German Report Series: Soviet Partisan Movement

This publication was prepared by a number of Germam officers after the end of World War II. There were a number of these publications, many of which are in publication in the German Report Series by Naval and Military Press. They are all of significant importance in understanding the way in which the war was fought, particularly on the eastern front.'The book looks at the early successes of the Germans, and the slow build up of anti-Germnan partisan units. These were formed from men left behind as the Russians were forced to retreat, and later from parachutits dropped to form or reinforce local bands. Other units were formed by communist led civilians, all of whom were eventually controlled from Moscow. They were a significant part of the Russian war effort, and killed many thousands of German soldiers, as well as disrupting supply lines and rest areas in the rear of the German army. 'As the campagn wore on, and the Stalingrad battle showed that the tide had turned against the Germans, the importance of the partisans faded, but it was never insignificant. The partisans at the end of the war were of army strength, and were present wherever there were Germans.'This book is of great value, and should be read in conjunction with Rear Area Security during the Russian Campaign and Smnall Unit Actions, both in the German Report Series.'