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Rating:  Summary: Soviet defeat of Nazi Germany- the beginning of the end. Review: A good study of the defeat of Germany in Belarus, which ultimately led to the end of the Third Reich. The book has a nice collection of photos and diagrams of the campaign. It includes studies of the main military leaders, both Soviet and German. What I found of particular interest was the coverage of Lend-Lease equipment used by the Red Army. This had been downplayed by both the Soviets and the West during the Cold War, but the book clearly shows that Sherman tanks, Studebaker trucks and other US equipment were liberally used by the Red Army and did play a part in the ultimate victory. Operation Bagration has often been overshadowed by the other significant German defeat of 1944, the failure to halt the Anglo-American landing in Normandy. A significant event such as Operation Bagration, obviously needs to be covered and to given its due importance.
Rating:  Summary: Quite good for modelers Review: In the usual Campaign series format, highlights from the book are the topological maps in 3D and the uniforms and equipment sketches. (These drawings actually come from other Osprey series, such as WARRIORS, MEN AT ARMS, or ELITE.) The historical treatment is not too deep (the book isn't that long!) but gives a nice overview of the whole campaign against the german army group. You could also get KURSK 1943 if you want to read about yet another german defeat in the East.
Rating:  Summary: GOOD OVERVIEW Review: Like most books in the Ospery series, Bagration 1944 : The Destruction of Army Group Centre, creates a good overview of the destruction of Army Group Centre. The weakness of the book is it trys to cover too much and becomes a long narrative of attacks and movements with little perspective. It would help if there were more maps but given the nature of Ospery that is more then can be expected. The strength of the book is the discussion of how Hitler's iron fisted direction of the German defense most likely eliminated any small chance of stemming the Soviet advance. All in all, it is a worthwile read if one wants to get an overview of the campaign. However, because it is so dense it is difficult to process all of the facts.
Rating:  Summary: GOOD OVERVIEW Review: Like most books in the Ospery series, Bagration 1944 : The Destruction of Army Group Centre, creates a good overview of the destruction of Army Group Centre. The weakness of the book is it trys to cover too much and becomes a long narrative of attacks and movements with little perspective. It would help if there were more maps but given the nature of Ospery that is more then can be expected. The strength of the book is the discussion of how Hitler's iron fisted direction of the German defense most likely eliminated any small chance of stemming the Soviet advance. All in all, it is a worthwile read if one wants to get an overview of the campaign. However, because it is so dense it is difficult to process all of the facts.
Rating:  Summary: The liberation of Belarus from the Germans. Review: Most historians of the Eastern Front detail the big battles that were the key turning points such as Stalingrad, Leningrad, and Kursk. Howver, most overlook Operation Bagration which occured at the same time as the Normandy landings. Bagration freed Belarus from the Nazi occupation and cost the Germans over 300,000 soldiers. This battle forced the Germans to retreat to the pre war borders of Poland and handed the Russians the opportunities to force the Germans onto the defensive. This book gives the reader an overview of the battle and its later effects. Since it is a summary short read, there is no in depth discussion but the overview is sufficient.
This is a good summary read for the military historian. The book is chock full of photos and technical details of the battle.
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