This sequel to The Vistula-Oder Offensive tells the story of the colossal Soviet offensive against the Wehrmacht in East Pomerania and West Prussia-the drive required to clear and destroy German forces in order to pave the way for the battle of Berlin.

In early 1945, the Red Army marched into East Prussia, preparing for the final push towards Berlin. But before that battle could take place, it was necessary to clear and destroy German forces in Pomerania and West Prussia. The Russian spearheads faced strong German defensive forces that had been ordered to stand and fight to the death to protect key locations declared Festungen. In February 1945, the 2nd Belorussian Front advanced west, north of the Vistula River toward Pomerania and the major port city of Danzig, with the primary aim of protecting the right flank of Zhukov's 1st Belorussian Front, which was pushing towards Berlin.

The opening of the offensive saw a series of heavy attacks east of Neustettin against the towns of Konitz and Koslin. The fighting was bitter, cutting off the entire left wing of the 3rd Panzer Army.

Forward Soviet tank units reached the Baltic, and the German forces in Pomerania became trapped in a series of encirclements. Russian troops then pushed on to Danzig -strategically important and the last German stronghold in the region- reaching it in early March and putting it under siege. A third stage was the operation to take the Arnswalde and Kolberg areas. Kolberg was one of the key German positions in the "Pomeranian wall," the vital link between Pomerania and Prussia. The German high command had planned to use the port facilities for the logistical supply of nearby German forces, and hoped that the presence of this stronghold would lure Soviet forces away from the main thrust toward Berlin. The ensuing battle was brutal, with Soviet troops eventually seizing Kolberg. Finally, spearheads of the 1st Belorussian Front advanced against the German Eleventh SS Panzer Army, which was being assembled in Pomerania. What followed was a bitter and bloody battle for the town of Altdamm.

The offensive successfully cleared the remnants of German forces northeast of Berlin, allowing Zhukov's forces to finally launch the battle of Berlin from the Seelow Heights on the Oder on April 16, 1945.

CIS0043

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

ISBN 978-1-63624-388-7

Design by Battlefield Design

Printed and bound in the Czech Republic by FINIDR s.r.o.

128 pages

7 X 10 inch

CASEMATE PUBLISHERS (US) provided this material for review.