One of the most important stages of the military operation carried out in Belarus in 1944, was the liberation of Minsk from the Nazi invaders.Its purpose was not only the environment but also the complete destruction of the largest groups of the Wehrmacht, located in the area.In addition, the Red Army had the task as quickly as possible to clear the enemy from the capital of Belarus.This significant event took place July 3, 1944.In today's Belarus is not just the date of liberation of Minsk, the capital of the state, but also the national holiday - Independence Day.
situation before the operation
In 1944, there were three successful military raid - Mogilev, Vitebsk, Orsha and Bobruisk, which resulted in part of the 4 th and 9 th Army, members of the German group "Center" turned out to be nearly surroundedSoviet connections.Hitler's command to the aid of his troops redeployed fresh forces, which included the 4th, 5th and 12th Panzer Divisions.
Gradually, the ring around the Germans sank, and the long-awaited liberation of Minsk was just around the corner.By the end of the day June 28 Chernyakhovsky, the commander of the units of the 3rd Belorussian Front, went to the river Berezina, thereby covering the enemy from the north.In turn, Bagramyan with the troops of the 1st Baltic led the fighting in the Polotsk.At the same time, Zakharov with the troops of the 2nd Belorussian Front beat the enemy on the east side, and KKRokossovsky with his army - from the south, having failed to reach the line Osipovichi - Svisloch - Kopatkevichi above the river Pripyat.Some advanced compounds were already a hundred kilometers from the capital of the republic.
Plans Bids
Soviet command understands that you have to work hard to ensure that the liberation of Minsk in 1944 became a reality.Therefore, on June 28 set a target rate to the Red Army - to surround and eliminate the big fascist grouping.To do this, planned by the 1st and 3rd Belorussian Fronts deal a crushing blow on the German troops stationed near the town.At the same time it provides for the further advance of the western United 2nd Byelorussian.As a result, the forces on all fronts involved in this operation were to surround the first, and then destroy all the enemy's Minsk group.
At the same time the Red Army had to, without stopping, to move steadily to the west, thereby restricting the enemy troops and giving them to connect with the Minsk group.Such actions of the Soviet side to create good conditions for the subsequent offensive against Kaunas, Siauliai and Warsaw areas.
Actions 3rd Belorussian
June 28 Supreme Command was voiced by an order relating to the front of which was to immediately force the Berezina River, and then begin a rapid advance in two directions - to the Belarusian capital and Molodechno.The main blow was aimed at the liberation of Minsk from the Nazi invaders had put troops 31 th, 5 th and 11 th Army and 2nd Tank Corps.
The next day, the vanguard of the Red Army managed to seize several bridgeheads on the River Berezina and shooting down enemy barriers, move into a distance of 5, and in some areas, and 10 km.However, faced with the stubborn resistance of the Germans, Soviet troops were involved in heavy fighting.It is for this reason that in the evening on June 29, Red Army had only to cross the river.
At the same time troops of the 5th Army under the command of Krylov without stopping crossed the Berezina and strengthened on the beach, take a few bridgeheads.It should be noted that the promotion of the Red Army, the main purpose of which was the liberation of Minsk, largely contributed to numerous guerrilla groups.They not only pointed out the most favorable and the shortest road runs through the forest and marshland, but also helped to cover the flanks of the military convoys and maintain the protection of crossings.
Lethal confrontation
liberation of Minsk (1944) was followed by an extremely fierce resistance from the German side.It prevented the rapid advance of the 11th Army under the command of Galich.That is why the Soviet troops in the area Krupki - Holopenichi were forced to engage in a fight for the whole day.It held back the Red Army 5th Panzer, and the remains of the 95th and 14th divisions.The aim was to prevent fascist command of the Soviet troops break through to Borisov, is a stronghold of the Germans on the Berezina River and covers the way to the Belarusian capital.
In turn, the 5th Panzer Army led the Soviet offensive along the motorway at Minsk.After that she went to the Berezina River on the north side of Borisov.It should be noted that the concerted action Rotmistrov tank under the command and effective offensive 2nd Tatsinskiy body allowed the troops of the 31st Army in a single day to move forward in the 40 km and come to Beaver River just south of the village Krupki.
crossing of the Berezina River
Given enough confidence Soviet advance to the Belarusian capital, it could with certainty assume that the liberation of Minsk in 1944, was almost predestined.June 30 the main forces of the Red Army reached the Berezina River and crossed it.5th Army has expanded its foothold and went deep into the German defense at a distance of 15 km, and the 3rd Mechanized Corps, virtually destroying the enemy rear and took Pleshchenitsy, blocked the road thus Borisov - Vileyka.As a result of these actions the Soviet forces created a serious threat to one of the flanks and rear of enemy Borisov grouping.
make every effort, 11th Guards Army still fairly quickly broke the enemy's resistance, came to the Berezina and was finally able to force the river.At this time, the Germans bypassed Soviet divisions from the left flank and moved to Borisov.As a result, in the south-east side of the city began a fight.At the same time the tankers Rotmistrov went on the attack to the east of Borisov.
feat of Soviet tank
operation, whose ultimate goal was the liberation of Minsk from the Nazis, almost demanded by the mass heroism of Soviet soldiers.So, June 30 tank platoon Paul Cancer consisting of four cars had been ordered to break into Borisov and all costs to hold on as long as the city did not enter the main forces of the 3rd Mechanized Corps.Of all the crews performed a task commander of T-34.The second and third tanks Yunaev and Kuznetsova knocked out earlier, another car caught fire on the bridge across the Berezina River, after which the Germans blew up the crossing.All of the Red Army were killed.
more than 12 hours the crew of VP of Cancer, which included gunner A. Danilov and driver A. Petryaev, kept struggling.It is worth noting that a breakthrough of Soviet armored vehicles caused a panic in the enemy garrison, and largely contributed to the speedy liberation of Borisov.Heroes were, until recently, when the Germans sent them to eliminate several assault guns and tanks.Crew P. Cancer died a heroic death.Later, they were awarded the highest military rank of Hero of the Soviet Union.Such courageous people in the great era was a lot.For the liberation of Minsk and other cities gave their lives in the best sons of the Fatherland.It was a truly mass heroism.
Further progress
German command was able to organize on the outskirts of Borisov some pretty strong counter-attack, but they practically had no effect even though the introduction of the battle of the German Air Force.Enemy planes flying in groups of 18 vehicles, tried to prevent the Soviet troops crossed the Berezina.But the Soviet attack planes and bombers reflected the powerful blows of the enemy and themselves attacked by fascist technology cluster near Borisov.
a result of fighting the Red Army crossed the July 1 Berezina and captured the city.Borisov group the Wehrmacht was defeated.This fact is a step closer the liberation of Minsk from the Nazi invaders.However, two days Soviet troops need to accomplish this task.
Return of the Belarusian capital
night July 3 Chernyakhovsky front commander ordered the liberation of Minsk 31st Army, 2nd Mechanized Corps and partly Panzer Army under the command of Rotmistrov.Early in the morning, he got into a fight on the eastern and northern outskirts of the city, and by 7.30 Soviet troops successfully reached its center.Two hours later, the capital of Belarus, was cleared of the Nazi mercenaries.
1944 - the year of liberation of Minsk - was truly victorious Red Army.Three endless, residents of the dilapidated city, and mocked waiting for the day when the last Soviet troops enter and liberate them from the Nazi yoke.And they still waited and stood with honor in this unequal fight!
