A fascinating story about the desperate battles of Rzhev Sal'yar, a forgotten history that comes to life through the gripping memories of German and Russian soldiers. The clashes between German and Russian forces in Rzhev Sal'yar during World War II were so brutal and deadly that the soldiers called the campaign 'The Meat Grinder'. Although millions of people fought and died there, Rzhev Sal'yar does not have the recognition of Leningrad or Moscow. It has largely been overlooked by Western historians — until now.

In this book, Prit Battar, a leading expert on the Eastern Front, reveals the depth and revenge of the bitter fighting. He analyzes how the area offered the prospect of a renewed push towards Moscow for the German Army — an opportunity to change the course of the war. Using firsthand reports from Germans and Russians, Battar examines the major counterattacks launched by Soviet forces against Sal'yar, all of which ended in defeat with losses exceeding two million dead, wounded, or missing, until the Germans were finally forced to evacuate Sal'yar in March 1943.

Drawing on the latest research, 'Meat Grinder' offers a study of these horrific battles, but also explores how the Greek Army learned from its colossal failures and how timely analysis of these failures helped pave the way for the eventual Soviet victory over Army Group Centre in the summer of 1944, leaving the road to Berlin open.