Featured battle : Kursk (Operation Citadel)

Part of Second World War

Date : 05 July 1943 - 16 July 1943

Considered to be the largest tank battle in history. The German Army Group Centre under Kluge and Army Group South under von Manstein attempted to eliminate the Russian salient around Kursk but were held back by effective Russian defensive actions and counter-attacks. Hitler ordered a withdrawal which the Russians vigorously followed up.

Grouchy's Waterloo

Andrew W. Field
Very early on in this book the author endeared himself to me with two statements. On page 6 he expresses his intention not to name any places without including them on a map. As one who hates having to read with a map open by my side I applaud this notion in spite of the fact that he doesn't always succeed in mapping every place all though the book. On page 12 he refers readers elsewhere for the lead up to Waterloo stating that there is to a plethora of fine books on the subject. Again I was both surprised and pleased to find a 'Waterloo' book that did not start with Napoleon's escape from Elba.
The book is written from a factual rather than a judgmental position with many insertions of contemporary and post event quotations from reports and diaries. However the last chapter 'Analysis and Conclusions' , where he does discuss the key controversies, is particularly worthy of note.
My overall opinion is that the research has been thorough, the style of writing clear and lucid with many maps and illustrations. A book not to be put down until it is finished. Very highly recommended.
Pen & Sword Military. Pen & Sword \Books \Ltd., 2017