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Strumgeschütz Brigade 191: La “Buffelbrigade” de 1940-45 des Balkans à la steppe des Kalmouks
French Text
Established on 1 October 1940, the Sturmgeschütz Brigade participated in Operation Barbarossa in Ukraine all the way to the gates of Moscow. In 1942 it fought on the Terek in the Ukraine and then onto Sebastopol, Yugoslavia and then Hungry. Its successes can be attributed to the numerous recipients of the Knights Cross included among its ranks. Over 360 photographs and original pieces of documentation are included in this well researched work.
Established on 1 October 1940, the Sturmgeschütz Brigade participated in Operation Barbarossa in Ukraine all the way to the gates of Moscow. In 1942 it fought on the Terek in the Ukraine and then onto Sebastopol, Yugoslavia and then Hungry. Its successes can be attributed to the numerous recipients of the Knights Cross included among its ranks. Over 360 photographs and original pieces of documentation are included in this well researched work.
- GenresWorld War II
276 pages, Hardcover
First published October 19, 2012
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
December 20, 2021
Author Bruno Bork published the book “StuG III Brigade 191, 1940–1945: The Buffalo Brigade in Action in the Balkans, Greece and from Moscow to Kursk and Sevastopol” at the end of November.
I received an ARC of this book through https://www.netgalley.com in return for a fair and honest review. I categorize this book as ‘R’ because of scenes of violence.
This book tells the story of Brigade 191, the ‘Buffalo Brigade’. This was an independent unit of the Wehrmacht assigned where they were most needed. The 191 manned the Sturmgeschütz III (StuG III) assault gun. While the StuG was based upon the Panzer III chassis, the StuGs were part of the Artillery and not the Panzers.
The unit participated in the invasion of Russia in 1941, then later that year saw action in Greece. They were part of the advance through Ukraine to the outskirts of Moscow. In 1942 they saw heavy action across Voronezh, Kursk, the Caucasus, and Kuban. As the Russians advanced towards the West beginning in 1943, the 191 saw action on the Kertsch Peninsula and the Crimea. They retreated through the Balkans and finally surrendered to US forces in Austria in May of 1945.
The book is authored by members of the unit and relies heavily on their unit war diary. It covers five years of combat, mostly against Russian troops. The story is told at a high level without a lot of details of battles fought.
I enjoyed the 11+ hours I spent reading this 368-page WWII history. I found this telling from a German perspective very interesting. Several photos taken during the deployment of the 191st are included in the book. I like the cover art. I rate this book as a 3.8 out of 5.
I received an ARC of this book through https://www.netgalley.com in return for a fair and honest review. I categorize this book as ‘R’ because of scenes of violence.
This book tells the story of Brigade 191, the ‘Buffalo Brigade’. This was an independent unit of the Wehrmacht assigned where they were most needed. The 191 manned the Sturmgeschütz III (StuG III) assault gun. While the StuG was based upon the Panzer III chassis, the StuGs were part of the Artillery and not the Panzers.
The unit participated in the invasion of Russia in 1941, then later that year saw action in Greece. They were part of the advance through Ukraine to the outskirts of Moscow. In 1942 they saw heavy action across Voronezh, Kursk, the Caucasus, and Kuban. As the Russians advanced towards the West beginning in 1943, the 191 saw action on the Kertsch Peninsula and the Crimea. They retreated through the Balkans and finally surrendered to US forces in Austria in May of 1945.
The book is authored by members of the unit and relies heavily on their unit war diary. It covers five years of combat, mostly against Russian troops. The story is told at a high level without a lot of details of battles fought.
I enjoyed the 11+ hours I spent reading this 368-page WWII history. I found this telling from a German perspective very interesting. Several photos taken during the deployment of the 191st are included in the book. I like the cover art. I rate this book as a 3.8 out of 5.
February 17, 2022
Although admittedly rather specialised in subject, I thoroughly enjoyed this detailed operational history of a particular Stug unit.
The author served in the unit himself, and this book was originally published in Germany, in 1977. It covers the ‘Buffalo’ Brigade’s entire WWII history, from formation, through deployment and action in the Balkans, Greece, and Russia, right through to capitulation at war’s end in Austria, 1945.
This more recent edition adds photos not included in the ‘77 edition, and is heavily illustrated, showing both individuals, their equipment and the theatres in which they fought, from sun-scorched Greece to the freezing wastes of Russia.
As well as the copious amounts of black and white photographs, there are numerous period maps. That these are WWII German maps might make them harder to decipher. But it’s also both apt and visually rather nice. Modern computer drawn maps can be very dull!
There’s enough detailed actions described to give wargamers many potential gaming scenarios. And it’s a rich ref’ resource for the modelmaker, or just the plain old WWII buff.
The author served in the unit himself, and this book was originally published in Germany, in 1977. It covers the ‘Buffalo’ Brigade’s entire WWII history, from formation, through deployment and action in the Balkans, Greece, and Russia, right through to capitulation at war’s end in Austria, 1945.
This more recent edition adds photos not included in the ‘77 edition, and is heavily illustrated, showing both individuals, their equipment and the theatres in which they fought, from sun-scorched Greece to the freezing wastes of Russia.
As well as the copious amounts of black and white photographs, there are numerous period maps. That these are WWII German maps might make them harder to decipher. But it’s also both apt and visually rather nice. Modern computer drawn maps can be very dull!
There’s enough detailed actions described to give wargamers many potential gaming scenarios. And it’s a rich ref’ resource for the modelmaker, or just the plain old WWII buff.
March 3, 2022
The book Stug III Brigade 191 is yet another book concerning German combat units in World War II. Even so, it is a well-written book and tells the story of this unit from its beginnings until its surrender in 1945. The description of the battles and campaigns is made by one of the Brigade's protagonists and therefore in line with the reality they face. Of course, for a 360-page book there is no way to tactically or strategically delve into your actions. Still, it's worth a read for those interested in the eastern front.
May 28, 2022
A StuG Memoir
A good detailed recollection, of a WWII armored unit. Lots of detail regarding actions in the Crimea and other battle fronts I had not read much about closely. (Barbarossa Army Group South,) I believe was part of their action too. A detailed atlas and some online additional research, on my part, of the area was needed since place names in those war theaters were not too familiar in my knowledge.
A good detailed recollection, of a WWII armored unit. Lots of detail regarding actions in the Crimea and other battle fronts I had not read much about closely. (Barbarossa Army Group South,) I believe was part of their action too. A detailed atlas and some online additional research, on my part, of the area was needed since place names in those war theaters were not too familiar in my knowledge.
March 4, 2025
One of the best unit histories I have read to date
November 2, 2022
Detailed Account
Very well researched and insights into the less documented Balkans campaigns., retreats and the madness of Hitler as a military leader.
Very well researched and insights into the less documented Balkans campaigns., retreats and the madness of Hitler as a military leader.
November 4, 2021
An outstanding look at the soldiers and hardships faced by the German army during the Second World War. The first hand accounts make for an riveting story and the action will keep you interested. A great read.
Thank you to #NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Thank you to #NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
February 8, 2022
Bruno Bork, tells the tale with words and pictures of the mobile artillery unit StuG III of the 191st Brigade in action in the Eastern Theatre. The tragic invasion of foreign lands by the aggressive yet imminently capable unit is a microcosm of the German military during World War Two.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews