I know nothin' about this Smolensk offensive in 1941, unfortunately. I probably can't afford these books you suggest to get meself educated, even if I wished to do so .

I thought the interesting bit from my perspective, posting this Helmer's particle, was that Beevor has actually served the Empire with his analysis in a devious ways, as per Helmer's particle .. and he got the gong for it : ) from Prince Charles (no less ). Rusia, Russia, Russia, if you get my meaning.

Helmer's point segues into the current imbroglio being played out in Geneva, so it's worth a glance at Helmer's analysis methinks . He seems to be an old dog with some nous.

Cheers