Rostov-on-Don - City of Military Glory

Peaceful life of Rostov-on-Don was violated by the invasion of Nazi hordes. In October 1941 the first fascist bombs fell on the city. The nearest way to the Caucasus led through Rostov. Rostov was a key city in the plans of the fascist general headquarters.

Hitler’s general Kleist wrote: “Rostov is the key to the Caucasus… By turning this key we’ll come as masters through the gateway leading to the oil of Baku and then to India”. That is why the best Nazi troops such as the first tank army and the SS divisions “Viking” and “Adolf Hitler” stormed Rostov. The defenders heroically repelled the aggression.

The aggressors occupied Rostov on July, 1942. The fascist invaders shot, tortured to death in a concentration camp, burned alive and killed more than 5 thousand people. On the territory of our region the Nazi aggressors annihilated more than 98 thousand people and 85 thousand people were driven away to Germany for hard labour.

Freedom came to Rostov on February 14, 1943. For heroism and courage displayed during the Great Patriotic War about 500 partisans were awarded different orders and medals. For the heroic fight against the enemy, for selfless work during the years of the Great Patriotic War and for heroic deeds in the restoration of the city Rostov was awarded the Order of the Great Patriotic War.

Rostov-on-Don It was awarded the honorable title of City of Military Glory. The Don Cossacks’ military service to the homeland has always had a special status. Cossack divisions were in the vanguard of the Russian army in the time of Peter the Great and during the Napoleonic wars. In the summer of 1942, in the space of a few days these soldiers defended the city against enemy forces that outnumbered them five to one.

It is important to note that the citizens of Rostov have a special respect for the heroic deeds of the soldiers and officers of the 56th Army. It defended the city for more than a month against the fearsome attacks of the powerful fascist tank corps. The honour guard at the eternal flame that burns in memory of the defenders of the city never sleeps.

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