2014 was rich in anniversaries.After all, 70 years ago, took the liberation of Belgrade, Bucharest, Sofia and many other cities and capitals of Europe by Soviet troops.Especially it celebrated the anniversary of the brotherly Serbia, where to this day remember the heroism of the soldiers of the Red Army.So how does the liberation of Belgrade in 1944, which Soviet and Yugoslav military leaders played a crucial role?
Background
occupation of Yugoslavia by Nazi troops began after intensive bombardment of Belgrade, April 6, 1941.Immediately after the formation of the guerrilla movement.And initially there were two wings: the monarchy and the communist.It is clear that the Allies decided to keep supporters of the exiled King Peter II.However, by 1943 the monarchists, or as they are called, the Chetniks, completely discredited ethnic cleansing of non-Serbs of Yugoslavia and the Soviet and British governments began to openly support the Communist leader Josip Broz Tito.
situation at the front before the Belgrade operation
Due to its geographical position, Serbia has always been a strategic point in the Balkans.Therefore, the German command from the first days of the occupation of this part of Yugoslavia kept significant forces there.Moreover, after the successes of the Red Army in Romania and Bulgaria and its output to the Danube Serbia acquired for the Wehrmacht even more important.The fact is that on the eastern borders of the country the Germans were going to organize a defensive front against the advancing Soviet forces, which would withdraw its troops from Greece and Macedonia and to send them to protect the borders of Germany.Thus, it was obvious that the liberation of Belgrade (1944) will be difficult and will require good preparation.
In particular, more 28 July 1944 of the NLA of Yugoslavia were from Bosnia towards Serbia, and in September began to catch up with the Soviet troops.The news of the approach of the Red Army was enthusiastically accepted by the inhabitants of the Yugoslav capital, for which it was a sign that the liberation of Belgrade is near.In addition, in early autumn, the German command decided to withdraw from the Balkans to Hungary Army Group "E", and the liberation of Bulgaria declared war on Germany and consigned to the Ukrainian Front Command III I, II and IV of the Bulgarian Army.
Home
operations In the period from 15 to 21 September 17th Air Army was ordered by the Soviet command to bomb the bridges and other important sites, thereby preventing withdrawal of German troops from the southern regions of Yugoslavia and Greece.Then, on September 28 began an offensive on Belgrade 57th Army, which with the right flank covered the Danube Flotilla, forced their way through the minefields.Soviet forces in collaboration with parts of the AVNOJ in a short time broke through the enemy defenses along the border with Bulgaria and made a difficult passage through the Serbian Carpathians, constantly engaging in battles with the retreating Germans.
liberation of Belgrade date and the main stages of the operation
October 8, Soviet troops crossed the river Morava and seized bridgeheads in Palanka and Velika Plana.From there on October 12 began an offensive on Belgrade from the south, which was attended by the Bulgarian military units and 2 body AVNOJ.At the same time began the crossing of the Danube one of the buildings of Ukrainian Front, which made it possible to advance on the capital of Yugoslavia from the northeast.
By 14 October at the Belgrade operation, the following events have occurred:
- 12 AVNOJ Corps took control of the roads leading to the capital, located south of the Sava River;
- V Guards Mechanized Corps came to Belgrade and joined the battle on its outskirts;
- 57th Army began advancing along the Danube in an effort to quickly get in Belgrade.
In addition, on October 16 in Smederevo Danube flotilla was a landing.Even with the assistance of such large forces complete the liberation of Belgrade from the Nazis took only six days since the beginning of the operation.The fact that the German garrison town had more than 20,000 people, was in possession of 170 guns and mortars and 40 tanks.And, judging from the secret directive of the Wehrmacht Command, all these forces were going to sacrifice in order to ensure the withdrawal of thousands of army group "E".
military units that participated in the Belgrade operation, and the loss of the SA and the AVNOJ
the Soviet side in the assault on the Yugoslav capital took part IV Guards Mechanized Corps, 236th Infantry, 73th and 106th Guards Division, one anti-aircraft artillery division, several mortar, artillery and self-propelled artillery regiments, three separate anti-aircraft artillery regiment.In addition, one should not underestimate the role of the Yugoslav side has granted 8 divisions, without whom the liberation of Belgrade could be delayed even more.During the operation the Red Army lost the wounded, dead and missing more than 30 000 soldiers and officers of which are directly on the streets of the city, killing about 1,000 people.At the same time the victim AVNOJ during the storm totaled 2953 volunteers.
commander, played an important role in the liberation of the capital of Yugoslavia
liberation of Belgrade (1944) took place many thanks to the coordinated actions of the Soviet and Yugoslav commanders.As already mentioned, the main role here was assigned to III Ukrainian Front under the command of Tolbukhin, namely the 57th Army, which at that time led by Lieutenant-General N. Hagen.Among the Soviet military leaders should also be noted General Zhdanov, who commanded the IV Guards Mechanized Corps and received the Belgrade operation Hero of the Soviet Union and the People's Hero of Yugoslavia.With regard to the command of the AVNOJ stormed Belgrade, it was entrusted to Dapchevicha Peko, who demonstrated his organizational skills even during the Spanish Civil War.
Medal "For Liberation of Belgrade"
To encourage those who distinguished himself in the battle for the capital of Yugoslavia, June 9, 1945 was set up a special state award.She became the Medal "For Liberation of Belgrade", which got around 70,000 people.This award is a perfect circle of brass 3.2 cm in diameter, connected by means ear rings and a standard pentagonal block, which is covered with a green ribbon with a black stripe in the middle.The obverse of the coin deposited convex inscription "For the liberation of Belgrade", above which is a five-pointed star.In addition, the circle is depicted a laurel wreath.As for the reverse, there was not the day of liberation of Belgrade, and the inscription is visible on this tiny five-pointed star.Project medal was created by the artist A. Kuznetsov, it is prescribed to wear on the left side of the chest.
Celebrations to mark the 70th anniversary of the liberation of Belgrade
Although the traditional parade on the occasion of the completion of the German occupation of the Serbian capital on 20 October 2014 celebrations held four days earlier.Officially it was due to the fact that it is October 16, 1944, Soviet troops liberated the center of Belgrade.In addition, the press reported that this was done to ensure that the celebration was attended by President Vladimir Putin.
Parade "Step winner" in Belgrade
October 16, 2014 in the Serbian capital for the first time since 1985 a military parade.Thus the country's authorities have decided to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the liberation of Belgrade.This gala event was attended by about 100 thousand inhabitants, the highest officials of Serbia and Vladimir Putin.In addition to the passing convoy of Serb troops and equipment in the skies above Belgrade showed their art Russian pilots from "Swifts".
Thus, we can say that attempts to rewrite the history of Europe of the last century in the case of Serbia do not have success, and the people of this country remembers the heroism of Soviet soldiers expelled the Nazi evil and liberated Belgrade.
