During World War II there is a set of events that is truly a turning point for the entire history of this period.Some of them are known to all, such as the blockade of Stalingrad, and some live in the memory of the participants and the researchers of this historical period.Anyway, the importance of this time is undeniable.Because of World War II the world was liberated from the Nazi threat.Along with the exploits of men in the early stages of the war played a significant role events of the last phase of the conflict.The situation that emerged in 1944-1945, showed irreversible defeat of the German army.However, during her retreat of the German military leaders is strong enough and tough "snapped."At this point, it was necessary to tailor forces to retreat does not become a monstrous counterattack.Thus, after the events of the Kursk Bulge, Soviet military leaders begin the gradual rejection of enemy troops deep into Europe.In most approaches to power of Nazism in Germany, it happened very important historical clashes between the Soviet Army and German.The following will be discussed on the clashes near the Polish capital - Warsaw.
Battle of Warsaw 1944
Many identify the events that occurred in mid-1944, with the moment when there was the liberation of Warsaw by Soviet troops.Keep in mind that these events occurred in a completely different time, as many do not even know.Warsaw operation was carried out in 1944 is not in the city itself and in its immediate vicinity.It should also be noted that the operation took place in order to further advance on the city itself.In other words, the Battle of Warsaw in 1944 was made in order to ensure the necessary conditions for the further advance of the enemy, and marginalization.The liberation of Warsaw during this operation was not provided.
essence of the operation in 1944
Soviet military leaders set themselves the task to destroy enemy fortifications on the approaches to the Polish capital.The operation took place from July 25 to August 5, 1944.Near the River Vistula heavy tank battles took place, which is very often compared to Prokhorov battle.Soviet troops were supported by militias formed detachments of the Home Army.Despite the numerical superiority on the part of the Soviet Army, the objectives have not been achieved.To date, identify several reasons for the defeat of Soviet troops to the battle:
- lack of mutual understanding between the Polish and Soviet command, as well as the ambitions of Stalin about the impact of Poland.
- relative "fatigue" of the Soviet Army, after a series of grueling operations before the events of 1944.
While the objectives have not been achieved, the army of the USSR firmly entrenched on the outskirts of Warsaw, which carried a big risk for the Wehrmacht.Already in January 1945, the Soviet Army renewed their strength and launched a new full-scale offensive.
Events preceding the liberation of Warsaw
liberation of Warsaw was part of the goals that had to be reached during the Warsaw-Poznan operation.She tried all sorts of ways to delay, as the East German forces were deployed here.In addition, it was enclosing phase of the war.The liberation of Warsaw would open a direct route to Berlin.Thus, the actions of command had to be accurate and thought out.The date of the operation was January 20 but the defeat of the US Army in the Ardennes played against Soviet strategists.British Prime Minister, Winston Churchill, 6 January 1945 asked Stalin in every possible way to bring in the time of the Vistula-Oder direction.Therefore, even January 12 to prepare for the beginning of a large-scale offensive, one of the aims of which was the liberation of Warsaw.How further events unfolded?
liberation of Warsaw (1945).The first day
How it all began?The liberation of Warsaw from the Nazis began January 14, 1945.The first day was marked by the intensification of the Vistula and advance deep into enemy fortifications.It has already been pointed out that the German positions were well fortified on the outskirts of Warsaw.Therefore, the actions of the Soviet Army were the most cautious.During the offensive, the first day of operation 8th Guards Army and 5th Shock moved to a distance of 12 kilometers into the German defenses.Wisla was boosted 61 th Army.The attack was swift and hard, which caused the Germans retreat deep into their positions, closer to the city.
second day of the liberation of Warsaw
47th Army drove the enemy across the river Vistula on January 15th.At the same time, the 2nd Guards Tank Army cut off the approaches to Warsaw near the village of Sochaczew.Thus, the German troops were surrounded.We can not say that the Soviet Army came close to Warsaw, but a large area was isolated.The Germans did not know how to get out of the encirclement, so resorted to trickery.They rounded up about 300 civilians in the church and threatened to kill everyone if the enemy will continue to attack.In order not to risk the lives of civilians on the night of 15 January 16, it organized the operation, during which the hostages were released.
concludes phase of the operation
morning of January 16 begins an offensive on all fronts to Warsaw.In just one day the village were released such as hooves, Piaski, Opaci and others. For the German 9th Army that was just dumbfounded day.Almost all fortified German positions around the city were destroyed, and communication with the outside world ceased.Nothing prevented the Soviet forces capture the capital of a country like Poland.Warsaw was at a distance of several kilometers.At dawn on January 17 Soviet troops occupied the highways leading into the city.By noon, the city began a fierce battle that took place on the streets of Tamka and Marshalavskoy.In 14 hours of January 17th, 1945 the provisional government in Lublin received a telegram saying that the city was taken.This event meant that the Soviet troops under the control of the whole of Poland.Warsaw became the starting point for further progress towards Berlin.On the day of the liberation of the entire Warsaw staged rallies in honor of the great liberators - the Soviet soldiers.
Medal
This feat can not be easy to forget, so the Soviet government decided to perpetuate and reward all participants in the liberation of Warsaw.For this purpose, it was established medal "For the liberation of Warsaw."The project was designed by the artist Kuritsyn medals.Awards were given to all those who distinguished himself during the operation to liberate the city.The medal is worn on the left side of the chest after the "For the liberation of Belgrade."The award is poured from brass.Its diameter is 32 millimeters.On the front of the medal is engraved inscription.On the reverse side can be found engraved date and year.The liberation of Warsaw, in a way favorable to the Soviet Union ended, and many were described medal.
Conclusion We have considered one of the brightest and most important events of the final stage of the Great Patriotic War.The liberation of Warsaw (1945) gave the Red Army the opportunity to move on to the West in order to destroy the source of Nazism in the world, who was in Berlin.
