Prit Buttar is one of those historians who never fails to deliver comprehensive, thoughtful research that illuminates a well-known subject in a new light. Unlike Anthony Beevor's or Roger Moorhouse's books, he vehemently sticks to facts and dry yet deep analysis; an obstacle for one category of readers and delight to delve in for others.

MEAT GRINDER: THE BATTLES FOR THE RZHEV SALIENT, 1942-1943 debunks the prevalent myth that Soviet counteroffensives on the central front, and especially Operation Mars, diverged German reserves from the south and ultimately led to the destruction of the Sixth Army in Stalingrad. The author describes the day-by-day strategic decisions of both German and Soviet commands as well as shows how those decisions were implemented on the ground. The last two chapters are dedicated to the multi-layered examinations of the causes of Soviet failure (and Pyrrhic German victory).

MEAT GRINDER is not only an engaging read but also a reminder of the high price of ultimate Soviet triumph. Due to the rigidity of decision-making, Soviet soldiers attacked the same German-fortified defenses over and over again (in what my husband called, a meat storm). Again and again, there was no coordination between different arms; commanders were afraid to take initiative and followed Stavka's plans even realizing that these plans didn't reflect the needs of the moment. Subsequentially, the Soviet losses were thrice, four times bigger than that of their counterparts. Around 1.3 million soldiers died in the senseless struggle to stop the German advance toward Moscow - the advance that had never materialized. After huge losses, one may expect the Soviet Union to commemorate the fallen in every way possible. Instead, Rzhev salient's battles were largely forgotten because their acknowledgment would mean admitting Stavka's miscalculations.

I'd definitely recommend the book to experienced history buffs. I'd not recommend it as the first-ever read about WW2: one could start with popular history and overall research of the Eastern Front, then try more detailed Prit Buttar's MEAT GRINDER.

I received an advance review copy from Netgalley, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Print Buttar brings a very readable and authoritative account of the bitter fighting between the Wehrmacht and the Red Army as German Forces were first halted and then slowly, yet remorselessly, pushed back as the Red Army learned hard lessons at the hands of the more tactically skilled German infantry and armoured personnel. Inevitably, such a detailed account is densely packed with detail that covers both the strategic picture as well as a number of individual and small unit operations that highlights how the conflict came down all too often to brutal attack, counter attack and withdraw actions. Readers looking for a brief summary of this pivotal action should probably look elsewhere.
The account highlights how the victorious German forces, who had arrived in operation Barbarossa still savouring the relatively easy conquest of the Low Countries, Norway and France, were steadily worn down by an enemy that may have been slow to learn but eventually deployed their mass of forces and matériel to push the German armed forces back. The author highlights how this little known action was illustrative of the actions taking place along the extended front between the Red Army and the German armed forces; actions that were often characterised by the brutal treatment of civilians at the hands of the retreating German forces and an absence of any mutual respect between the opposing forces of the kind witnessed, for example, in North Africa.

An extremely well-researched book covering the little know campaign at the Rzhev Salient, on the Eastern Front during WW2, The author clearly knows his stuff!
The casualty figures in the millions are quite staggering and very difficult to comprehend. The Russians lost 10,000 men per kilometer of ground regained. 72% of all German casualties were suffered in the EAst fighting the Russians.
I really valued the insight of eyewitness accounts from both sides of the conflict. These brought the bloody battles to life.
It's a must-read book for military historians.

This was a fascinating account of a major battle in the Eastern Front during the Second World War. Buttar has done a fantastic job of detailing accounts and perspectives on both sides of the conflict. I would highly recommend this to fellow World War II buffs.

Dr. Buttar continues his excellent history of the Second World War. I truly appreciate his incisive nature and writing style. This is excellent and well worth reading.

A seriously researched and detailed account of the battles between the Russian and German armies in 1942-43 at the Rzhev Salient commonly known as the 'Meat Grinder'. Here the campaigns swung from one way to another before the Russians lost over 2 million men but when in the Spring of 1943 the Germans were forced to leave.
As said, a book packed with detail and first-hand accounts. Not one to skip through as a light read but more for the serious historians, WW2 enthusiasts or academics.
My thanks to NetGalley and the publishers Osprey Publishing for this ARC in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.

A fascinating look at the little known battle in Russia during WW2. The firsthand accounts from individuals at the battles really enhances the stories and draws you in. The hardships and loss of life was horrifying. This is a great read for the history and WW2 enthusiast.

Thank you to #NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.