Tony Le Tissier has written an impressively detailed account of the Nazi-Soviet battles in the Oderbruch and for the Seelow Heights, east of Berlin. They culminated in 1945 with the last major land battle in Europe that proved decisive for the fate of Berlin - and the Third Reich. Drawing on official sources and the personal accounts of soldiers from both sides who were involved, Le Tissier has meticulously reconstructed the Soviets' difficult breakthrough on the Oder: the establishment of bridgeheads, the battle for the fortress of Kustrin, and the bloody fight for the Seelow Heights.

The man --The Soviets -- The Germans -- The Vistula — Oder Operation -- The struggle for the bridgeheads I -- The struggle for the bridgeheads II -- The Küstrin corridor and fortress -- The East Pomeranian Operation -- Planning and logistics -- Defence in depth -- Orders and reconnaissance -- First day of battle -- Second day of battle -- Third day of battle -- Fourth day of battle -- The fate of the German 9th Army -- Stalin rules.