Lake Ilmen, 1942: The Wehrmacht Front to the Red Army

by Óscar González, Pablo Sagarra

Overview

In January 1942, south of Lake Ilmen, the 16th German Army clashed with the Morozov's 11th Soviet Army for possession of the strategic Russian city of Stelaia

In this battle, which has gone almost unnoticed in studies of the Eastern Front, the Blue Division (Spanish volunteers) intervened with the 250th Skier Company. The Spaniards, along with their German and Latvian comrades, endured hard fighting in extreme winter conditions.

In addition to providing a strategic framework of the battle itself, including the Soviet perspective, this book also looks at the human aspect of the battle, by analyzing a selection of the volunteers who fought in it.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781526719935
Publisher:	Pen and Sword
Publication date:	04/19/2019
Pages:	120
Product dimensions:	6.50(w) x 9.50(h) x (d)

About the Author

Óscar González López was born in 1969 and is a professor of History and Philosophy. He alternates teaching with historical research, collecting the oral memory of Second World War veterans. He has published several books and articles on German and Allied paratroopers, as well as on Spanish volunteers in the Wehrmacht (Blue Division). Several of his works have been translated into English, German and Norwegian.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgements 7

Introduction 8

1 Strategic Framework: The "Winter" Generals, Zhukov, Kurochkin and Morozov, Take the Initiative 11

2 Encirclement of the German Garrisons of Vzvad and Staraya Russa 26

3 Creation and Deployment of the 250^th Ski Company of the Blue Division 46

4 The Lake Crossing by the Spanish Troops 71

5 Containment Engagements to the South of Lake Ilmen and Evacuation of Vzvad 85

6 Conclusions Regarding Fighting Spirit, Tactics and Strategy 109

7 Remembrance and Significance 117

Appendix 122

Sources 128

Editorial Reviews

This book's strength lies in its coverage of a relatively small unit and personal tales of service, combat, and survival. It is superbly illustrated, including many images from personal collections. Originally published in Spain, the translation work is excellent, with a smooth narrative throughout.

WWII History Magazine