Greentree, David/Hook, Adam (Illustr.) Petsamo and Kirkenes 1944. The Soviet offensive in the Northern Arctic

A highly illustrated study of the Petsamo-Kirkenes campaign, which saw Soviet naval infantry deployed in abundance against the elite German Gebirgsjäger in the harsh conditions of the far north of the Eastern Front. This title examines the bitter conflict between two highly tactical armies as they battled across challenging terrain to gain control of strategically significant Northern Finland. On the one side were the invading Soviet troops, hoping to liberate an area full of rich resources and littered with bases that would enable the arrival of Arctic convoys from Britain. They employed naval infantry in abundance, not only to make amphibious landings to capture strategically significant port facilities, but also on deep outflanking maneuvers inland. Their opponents were the elite Gebirgsjäger from XIX Gebirgskorps; trained to be self-sufficient and resourceful and equipped with a range of bespoke weaponry, this mountain division was ideally suited to operate in the harsh climate. Combat conditions were unique: the extremely rough terrain, laced with bogs, streams, boulder fields, and large rivers, presented a significant challenge in its own right, even without the added threat of attacks by highly trained soldiers. This illustrated title tells the story of this unique and bitter struggle in the far North, an epic battle between two elite forces fighting in a demanding environment. With bird's-eye views and maps of key battlefields, this is a comprehensive guide to one of the most challenging campaigns of the Eastern Front.

On one side were the invading Soviet troops, hoping to liberate an area rich in resources and with numerous naval bases that would allow the arrival of much-needed North Sea convoys from Britain. They deployed numerous naval infantry units not only to carry out amphibious landings to capture strategically important harbour installations, but also to penetrate deep into the hinterland at various points. Their opponents were the battle-hardened mountain infantry of the XIX Mountain Corps; this mountain infantry unit was trained to operate on its own, to use the resources at its disposal in a measured and considered manner and to utilise the weapons developed for use in difficult weather conditions with the utmost precision and effectiveness. The fighting conditions were unique: the extremely rough terrain with moors, streams, scree fields and large rivers presented a major challenge, even without the threat of attack from well-trained soldiers. This illustrated title tells the story of this unique and fierce battle in the far north, a dramatic struggle between two elite units fighting in a challenging environment. With bird's eye views and colour maps of the key battlefields, this is a comprehensive overview of one of the war's most difficult campaigns on the Eastern Front.