A couple of months back, we shared an interesting bit of history. We decided that it was just interesting enough that we wanted to bring it back. So, if you missed it the first time, read on to learn about the largest tank battle in history.
The 1943 Battle of Kursk has the distinction of bringing the world the biggest tank battle in history.
The Germans were desperate to keep their offensive alive after the crushing defeat at Stalingrad. This led to Operation Citadel. This push northward put them on a collision course with Soviet forces in Kursk.
According to military historian David M. Glantz, Germany planned to eliminate the Red Army with an incredible 780,000 troops, 2,928 tanks, and 7,417 artillery pieces.
Hitler’s plan failed, however, because the Soviets were highly prepared with nearly 1,300,000 men, over 20,000 guns and mortars, 3,600 tanks, 2,650 aircraft, and five reserve field armies of another half million men, and 1,500 additional tanks.
Both sides saw heavy casualties in this massive battle, but it was another important historical moment leading to the eventual downfall of Nazi Germany. Read more about the Battle of Kursk here.
If you are interested in WWII history, check out our other posts here. While we have you, see what we are doing to help give back to members of America’s greatest generation here.