Customer Reviews

The Soviet Strategic Offensive in Manchuria, 1945: 'August Storm' (Soviet (Russian) Study of War) (Vol 1)

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I learned about the battle in high school but it took reading this book to realize the scope and appreciate the precision of the Soviet campaign against the Japanese Army. In two weeks time the Soviets captured a land the size of Europe and defeated an army of over a million men.
Mr Glantz gives several reasons for writing this book: To show the West that by this stunning victory, it confirms the Soviet creditability in defeating Germany was real. To correct the belief in the West that the Soviet participation against Japan was marginal. And finally to show the West this campaign is an important learning tool and should be studied.
Stavka started planning this campaign even before Berlin fell; they were already sending troops to the Far East in April. Mr Glantz describes the logistical concerns of moving 1.5 million men, 20000 tanks and guns, 100000 trucks and all the ammo, fuel and supplies 6000 miles that would be needed for the campaign.
Then the battle plans for the 6 battle groups had to be worked out. Each battle plan had to be tailored for each geographic sector of Manchuria and Korea that would be invaded as well as the amphibious landings on Sakhalin and Kuril Islands. The Russians even had plans to attack Hokkaido Island if it was necessary.
The author describes the battle of order on both sides giving the Kwantung Army its own chapter but clearly this book has a Soviet perspective and dominates the book. In addition to the battle plans, Mr Glantz provides a bio of each Soviet General. Some of the generals will be recognized from their prominent role in fighting Germany but there were many less know generals involved in this campaign.
There are 84 maps; most are good but a few were hard to read. There is an equal number of statistic tables and illustrations that add to the study. There is a photo section that includes many of the generals; there were photos of generals that fought the Germans that I've never seen before. Other photos show the variety and ruggedness of the terrain that had to be conquered as well as the enemy.
The main text ends with an analysis of the planning and conclusions of the author.
Anybody serious about learning about WWII should read this book and its companion book. Its a fascinating story.

David Glantz has again provided a first rate history of a part of World War II that few know about, in this case the Soviet attack on Manchuria in August of 1945. He explains how the Soviets planned and executed the complete destruction of Japan's Kwantung Army in Manchuria. This was the finest Soviet campaign of the war. Glantz covers it mostly from the strategic, operational and tactical level. The reader comes away with an excellent understanding of the campaign, how and why it unfolded the way it did, and its impact on the post war era. He makes extensive use of both Soviet and Japanese sources.