We are pleased to announce the release of a companion book for the latest DLC “Stalemate on Donets”:
The 190-page book contains translated operational documents (war diaries, orders, combat reports, and other primary sources) from the Red Army’s Izyum-Barvenkovo offensive operation, which had the goal to pin down and ultimately destroy the German Donbas grouping in the summer of 1943. These materials are complemented by translations of documents from the German formations and units opposing the Soviet offensive.
The book concentrates on the fighting that took place in the area southwest of Izyum at Semenovka village and westwards, in the 4th Guards Rifle Corps’ zone of advance: The introduction sets the stage for the operation from the perspective of the Soviet forces, followed by two chapters of translated Red Army documents dedicated to the units of the 4th Guards Rifle Corps and the 23rd Tank Corps (which was committed in the same sector later).
The German documents, presented in the second part of the book, include the AAR from the defending 40th Panzer Corps and a compilation of extracts from a series of documents that specifically covers the action at Semenovka in the sector of the Corps’ 257th Infantry Division. As the battle unfolded, the 17th Panzer Division and SS Panzer Grenadier Division “Wiking” were brought in as reinforcements, leading to the first combat deployment of the Estonian “Bataillon Narwa” in the vicinity of Semenovka village.
The translations are accompanied by several dozens of original maps and aerial photographs from the battle, adding a visual component to the experience.
We can confidently say that the book is the most comprehensive work on the subject to date. The Izyum-Barvenkovo operation is relatively unknown compared to its famous northern “neighbor” to begin with, and a deep dive into a sector barely 10 km wide makes the book even more special. As a reader, you have a front row seat as the events unfold from the perspective of each participating unit: preparation, action, reaction, and the aftermath. Reading through each side’s assessments of the engagement provides a unique insight into what separates success from failure in a complex offensive operation aiming to break through a well-prepared defense.
The book can be accessed from within the game or via the "View the manual" link on the right sidebar of the Steam store page.