Focusing on the 2nd Tank Army, this study delves into its transformation into an elite Guards formation by 1945, highlighting its pivotal role in Soviet offensives during World War II. It examines operational documents to provide a detailed analysis of the Army's battles, culminating in its historic advance into Berlin. This comprehensive examination offers insights into the tactics and experiences of one of the Soviet Union's key military forces during the conflict.
This study by Igor Nebolsin delves into overlooked armored engagements on the Eastern Front during the war's final year, utilizing Soviet and German archival records. Following the Red Army's victory over German Group Army Centre in Belorussia in August 1944, they rapidly advanced toward East Prussia, where intense tank battles erupted near Vilkavishkis. The German Panzer-Grenadier Division Grodeutschland clashed with the Soviet 33rd Army, supported by the 2nd Guards Tank Corps and anti-tank artillery, leading to fierce combat. Nebolsin meticulously analyzes this battle, challenging myths propagated by some German authors. By mid-October 1944, the Soviet 3rd Belorussian Front was poised to invade East Prussia, with the 2nd Guards Tank Corps achieving a breakthrough toward Gumbinnen and capturing a crucial crossing at Nemmersdorf. The fighting against German divisions was characterized by its severity and heavy losses for both sides. In January 1945, the Red Army breached German defenses, reaching the Baltic and isolating East Prussia. The 5th Guards Tank Army played a key role in this operation, thwarting the German 4th Army's escape attempts. The book also details tank battles near Kielce, Poland, where the XXIV Panzer Korps faced the Soviet 4th Guards Tank Army. With day-by-day accounts, insights from commanders, statistical data, and firsthand reminiscences from Soviet tank officers, this study is an invaluable resource, en
