Ep 14. WWII in the East: The War at Sea

Soviet Storm is an enthralling television series that presents a comprehensive account of the Eastern Front of World War II. The show's first season's 14th episode 'WWII in the East: The War at Sea' captures the formidable struggles and strategic significance of the war fought in the waters of the Eastern front.

The episode begins by introducing the audience to the Soviet Union's naval forces and how they had to be rebuilt after the devastating losses incurred in battles like that of the Crimea. The Soviet Union, whose primary objective was to secure its ports and traffic routes, realized the critical nature of the war at sea. Upon the issuance of new orders, the Soviet Union's naval forces played a crucial role in the war effort, successfully disrupting the German supply lines to the Eastern front.

The episode takes us through the Battle of the Barents Sea, where the Royal Navy joined forces with the Soviet Union to intercept German convoys. The Allies launched their first joint operation with thirty-one ships against the German convoy. This battle was the first in which the Royal Navy's new destroyer weapon, the "Squid," was deployed. The battle resulted in the sinking of the German ship, Friedrich Eckholdt, and the loss of life for 101 German sailors. The Battle of the Barents Sea is presented through awe-inspiring CGI images and reenactments that capture the events and the emotions behind the battle.

The show also highlights the Soviet Union's tactics of using submarines that disrupted German supply lines and contributed to the German military's exhaustion. One of the most crucial events captured in the episode is the Kerch Strait Landing Operation. It was a bold attempt made by the Soviet Union's naval forces to establish a bridgehead into the Crimean peninsula to secure a foothold in the region. This operation involved moving troops across the strait under heavy gunfire from the German forces.

The episode also features the most extensive naval engagement during the Eastern Front, the Battle of the Black Sea. The Soviet Union's southern fleets engaged in conflict in the Black Sea against Germany's forces, which included the navy and air force. The episode captures the eruption of conflict as both sides scramble to dominate the waters of the Black Sea. The battle is presented through historic footage, tactical reconstructions, and the insights of naval historians that delve into the battle's minutiae.

WWII in the East: The War at Sea, serves as a vivid reminder of the crucial battles fought at sea and how they impacted the Eastern Front of World War II. The episode provides a glimpse into the strategy, tactics, and the human cost of war at sea. The show gives context to the ground battles fought by the Soviet Union and the Axis armies on the Eastern Front by shedding light on the naval battles fought behind the scenes. Overall, the episode is a brilliant addition to the Soviet Storm series, and it provides insight into the overlooked aspects of the Eastern Front.