The Soviet strategic operation to take Hitler's capital involved 2.3 million soldiers on two fronts attacking from the east and south, while a third front overran the German forces in the area to the north of Berlin.
Fully illustrated, this book covers each of the phases of this operation.
In the spring of 1945, simultaneously with the battle of the Seelow Heights, powerful Red Army spearheads launched three sub-offensive operations to clear German resistance for the Berlin operation. Between April 13 and 17, elements of the 2nd Belorussian Front replaced parts of the 1st Belorussian Front and began to prepare their offensive operations. Bitter fighting ensued, as German units desperately tried to hold their positions. Whilst these operations continued with unabated ferocity, Zhukov's 1st Belorussian Front broke through the final line of the Seelow Heights and nothing but broken German formations lay between them and Berlin.
On April 20, Hitler's 56th birthday, Soviet artillery of the 1st Belorussian Front began shelling Berlin in preparation for attacking the city. At the same time the 1st Belorussian Front advanced towards the east and northeast of the Reich capital, whilst the 1st Ukrainian Front smashed through the last formations of the northern wing of the German Army Group Center. What followed was the Soviet battle for Berlin. Russian planners divided the frontal and pincer parts of the battle for Berlin in phases. Once the 1st Belorussian Front and 1st Ukrainian Front completely encircled the city, over one million Russian soldiers began attacking into the suburbs towards the center. They faced some 45,000 soldiers in several severely depleted Wehrmacht and Waffen-SS divisions. These divisions were supplemented by the Berlin Police force, and the Hitlerjugend and Volkssturm, mainly manned by teenaged boys.
CIS0045
The Casemate Illustrated series explores key elements of military history. Extensively illustrated with photographs, maps, and color profiles of tanks, aircraft, and other vehicles, each volume provides a wealth of visual detail. Profiles of key individuals and units, a timeline and explanatory text boxes support the narrative, which provides a clear overview of the battle or campaign and the experience of the forces involved.
CASEMATE PUBLISHERS 2025
Design by Battlefield Design
Maps on pages 26, 33, 61 and 62 by Battlefield Design
Printed and bound in the Czech Republic by FINIDR s.r.o.
ISBN 978-1-63624-437-2
128 pages
7 X 10 inch
CASEMATE PUBLISHERS (US) provided this material for review.