The Battle of the Caucasus

On October 9, Russia celebrates the Day of Military Glory – the Day of the defeat of Nazi German troops by Soviet troops in the Battle of the Caucasus. The Battle of the Caucasus is one of the longest battles of the Great Patriotic War. On July 25, 1942, the German-Romanian army force launched an significant superiority in personnel strength, aircrafts and tanks, the enemy advanced towards Stavropol, Maykop and Tuapse. Despite stubborn resistance in late August, Germans captured Mozdok, part of the mountain passes of the Main Caucasian Ridge, and by mid-September – most part of Novorossiysk. An operational task force of NKVD troops was formed to defend the mountain passes, fight sabotage and reconnaissance units of the enemy, and protect the rear. By the end of 1942, the German fascist troops were stopped on all fronts. After the victory at Stalingrad, the Red Army was able to go on to active offensive operations. The overall coordination of the North Caucasian offensive operation (codenamed “Don“) was entrusted to Marshal Vasilevsky. On January 3, 1943, the cities of Malgobek and Mozdok were liberated, on January 4 – the city of Nalchik. 588th Women’s Bomber Aviation Regiment “Night Witches“ under the command of Major Evdokia Bershanskaya fought heroically in the skies over Mozdok. General Kozlov’s 37th army liberated Budennovsk, Georgievsk, Kislovodsk, Pyatigorsk, and Essentuki by January 11, 1943. On January 21, Nevinnomyssk and Voroshilovsk (nowadays Stavropol) were liberated. The Battle of the Caucasus ended victoriously with the liberation of Novorossiysk and Taman. Vladikavkaz, Malgobek, Rostov-on-Don, Tuapse, Nalchik, Anapa, Taganrog, Grozny were awarded honorary titles “The City of Military Glory“ for courage, perseverance and mass heroism in the struggle for freedom and independence of the Fatherland. For outstanding services to the Motherland during the Great Patriotic War, the hero city of Novorossiysk was awarded the Order of Lenin and the Gold Star medal. The author of the script and editing director is Vladislav Krasinsky, the editor is Georgy Davidov. Music: MaxKoMusic “Farewell“, Yuri Temirkanov “Rodnoi Krai“. Special thanks to Bolov Alim, Gagieva Elizaveta and Kashperova Elena for their help in preparing this video