02:18For news purposes only. Onscreen RGAKFD logo must remain visible and intact. No access news agencies
Archive footage filmed in July-August 1943 features Red Army's artillery taking on Germany's Nazi forces during the Battle of Kursk, the World War II conflict fought in and around the city in western Russia.
Artillery cannons are seen being delivered and prepared for the battle. Footage also shows Soviet servicemen loading guns and firing mortars. Smoke, explosions and damaged buildings are also shown, as well as the bodies of fallen German soldiers.
The Battle of Kursk, the largest tank battle in history, included the use of artillery and air support on both sides. It began when Hitler launched Operation Citadel, marking Germany's final attempt to regain dominance on the Eastern Front following its defeat at Stalingrad in February 1943.
During the battle, Germany amassed 10,000 guns and mortars, while the Red Army dug in and accumulated over 20,000.
According to Western sources, there were up to 800,000 Soviet casualties compared to some 200,000 German ones, although precise numbers are difficult to ascertain. According to Soviet data, from July 5 to September 5, 1943, up to 420,000 Nazi troops were killed.
The Soviets ultimately won the Battle of Kursk with Germany unable to break through the Red Army's fortifications.
This archive footage is released as part of the '100 Key Events in Russia in the 20th and 21st Centuries', a project with the Russian State Documentary Film and Photo Archive (rgakfd.ru).
In the firing line: Watch Soviet artillery clash with German forces during WWII's Battle of Kursk *ARCHIVE* *DISTRESSING CONTENT*
Archive footage filmed in July-August 1943 features Red Army's artillery taking on Germany's Nazi forces during the Battle of Kursk, the World War II conflict fought in and around the city in western Russia.
Artillery cannons are seen being delivered and prepared for the battle. Footage also shows Soviet servicemen loading guns and firing mortars. Smoke, explosions and damaged buildings are also shown, as well as the bodies of fallen German soldiers.
The Battle of Kursk, the largest tank battle in history, included the use of artillery and air support on both sides. It began when Hitler launched Operation Citadel, marking Germany's final attempt to regain dominance on the Eastern Front following its defeat at Stalingrad in February 1943.
During the battle, Germany amassed 10,000 guns and mortars, while the Red Army dug in and accumulated over 20,000.
According to Western sources, there were up to 800,000 Soviet casualties compared to some 200,000 German ones, although precise numbers are difficult to ascertain. According to Soviet data, from July 5 to September 5, 1943, up to 420,000 Nazi troops were killed.
The Soviets ultimately won the Battle of Kursk with Germany unable to break through the Red Army's fortifications.
This archive footage is released as part of the '100 Key Events in Russia in the 20th and 21st Centuries', a project with the Russian State Documentary Film and Photo Archive (rgakfd.ru).
For news purposes only. Onscreen RGAKFD logo must remain visible and intact. No access news agencies
Archive footage filmed in July-August 1943 features Red Army's artillery taking on Germany's Nazi forces during the Battle of Kursk, the World War II conflict fought in and around the city in western Russia.
Artillery cannons are seen being delivered and prepared for the battle. Footage also shows Soviet servicemen loading guns and firing mortars. Smoke, explosions and damaged buildings are also shown, as well as the bodies of fallen German soldiers.
The Battle of Kursk, the largest tank battle in history, included the use of artillery and air support on both sides. It began when Hitler launched Operation Citadel, marking Germany's final attempt to regain dominance on the Eastern Front following its defeat at Stalingrad in February 1943.
During the battle, Germany amassed 10,000 guns and mortars, while the Red Army dug in and accumulated over 20,000.
According to Western sources, there were up to 800,000 Soviet casualties compared to some 200,000 German ones, although precise numbers are difficult to ascertain. According to Soviet data, from July 5 to September 5, 1943, up to 420,000 Nazi troops were killed.
The Soviets ultimately won the Battle of Kursk with Germany unable to break through the Red Army's fortifications.
This archive footage is released as part of the '100 Key Events in Russia in the 20th and 21st Centuries', a project with the Russian State Documentary Film and Photo Archive (rgakfd.ru).