During the Battle of Kursk on the Eastern Front of World War II, from July to August 1943, a Soviet mortar unit soldier was killed instantly when their trench position was directly hit by German counter-battery fire.

     During the Battle of Kursk on the Eastern Front of World War II, from July to August 1943, Soviet soldiers perished. A Soviet mortar unit was killed instantly when their trench position was directly hit by German counter-battery fire. The battlefield became a tragic, desperate, and brutal arena, involving one of the highest casualties in history for both sides.

    The Battle of Kursk, fought from July 5 to August 23, 1943, marked a fundamental turning point on the Eastern Front of World War II. Following the German defeat, Germany transferred large reinforcements from other fronts to the Soviet front during the summer of 1943. This weakened the Italian and French fronts. The defeat of large German forces on the Eastern Front led the Allies to deploy on the Western Front, ultimately contributing to the collapse of Nazi Germany. 

    Following the German defeat at Stalingrad in early 1943, the German army launched an offensive to encircle and destroy Soviet forces in the Kursk region starting July 5, 1943. The German forces launched their offensive on Kursk. Fierce fighting raged during the first few days. On July 12, 1943, the Battle of Prokhorovka erupted, becoming the largest tank battle in history. Over 800 tanks from both sides clashed. By July 23, 1943, the German forces had suffered severe and costly losses. The Soviet forces liberated Orel.

    On August 5, 1943, the Soviet forces launched an operation to liberate Kursk. The operation's success enabled the Soviets to encircle and destroy a large German force, paving the way for ultimate victory. On August 23, 1943, the Battle of Kursk concluded with a Soviet victory. The German forces were forced to retreat. Soviet losses amounted to 254,470 dead and missing, with 608,833 wounded. German losses reached 500,000 soldiers killed and wounded.