1. Introduction Outlines Soviet advances following the German defeat at Stalingrad and the battle of Kharkov, and Hitler's plan to launch a large-scale armoured offensive that would halt Soviet gains; opposition from Germans generals, including Guderian. 2. Operation Citadel Soviet intelligence reports suggest a coming attack around the Kursk salient; Soviet general Georgi Zhukov builds strong defences and concentrates armoured formations and troops in this area while holding reserves for a counterattack. 3. The Battle Begins The Germans begin their attack against Rokossovsky's Central Front at 4.30am on 5th July; initial German success is soon halted after Soviet reserves are brought into the battle. Attack is followed by counterattack, and by 10 July the Germans have gained more than 20 miles of ground.

4. Prokhorovka On the 11th July the German assault is shifted towards the small village of Prokhorovka; three SS armoured divisions encounter the Soviet Fifth Guards Tank Army in a titanic struggle on 12th July. 5. In the balance A Soviet counterattack against the Orel bulge to the north brings relief for Soviet forces. Fatally weakened, German forces fall back to their start positions. The battle is effectively over by the 13th July. 6. Aftermath With Allied landings in Sicily, Hitler transfers German reserves west to counter the new threat.

The Soviet counterattack, Operation Kutuzov, overruns the German Second Panzer Army. The Germans are again forced into a fighting retreat. Appendices Bibliography Index.