Ep 9. The Battle of Kursk: Southern Front

During World War II, the Battle of Kursk was one of the largest and bloodiest tank battles in history. Greatest Tank Battles takes a closer look at this battle in episode 9 of season 1, titled "The Battle of Kursk: Southern Front."

The episode begins in the summer of 1943, with the German army preparing for a major offensive on the Eastern Front. The Germans had initially planned to attack Kursk from the north and south simultaneously, but due to logistical issues, the southern attack was delayed by several days.

By the time the German forces led by General Erich von Manstein began their assault on the southern front, the Soviet Union had already reinforced their defenses in the area. The Germans faced a formidable array of Soviet anti-tank guns and well-positioned tank units.

The battle on the southern front was intense and brutal, with both sides suffering heavy losses. The Germans were unable to make significant gains, and soon found themselves bogged down in a brutal war of attrition. Despite their superior tank technology, the Germans were constantly harassed by Soviet infantry armed with anti-tank weapons.

The episode highlights the effectiveness of the Soviet anti-tank defenses, including the use of specialized tank-killing units made up of infantry armed with anti-tank rifles and grenades. These units were able to inflict significant damage on German tanks, often disabling them with a single shot.

Other factors contributed to the German defeat on the southern front, including inadequate air support and a lack of experience among some of the German tank crews. The episode also explores the role of individual tank commanders, such as Soviet officer Alexander Burda and German commander Claus von Stauffenberg.

The Battle of Kursk marked a turning point in the war on the Eastern Front, with the Soviet Union pushing the German army back and eventually driving them out of their territory. The episode concludes with reflections on the sacrifices made by both sides in the battle, as well as the lasting impact of the conflict on the course of World War II.

Overall, "The Battle of Kursk: Southern Front" offers a detailed and engaging look at one of the most significant tank battles in history. By examining the tactics, technology, and individual stories of those involved, the episode helps to shed light on the many complexities of modern warfare.