| King Tiger vs IS-2: Operation Solstice 1945 Contributor(s): Higgins, David R. (Author), Laurier, Jim (Illustrator), Dennis, Peter (Illustrator) |
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ISBN: 1849084041 ISBN-13: 9781849084048 Publisher: Osprey Publishing (UK) OUR PRICE: $19.80 Product Type: Paperback - Other Formats Published: August 2011 |
| Additional Information |
| BISAC Categories: - History | Military - World War Ii - History | Military - Weapons - History | Military - Strategy |
| Dewey: 940.53 |
| LCCN: 2011283464 |
| Series: Duel |
| Physical Information: 0.24" H x 7.35" W x 9.73" (0.58 lbs) 80 pages |
| Themes: - Chronological Period - 1940's - Cultural Region - Russia - Cultural Region - Germany |
| Descriptions, Reviews, Etc. |
| Publisher Description: As a prelude to the post-war concept of a single main battle tank design, vehicles during World War II tended to be categorized as light, medium, and heavy, depending on their use. In this last category, tanks had grown in size, weight, and firepower to counter ever-improving anti-tank weapon systems. This resulted in changes in tactics and doctrine to better integrate heavy armor into a combined arms system. This was especially true on the Eastern Front, where the open terrain promoted armor action and a rapid cycle of improvements. The Soviets were quick to develop vehicles that were able to fight the Tiger I on an equal footing by late 1943, such as the up-gunned T-34/85 and the self-propelled ISU-152s. Because the American T-26/M-26 Pershing arrived late in the war, and the British Centurion not at all, only the Soviet IS-2 serves as an example of a heavy design that was fielded in large battlefield numbers. The Soviet drive to cut off enemy forces in East Prussia during Operation Solstice (February 1945) is a prime example of this conflict. The Germans, had limited resources, and were strategically on the defensive, but enjoyed ever-shorter logistic distances as they retreated, and fought in an environment and terrain that played to the strengths of the technically-superior King Tiger. The IS-2 was lighter, more maneuverable, and far more numerous, and used these assets to its advantage. This battle, fought in the closing months of the war, depicts the classic late-war contrast between the military doctrines of Germany and the Soviet Union. |
Contributor Bio(s): Dennis, Peter: - Peter Dennis was born in 1950. Inspired by contemporary magazines such as Look and Learn he studied illustration at Liverpool Art College. Peter has since contributed to hundreds of books, predominantly on historical subjects, including many Osprey titles. A keen wargamer and modelmaker, he is based in Nottinghamshire, UK.Laurier, Jim: - Jim Laurier is a native of New England and lives in New Hampshire. He attended Paier School of Art in Hamden, Connecticut, from 1974-78, and since graduating with Honours, he has been working professionally in the field of Fine Art and Illustration. He has been commissioned to paint for the US Air Force and has aviation paintings on permanent display at the Pentagon. |