The Battle of Kursk Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 5000 words

The Battle of Kursk - Essay Example The operations of this battle will also be considered, from its main operations on the German and the Russian side to the tactical operations carried out by the battling parties. The counterattacks involved will be detailed. The final outcome of the battle, including an analysis of the battle results will also be specified in this paper. These points shall serve as important details in further understanding this battle and its place in our global history. Body Background of the attack The Battle of Stalingrad spanning 1942-1943 was won by USSR. It was a battle which cost the German army dearly with the entire German Sixth Army killed during the battle. This seriously compromised the armed forces of the Axis powers which were being battered from all directions by the Allied troops. During the Battle of Stalingrad, Germany’s position in southern Russia gradually became vulnerable and as their Sixth Army became trapped by the advancing Russian troops, a huge gap in the German defenses was exposed (Mulligan, 1987). Other Soviet forces were eventually able to get through these defenses and as a result posed a threat to the Army Group A in Caucasus. The German Field Marshall Erich von Manstein was forced to resort to extreme measures to secure their stronghold in the war (Dunn, 1997). Various additional divisions for the war were established by pulling troops from non-threatened areas; even non-combat personnel were called into military service (Mulligan, 1987). Tanks in workshops were also commissioned into service. ... Various additional divisions for the war were established by pulling troops from non-threatened areas; even non-combat personnel were called into military service (Mulligan, 1987). Tanks in workshops were also commissioned into service. Eventually, the SS Panzer Corps arrived in Stalingrad, other units from the 11th Panzer Division and the 6th and 7th Panzer Divisions arrived and reinforced German armors (Restayn and Moller, 2002). These troops and equipment were set to launch a pincer-style attack against the Russian forces which was led by Armored Group Popov. This attack created a front line from Leningrad in the North to Rostov in the South. Right at the very middle of this line was a 200 kilometer area covered by the Soviets (Glantz, et.al., 1999). This was centered in the town of Kursk, between the German lines near Orel in the North and Belgorod in the South. With the entry of spring, both sides were forced by muddy fighting conditions to settle down and construct their plans for advancement (Glantz, et.al., 1999). German commander Manstein was of the initial belief that the best strategy for Germany would be to assume a defensive strategy using its panzer divisions to counter the Russian forces (Dunn, 1997). He also believed that the Russian army would concentrate its military advance against the Army Group South. He also suggested that their left flank be kept strong while they were retreating to their right on the Dneiper River (Glantz, 1990). He then suggested that a major military attack to the flank of the Russian army advance could follow. His suggestion was not favored by Hitler who was adamant against giving up any of the territory it was already controlling (Manstein, 2000). The German High Command (OKH) led by Colonel General