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This is the first of a two-part atlas of the Battle of Stalingrad. This first volume covers the first month of fighting in Stalingrad, starting with the first battles in the suburbs and ending on the eve of the largest German attack of the battle.
At the heart of these books are the day-by-day situation maps, focusing on the most critical areas of the battle. The maps are supported by weekly maps that show a wider area, orders of battles, estimates of combat strength for the troops actually fighting in the city, accounts of each days fighting (tied to the maps) and extracts from contemporary newspaper reports and combat reports. These are very well researched and help paint a very clear picture of this confused battle, one of the most intense periods of urban warfare during the Second World War. The tone of the newspaper reports is fascinating, with both sides emphasising the dangers and difficulties of the battle while also focuses on their successes - clearly the ground was being prepared for a defeat, especially on the Soviet side.
This is the period in which the Germans made the most progress, pushing the Soviets back into a narrow strip of land near the river. By the end of this stage of the fighting the Germans had captured the southern part of the city, were close to the Volga in the centre and were about to attack the industrial area in the north.
These two books are a very impressive contribution to the literature on the Battle of the Stalingrad, providing a well-researched resource for anyone interested in the battle.
Chapters
From the Don to the Volga
General situation - September 13
Past the first wave
General situation - September 20
A legend forged in fire
General situation - September 27
Towards the factories
General situation - October 4
The lull before the storm
On the edge of the abyss
General situation - October 14
Author: Anton Joly
Edition: Paperback
Pages: 112
Publisher: Staldata Publications
Year: 2013