survives first contact with the enemy." — Moltke
"The side that can most quickly exploit success is the side that will win." — Guderian
Some days you’re the hammer, some days you’re the nail. 🪖🎲
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