Murmansk 1941: The Failure of Germany's Operation Platinum Fox (Campaign #436) [9781472871404]

Overview

A highly illustrated look at the failed German and Finnish plan to capture Murmansk, and its consequences on the rest of World War II.

After taking Narvik in 1940, the Germans then deployed further north and took up positions on the Finnish border by June 1941. As part of the larger Operation Silver Fox, Operation Platinum Fox was conducted by a force of German Gebirgsjager, commanded by General Eduard Dietl. Murmansk was critical as it was the only port open year-round and it routinely had Allied convoys arriving to supply materiel to the Russians. The nickel deposits in nearby Finland also had to be protected and defended as they were crucial to German armament production.

Due to the inhospitable environment, Dietl found his avenues of approach limited. Numerous river lines would have to be bridged but the Russian Northern Fleet began to land soldiers to threaten the German lines of communication. After failing twice to cross the Litsa River, Dietl attempted a third try in September, but the Russian soldiers were ready to fight back.

Here, historian David Greentree explores this lesser-known but strategically vital campaign in the Arctic. This was a resounding failure for the German and Finnish troops – Dietl lost over 10,000 men for 15 miles of ground. With stunning artwork, period images and detailed maps, this book highlights why Operation Platinum Fox failed and how that affected the remainder of the war.