Kursk
1943 · Kursk, Soviet Union · World · Modern
The German pincer offensive was ground down by defense in depth, and the Soviets went over to the counteroffensive.
Belligerents
Soviet Union
- Commanders
- Rokossovsky, Vatutin
- Strength
- Defense in depth and huge reserves
Germany
- Commanders
- Manstein, Model
- Strength
- About 2,700 tanks, including massed "Tigers" and "Panthers"
Background
Germany sought to cut off the Kursk salient and regain the initiative, but the Soviets had prepared a defense in depth and waited, rested, for the weary foe.
Course of the battle
- Pincer attackThe Germans attacked the salient in a pincer from north and south.
- Tank battleAt Prokhorovka over a thousand tanks fought at close quarters in a melee.
- CounteroffensiveHaving blunted the enemy, the Soviets launched a strategic counteroffensive and recaptured lost territory.
Outcome at a glance
| Date | 1943 |
|---|---|
| Place | Kursk, Soviet Union |
| Result | The German pincer offensive was ground down by defense in depth, and the Soviets went over to the counteroffensive. |
| Winner | Soviet Union |
| Casualties | Both sides lost huge numbers of armored vehicles in the great tank battle of Prokhorovka. |
| Territorial change | Germany completely lost the capacity for strategic offensives, and the Soviets advanced west along the entire front. |
Impact
The largest tank battle in history, it decisively reversed the balance of attack and defense on the Eastern Front.
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