The Battle of Kursk, known as "Citadel," was a monumental clash between two massive armies during World War II, marking a turning point in the conflict. This battle involved land and aerial warfare on an unprecedented scale, culminating in a day of intense aerial combat. Kursk was a critical engagement, strategically significant as the last major German offensive on the Eastern Front following the fall of the Sixth Army at Stalingrad.
Robin Cross's book places the battle in the broader context of the strategic decisions made by both Hitler and Stalin in the spring and summer of 1943. With insights from the 'Lucy' spy network, the Red Army was well-prepared to defend against the German offensive. Hitler's armoured divisions faced formidable resistance as they attempted to break through the enemy lines. The battle's impact on the course of the war and the post-war landscape is explored, making "Citadel" a crucial episode in World War II history.