Soviet Union, we can say, entered the Second World War, to say the least, unfortunate.Advancing German forces literally sweep sluggish, poorly organized resistance in its path.The crushing blow came in the Byelorussian SSR: the history of Belarus began to replenish tragic pages from the first days of the war.
Panic organized retreat
Who has spread the idea that the USSR was preparing itself to attack Nazi Germany.In some circles, it causes a certain skepticism: after all, after the declaration of war the Red Army showed a very weak combat capability.What to say when a week after the outbreak of fighting the enemy has already taken Minsk?
circumstances of the capture of the capital of the republic do not honor Soviet strategy: for a short time were surrounded and were defeated 23 divisions of the Western Front.The prisoner turned out 324,000 people and more than 300,000 were killed: History of Belarus until now did not know such a monumental failure.
Intimidation to raise morale
Stalin responded to the incident in his characteristic manner, he said at a meeting of the Political Bureau of the ruined (to put censorship) Lenin's legacy.And on July 22 the commander of the Western Front Pavlov and six other generals involved in the defense of the capital of Belarus, were arrested and executed for treason.Major General Kopec prefer not to wait for the inevitable terrible fate and shot himself after learning about the losses incurred by the aircraft on the first day of the war.
Such measures did not help the cause.After an extremely painful defeat the Red Army was demoralized, not able to provide high-quality opposition.The Germans moved almost seamlessly into the country, renting Mogilev seemed inevitable.
willingness to defend
Preparing for the defense of the city was carried out feverishly.July 5 general Bakunin took command of the 61st Corps, whose task was the defense of Mogilev.On the same day the division corps took part in the fighting.
In the city people's militia detachments were formed.July 10 they are already numbered about 12 thousand people.Within a few days, it has done a great job: dug anti-tank ditch, built bunkers and dugouts, trenches dug the whole system.
About low supply evidence memories of direct participants in the events.So, Colonel Voevodin recalled that arming militia was highly complex task.Military warehouses, apparently, is so crammed that the volunteer units had to go on the battlefield and collect the trophy (mostly German) weapons.
its borders militia detained until it was possible, titanic efforts to protect their homeland: the defense of Mogilev lasted 23 days and ended with the defeat, but the miracles of heroism shown by the defenders of the city, were not in vain.Every minute of play desperate resistance against the Germans: a huge country received a reprieve for the mobilization of forces.
People feat
offensive on Mogilev Germans began July 12, choosing his favorite tactics of "ticks".On the north side of the city was able to get around relatively easily: the 53rd Infantry Division, came under the brunt, was routed, the relationship with her command was interrupted.But in the other direction the Nazis got a nasty surprise: here they lay in wait for the heroic 172 Division under the command of Major-General Romanov.
On Buinichi field (located near the village Buinichi) battle took 388 th Infantry Regiment Colonel Kutepov.The identity of the commander became legendary.It was a military man, as they say, from God: a talented, courageous, competent person who is not afraid to take responsibility.
terrible battle lasted 14 hours, the losses on both sides were enormous.Of the 70 German tanks abandoned on a breakthrough, Soviet soldiers managed to destroy 39. The event later remembered that artillery support was insufficient supply, particularly with regard to munitions - poor (and where, if it is already the middle of July it was carried out only from the air,and then in 1941, it reigned unchallenged Luftwaffe).But let firebombs and guns should not be a regular, well-equipped army, well-equipped fascists had to retreat.
The next day, July 13, 3rd Panzer Division opponent made another attempt to break through to the city, but again failed.This time the battle lasted 10 hours.172 Division until July 22 held Buinichi field (in Mogilev at the time already started street fighting).
German failure to effect service awards
resistance of Soviet troops was an unpleasant surprise for the Germans, who felt it necessary to hide from his dear Führer's the bitter truth.The reported rate of won by in the early months of a local victory, and this was the cause of several curiosities.When Buinichi box shook from the explosions of shells, and even controlled the Mogilev Soviet troops, a German military rank, gathered carousing in a city that has long believed taken, he came straight to the local headquarters of the Red Army.
In the same story heap fascists who drove three cars prize "For the capture of Moscow" - Hitler earnestly believed that this momentous event is not far off (can you blame him with such a weak awareness).Failure to effect service medals are still there, they became the proud owner of Mogilev Regional Museum.
Eternal memory
should be noted that the field is not Buinichi repeatedly witnessed how passionately people kill each other.Even in 1595 there took place a bloody battle between the forces of peasant rebels, led by Severin Nalivaiko and troops of the Lithuanian principality.Rebels had no chance to win (I was too unequal forces), but managed to escape.In 1812, the Russian fought here against Napoleon's army.During WWII Buinichi field again plenty of blood-soaked.
May 9, 1995 at the place where fierce fighting Soviet troops, has opened the memorial complex, designed by the architects and Chalenko Baranovsky.
Memorial
It occupies more than 20 acres and begins entrances and elegant arcade.From it, one of the four possible avenues to reach the center of the composition - the chapel, where the remains of the fallen defenders of the city.Their names (those that are known) are engraved on marble slabs placed along the walls of the room.
The complex has a small artificial pond, which is called the Lake of Tears.It is a symbolic tribute to the tears and sorrow of mothers, children whom the war has taken away.Near the chapel it is also a museum of military equipment, some of which are unique exhibits.
monument to the poet
One of the avenues radiating from the center of the complex, is dedicated to Konstantin Simonov, the author of many famous works (such as "Wait for me").Here hoisted the stone with a memorial inscription over Buinichi field scattered ashes of the poet after his death.
Simonov really witnessed heated battles he was near Mogilev July 13-14 and personally knew Colonel Kutepov, mental and professional quality which is highly appreciated.During the war, Simon served as a military correspondent of "Izvestia", and the Battle of Buinichi field was his first combat experience, deeply etched in my heart.
heroism of the defenders of the city made Konstantin Mikhailovich so impressed that he even fussed about awarding Mogilev title Hero City, repeatedly visited and met with participants in the events.
«Yes, we live, without forgetting»
place Simonov "Hot Day" was published in "Izvestia" on July 20.Before the fall of Mogilev, called for the purpose of secrecy A city remained eight days, but the courage with which Soviet troops defended occupied boundaries, was a good incentive to strengthen the morale of the Red Army.Later Mogilev even called the father of Stalingrad and Buinichi field forever become a symbol of courage, unbroken will, the desire to protect their homeland from the enemy.
Militarily, the heroism of the defenders of the city, too, was not in vain: their efforts served as a deterrent to aggressors who have lost valuable time here, which was worth its weight in gold for both.
Memorial "Buinichi field" - visited place.Belarusians, in general, relate to his stories with great care: caring for the war memorial, located even in remote villages, showing respect for the heroism of those who sacrificed themselves for the next generation.
