This book describes the design and development of these two deadly opponents, the Panther and the T-34, analysing their strengths and weaknesses and assessing their tactics, weaponry and training. Moreover it gives an insight into the lives of the tank crews themselves who were caught up in the largest land conflict of World War II in some of the most important engagements in the history of warfare. This was a duel between the titans of the Soviet and German armed forces in a ruthless and relentless death match that would determine the war on the Eastern Front and indeed the fate of Nazi Germany.