https://soviet-awards.com/forum/ Wed, 28 Oct 2026 13:35:45 +0000 MyBB https://soviet-awards.com/forum/Thread-August-Storm Sat, 26 Sep 2020 19:42:53 +0000 Bill Harris]]> https://soviet-awards.com/forum/Thread-August-Storm Longtime member/lurker, first time poster here. I have a background in British Commonwealth medals and militaria, but have dabbled in Soviet stuff from time to time.

I am hoping some members may be able to recommend reading material (in English please, or possibly French!) regarding the Manchurian campaign of 1945. I am aware of ‘August Storm’ by Glantz; are there any other good reads on this topic out there? Or, for that matter, on Khalkin Gol?

Bill]]> Longtime member/lurker, first time poster here. I have a background in British Commonwealth medals and militaria, but have dabbled in Soviet stuff from time to time.

I am hoping some members may be able to recommend reading material (in English please, or possibly French!) regarding the Manchurian campaign of 1945. I am aware of ‘August Storm’ by Glantz; are there any other good reads on this topic out there? Or, for that matter, on Khalkin Gol?

Bill]]> https://soviet-awards.com/forum/Thread-Zhukov-biography-in-French Fri, 01 May 2020 07:49:32 +0000 Christophe]]> https://soviet-awards.com/forum/Thread-Zhukov-biography-in-French This Zhukov biography, in French, by Jean Lopez and Lasha Otkhmezuri, has been first published in 2013 (left), by Perrin editions
A new edition (right), in pocket size, has been published at the end of last year.
A good read during lockdown...

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  9782262083335ORI.jpg (Size: 58.2 KB / Downloads: 1) ]]> This Zhukov biography, in French, by Jean Lopez and Lasha Otkhmezuri, has been first published in 2013 (left), by Perrin editions
A new edition (right), in pocket size, has been published at the end of last year.
A good read during lockdown...

  51NXCAUMncL.jpg (Size: 34.61 KB / Downloads: 1)

  9782262083335ORI.jpg (Size: 58.2 KB / Downloads: 1) ]]> https://soviet-awards.com/forum/Thread-Memoires-of-Zinkov-residents-participants-of-the-GPW Tue, 27 Oct 2015 06:38:40 +0000 Al-muell]]> https://soviet-awards.com/forum/Thread-Memoires-of-Zinkov-residents-participants-of-the-GPW It contains the short memoires of the residents of the village of Zinkov (or Zinkiv in Ukrainian) in Ukraine who took part in the Great Patriotic War.
There are also photographs of some of the veterans.

What's interesting is that it was written in Ukrainian even though they couldn't find a typewriter with Ukrainian alphabet, so it's written on Russian one, with use of "!" "''" and other to substitute for the the missing letters.

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  zin1-2.jpg (Size: 116.42 KB / Downloads: 5) ]]> It contains the short memoires of the residents of the village of Zinkov (or Zinkiv in Ukrainian) in Ukraine who took part in the Great Patriotic War.
There are also photographs of some of the veterans.

What's interesting is that it was written in Ukrainian even though they couldn't find a typewriter with Ukrainian alphabet, so it's written on Russian one, with use of "!" "''" and other to substitute for the the missing letters.

  zin1.jpg (Size: 119.01 KB / Downloads: 3)

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  zin1-2.jpg (Size: 116.42 KB / Downloads: 5) ]]> https://soviet-awards.com/forum/Thread-Soviet-Penal-Unit-Penalty-Strike-Book Thu, 23 Jul 2015 13:41:18 +0000 desantnik]]> https://soviet-awards.com/forum/Thread-Soviet-Penal-Unit-Penalty-Strike-Book
http://www.amazon.com/Penalty-Strike-Com...VDG1MWJMKQ

It greatly increased my understanding of the policies and employment of these units with frequent mentions of Soviet awards and awardings.

I purchased and enjoyed the eReader version, but will consider purchasing a hardcopy for my library.]]>
http://www.amazon.com/Penalty-Strike-Com...VDG1MWJMKQ

It greatly increased my understanding of the policies and employment of these units with frequent mentions of Soviet awards and awardings.

I purchased and enjoyed the eReader version, but will consider purchasing a hardcopy for my library.]]> https://soviet-awards.com/forum/Thread-Iron-Curtain-Crushing-of-Eastern-Europe Thu, 09 Oct 2014 17:31:40 +0000 desantnik]]> https://soviet-awards.com/forum/Thread-Iron-Curtain-Crushing-of-Eastern-Europe http://www.amazon.com/Iron-Curtain-Crush...ern+europe

Fantastic read using Poland, Hungary, and DDR as case studies! I'm only 12% through reading on my Kindle and can't put it down. Great history of Soviet invasion/liberation/subjugation with discussion of politics, creation of national NKVD-inspired secret police, etc.]]> http://www.amazon.com/Iron-Curtain-Crush...ern+europe

Fantastic read using Poland, Hungary, and DDR as case studies! I'm only 12% through reading on my Kindle and can't put it down. Great history of Soviet invasion/liberation/subjugation with discussion of politics, creation of national NKVD-inspired secret police, etc.]]> https://soviet-awards.com/forum/Thread-Shield-Reliable-Sword-Sharp Wed, 05 Mar 2014 12:40:25 +0000 CtahhR]]> https://soviet-awards.com/forum/Thread-Shield-Reliable-Sword-Sharp
Published by the press "Soviet Georgia" in Tbilisi 1985. Hardback with c330 pages. Originally printed in a run of 30,000 at a price of 1 Ruble 45 Kopeks.

This official history of the KGB of the GSSR is a very informative Soviet reference book. It has a number of very good biographies and lots of obscure images. Lots of information rarely touched upon elsewhere. The only drawback is that Berija is completely missing from this book. Rather difficult to be "comprehensive" when the name everyone associations with the OGPU of the GSSR is Berija. Nevertheless worth a read.

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Published by the press "Soviet Georgia" in Tbilisi 1985. Hardback with c330 pages. Originally printed in a run of 30,000 at a price of 1 Ruble 45 Kopeks.

This official history of the KGB of the GSSR is a very informative Soviet reference book. It has a number of very good biographies and lots of obscure images. Lots of information rarely touched upon elsewhere. The only drawback is that Berija is completely missing from this book. Rather difficult to be "comprehensive" when the name everyone associations with the OGPU of the GSSR is Berija. Nevertheless worth a read.

  img910.jpg (Size: 123.5 KB / Downloads: 3) ]]> https://soviet-awards.com/forum/Thread-Charter-Of-The-Internal-Service-Of-The-Armed-Forces-Of-The-USSR Wed, 05 Mar 2014 11:06:56 +0000 CtahhR]]> https://soviet-awards.com/forum/Thread-Charter-Of-The-Internal-Service-Of-The-Armed-Forces-Of-The-USSR
A 1973 printing by the Order Red Banner Of Labour Military Press Of The Ministry Of Defence Of The USSR, Moscow of the status laid down the decree of the presidium of the supreme soviet of 23rd August 1960.

Hardback with 250 pages. Original price 22 Kopeks.

If you are into regulations this is the book for you! My Airborne Starshina friend informed me that he would study such regulations for 2 hours every day to ensure his unit was disciplined to the highest level. When I first showed him a regulation book he took it and tapped it stating "To me this was the bible, I would read it before bed every night." Certainly not fiction.

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A 1973 printing by the Order Red Banner Of Labour Military Press Of The Ministry Of Defence Of The USSR, Moscow of the status laid down the decree of the presidium of the supreme soviet of 23rd August 1960.

Hardback with 250 pages. Original price 22 Kopeks.

If you are into regulations this is the book for you! My Airborne Starshina friend informed me that he would study such regulations for 2 hours every day to ensure his unit was disciplined to the highest level. When I first showed him a regulation book he took it and tapped it stating "To me this was the bible, I would read it before bed every night." Certainly not fiction.

  img898.jpg (Size: 120.42 KB / Downloads: 3) ]]> https://soviet-awards.com/forum/Thread-Marshal-Zhukov-s-Greatest-Battles Wed, 05 Mar 2014 09:03:21 +0000 CtahhR]]> https://soviet-awards.com/forum/Thread-Marshal-Zhukov-s-Greatest-Battles
First Published by Harper And Row in 1969. Hardback and just over 300 pages.

This book of Zhukov's recollections of his actions during the war is a brilliant insight. The words of the legendary commander. These words however are written by a soldier with a strategic mind. Whilst having this unique aspect on the whole war in can be extremely difficult reading. In some places it could even put an experienced accountant to sleep. Dates, People, Places, Units often listed without much padding - these can now be researched in more detail with the internet. A few maps but nothing outstanding. Not really a "starter" book.

The quality of the book is very poor - similar to British and Soviet wartime "emergency" prints. The font also changes from time to time which is distracting. Very much a budget item.

Picture of the author.

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First Published by Harper And Row in 1969. Hardback and just over 300 pages.

This book of Zhukov's recollections of his actions during the war is a brilliant insight. The words of the legendary commander. These words however are written by a soldier with a strategic mind. Whilst having this unique aspect on the whole war in can be extremely difficult reading. In some places it could even put an experienced accountant to sleep. Dates, People, Places, Units often listed without much padding - these can now be researched in more detail with the internet. A few maps but nothing outstanding. Not really a "starter" book.

The quality of the book is very poor - similar to British and Soviet wartime "emergency" prints. The font also changes from time to time which is distracting. Very much a budget item.

Picture of the author.

  img933.jpg (Size: 137.75 KB / Downloads: 5) ]]> https://soviet-awards.com/forum/Thread-Battles-Hitler-Lost Wed, 05 Mar 2014 08:47:54 +0000 CtahhR]]> https://soviet-awards.com/forum/Thread-Battles-Hitler-Lost
Published by Jove Books in 1988. Paperback and just over 230 pages. Original price $3.95.

This book is a compilation of selections from biographies of the Marshals Of The Soviet Union. A great insight into battles through the recollections of those overseeing them. Very compelling reading in places but rather difficult in others. An interesting view into the major battles and a great introductory book on the subject of the Eastern Front.

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Published by Jove Books in 1988. Paperback and just over 230 pages. Original price $3.95.

This book is a compilation of selections from biographies of the Marshals Of The Soviet Union. A great insight into battles through the recollections of those overseeing them. Very compelling reading in places but rather difficult in others. An interesting view into the major battles and a great introductory book on the subject of the Eastern Front.

  img931.jpg (Size: 119.4 KB / Downloads: 3)

  img932.jpg (Size: 122.19 KB / Downloads: 2) ]]> https://soviet-awards.com/forum/Thread-Hungarian-Castles-And-Mansions Wed, 05 Mar 2014 08:29:02 +0000 CtahhR]]> https://soviet-awards.com/forum/Thread-Hungarian-Castles-And-Mansions
Published by Magyar Villamos Muvek in 2008 and printed by Neografia, Slovakia. Hardback with just under 200 pages. Price 6000 Forint.

So why post this book here? Well because it is in Hungarian, German and English and presents photographs of the great homes of Hungary. A brilliant reference to find (due to more chance of hitting the translation) many a strongpoint that the Soviets were storming in their advance westwards. Great for adding illustrations to those citations.

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Published by Magyar Villamos Muvek in 2008 and printed by Neografia, Slovakia. Hardback with just under 200 pages. Price 6000 Forint.

So why post this book here? Well because it is in Hungarian, German and English and presents photographs of the great homes of Hungary. A brilliant reference to find (due to more chance of hitting the translation) many a strongpoint that the Soviets were storming in their advance westwards. Great for adding illustrations to those citations.

  img929.jpg (Size: 118.39 KB / Downloads: 3) ]]> https://soviet-awards.com/forum/Thread-From-Soldier-To-Marshal Tue, 04 Mar 2014 20:29:55 +0000 CtahhR]]> https://soviet-awards.com/forum/Thread-From-Soldier-To-Marshal
Published by the Press Of Political Literature Moscow in 1964. Paperback with around 225 pages. Original price 27 Kopeks.

A really brilliant biography of Marshal Bljuher with some interesting images. A de-Stalinising period piece that is a must for any Russian readers.

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Published by the Press Of Political Literature Moscow in 1964. Paperback with around 225 pages. Original price 27 Kopeks.

A really brilliant biography of Marshal Bljuher with some interesting images. A de-Stalinising period piece that is a must for any Russian readers.

  img945.jpg (Size: 118.2 KB / Downloads: 4)

  img946.jpg (Size: 122.13 KB / Downloads: 4) ]]> https://soviet-awards.com/forum/Thread-Chronology-Of-The-Second-World-War Tue, 04 Mar 2014 20:12:37 +0000 CtahhR]]> https://soviet-awards.com/forum/Thread-Chronology-Of-The-Second-World-War
This May 1947 complete chronology was published by the Oxford University Press and originally cost 15 Shillings. Paperback with close to 370 pages.

This book does not go into great detail about the events of the war but does give a day by day run down of important events. Used by the Civil Service and a very handy tool in its day. I have lent this book to a number of veterans and they have been impressed. It's difficult to close once opened.

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This May 1947 complete chronology was published by the Oxford University Press and originally cost 15 Shillings. Paperback with close to 370 pages.

This book does not go into great detail about the events of the war but does give a day by day run down of important events. Used by the Civil Service and a very handy tool in its day. I have lent this book to a number of veterans and they have been impressed. It's difficult to close once opened.

  img921.jpg (Size: 102.89 KB / Downloads: 0) ]]> https://soviet-awards.com/forum/Thread-The-Diary-Of-Georgi-Dimitrov-1933-1949 Tue, 04 Mar 2014 19:36:02 +0000 CtahhR]]> https://soviet-awards.com/forum/Thread-The-Diary-Of-Georgi-Dimitrov-1933-1949
Published by the Yale University Press in 2003. Hardback with around 500 pages.

An absolutely unique insight into not only Georgi Dimitrov but Stalin and other Soviet officials as well as the struggles in the USSR against Germany and of the Communists attempting to get into power throughout Europe and the world.

A book that can be picked up time and time again and be compelling every time.

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Published by the Yale University Press in 2003. Hardback with around 500 pages.

An absolutely unique insight into not only Georgi Dimitrov but Stalin and other Soviet officials as well as the struggles in the USSR against Germany and of the Communists attempting to get into power throughout Europe and the world.

A book that can be picked up time and time again and be compelling every time.

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  img925.jpg (Size: 106.31 KB / Downloads: 1) ]]> https://soviet-awards.com/forum/Thread-My-Memories-I-H-Bagramjan Tue, 04 Mar 2014 17:05:37 +0000 CtahhR]]> https://soviet-awards.com/forum/Thread-My-Memories-I-H-Bagramjan
First published by the press "Ajastan" (Armenia) in Erivan in 1979. Hardback with 660+ pages and originally costing 3 Rubles 30 Kopeks.

I've not read this but this example was autographed by Marshal Bagramjan on 1st August 1981 to Director of Tbilisi Mechanical Engineering School David Noevich Chechua.

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First published by the press "Ajastan" (Armenia) in Erivan in 1979. Hardback with 660+ pages and originally costing 3 Rubles 30 Kopeks.

I've not read this but this example was autographed by Marshal Bagramjan on 1st August 1981 to Director of Tbilisi Mechanical Engineering School David Noevich Chechua.

  img907.jpg (Size: 120.41 KB / Downloads: 3)

  img908.jpg (Size: 113.82 KB / Downloads: 6) ]]> https://soviet-awards.com/forum/Thread-Soviet-Operational-Deception-The-Red-Cloak Tue, 04 Mar 2014 16:46:47 +0000 CtahhR]]> https://soviet-awards.com/forum/Thread-Soviet-Operational-Deception-The-Red-Cloak
Published by the Combat Studies Institute in 1989. Paperback with just under 60 pages.

This late cold war study into Soviet deception tactics during the Great Patriotic War is very much a piece of its time. It is more an insight into what the US knew about Soviet tactics than a greatly detailed record. An interesting read never the less.

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Published by the Combat Studies Institute in 1989. Paperback with just under 60 pages.

This late cold war study into Soviet deception tactics during the Great Patriotic War is very much a piece of its time. It is more an insight into what the US knew about Soviet tactics than a greatly detailed record. An interesting read never the less.

  img903.jpg (Size: 117.38 KB / Downloads: 1)

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