Description
This is a compelling account of the German defense of the Baltic States of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. Against overwhelming Soviet forces the book shows how the German Army Group North was driven across the Baltics from Leningrad and fought a number isolated battles including the defense of Narva, Memel and the Kurland pocket.
The book outlines in dramatic detail how Hitler forbade his troops to withdraw, ordering them to follow his Halt Order Decree and fight to the death. However, exhausted and demoralized by continuous Soviet assaults, Army Group North became cut-off and isolated, fighting fanatically to hold the capital cities of Tallin, Vilnius and Riga. What followed were German forces fighting to the death in the last few small pockets of land surrounding three ports: Libau in Kurland, Pillau in East Prussia and Danzig at the mouth of the River Vistula. In the Kurland, German divisions became surrounded and fought a vicious defense until May 1945.
Drawing on a host of rare and unpublished photographs accompanied by in-depth captions and text, the book provides an absorbing read of the Red Army's conquering of the Baltics.
About the Author
Ian Baxter is a military historian who specialises in German twentieth-century military history. He has written more than fifty books. He has also reviewed numerous military studies for publication, supplied thousands of photographs and important documents to various publishers and film production companies worldwide, and lectures to various schools, colleges and universities throughout the United Kingdom and Southern Ireland.
Reviews
The publisher's ability to create com pact yet detailed and well-illustrated volumes is shown in this latest edition covering the Baltic fighting. The photographs are excellent, as are the maps and artwork. There is also extensive information on unit organization and leader ship. The work gives the reader a complete look at one of the lesser understood campaigns of the Eastern Front. * WWII History Magazine *
Another impressive title in the Casement Illustrated series, and a useful book for modelers interested in the Axis and Soviet forces engaged in that epic struggle. The text is clear and informative, and the visual galleries alone are worth acquiring the book. * Armorama 11/01/2023 *
Modelers of World War II Eastern Front will have a plethora of images to gain inspiration. The photographs show the desperation, strain of war, environmental conditions, and brutality of war. * IPMS USA 14/12/2022 *
...it is the photographs that are really what makes this book special. * Modelling Madness *
The text plus the photos and their captions, the artwork profiles and plenty of maps all fit nicely together to explain the story of the events in the Baltic States in the closing stages of WW2. * Military Model Scene *
This highly informative volume details the Germans' resistance while trying to stem the inevitable collapse. ... The situation was always going to end badly for the Germans as revealed so poignantly in this fascinating book. * Gun Mart 20/02/2023 *
Book Information
ISBN 9781636241067
Author Ian Baxter
Format Paperback
Page Count 128
Imprint Casemate Publishers
Publisher Casemate Publishers
The book outlines in dramatic detail how Hitler forbade his troops to withdraw, ordering them to follow his Halt Order Decree and fight to the death. However, exhausted and demoralized by continuous Soviet assaults, Army Group North became cut-off and isolated, fighting fanatically to hold the capital cities of Tallin, Vilnius and Riga. What followed were German forces fighting to the death in the last few small pockets of land surrounding three ports: Libau in Kurland, Pillau in East Prussia and Danzig at the mouth of the River Vistula. In the Kurland, German divisions became surrounded and fought a vicious defense until May 1945.
Drawing on a host of rare and unpublished photographs accompanied by in-depth captions and text, the book provides an absorbing read of the Red Army's conquering of the Baltics.
About the Author
Ian Baxter is a military historian who specialises in German twentieth-century military history. He has written more than fifty books. He has also reviewed numerous military studies for publication, supplied thousands of photographs and important documents to various publishers and film production companies worldwide, and lectures to various schools, colleges and universities throughout the United Kingdom and Southern Ireland.
Reviews
The publisher's ability to create com pact yet detailed and well-illustrated volumes is shown in this latest edition covering the Baltic fighting. The photographs are excellent, as are the maps and artwork. There is also extensive information on unit organization and leader ship. The work gives the reader a complete look at one of the lesser understood campaigns of the Eastern Front. * WWII History Magazine *
Another impressive title in the Casement Illustrated series, and a useful book for modelers interested in the Axis and Soviet forces engaged in that epic struggle. The text is clear and informative, and the visual galleries alone are worth acquiring the book. * Armorama 11/01/2023 *
Modelers of World War II Eastern Front will have a plethora of images to gain inspiration. The photographs show the desperation, strain of war, environmental conditions, and brutality of war. * IPMS USA 14/12/2022 *
...it is the photographs that are really what makes this book special. * Modelling Madness *
The text plus the photos and their captions, the artwork profiles and plenty of maps all fit nicely together to explain the story of the events in the Baltic States in the closing stages of WW2. * Military Model Scene *
This highly informative volume details the Germans' resistance while trying to stem the inevitable collapse. ... The situation was always going to end badly for the Germans as revealed so poignantly in this fascinating book. * Gun Mart 20/02/2023 *
Book Information
ISBN 9781636241067
Author Ian Baxter
Format Paperback
Page Count 128
Imprint Casemate Publishers
Publisher Casemate Publishers
