DC Weapons of War - German Army Groups The Wehrmacht in Russia (1999) Part 2 Army Group Centre

“The most appalling and barbaric struggle in history.” – Professor John Erickson

On June 22nd 1941 three huge German Army Groups launched a surprise attack on Soviet Russia. The most barbaric, drawn-out and brutal struggle in history was about to be played out to the death. This military documentary looks at the savage fighting on the Eastern Front during the Second World War, as Nazi Germany confronted the Soviet Union. History is always written by the victors, but this documentary focuses on the other side of the coin. This series shows the war in Russia from the German experience, a powerful study of that titanic conflict as seen through contemporary German newsreels and told in the perspective of the men who fought and died for Hitler. Each episode traces the fate of the three army troops which began the campaign and follows the course of this vicious campaign as the optimism of Barbarossa inexorably rolls on towards to the crushing disappointment of the final surrender to the victorious Red Army. Includes expert analysis from Professor John Erickson, rare archive footage, and informative graphics.

Part 2 Army Group Centre

Between 1941 and 1944, a huge duel was fought between the Army Group Centre and the Red Army. Army Group Centre was at the core of Hitler's push through Russia, charged with the capture of Moscow by way of Minsk. The outcome of this would prove decisive for the development of World War II. From the easy victories during the first advance into Russia, to the first setback outside Moscow, and on to the terrifying Russian advance in 1944. The most formidable concentration of force on the eastern front, Army Group Centre was the dagger-thrust at the heart of the soviet state; it's success would be inextricably linked to the outcome of the whole campaign. Indecision, the unforgiving Russian winter and the defences around Moscow would force the retreat and ultimately the defeat of Army Group Centre. The Battle of Kursk signalled the beginning of the end for the Third Reich. This is the captivating story of the war in the middle sector of the Eastern Front.

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