The East Pomeranian Offensive, 1945

I. Background

The Russian World War II offensive in East Pomerania, also known as the Konitz-Koslin offensive operation,  took place from February 10 to April 4, 1945. This operation was part of the broader Soviet advance into German territory during the final stages of the war. Spearheaded by the Red Army’s 2nd and 1st Belorussian Fronts under Marshals Konstantin Rokossovsky and Georgy Zhukov, the offensive aimed to secure the northern flank of the main Soviet drive toward Berlin. The offensive targeted the strategic port cities of Danzig (now Gdańsk) and Gdynia, as well as to cut off German forces retreating from the east. It began with fierce battles in snowy, forested terrain, where entrenched German forces of Army Group Vistula mounted stiff resistance. Despite significant challenges, the Soviet forces broke through defensive lines, encircled key German units, and advanced toward the Baltic Sea.

The offensive concluded with the capture of key cities, including Danzig and Gdynia, in late March 1945. The Soviet victory eliminated a significant pocket of German resistance and secured control of the Baltic coastline, further isolating German forces in East Prussia. It also created a direct path for the final assault on Berlin. The operation was marked by extensive destruction, civilian casualties, and significant displacement of the German population. The fighting underscored the brutal nature of the Eastern Front as the Red Army advanced westward, exacting revenge for the devastation caused by the German invasion of the Soviet Union. This operation played a critical role in hastening the collapse of Nazi Germany in the final months of the war.

II. Review

As typical with works of Ian Baxter, the book is a well organized reference for the battles in East Pomerania in the late winter and early spring of 1945. Ian presents a straight forward chronological account of the battle from the early battles on the Kosin-Koslin axis to the follow-on operation to capture of Danzig. The text is dense in information but is well presented and easy to follow with the incorporated maps and photos helping to tell the story. The leaders of both the German and Russian armies involved in the offensive are briefly reviewed and the order of battle of both sides is concisely described. The book is well supplied with photos showcasing the men and equipment that fought the battle, both in action and at rest.  There are artist illustrations of Russian and German equipment and soldiers included at the beginning of chapters which are nicely done but are of limited use for reference. Detailed and well annotated maps are also included to document the Russian advance from the opening of the offensive to the end.

III. Summary

If you are a fan of late war Russian and German equipment and the offensives that destroyed the Reich, this is a great reference. The photos provided give a good glimpse at the power of the Russian army at the end of the war and the desperation of the German defense of the Homeland. The book is probably worth purchasing for the photos alone. 

Highly Recommended 

Thanks goes out to Casemate Publishing for this review sample.

Reviewed by matthew schaefer

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