Luftwaffe Support Crucial for the Success of Operation Zitadelle

Formation of Junkers Ju 87 Stuka dive-bombers in flight

FlaK-Abteilung of the Leibstandarte SS at Kursk

Famous and feared 8.8 cm FlaK during Zitadelle

The advance was well supported by the Luftwaffe, which greatly aided in breaking Soviet strong points and artillery positions. At the start of the Citadel offensive, the Germans dominated the air, sweeping the skies clear of Soviet aircraft, attacking anti-aircraft guns and taking a terrible toll of Soviet armour. By the end of the first week, Luftwaffe sorties began to drop off sharply due to attrition and fuel shortages. Soviet sorties increased. By the end of July 1943, the Soviets had gained air supremacy. Germany recorded the loss of 194 aircraft. Soviets acknowledge losing 1,130 aircraft. The Soviets could replace their losses - Germany could not replace theirs. Top image: a formation of Junkers Ju 87 or Stuka dive bombers in flight. The Stuka was heavily involved in Citadel. The Ace Hauptmann Hans-Ulrich Rudel's cannon-equipped Ju 87 Gs had a devastating effect on Soviet armour at Orel and Belgorod. Rudel was the most decorated German serviceman of World War II, being the sole recipient of the Knight's Cross with Golden Oakleaves, Swords, and Diamonds in Jan. 1945. The Ju 87s participated in a huge aerial counter-offensive in July 1943 against a Soviet offensive at Khotynets and saved two German armies from encirclement. The Stuka arm lost eight of their Knight's Cross during the Kursk offensive. In the wake of the defeat at Kursk, Ju 87s played a vital defensive role on the southern wing of the Eastern Front. To combat the Luftwaffe, the Soviets could deploy 3,000 fighter aircraft. Commons: Bundesarchiv. Middle image: Anti-Aircraft gunners of the Leibstandarte SS alert the Luftwaffe Stuka dive bomber pilots operating over the Kursk battle area of their position to prevent friendly fire. Credit: Royston Leonard. Commons: Bundesarchiv. Bottom clip: the famous German 8,8 cm FlaK gun became one of the most feared anti-tank weapons of World War II. It performed well in its original role of an anti-aircraft gun and it proved to be a superb anti-tank artillery gun as well. Thousands of 88 mm guns were produced throughout the war in various models and mounts. Die Deutsche Wochenschau.