Barbarossa Derailed

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This groundbreaking study significantly expands on previous research by utilizing a wealth of Soviet and German archival materials, including combat orders and operational documents from both the German OKW, OKH, and various army groups, as well as the Soviet Stavka and Red Army General Staff. It provides a detailed account of the complex battles in the Smolensk region from July 10 to September 10, 1941. The work is structured to engage both general readers and specialists, featuring a two-volume chronological narrative of operations, supplemented by a third volume of archival maps and translated orders and reports. The maps illustrate each battle stage, while the second volume highlights the Red Army's efforts to counter German advances during Guderian's march toward Kiev. It reveals two significant military operations that Soviet historians previously obscured due to their failures. Key topics include the advance of Group Stumme, German strategic planning towards Kiev, and multiple Soviet counteroffensives. The analysis uncovers new findings, such as the stronger-than-expected Soviet resistance and the sophistication of Soviet military strategy, which focused on attrition to weaken German forces, ultimately contributing to the victories over Army Group Center in December 1941.