After the initial successes of Operation Barbarossa, at the end of September 1941 Hitler turned his focus to Moscow, with the unshakeable belief that capturing the capital would knock the Soviets out of the war. On the face of it, it was an unequal struggle; Field Marshall Fedor von Bock had at his command disposal 1 million men, 1,700 tanks, 19,500 artillery guns and 950 combat aircraft - 50% of all the German men in Russia, 75% of all the tanks and 33% of all the planes. To defend Moscow, the Russians had under 500,000 men, fewer than 900 tanks and just over 300 combat planes. But the picture was in fact a great deal more complex; the Germans had suffered very significant losses since the invasion of Russia had begun, and had issues with logistics and air support. The Soviets, under the command of General Zhukov, were beginning to be better supplied with re-enforcements, and were prepared to defend to the death.

Nevertheless Moscow was in a perilous situation. This volume in the Casemate Illustrated series concentrates on the main German assault of October 1941. Guderian's panzer divisions at first made sweeping gains as they had done so many times before and large parts of the Red Army were encircled at Vyazma and Bryansk. These successes in fact allowed the Soviets time to re-group as the encircled armies did not surrender and had to be dealt with. Then three engagements followed at Mtsensk, Maloyaroslavets and the Mojaisk defense line that proved that the war in the East was not entering its final days as German high command believed.

Illustrated with over 150 photographs, plus profile drawings of tanks, vehicles and aircraft, it gives a vivid impression of the situation for both protagonists, and a detailed analysis of the critical days as the fate of Moscow and perhaps the whole war hung in the balance.

About the Author
Philippe Naud is Professor of History and a specialist of the Eastern Front. He is the author of numerous articles in VaeVictis, Steelmasters and Tank Zone magazines.

Reviews
... this is another excellent illustrated introduction, this time to the war in the east. * The Armourer 13/02/2019 *
The photos in this volume are the clearest I have ever seen in a book: they are so sharply defined that you almost feel the subject matter is a few paces in front of you. [...] An inspiring read, especially for the modeller... * Miniature Wargames *
To the best of my recall We have never had a duff book from Casemate, and this is no exception. Its well written and illustrated , I would go as far as to say that once you read this book that you could take and pass an A level history exam on the battle for Moscow * Army Rumour Service 17/12/2018 *
Another great issue from the Casemate Illustrated series - Recommended. * Scale Military Modelling International Magazine *
This offering from Casemate is a great title that covers what I consider to be the turning point of the war as regards the German military. The text is well written and a pleasing read that provides information in an easy to absorb manner. The photographs really appealed to me as a modeller. * Armorama *
... handy not only for modelers, but also for those who would like to know more about WW2 and especially battle of the Moscow. * DetailScaleView 23/04/2019 *
...provides valuable reference for modellers [...] With the operation's 80th anniversary in October 2021, this book forms ideal inspiration to commemorate the clash. * Airfix Model World *
This is a great book, especially if you have only read the grand strategic histories of the war... It will help you build some inspired new vehicles for your early war armies too! * Wargames, Soldiers, and Strategy *



Book Information
ISBN 9781612006710
Author Philippe Naud
Format Paperback
Page Count 128
Imprint Casemate Publishers
Publisher Casemate Publishers