Day of military glory of Russia (Day of lifting the blockade of the city of Leningrad)
Description:
Siege of Leningrad
Day of military glory of Russia, Day of lifting the blockade of the city of Leningrad (1944). It is noted in accordance with the Federal law of 13.03.95 No. 32-FZ “On days of military glory (victorious days) of Russia”.
On January 27, 1944, Soviet troops completely lifted the 900-day fascist blockade of the city.
As a result of the victories of the Soviet Armed Forces in the Battles of Stalingrad and Kursk, near Smolensk, on the Left Bank of Ukraine, in the Donbass and on the Dnieper in late 1943 - early 1944, favorable conditions were created for conducting a major offensive operation near Leningrad and Novgorod.
By early 1944, the enemy had created a deep-echeloned defense with reinforced concrete and wood-earth structures, covered with minefields and wire fences. The Soviet command organized the offensive by troops of the 2nd Shock, 42nd and 67th armies of the Leningrad, 59th, 8th and 54th armies of the Volkhov, 1st Shock and 22nd armies of the 2nd Baltic Front and the Red Banner Baltic Fleet. Long-range aviation, partisan detachments and brigades were also involved.
The purpose of the operation was to defeat the flank groups of the 18th Army, and then by actions on the Kingisepp and Luga directions to complete the defeat of its main forces and reach the border of the Luga River; in the future, acting on the Narva, Pskov and Idritsk directions, defeat the 16th Army, complete the liberation of the Leningrad region and create conditions for the liberation of the Baltic States.
On January 14, Soviet troops went on the offensive from the Primorsky bridgehead to Ropsha, and on January 15 from Leningrad to Red Selo. After fierce fighting on January 20, Soviet troops joined in the area of Ropsha and eliminated the surrounded Peterhof-Strelna group of the enemy. At the same time, on January 14, Soviet troops went on the offensive in the area of Novgorod, and on January 16 - in the Luban direction, on January 20 they liberated Novgorod.
To commemorate the final lifting of the blockade, a salute was given in Leningrad on January 27, 1944.