To view prices and purchase online, please login or create an account now.



Velikiye Luki 1942-43: The Doomed Fortress

Paperback / softback

Main Details

Title Velikiye Luki 1942-43: The Doomed Fortress
Authors and Contributors      By (author) Robert Forczyk
Illustrated by Peter Dennis
SeriesCampaign
Physical Properties
Format:Paperback / softback
Pages:96
Dimensions(mm): Height 248,Width 184
Category/GenreHistory
Military history
Second world war
ISBN/Barcode 9781472830692
ClassificationsDewey:940.5421723
Audience
General
Professional & Vocational

Publishing Details

Publisher Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
Imprint Osprey Publishing
NZ Release Date 1 September 2020
Publication Country United Kingdom

Description

Velikiye Luki had been an important Russian fortress city since the 13th century and had become an important rail-hub by the 19th century. In August 1941, the Germans occupied the city of 30,000 during Operation Barbarossa and made it a bulwark on the boundary between Heeresgruppe Nord and Heeresgruppe Mitte. In the winter of 1942-43, while Soviet forces were encircling Stalingrad, the Stavka (High Command) conducted a simultaneous offensive to isolate and destroy the 7,500-man German garrison in Velikiye Luki. After surrounding the city on 27 November 1942, the Soviet 3rd Shock Army gradually reduced the city to rubble, while the German garrison, sustained by Luftwaffe air lifts, hunkered down in the medieval city and awaited rescue. This illustrated title reveals the full story of the tense seven-week siege of Velikiye Luki, which saw Soviet forces striving to liberate the city in the face of a determined garrison and fierce relief efforts. Detailed analysis by renowned World War II historian Robert Forczyk is complimented by stunning and historically accurate battlescenes, maps, and bird's-eye-views to offer a comprehensive look at this gripping campaign.

Author Biography

Robert Forczyk has a PhD in International Relations and National Security from the University of Maryland and a strong background in European and Asian military history. He retired as a lieutenant colonel from the US Army Reserves having served 18 years as an armour officer in the US 2nd and 4th infantry divisions and as an intelligence officer in the 29th Infantry Division (Light). Dr Forczyk is currently a consultant in the Washington, DC area. Peter Dennis was inspired by contemporary magazines such as Look and Learn, leading him to study Illustration at Liverpool Art College. Peter has since contributed to hundreds of books, predominantly on historical subjects, including many Osprey titles. A keen wargamer and modelmaker, he is based in Nottinghamshire, UK.