Освобождение. Фильм 1-й. Огненная дуга (4К, военный, реж. Юрий Озеров, 1968 г.)

Киноконцерн "Мосфильм"・2 minutes read

Operation Citadel was a German offensive at the Kursk Salient employing 17 Panzer divisions and 22 infantry divisions, but a delay occurred due to a Russian antitank shell piercing new Tiger tanks. Despite tense moments and preparations, the German attack did not commence immediately, leading to a Soviet counteroffensive at Prokhorovka that turned the tide against German forces.

Insights

  • Operation Citadel at the Kursk Salient involved Germany launching a massive offensive with significant troop numbers, tanks, and aircraft, aiming to bypass Moscow with a dual-pronged attack strategy.
  • The Battle of Kursk saw intense preparations and strategic debates from both Russian and German leaders, with the Soviet defensive strategy draining the enemy's strength before a successful counteroffensive, ultimately turning the tide against the German forces at Prokhorovka.

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  • What was Operation Citadel?

    Operation Citadel was a German military operation planned for the Kursk Salient during World War II, aiming to attack from the north and south simultaneously, bypassing Moscow.

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Summary

00:00

Battle of Kursk: German Offensive Delayed

  • Operation Citadel, planned for the Kursk Salient, aimed to attack from the north and south simultaneously, bypassing Moscow, employing 17 Panzer divisions, 22 infantry divisions, and 2 motorized divisions.
  • Germany prepared for the operation with a troop strength of about one million soldiers, 2,700 tanks (including 800 Tiger tanks), and 1,800 aircraft.
  • Despite Germany's total mobilization and new Tiger tanks, a Russian antitank shell piercing the Tigers' armor led to a delay in Operation Citadel.
  • The Russian leaders, including Stalin, Vasilevsky, and Zhukov, anticipated a German offensive in Southern Ukraine, focusing on the Donbass region.
  • Russian Headquarters proposed a defensive strategy to drain the enemy's strength before launching a counteroffensive.
  • The film "Liberation" depicted the events at the Kursk Salient, involving various characters and military figures from both sides of the conflict.
  • The German offensive at Kursk began on July 5, 1943, with the Central Front preparing for a massive blow and implementing artillery strikes based on prisoner information.
  • Marshal Zhukov and his team debated the credibility of the prisoner's information and planned a surprise barrage from all artillery to counter the German attack.
  • The Central Front faced uncertainty as the German offensive was expected to start at 03:00, leading to tense moments and preparations for battle.
  • Despite the anticipation and readiness, the German attack did not commence immediately, leaving both Russian and German forces on edge and prepared for battle.

27:51

Stalin's Son Faces Dilemma Amid War

  • Lieutenant Vasiliev reports to Comrade General, denying fatigue of his shoulder stripes.
  • Colonel General Model and Field Marshal Von Kluge discuss the loss of surprise due to artillery disruptions.
  • The decision to proceed with a military operation despite setbacks is made.
  • The Russian Liberation Army is introduced as an option for soldiers to join.
  • A Swiss Red Cross delegate's encounter with Stalin reveals his harsh stance on Soviet POWs.
  • Yakov Dzhugashvili, Stalin's son, is offered a chance to return home in exchange for a letter to his father.
  • Colonel Gromov faces German tanks breaking through defenses, leading to intense combat.
  • Major Maximov, captured by Germans, is released with a warning about impending German attacks.
  • General Model's forces fail to penetrate Soviet defenses, while the Voronezh Front faces heavy fighting.
  • Stalin rejects an exchange proposal for his son, emphasizing victory or death in the face of German attacks.

01:05:54

German Offensive Stalls at Battle of Kursk

  • Field Marshal von Kluge has penetrated Rokossovsky's defenses by 10-12 kilometers and moved 40 kilometers into Vatutin's front.
  • Operation Kutuzov is planned to strike the German flank, with the 12th Panzer Division and 10th and 36th Motorized Divisions sent in by von Kluge.
  • The Bryansk Front and the left wing of the Western Front began advancing towards Orel on July 11 at 05:35.
  • Field Marshal Manstein sends in all eleven Panzer divisions for Operation Citadel, aiming to take Kursk.
  • The Battle of Kursk reaches a crisis point, with the Soviet counteroffensive at Prokhorovka turning the tide against the German forces.
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