It is known that the future commander was born in Warsaw on December 21, 1894. However, he himself claimed that he was born two years later and not at all on the territory of modern Poland, but in the Soviet city of Velikie Luki. It was there, in the official homeland of the twice Hero, that a bronze bust was installed. Few people know that the real patronymic of the legendary military leader is Ksaverevich. But by changing the date and place of his birth, Rokossovsky seemed to cross out his Polish roots and became Konstantinovich.
The surname Rokossovsky came from the name of a large Polish village - Rokossovo, which belonged to the boy’s family, related to the Greater Poland nobility. But after the uprising of 1863, the estate became public property.
Photo: Marshal Rokossovsky in his youth
Father K.K. was a railway inspector, and my mother taught at a local school. His paternal great-grandfather devoted his entire life to military affairs. Most likely, it was from him that K.K. inherited his abilities as a military leader.
The biography of the Soviet commander was corrected, erasing from it any hint of noble roots. How else? To be closer to the people, the illustrious marshal must be of exclusively proletarian origin.
Childhood
As soon as Kostya turned 5 years old, his father sent him to a prestigious school with a technical profile. Xavier Rokossovsky was happy that his only son would become an educated man and would stand firmly on his feet.
But the joy turned out to be premature. In 1902, the boy’s father died suddenly, and his mother’s salary was sorely insufficient to pay for further education. The woman was constantly sick and left this world when the teenager turned 15 years old.
Now a hard life began for the orphaned Kostya. In order to somehow feed himself, he takes on any job, even the hardest: helping a stonemason, a dentist, getting a job in a pastry shop.
The boy strives for knowledge and, in his rare leisure hours, reads all publications that he can get his hands on.
The beginning of the way
Difficulties strengthened the character of K.K. and made him an extremely purposeful person. The young man cherished the dream of joining a dragoon regiment. And finally, in the summer of 1914, his cherished wish came true. Twenty-year-old Konstantin, with enviable tenacity, masters the intricacies of military affairs: he becomes an excellent horseman, masterfully shoots a rifle, masterfully wields a saber, and has no equal in the art of hand-to-hand combat. It is not surprising that the higher ranks noticed the brave boy and promoted him to the rank of corporal. Then K.K. was awarded the first award - the “George Cross”, IV degree.
Even then, Konstantin showed himself to be a talented strategist, which earned him the respect of his comrades. In 1917, at the age of 24, K.K. - junior non-commissioned officer.
The revolution has come. K.K. was elected to the regimental committee.
Red Guard
Having become a Red Army soldier, K.K. began to selflessly fight the enemies of the revolution. He started out as a simple soldier and, thanks to his skill and courage, already in 1919 he commanded a squadron. Since 1920 - commanded a cavalry regiment.
Personal life
The Civil War came to an end, and in the spring of 1923, K.K. was legally married to Yulia Barmina. Two years later, the newlyweds had a daughter, Ariadne.
Rokossovsky married once and for the rest of his life, although relations with his wife were not always cloudless.
During WWII I met the doctor Galina Talanova. She became his front-line girlfriend throughout the war. In 1945, Galina's daughter Nadezhda was born.
K.K. did not leave his illegitimate daughter and helped her in everything, but did not leave the family.
Close K.K. they remember that he loved and greatly appreciated the warmth of home, but his official duty was above all.
Fateful acquaintances
By the age of 30, Rokossovsky began to educate himself and went to commander courses. There he made acquaintance with G. Zhukov and A. Eremenko.
From 1926 to 1929, K.K. served in Mongolia, where he met M. Tukhachevsky.
Convicted without guilt
The rapid career of Divisional Commander Rokossovsky did not go unnoticed by ill-wishers and envious people. In 1937, denunciations began to come in against him. The investigation lasted about three years, which brought down K.K. into severe depression.
Like a war criminal, he was stripped of his ranks and put under arrest. Many at that time were convicted and shot, but K.K. was lucky, and already in 1940 the case was closed.
The acquitted Rokossovsky was promoted to major general.
Start. Battle for Moscow.
Since the beginning of the 1941 war, Rokossovsky has commanded the 9th Mechanized Corps. For special achievements he was promoted to lieutenant general.
During the terrible battle for Moscow, when he managed to push the enemy far beyond its borders, he was awarded the Order of Lenin.
Battle wounds
In the spring of 1942, he was seriously wounded: shrapnel damaged his liver and lung. The spine was also affected. Despite the fact that K.K. There was a long rehabilitation ahead, he returned to duty, barely recovered. Then K.K. stood at the head of the Don Front.
Battle of Stalingrad
Rokossovsky brilliantly carried out Operation Uranus to destroy enemy troops in the area of strategically important Stalingrad. At the same time, Field Marshal Paulus and one hundred thousand soldiers of Nazi Germany were captured.
For a talented operation, K.K. was awarded the Order of Suvorov and the rank of Colonel General.
Since then, Stalin addressed Rokossovsky by his first name and patronymic.
Battle of Kursk
Since 1943, he has led the Central Front. It was not easy, but thanks to the resourcefulness and innate instinct of the commander-in-chief, our troops managed to push back the enemy. For valor and courage K.K. promoted to army general.
After the Battle of Kursk, Rokossovsky is considered an unrivaled strategist. Thanks to him, our troops pushed back the enemy and suffered minimal losses.
It was on the Kursk Bulge that new methods of combat were first used: tactics of getting ahead of the enemy, etc.
Belarus
Liberation of Belarus K.K. considered it his main achievement. In 1944, Zhukov, Vasilevsky and Rokossovsky drew up a plan, codenamed “Bagration”. To carry it out, two simultaneous strikes were necessary to “paralyze” the enemy and deprive him of the opportunity to transfer equipment and manpower.
In 60 days, Belarus, Poland and part of the Baltic states were free from invaders.
End of the war
Germany surrendered in 1945, and Rokossovsky received his second order.
In 1946, the marshal hosted a parade in Moscow.
Life goes on
In 1949, the marshal returned to the land of his ancestors - Poland.
He made a lot of efforts to increase the defense capabilities of his homeland. The military industry was created out of nothing, tanks, planes, and missiles appeared.
Returning to the USSR, K.K. returns to military activities and heads the Ministry of Defense.
Death of a Great Man
Within a few months, the legendary commander was dying of cancer. On August 3, 1968, the heart of Konstantin Konstantinovich Rokossovsky stopped beating. His ashes are buried in the Kremlin wall.
Almost before his death, K.K. completed work on a book of memoirs.
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Born in the city of Velikiye Luki in the family of a railway worker (his father was Polish). During the First World War, he volunteered to go to the front and served in a dragoon regiment. For bravery he was awarded the St. George medals of the 3rd and 4th degrees and the St. George Cross of the 4th class. Became a junior non-commissioned officer. After the revolution he joined the Red Army. During the Civil War he commanded a squadron, division, and regiment. He was wounded twice and twice awarded the Order of the Red Banner. Then he commanded a brigade.
In 1925 he graduated from the Cavalry advanced training courses for command personnel, in 1929 - the advanced training courses for senior command personnel at the Academy. Frunze. He took part in battles on the Chinese Eastern Railway, commanded cavalry divisions and cavalry corps. In August 1937, Rokossovsky was arrested, accused of having connections with Polish and Japanese intelligence, and convicted, but in March 1940, at the request of S.M. Budyonny, S.K. Timoshenko and G.K. Zhukov was released and returned to the troops after a course of treatment. Rokossovsky met the war in the Kiev Special Military District as the commander of the 9th Mechanized Corps with the rank of Major General.
On the morning of June 22, 1941, Rokossovsky raised his corps on combat alert and, having completed a 200-kilometer march, attacked the enemy on the move. This was one of the few successful attacks on that tragic day. At the end of June 1941, the 9th Mechanized Corps under the command of Rokossovsky took part in the 1941 tank battle near Dubno, Lutsk and Rivne. Rokossovsky then commanded the Yartsevo army group near Smolensk. There he was appointed commander of the 16th Army, which especially distinguished itself in the Battle of Moscow. In one of the battles, the army commander was seriously wounded.
Soon after his recovery and return to the 16th Army, Rokossovsky was appointed commander of the Bryansk Front. From that moment until the end of the war, he commanded successively: Bryansk, Don, Central, Belorussian, 1st and 2nd Belorussian fronts.
In the position of front commander, Rokossovsky's leadership talent was revealed in its entirety. Appointed in September 1942 as commander of the Don Front, together with the commanders of the Southwestern (N.F. Vatutin) and Stalingrad (A.I. Eremenko) fronts, Rokossovsky took direct part in the preparation and conduct of Operation Uranus, the purpose of which was to encircle and the defeat of the Nazi group at Stalingrad. After the enemy troops found themselves in a “cauldron,” by decision of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief, it was Rokossovsky’s Don Front that was tasked with dismembering and capturing the encircled group led by Field Marshal General F. von Paulus.
Since February 1943, Rokossovsky commanded the troops of the Central Front on the Kursk Bulge and managed to adequately prepare the troops for the upcoming summer offensive of the enemy. July 5, 1943 Rokossovsky, in agreement with Headquarters representative G.K. Zhukov, was 10 minutes ahead of the enemy in delivering an artillery strike. This came as a surprise to the German command and delayed the start of Operation Citadel. Having repelled the German offensive, the troops of the Central Front launched a counteroffensive, liberating Oryol on August 5.
In the summer of the following 1944, K.K. Rokossovsky, commanding the 1st Belorussian Front, showed himself brilliantly in Operation Bagration, during which the enemy was inflicted a crushing defeat in Belarus. For this operation he received the title of Hero of the Soviet Union and became Marshal of the Soviet Union. From November 1944 until the end of the war, K.K. Rokossovsky commanded the 2nd Belorussian Front, whose troops, together with other fronts, crushed the enemy in the East Prussian, East Pomeranian and, finally, Berlin strategic operations. May 2, 1945 K.K. Rokossovsky was awarded the title of Hero for the second time. Awarded the highest military order "Victory". June 24, 1945 K.K. Rokossovsky commanded the historic Victory Parade in Moscow, which was hosted by Marshal G.K. Zhukov.
After the war, Rokossovsky was Poland's Minister of National Defense from 1949 to 1956. He was awarded the military rank of Marshal of Poland. Half-jokingly, half-seriously K.K. Rokossovsky claimed: “I am the most unfortunate Marshal of the Soviet Union. In Russia I was considered a Pole, and in Poland I was considered Russian. I had to take Berlin, I was the closest. But he called and said: “Berlin will take Zhukov.” I asked why such disfavor? Stalin replied: “This is not disgrace, this is politics.”
In 1956-1957 Rokossovsky - deputy. Minister of Defense of the USSR, in 1957 he was transferred to the commander of the Transcaucasian Military District. In 1958-1962. again - Deputy Minister of Defense and Chief Inspector of the USSR Ministry of Defense. The last years of his life he was in the group of inspectors general of the Department of Defense. August 3, 1968 K.K. Rokossovsky died of cancer. Urn with the ashes of K.K. Rokossovsky is buried in the Kremlin wall.
In the memory of people who communicated with K.K. Rokossovsky, he remained as a tall, stately, charming person, sincere and intelligent. G.K. Zhukov noted: “It’s hard for me to remember a more thorough, efficient, hardworking and, by and large, gifted person.”
Konstantin Konstantinovich Rokossovsky is one of the most famous commanders of the Great Patriotic War, who forever inscribed his name in the history of the modern world. The military genius of this man truly deserves to remain in the memory of posterity. So who was Rokossovsky?
Brief biography: family
It is not known exactly who the parents of such a person as Konstantin Rokossovsky are. The biography briefly describes his relatives. It is known that the marshal’s family belonged to the village of Rokossovo (the territory of modern Poland), where the family’s surname came from. Great-grandfather's name was Jozef. He is known for completely devoting himself to military affairs. Father Xavier was a nobleman and served on the railway. Constantine's mother's name was Antonina. She comes from Belarus and worked as a teacher.
Childhood
It is not known exactly when Konstantin Rokossovsky was born. The short biography is quite contradictory regarding the exact date. According to the marshal himself, he was born in 1896, but other sources claim that the future commander was born two years earlier. The boy was not even six years old when he was sent to study at a school with a technical focus. But then fate itself intervened - in 1902, his father died, and further education was out of the question. The mother could not pay for the expensive establishment.
Tells about the hard life that Rokossovsky lived with dignity, a short biography. For children he became a real hero. After all, the boy was forced to help a stonecutter, a dentist, and a pastry chef. In his free time from work, he tried to learn something new - he carefully read the books he had.
Carier start
Very rarely do people put as much effort into achieving their dreams as Konstantin Konstantinovich Rokossovsky. A short biography of the future commander says that in August 1914 he joined the dragoon regiment, where he so wanted to go. He masterfully learned to handle a horse, was an excellent shot with a rifle, and in battles with checkers and pikes he had no equal at all. The exploits of the young but very persistent military man did not go unnoticed. Konstantin Rokossovsky, whose brief biography says that in the same year he was promoted to corporal.
In general, during the war, the commander, as part of his formation, carried out many successful attacks and gained authority among his colleagues. How did Konstantin Rokossovsky continue to grow up the career ladder? A short biography, photos, and newspaper headlines of that time eloquently indicate that he was promoted to junior non-commissioned officer at the end of March 1917. Two weeks earlier, a military regiment swore allegiance to the provisional government. Rokossovsky, whose brief biography sheds light on interesting information, was delegated to the regimental committee in August 1917.
Red Guard period
The future Marshal Rokossovsky, whose brief biography states that in October 1917 he joined the Red Army, made a serious change in his life. It all started from the very beginning, from the bottom, from the rank and file. The soldier's life was not calm - for the next two years, Rokossovsky fought against the enemies of the revolution. It is not surprising, since the civil war was in full swing. Everyone knows how brave Konstantin Rokossovsky was. A short biography of a military man describes very rapid career growth during this period. In 1919, he again became an officer, commander of a squadron, and a year later - a cavalry regiment.
Personal life
In the mid-twenties, the world saw a new cell of society, the creation of which was initiated by Konstantin Rokossovsky. A short biography tells that the family consisted of his wife Yulia Barmina, whom he married in April 1923. In 1925, the couple had a daughter, who was named Ariadne. Subsequently, grandchildren Konstantin and Pavel were born.
Continuing your studies
The next few years were relatively calm. In 1924, Rokossovsky was sent to courses to improve his commanding qualities. There he met Andrei Eremenko.
Particularly memorable in his life were the years 1926-1929, which the future marshal spent serving in Mongolia. In 1929, he took advanced training courses for senior command personnel, where he met Mikhail Tukhachevsky. In 1935, Rokossovsky received the personal rank of division commander.
Consequence
The years 1937-1940 were some of the most unpleasant in the life of a military man. Due to several denunciations, Konstantin was first stripped of all ranks, dismissed from the army and, as a result, arrested. The investigation, which lasted three years, was completed in 1940. Rokossovsky was given back all his ranks and was even promoted to major general.
The beginning of the war and the battle for Moscow
Peaceful life did not last long. In 1941, Rokossovsky was appointed commander of the Fourth and later the Sixteenth Armies. For special services he was promoted to the rank of lieutenant general.
A particularly difficult memory was the battle for Moscow, which ended with the pushing of the attacking Germans far beyond the capital. For special personal services in these battles, Rokossovsky was awarded the Order of Lenin.
Wound
The war did not pass without a trace for the commander. March 8, 1942 was marred by a serious injury. The fragments hit important organs - the lung and liver, as well as the ribs and spine. Despite the need for long-term rehabilitation, already at the end of May Konstantin Konstantinovich was back in action.
Battle of Stalingrad
The brilliant result of the operation to capture the iconic city was the capture of almost one hundred thousand German soldiers led by Field Marshal. The awards for the magnificent tactical operation were the Order of Suvorov and the rank of Colonel General.
Battle of Kursk
In 1943, Konstantin Konstantinovich was appointed head of the Central Front, whose main task was to push back the enemy on the Kursk-Oryol Bulge. The result did not come immediately - the enemy was very stubborn. For his demonstrated will to win, Rokossovsky was promoted to army general.
After the Battle of Kursk, people started talking about the commander as an unsurpassed strategist. Only the genius of army thought could predict the actions of the enemy and withstand a massive offensive with much smaller forces. Rokossovsky literally read the enemy’s thoughts, and he could do nothing about it, suffering defeat over and over again. At the Kursk Bulge, the latest methods of warfare were tested, such as defense in depth, artillery counter-training and others.
Liberation of Belarus
The commander's largest and most important victory, as he believed, was in 1944. According to the plan, called “Bagration”, one of the authors of which was Rokossovsky, two simultaneous strikes were necessary, which deprived the enemy of the opportunity to maneuver and move manpower and equipment. In two months, Belarus was free, and with it part of the Baltic states and Poland.
End of the war
In 1945 the war was over. Rokossovsky was awarded the second Order of the Golden Star (the first was received in 1944). In 1946, it was he who hosted the parade on Red Square.
Post-war life
In 1949, Rokossovsky changed his place of residence to Poland. Being a Pole by birth, he did a lot to improve the country's defense capabilities.
In particular, means of communication and transportation were improved, and the military industry was created from scratch. Tanks, missiles, and airplanes were put into service. In 1956, Rokossovsky returned to the USSR, where he again devoted himself to military activities. Over the years, he became Minister of Defense and also headed various state commissions.
Demise
Konstantin Rokossovsky passed away on August 3, 1968. His ashes are in the Kremlin wall. Despite the fact that so many years have passed, his name is not forgotten. The Marshal looks sternly at his descendants from the pages of books, stamps and coins.
Rokossovsky
Konstantin Konstantinovich
Battles and victories
Soviet military leader and statesman, one of the most prominent commanders of the Second World War.According to a contemporary, it is hardly possible to name another commander who would have acted so successfully in both defensive and offensive operations.
Commanded the historic Victory Parade in Moscow.
ROKOSSOVSKY KONSTANTIN KONSTANTINOVICH (Ksaverevich) (12/21/1896 - 08/03/1968) was born in Warsaw. His father, Pole Ksaviry Rokossovsky, worked as a railway driver, then as a railway auditor, and his mother worked as a teacher. In the 1920s, due to the constant distortion of his patronymic name, Konstantin Rokossovsky began to be called Konstantin Konstantinovich. While still a teenager, he was left an orphan. First, his father died, and at the age of 14 he lost his mother. His parents helped him in obtaining a school education, and after their death, his relatives.
Rokossovsky began to work early. He tried several professions, including a textile factory worker and a stonemason. During the First World War, having added two years to his life, he volunteered to go to the front. “From early childhood,” recalled Konstantin Konstantinovich, “I was fascinated by books about war, military campaigns, battles, bold cavalry attacks... My dream was to experience everything that was said in the books myself.” He served in the Kargopol Dragoon Regiment. For bravery he was awarded the St. George medals of the 3rd and 4th degrees and the St. George Cross of the 4th class. Became a junior non-commissioned officer.
Civil War
In October 1917, he deliberately joined the Red Guard. During the Civil War, he was part of a Red Guard detachment, commanding a squadron, cavalry division, regiment, and brigade. In 1919 he joined the RCP(b). Fought on the Eastern Front. At the final stage of the Civil War, he fought with the gangs of Baron Ungern in Transbaikalia. Was wounded twice.
Rokossovsky K.K.:There is no worst crime in the Red Army, except treason and refusal to serve, such as assault, foul language and rudeness, that is, cases of humiliation of human dignity
His certification noted: “He has a strong will, energetic, decisive. Possesses dashing, composure. Aged. Capable of taking useful initiative. He understands the situation well. Smart. In relation to his subordinates, as well as to himself, he is demanding. He loves military affairs... He was awarded two Orders of the Red Banner for operations on the Eastern Front against Kolchak and Ungern. Performed organizational tasks carefully. Due to his lack of special military education, it is advisable to send him to courses. The position of the regiment commander is quite appropriate.”
Interwar time
In 1925 he graduated from the Cavalry advanced training courses for command personnel in Leningrad, in 1929 in Moscow - the advanced training courses for senior command personnel at the Frunze Academy.
Commanding a cavalry brigade, he took part in battles on the Chinese Eastern Railway, for which he received the third Order of the Red Banner. Then he commanded the 7th Samara Cavalry Division in Belarus (one of its regiments was commanded by G.K. Zhukov), the 15th Cavalry Division in the Far East, which he led to one of the best in the Red Army. For exemplary training of troops he was awarded the Order of Lenin. Commanded the 5th Cavalry Corps.
From the certification of K.K. Rokossovsky (1936):Comrade Rokossovsky is a well-trained commander. He loves military affairs, is interested in it and always follows its development. A combat commander with will and energy... A very valuable and growing commander.
In August 1937, Rokossovsky was arrested, unjustly accused of having connections with Polish and Japanese intelligence, convicted, but in March 1940, at the request of S.K. Timoshenko, he was released and returned to the troops. Rokossovsky met the Great Patriotic War in the Kiev Special Military District as the commander of the 9th Mechanized Corps with the rank of Major General.
The Great Patriotic War
On the morning of June 22, 1941, Rokossovsky raised the corps on combat alert, which, having completed a many-kilometer march, immediately entered the battle. I.Kh., who was then the head of the operations department of the headquarters of the Southwestern Front, recalled how timely and the only correct actions of Rokossovsky were. Bagramyan: “The third day of the war was coming to an end. An increasingly alarming situation was developing on the Southwestern Front. The threat, in particular, loomed over Lutsk, where the 15th mechanized corps of General I.I. Carpezo needed urgent support, otherwise the enemy tank wedges could cut and crush him. Units of the 87th and 124th Infantry Divisions, surrounded by the enemy near Lutsk, were also waiting for help. And when we at the front headquarters were racking our brains on how to help out the Lutsk group, the main forces of the 131st motorized and the advanced detachments of the tank divisions of the 9th mechanized corps, commanded by K.K. Rokossovsky. Reading his report about this, we literally could not believe our eyes. How did Konstantin Konstantinovich manage to do this? After all, his so-called motorized division could only follow... on foot. It turns out that on the very first day of the war, the decisive and proactive corps commander, at his own peril and risk, took all the vehicles from the district reserve in Shepetovka - and there were about two hundred of them - put the infantry on them and moved them in a combined march in front of the corps. The approach of his units to the Lutsk area saved the situation. They stopped the enemy tanks that had broken through and provided significant assistance to the formations retreating in difficult conditions.”
The 9th Mechanized Corps under the command of Rokossovsky took part in the 1941 tank battle near Dubno, Lutsk and Rivne. The actions of Soviet tank crews did not allow the enemy to encircle the Red Army troops in the Lvov ledge. For military operations at the beginning of the war, Rokossovsky was awarded the fourth Order of the Red Banner.
CM. Shtemenko, Army General:The military leader Konstantin Konstantinovich Rokossovsky is very colorful. He had a very difficult role in the famous Battle of Smolensk in 1941 and in defensive battles on the near approaches to Moscow... The personal charm of Konstantin Konstantinovich is irresistible... He was not only endlessly respected, but also sincerely loved by everyone who happened to come into contact with him in his service.
At the height of the fighting, Rokossovsky was summoned to Moscow, where he received a new assignment - to the Western Front. Front commander Marshal S.K. Timoshenko, assigning a combat mission to Rokossovsky, warned that the divisions intended for him had not yet arrived, so he ordered to subjugate any units and formations to organize counteraction to the enemy in the Yartsevo region near Smolensk. So, right in the process of fighting, the formation of a formation began, which in headquarters documents was called the group of General Rokossovsky.
IN AND. Kazakov, artillery marshal:Konstantin Konstantinovich possessed... precious qualities that had a huge influence on those around him... He was unusually simple and genuinely modest, sensitive and fair.
A man of high culture, he knew how to patiently listen to everyone, immediately highlight the main idea in the interlocutor’s judgments and use the knowledge of the team in the interests of the cause.
“Having learned that in the Yartsevo area and along the eastern bank of the Vop River there were units resisting the Germans, people themselves reached out to us...” Rokossovsky recalled. - It seems important to me to testify to this as an eyewitness and participant in the events. Many units experienced difficult days. Dismembered by enemy tanks and aircraft, they were deprived of a single leadership. And yet, the soldiers of these units stubbornly sought an opportunity to unite. They wanted to fight. This is what allowed us to succeed in our organizational efforts to put together a mobile group.”
The successful actions of the “Rokossovsky group” contributed to thwarting the enemy’s attempts to encircle and destroy the troops of the Western Front near Smolensk. After the Battle of Smolensk, Rokossovsky was appointed commander of the 16th Army, which especially distinguished itself in the Battle of Moscow. During the critical days of the defense of Moscow, its troops found themselves in the direction of the main attack of the German troops, defending the northwestern approaches to the capital, and did everything to stop the enemy. Konstantin Konstantinovich constantly set an example to his subordinates of cheerfulness, energy, and innovation in solving operational and tactical problems.
In the most difficult October 1941, in a conversation with a correspondent of “Red Star”, he said with conviction:When fighting near Moscow, you need to think about Berlin. Soviet troops will definitely be in Berlin.
It is no coincidence that many famous commanders came from the 16th Army - Panfilov, Dovator, Katukov, Beloborodov and others. In the winter of 1941-194. Under the command of Rokossovsky, the 16th Army successfully participated in the counteroffensive near Moscow, but in March, in the newly liberated Sukhinichi, the army commander was seriously wounded by a shell fragment.
Soon after his recovery and return to the 16th Army, Rokossovsky was appointed commander of the Bryansk Front.
ON THE. Antipenko:K.K. Rokossovsky, like most major military leaders, based his work on the principle of trust in his assistants. This trust was not blind: it became complete only when Konstantin Konstantinovich personally and more than once became convinced that he was being told the truth, and that everything possible had been done to solve the task; Having convinced himself of this, he saw in you a good comrade in arms, his friend. That is why the leadership of the front was so united and united: each of us sincerely valued the authority of our commander. They didn’t fear Rokossovsky at the front, they loved him.
From that moment until the end of the war, he commanded a number of fronts in the following sequence: Bryansk, Don, Central, Belorussian, 1st and 2nd Belorussian.
In the position of front commander, Rokossovsky's leadership talents were revealed in all their fullness. Appointed in September 1942 as commander of the Don Front, together with the commanders of the Southwestern (N.F. Vatutin) and Stalingrad (A.I. Eremenko) fronts, Rokossovsky took direct part in the preparation and conduct of Operation Uranus, the purpose of which was to encircle and the defeat of the Nazi group at Stalingrad.
After the enemy troops found themselves in a “cauldron”, by decision of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief, it was the Don Front that was tasked with dismembering and capturing the encircled enemy group. For the victory in the Battle of Stalingrad, Rokossovsky was awarded the Order of Suvorov, 1st degree.
P.I. Batov, army general:He never imposed his preliminary decisions, approved of a reasonable initiative and helped develop it. Rokossovsky knew how to lead his subordinates in such a way that each officer and general willingly contributed his share of creativity to the common cause. With all this, K.K. Rokossovsky himself and we, the army commanders, well understood that the commander of our time was without a strong will, without his firm convictions, without a personal assessment of events and people at the front, without his own style in operations, without intuition, that is You cannot be without your own “I”.
The strength of K.K. Rokossovsky’s activities has always been his intense desire to defeat the enemy at the cost of the least amount of personal sacrifice. He never doubted success and victory. And this iron will was transmitted to all his comrades.
Since February 1943, Rokossovsky commanded the troops of the Central Front on the Kursk Bulge. He managed to properly prepare the troops for the upcoming summer offensive of the enemy. Having repelled the German offensive, the troops of the Central Front launched a counteroffensive, liberating Oryol on August 5.
In the summer of 1944, K.K. Rokossovsky, commanding the 1st Belorussian Front, showed himself brilliantly in Operation Bagration, during which the German Army Group Center suffered a crushing defeat in Belarus. When developing a solution and planning the operation, Konstantin Konstantinovich again showed independence of operational thinking, a creative approach to fulfilling the task assigned to the front, and firmness in defending the decision made.
A.E. Golovanov:It is hardly possible to name another commander who would have acted so successfully in both defensive and offensive operations of the last war. Thanks to his broad military education, enormous personal culture, skillful communication with his subordinates, whom he always treated with respect, never emphasizing his official position, strong-willed qualities and outstanding organizational abilities, he gained unquestioned authority, respect and love of all those with with whom he happened to fight. Possessing the gift of foresight, he almost always accurately guessed the enemy’s intentions, forestalled them and, as a rule, emerged victorious.
From Rokossovsky’s memoirs it is known that when discussing the plan of operation at Headquarters, Stalin, not agreeing with Rokossovsky’s proposal to deliver not one, but two main strikes with the aim of encircling the enemy’s Bobruisk group, twice suggested that he go out and “think carefully.” The front commander, however, stood his ground. Subsequent events confirmed that the proposed decision was based on sober calculation and understanding of the specific conditions of the situation. Operating in difficult, swampy terrain, Rokossovsky’s troops encircled and destroyed more than five German divisions in the Bobruisk area in the first five days of the offensive, advancing 100-110 km.
The famous British historian B. Liddell Hart was able, by comparing the successes of the Red Army and the achievements of the Anglo-American allies, who had recently landed in Normandy, to show the fundamental difference between them.Having broken through the front line directly north of the Pinsk swamps, Rokossovsky’s troops continued to develop their offensive at an average speed of 32 km per day... Russian attacks led to the general collapse of the German defense system.
The allied forces on the western flank of the Norman bridgehead under the command of General O. Bradley, in three weeks of fighting against a much less formidable enemy, advanced, as Liddell Hart calculated, only 8-13 km. Even before the end of Operation Bagration, K.K. Rokossovsky was awarded the title of Marshal of the Soviet Union, and a month later - the title of Hero of the Soviet Union.
Building on their success, the troops of the 1st Belorussian Front began to carry out the Lublin-Brest offensive operation, during which they reached the approaches to Warsaw. The German command, however, managed to gather reserves and organize a counterattack, forcing Rokossovsky's troops to go on the defensive. In August 1944, mistakenly assessing the situation on the Soviet-German front, the Polish government in exile gave permission to carry out an anti-fascist uprising in Warsaw. It was assumed that the liberation of the capital of Poland without the participation of Soviet troops would ensure the “London Poles” restoration of their power in the country after the war. Despite the unexpectedness of what happened and the reluctance of the leaders of the uprising to cooperate with the Soviet command, Rokossovsky did everything he could to help the rebels. The troops of the 1st Belorussian Front, exhausted in previous battles, took a number of offensive actions, but without success. The uprising was suppressed.
In November 1944, before the start of the Vistula-Oder operation, Rokossovsky was transferred to the post of commander of the 2nd Belorussian Front. Instead of him, G.K. Zhukov was appointed to the Berlin direction.
Why such disgrace that I am being transferred from the main direction to a secondary area?
- Rokossovsky asked Stalin.
Stalin replied that all three fronts (1st Belorussian, 2nd Belorussian and 1st Ukrainian) were the main ones, and the success of the upcoming operation would depend on their close interaction.
If you and Konev do not advance, then Zhukov will not advance anywhere...
summarized the Supreme Commander-in-Chief.
Until the end of the war, K.K. Rokossovsky commanded the 2nd Belorussian Front, whose troops, together with other fronts, crushed the enemy in the East Prussian, East Pomeranian and, finally, Berlin strategic operations. The front troops defeated the Wehrmacht formations that threatened the right flank of the Soviet troops aimed at Berlin. The access of the 2nd Belorussian Front to the sea at Danzig, Kolberg, Swinemünde, and Rostock deprived the enemy of the opportunity to transfer troops from Courland, Norway, and Denmark to help Berlin.
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A.M. Vasilevsky:Commanding a number of fronts, and always in very important directions, Konstantin Konstantinovich, with his hard work, great knowledge, courage, bravery, enormous efficiency and constant concern for his subordinates, earned himself exceptional respect and ardent love. I am happy that during the Great Patriotic War I had the opportunity to witness the military leadership talent of Konstantin Konstantinovich, his enviable calm in all cases, and his ability to find a wise solution to the most difficult issue.
On March 31, 1945, Marshal Rokossovsky was one of the first among Soviet military leaders “for the skillful leadership of major operations, as a result of which outstanding successes were achieved in the defeat of the Nazi troops”, was awarded the Order of Victory, and on May 2, 1945 for the second time awarded the title of Hero of the Soviet Union.
June 24, 1945 K.K. Rokossovsky commanded the historic Victory Parade in Moscow, which was hosted by Marshal G.K. Zhukov. “I perceived command of the Victory Parade as the highest award for my entire many years of service in the Armed Forces,” the Marshal said at a Kremlin reception in honor of the parade participants.
G.K. Zhukov:Rokossovsky was a very good boss. He knew military affairs brilliantly, clearly set tasks, and intelligently and tactfully checked the execution of his orders. He showed constant attention to his subordinates and, perhaps like no one else, knew how to evaluate and develop the initiative of the commanders subordinate to him. He gave a lot to others and at the same time knew how to learn from them. I’m not even talking about his rare spiritual qualities - they are known to everyone who served at least a little under his command.” “It’s hard for me to remember a more thorough, efficient, hardworking and, by and large, gifted person.
Post-war time
After the war, K.K. Rokossovsky held various command and government positions. In particular, from 1949 to 1956 he was the Minister of National Defense of Poland. He was awarded the military rank of Marshal of Poland.
In 1956-1957 K.K. Rokossovsky was deputy. Minister of Defense of the USSR (the minister then was G.K. Zhukov). But in 1957 he was transferred to the commander of the Transcaucasian Military District. In 1958-1962 again - deputy. Minister of Defense and Chief Inspector of the USSR Ministry of Defense. In April 1962, N.S. Khrushchev asked K.K. Rokossovsky to write an article about I.V. Stalin in the spirit of the well-known resolution of the 20th Congress of the CPSU on the “cult of personality.” But the marshal resolutely refused to carry out this political order, and the next day he was removed from office. The last years of his life he was in the group of inspectors general of the Ministry of Defense, and was seriously ill. He died at the age of 72. The urn with ashes is in the Kremlin wall.
For the commander's handwriting K.K. Rokossovsky is characterized by the ability to avoid patterns and straightforward actions, the ability to recognize the enemy’s intentions and use his weaknesses, to provide maximum fire support for troops in defense and attack, and the desire to achieve results not with numbers, but with skill.
M.A. Gareev, army general:He set a great example for modern officers of innovation and constant creativity in the art of war, which all officers must constantly learn.
He did not simply react to the developing situation, but sought to influence it in the right direction by misinforming the enemy, using unexpected methods of action, imposing his will, and skillfully stimulating the actions of his troops.
Rokossovsky K.K.:In battle, the most important thing is perfect coordination of actions. The front commander and the ordinary soldier at times equally influence success, and often ordinary soldiers, commanders of companies, battalions, and batteries make a decisive contribution to the outcome of the battle... Of course, the decisions of the High Command are of enormous importance... But the main thing is the soldiers.
In the memory of people who communicated with K.K. Rokossovsky, he remained as a tall, stately, charming person, sincere and intelligent. At the same time, he certainly possessed personal courage and courage.
THEIR. Baghramyan:Konstantin Konstantinovich stood out with his almost two-meter height. Moreover, he amazed with his grace and elegance, as he was unusually well-built and truly classically built. He behaved freely, but perhaps a little shyly, and the kind smile that illuminated his handsome face attracted people to him. This appearance was in perfect harmony with the entire spiritual structure of Konstantin Konstantinovich, which I soon became convinced of, having become close friends with him for the rest of my life.
He could often be seen in the trenches, on the front line, among soldiers and officers. “If you’re not in the trenches for a long time,” he said, “you get the feeling that some important line of communication has been broken, and some very valuable information is missing.” One of the most outstanding creators of Victory, Rokossovsky summed up his military leadership as follows:
The greatest happiness for a soldier is the knowledge that you helped your people defeat the enemy, defend the freedom of the Motherland, and return peace to it. The consciousness that you have fulfilled your soldier’s duty, a difficult and noble duty, higher than which there is nothing on earth!
Literature
Gareev M.A. Victory commanders and their military heritage. M., 2003. P.222-235.
Korolchenko A.F. Marshal Rokossovsky. M., 1999
Rubtsov Yu.V. "Soviet Bagration". Marshal K.K. Rokossovsky. New and recent history. 2004. No. 6
Internet
Yu.A. Nikiforov, Ph.D., Head. Department of History, Philosophy and Cultural Studies of Moscow State University for the Humanities. Sholokhov
Ivan III Vasilievich
He united the Russian lands around Moscow and threw off the hated Tatar-Mongol yoke.
Drozdovsky Mikhail Gordeevich
He managed to bring his subordinate troops to the Don in full force, and fought extremely effectively in the conditions of the civil war.
Denikin Anton Ivanovich
Russian military leader, political and public figure, writer, memoirist, publicist and military documentarian.
Participant in the Russo-Japanese War. One of the most effective generals of the Russian Imperial Army during the First World War. Commander of the 4th Infantry "Iron" Brigade (1914-1916, from 1915 - deployed under his command to a division), 8th Army Corps (1916-1917). Lieutenant General of the General Staff (1916), commander of the Western and Southwestern Fronts (1917). An active participant in the military congresses of 1917, an opponent of the democratization of the army. He expressed support for the Kornilov speech, for which he was arrested by the Provisional Government, a participant in the Berdichev and Bykhov sittings of generals (1917).
One of the main leaders of the White movement during the Civil War, its leader in the South of Russia (1918-1920). He achieved the greatest military and political results among all the leaders of the White movement. Pioneer, one of the main organizers, and then commander of the Volunteer Army (1918-1919). Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the South of Russia (1919-1920), Deputy Supreme Ruler and Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Army Admiral Kolchak (1919-1920).
Since April 1920 - an emigrant, one of the main political figures of the Russian emigration. Author of the memoirs “Essays on the Russian Time of Troubles” (1921-1926) - a fundamental historical and biographical work about the Civil War in Russia, the memoirs “The Old Army” (1929-1931), the autobiographical story “The Path of the Russian Officer” (published in 1953) and a number of other works.
Izylmetyev Ivan Nikolaevich
Commanded the frigate "Aurora". He made the transition from St. Petersburg to Kamchatka in a record time for those times in 66 days. In Callao Bay he eluded the Anglo-French squadron. Arriving in Petropavlovsk together with the governor of the Kamchatka Territory, Zavoiko V. organized the defense of the city, during which the sailors from the Aurora, together with local residents, threw the outnumbered Anglo-French landing force into the sea. Then he took the Aurora to the Amur Estuary, hiding it there After these events, the British public demanded a trial of the admirals who lost the Russian frigate.
Shein Mikhail Borisovich
Voivode Shein is a hero and leader of the unprecedented defense of Smolensk in 1609-16011. This fortress decided a lot in the fate of Russia!
Nakhimov Pavel Stepanovich
Because he inspires many by personal example.
Romanov Pyotr Alekseevich
During the endless discussions about Peter I as a politician and reformer, it is unfairly forgotten that he was the greatest commander of his time. He was not only an excellent organizer of the rear. In the two most important battles of the Northern War (the battles of Lesnaya and Poltava), he not only himself developed battle plans, but also personally led the troops, being in the most important, responsible directions.
The only commander I know of who was equally talented in both land and sea battles.
The main thing is that Peter I created a domestic military school. If all the great commanders of Russia are the heirs of Suvorov, then Suvorov himself is the heir of Peter.
The Battle of Poltava was one of the greatest (if not the greatest) victory in Russian history. In all other great aggressive invasions of Russia, the general battle did not have a decisive outcome, and the struggle dragged on, leading to exhaustion. It was only in the Northern War that the general battle radically changed the state of affairs, and from the attacking side the Swedes became the defending side, decisively losing the initiative.
I believe that Peter I deserves to be in the top three on the list of the best commanders of Russia.
Khvorostinin Dmitry Ivanovich
An outstanding commander of the second half of the 16th century. Oprichnik.
Genus. OK. 1520, died on August 7 (17), 1591. At voivode posts since 1560. Participant in almost all military enterprises during the independent reign of Ivan IV and the reign of Fyodor Ioannovich. He has won several field battles (including: the defeat of the Tatars near Zaraisk (1570), the Battle of Molodinsk (during the decisive battle he led Russian troops in Gulyai-gorod), the defeat of the Swedes at Lyamitsa (1582) and near Narva ( 1590)). He led the suppression of the Cheremis uprising in 1583-1584, for which he received the rank of boyar.
Based on the totality of merits of D.I. Khvorostinin stands much higher than what M.I. has already proposed here. Vorotynsky. Vorotynsky was more noble and therefore he was more often entrusted with the general leadership of the regiments. But, according to the commander’s talats, he was far from Khvorostinin.
Tsarevich and Grand Duke Konstantin Pavlovich
Grand Duke Konstantin Pavlovich, the second son of Emperor Paul I, received the title of Tsarevich in 1799 for his participation in the Swiss campaign of A.V. Suvorov, and retained it until 1831. In the Battle of Austrlitz he commanded the guards reserve of the Russian Army, took part in the Patriotic War of 1812, and distinguished himself in the foreign campaigns of the Russian Army. For the “Battle of the Nations” at Leipzig in 1813 he received the “golden weapon” “For bravery!” Inspector General of the Russian Cavalry, since 1826 Viceroy of the Kingdom of Poland.
Prince Monomakh Vladimir Vsevolodovich
The most remarkable of the Russian princes of the pre-Tatar period of our history, who left behind great fame and good memory.
Kazarsky Alexander Ivanovich
Captain-lieutenant. Participant in the Russian-Turkish war of 1828-29. He distinguished himself during the capture of Anapa, then Varna, commanding the transport "Rival". After this, he was promoted to lieutenant commander and appointed captain of the brig Mercury. On May 14, 1829, the 18-gun brig Mercury was overtaken by two Turkish battleships Selimiye and Real Bey. Having accepted an unequal battle, the brig was able to immobilize both Turkish flagships, one of which contained the commander of the Ottoman fleet. Subsequently, an officer from the Real Bay wrote: “During the continuation of the battle, the commander of the Russian frigate (the notorious Raphael, which surrendered without a fight a few days earlier) told me that the captain of this brig would not surrender, and if he lost hope, then he would blow up the brig If in the great deeds of ancient and modern times there are feats of courage, then this act should overshadow all of them, and the name of this hero is worthy of being inscribed in gold letters on the Temple of Glory: he is called captain-lieutenant Kazarsky, and the brig is “Mercury”
Muravyov-Karssky Nikolai Nikolaevich
One of the most successful commanders of the mid-19th century in the Turkish direction.
Hero of the first capture of Kars (1828), leader of the second capture of Kars (the largest success of the Crimean War, 1855, which made it possible to end the war without territorial losses for Russia).
John 4 Vasilievich
Uborevich Ieronim Petrovich
Soviet military leader, commander of the 1st rank (1935). Member of the Communist Party since March 1917. Born in the village of Aptandrius (now Utena region of the Lithuanian SSR) in the family of a Lithuanian peasant. Graduated from the Konstantinovsky Artillery School (1916). Participant of the 1st World War 1914-18, second lieutenant. After the October Revolution of 1917, he was one of the organizers of the Red Guard in Bessarabia. In January - February 1918 he commanded a revolutionary detachment in battles against Romanian and Austro-German interventionists, was wounded and captured, from where he escaped in August 1918. He was an artillery instructor, commander of the Dvina brigade on the Northern Front, and from December 1918 head of the 18th Infantry divisions of the 6th Army. From October 1919 to February 1920, he was the commander of the 14th Army during the defeat of the troops of General Denikin, in March - April 1920 he commanded the 9th Army in the North Caucasus. In May - July and November - December 1920, commander of the 14th Army in battles against the troops of bourgeois Poland and the Petliurites, in July - November 1920 - 13th Army in battles against the Wrangelites. In 1921, assistant commander of the troops of Ukraine and Crimea, deputy commander of the troops of the Tambov province, commander of the troops of the Minsk province, led the military operations during the defeat of the gangs of Makhno, Antonov and Bulak-Balakhovich. From August 1921 commander of the 5th Army and the East Siberian Military District. In August - December 1922, Minister of War of the Far Eastern Republic and Commander-in-Chief of the People's Revolutionary Army during the liberation of the Far East. He was commander of the troops of the North Caucasus (since 1925), Moscow (since 1928) and Belarusian (since 1931) military districts. Since 1926, a member of the Revolutionary Military Council of the USSR, in 1930-31, deputy chairman of the Revolutionary Military Council of the USSR and chief of armaments of the Red Army. Since 1934 member of the Military Council of NGOs. He made a great contribution to strengthening the defense capability of the USSR, educating and training command staff and troops. Candidate member of the Central Committee of the All-Union Communist Party (Bolsheviks) in 1930-37. Member of the All-Russian Central Executive Committee since December 1922. Awarded 3 Orders of the Red Banner and Honorary Revolutionary Weapon.
Rurikovich (Grozny) Ivan Vasilievich
In the diversity of perceptions of Ivan the Terrible, one often forgets about his unconditional talent and achievements as a commander. He personally led the capture of Kazan and organized military reform, leading a country that was simultaneously fighting 2-3 wars on different fronts.
Baklanov Yakov Petrovich
An outstanding strategist and a mighty warrior, he achieved respect and fear of his name among the uncovered mountaineers, who had forgotten the iron grip of the “Thunderstorm of the Caucasus”. At the moment - Yakov Petrovich, an example of the spiritual strength of a Russian soldier in front of the proud Caucasus. His talent crushed the enemy and minimized the time frame of the Caucasian War, for which he received the nickname “Boklu”, akin to the devil for his fearlessness.
Ermak Timofeevich
Russian. Cossack. Ataman. Defeated Kuchum and his satellites. Approved Siberia as part of the Russian state. He dedicated his entire life to military work.
Bennigsen Leonty Leontievich
Surprisingly, a Russian general who did not speak Russian, became the glory of Russian weapons of the early 19th century.
He made a significant contribution to the suppression of the Polish uprising.
Commander-in-Chief in the Battle of Tarutino.
He made a significant contribution to the campaign of 1813 (Dresden and Leipzig).
Makhno Nestor Ivanovich
Over the mountains, over the valleys
I've been waiting for my blue ones for a long time
Father is wise, Father is glorious,
Our good father - Makhno...
(peasant song from the Civil War)
He was able to create an army and conducted successful military operations against the Austro-Germans and against Denikin.
And for * carts * even if he was not awarded the Order of the Red Banner, it should be done now
Yudenich Nikolai Nikolaevich
One of the most successful generals in Russia during the First World War. The Erzurum and Sarakamysh operations carried out by him on the Caucasian front, carried out in extremely unfavorable conditions for Russian troops, and ending in victories, I believe, deserve to be included among the brightest victories of Russian weapons. In addition, Nikolai Nikolaevich stood out for his modesty and decency, lived and died as an honest Russian officer, and remained faithful to the oath to the end.
Kotlyarevsky Petr Stepanovich
General Kotlyarevsky, son of a priest in the village of Olkhovatki, Kharkov province. He worked his way up from a private to a general in the tsarist army. He can be called the great-grandfather of Russian special forces. He carried out truly unique operations... His name is worthy of being included in the list of the greatest commanders of Russia
Chichagov Vasily Yakovlevich
Superbly commanded the Baltic Fleet in the campaigns of 1789 and 1790. He won victories in the battle of Öland (7/15/1789), in the Revel (5/2/1790) and Vyborg (06/22/1790) battles. After the last two defeats, which were of strategic importance, the dominance of the Baltic Fleet became unconditional, and this forced the Swedes to make peace. There are few such examples in the history of Russia when victories at sea led to victory in the war. And by the way, the Battle of Vyborg was one of the largest in world history in terms of the number of ships and people.
Spiridov Grigory Andreevich
He became a sailor under Peter I, participated as an officer in the Russian-Turkish War (1735-1739), and ended the Seven Years' War (1756-1763) as a rear admiral. His naval and diplomatic talent reached its peak during the Russian-Turkish War of 1768-1774. In 1769 he led the first passage of the Russian fleet from the Baltic to the Mediterranean Sea. Despite the difficulties of the transition (the admiral's son was among those who died from illness - his grave was recently found on the island of Menorca), he quickly established control over the Greek archipelago. The Battle of Chesme in June 1770 remained unsurpassed in terms of loss ratio: 11 Russians - 11 thousand Turks! On the island of Paros, the naval base of Auza was equipped with coastal batteries and its own Admiralty.
The Russian fleet left the Mediterranean Sea after the conclusion of the Kuchuk-Kainardzhi Peace in July 1774. The Greek islands and lands of the Levant, including Beirut, were returned to Turkey in exchange for territories in the Black Sea region. However, the activities of the Russian fleet in the Archipelago were not in vain and played a significant role in world naval history. Russia, having made a strategic maneuver with its fleet from one theater to another and achieved a number of high-profile victories over the enemy, for the first time made people talk about itself as a strong maritime power and an important player in European politics.
Suvorov Alexander Vasilievich
An outstanding Russian commander. He successfully defended the interests of Russia both from external aggression and outside the country.
Chapaev Vasily Ivanovich
01/28/1887 - 09/05/1919 life. Head of the Red Army division, participant in the First World War and the Civil War.
Recipient of three St. George's Crosses and the St. George's Medal. Knight of the Order of the Red Banner.
On his account:
- Organization of the district Red Guard of 14 detachments.
- Participation in the campaign against General Kaledin (near Tsaritsyn).
- Participation in the campaign of the Special Army to Uralsk.
- Initiative to reorganize the Red Guard units into two Red Army regiments: them. Stepan Razin and them. Pugachev, united in the Pugachev brigade under the command of Chapaev.
- Participation in battles with the Czechoslovaks and the People’s Army, from whom Nikolaevsk was recaptured, renamed Pugachevsk in honor of the brigade.
- Since September 19, 1918, commander of the 2nd Nikolaev Division.
- Since February 1919 - Commissioner of Internal Affairs of the Nikolaev district.
- Since May 1919 - brigade commander of the Special Alexandrovo-Gai Brigade.
- Since June - head of the 25th Infantry Division, which participated in the Bugulma and Belebeyevskaya operations against Kolchak’s army.
- Capture of Ufa by the forces of his division on June 9, 1919.
- Capture of Uralsk.
- A deep raid of a Cossack detachment with an attack on the well-guarded (about 1000 bayonets) and located in the deep rear of the city of Lbischensk (now the village of Chapaev, West Kazakhstan region of Kazakhstan), where the headquarters of the 25th division was located.
Donskoy Dmitry Ivanovich
His army won the Kulikovo victory.
Brusilov Alexey Alekseevich
In World War I, commander of the 8th Army in the Battle of Galicia. On August 15-16, 1914, during the Rohatyn battles, he defeated the 2nd Austro-Hungarian Army, capturing 20 thousand people. and 70 guns. On August 20, Galich was captured. The 8th Army takes an active part in the battles at Rava-Russkaya and in the Battle of Gorodok. In September he commanded a group of troops from the 8th and 3rd armies. From September 28 to October 11, his army withstood a counterattack by the 2nd and 3rd Austro-Hungarian armies in battles on the San River and near the city of Stryi. During the successfully completed battles, 15 thousand enemy soldiers were captured, and at the end of October his army entered the foothills of the Carpathians.
Prince Svyatoslav
Stalin Joseph Vissarionovich
Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the USSR during the Great Patriotic War. Under his leadership, the Red Army crushed fascism.
Dubynin Viktor Petrovich
From April 30, 1986 to June 1, 1987 - commander of the 40th combined arms army of the Turkestan Military District. The troops of this army made up the bulk of the Limited contingent of Soviet troops in Afghanistan. During the year of his command of the army, the number of irretrievable losses decreased by 2 times compared to 1984-1985.
On June 10, 1992, Colonel General V.P. Dubynin was appointed Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces - First Deputy Minister of Defense of the Russian Federation
His merits include keeping the President of the Russian Federation B.N. Yeltsin from a number of ill-conceived decisions in the military sphere, primarily in the field of nuclear forces.
Romodanovsky Grigory Grigorievich
An outstanding military figure of the 17th century, prince and governor. In 1655, he won his first victory over the Polish hetman S. Potocki near Gorodok in Galicia. Later, as commander of the army of the Belgorod category (military administrative district), he played a major role in organizing the defense of the southern border of Russia. In 1662, he won the greatest victory in the Russian-Polish war for Ukraine in the battle of Kanev, defeating the traitor hetman Yu. Khmelnytsky and the Poles who helped him. In 1664, near Voronezh, he forced the famous Polish commander Stefan Czarnecki to flee, forcing the army of King John Casimir to retreat. Repeatedly beat the Crimean Tatars. In 1677 he defeated the 100,000-strong Turkish army of Ibrahim Pasha near Buzhin, and in 1678 he defeated the Turkish corps of Kaplan Pasha near Chigirin. Thanks to his military talents, Ukraine did not become another Ottoman province and the Turks did not take Kyiv.
Ridiger Fedor Vasilievich
Adjutant General, Cavalry General, Adjutant General... He had three Golden sabers with the inscription: “For bravery”... In 1849, Ridiger took part in a campaign in Hungary to suppress the unrest that arose there, being appointed head of the right column. On May 9, Russian troops entered the Austrian Empire. He pursued the rebel army until August 1, forcing them to lay down their arms in front of Russian troops near Vilyagosh. On August 5, the troops entrusted to him occupied the Arad fortress. During the trip of Field Marshal Ivan Fedorovich Paskevich to Warsaw, Count Ridiger commanded the troops located in Hungary and Transylvania... On February 21, 1854, during the absence of Field Marshal Prince Paskevich in the Kingdom of Poland, Count Ridiger commanded all troops located in the area of the active army - as a commander separate corps and at the same time served as head of the Kingdom of Poland. After the return of Field Marshal Prince Paskevich to Warsaw, from August 3, 1854, he served as Warsaw military governor.
Maksimov Evgeniy Yakovlevich
Russian hero of the Transvaal War. He was a volunteer in fraternal Serbia, participating in the Russian-Turkish war. At the beginning of the 20th century, the British began to wage war against the small people - the Boers. Eugene successfully fought against the invaders and in 1900 was appointed military general. Died in Russian Japanese war. In addition to his military career, he distinguished himself in the literary field.
Yulaev Salavat
Commander of the Pugachev era (1773-1775). Together with Pugachev, he organized an uprising and tried to change the position of the peasants in society. He won several victories over the troops of Catherine II.
Alekseev Mikhail Vasilievich
Outstanding employee of the Russian Academy of the General Staff. Developer and implementer of the Galician operation - the first brilliant victory of the Russian army in the Great War.
Saved the troops of the North-Western Front from encirclement during the “Great Retreat” of 1915.
Chief of Staff of the Russian Armed Forces in 1916-1917.
Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Army in 1917
Developed and implemented strategic plans for offensive operations in 1916 - 1917.
He continued to defend the need to preserve the Eastern Front after 1917 (the Volunteer Army is the basis of the new Eastern Front in the ongoing Great War).
Slandered and slandered in relation to various so-called. “Masonic military lodges”, “conspiracy of generals against the Sovereign”, etc., etc. - in terms of emigrant and modern historical journalism.
Kornilov Vladimir Alekseevich
During the outbreak of the war with England and France, he actually commanded the Black Sea Fleet, and until his heroic death he was the immediate superior of P.S. Nakhimov and V.I. Istomina. After the landing of the Anglo-French troops in Evpatoria and the defeat of the Russian troops on Alma, Kornilov received an order from the commander-in-chief in the Crimea, Prince Menshikov, to sink the ships of the fleet in the roadstead in order to use sailors for the defense of Sevastopol from land.
Svyatoslav Igorevich
I would like to propose the “candidacies” of Svyatoslav and his father, Igor, as the greatest commanders and political leaders of their time, I think that there is no point in listing to historians their services to the fatherland, I was unpleasantly surprised not to see their names on this list. Sincerely.
Bobrok-Volynsky Dmitry Mikhailovich
Boyar and governor of Grand Duke Dmitry Ivanovich Donskoy. "Developer" of the tactics of the Battle of Kulikovo.
Dovator Lev Mikhailovich
Soviet military leader, major general, Hero of the Soviet Union. Known for successful operations to destroy German troops during the Great Patriotic War. The German command placed a large reward on Dovator's head.
Together with the 8th Guards Division named after Major General I.V. Panfilov, the 1st Guards Tank Brigade of General M.E. Katukov and other troops of the 16th Army, his corps defended the approaches to Moscow in the Volokolamsk direction.
Yuri Vsevolodovich
Bagration, Denis Davydov...
The War of 1812, the glorious names of Bagration, Barclay, Davydov, Platov. A model of honor and courage.
Khvorostinin Dmitry Ivanovich
A commander who had no defeats...
Soldier, several wars (including World War I and World War II). passed the way to Marshal of the USSR and Poland. Military intellectual. did not resort to “obscene leadership”. He knew the subtleties of military tactics. practice, strategy and operational art.
Karyagin Pavel Mikhailovich
Colonel Karyagin's campaign against the Persians in 1805 does not resemble real military history. It looks like a prequel to "300 Spartans" (20,000 Persians, 500 Russians, gorges, bayonet attacks, "This is madness! - No, this is the 17th Jaeger Regiment!"). A golden, platinum page of Russian history, combining the carnage of madness with the highest tactical skill, amazing cunning and stunning Russian arrogance
Yaroslav the Wise
Minich Burchard-Christopher
One of the best Russian commanders and military engineers. The first commander to enter Crimea. Winner at Stavuchany.
Dolgorukov Yuri Alekseevich
An outstanding statesman and military leader of the era of Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich, Prince. Commanding the Russian army in Lithuania, in 1658 he defeated Hetman V. Gonsevsky in the Battle of Verki, taking him prisoner. This was the first time since 1500 that a Russian governor captured the hetman. In 1660, at the head of an army sent to Mogilev, besieged by Polish-Lithuanian troops, he won a strategic victory over the enemy on the Basya River near the village of Gubarevo, forcing hetmans P. Sapieha and S. Charnetsky to retreat from the city. Thanks to the actions of Dolgorukov, the “front line” in Belarus along the Dnieper remained until the end of the war of 1654-1667. In 1670, he led an army aimed at fighting the Cossacks of Stenka Razin, and quickly suppressed the Cossack rebellion, which subsequently led to the Don Cossacks swearing an oath of allegiance to the Tsar and transforming the Cossacks from robbers into “sovereign servants.”
Udatny Mstislav Mstislavovich
A real knight, recognized as a great commander in Europe
Grachev Pavel Sergeevich
Hero of the Soviet Union. May 5, 1988 “for completing combat missions with minimal casualties and for the professional command of a controlled formation and the successful actions of the 103rd Airborne Division, in particular, in occupying the strategically important Satukandav pass (Khost province) during the military operation “Magistral” "Received the Gold Star medal No. 11573. Commander of the USSR Airborne Forces. In total, during his military service he made 647 parachute jumps, some of them while testing new equipment.
He was shell-shocked 8 times and received several wounds. Suppressed the armed coup in Moscow and thereby saved the system of democracy. As Minister of Defense, he made great efforts to preserve the remnants of the army - a similar task to few people in the history of Russia. Only because of the collapse of the army and the reduction in the number of military equipment in the Armed Forces was he unable to victoriously end the Chechen War.
Uvarov Fedor Petrovich
At the age of 27 he was promoted to general. He took part in the campaigns of 1805-1807 and in the battles on the Danube in 1810. In 1812, he commanded the 1st Artillery Corps in the army of Barclay de Tolly, and subsequently the entire cavalry of the united armies.
Stalin Joseph Vissarionovich
“I studied I.V. Stalin thoroughly as a military leader, since I went through the entire war with him. I.V. Stalin knew the issues of organizing front-line operations and operations of groups of fronts and led them with full knowledge of the matter, having a good understanding of large strategic questions...
In leading the armed struggle as a whole, J.V. Stalin was helped by his natural intelligence and rich intuition. He knew how to find the main link in a strategic situation and, seizing on it, counter the enemy, carry out one or another major offensive operation. Undoubtedly, he was a worthy Supreme Commander."
Kotlyarevsky Petr Stepanovich
Hero of the Russian-Persian War of 1804-1813. At one time they called Suvorov of the Caucasus. On October 19, 1812, at the Aslanduz ford across the Araks, at the head of a detachment of 2,221 people with 6 guns, Pyotr Stepanovich defeated the Persian army of 30,000 people with 12 guns. In other battles, he also acted not with numbers, but with skill.
Antonov Alexey Innokentievich
He became famous as a talented staff officer. He participated in the development of almost all significant operations of the Soviet troops in the Great Patriotic War since December 1942.
The only one of all Soviet military leaders awarded the Order of Victory with the rank of army general, and the only Soviet holder of the order who was not awarded the title of Hero of the Soviet Union.
Kappel Vladimir Oskarovich
Without exaggeration, he is the best commander of Admiral Kolchak’s army. Under his command, Russia's gold reserves were captured in Kazan in 1918. At 36 years old, he was a lieutenant general, commander of the Eastern Front. The Siberian Ice Campaign is associated with this name. In January 1920, he led 30,000 Kappelites to Irkutsk to capture Irkutsk and free the Supreme Ruler of Russia, Admiral Kolchak, from captivity. The general's death from pneumonia largely determined the tragic outcome of this campaign and the death of the Admiral...
Barclay de Tolly Mikhail Bogdanovich
It's simple - It was he, as a commander, who made the greatest contribution to the defeat of Napoleon. He saved the army under the most difficult conditions, despite misunderstandings and grave accusations of treason. It was to him that our great poet Pushkin, practically a contemporary of those events, dedicated the poem “Commander”.
Pushkin, recognizing Kutuzov's merits, did not oppose him to Barclay. In place of the common alternative “Barclay or Kutuzov,” with the traditional resolution in favor of Kutuzov, Pushkin came to a new position: both Barclay and Kutuzov are both worthy of the grateful memory of posterity, but Kutuzov is revered by everyone, but Mikhail Bogdanovich Barclay de Tolly is undeservedly forgotten.
Pushkin mentioned Barclay de Tolly even earlier, in one of the chapters of “Eugene Onegin” -
Thunderstorm of the twelfth year
It has arrived - who helped us here?
The frenzy of the people
Barclay, winter or Russian god?...
Osterman-Tolstoy Alexander Ivanovich
One of the brightest "field" generals of the early 19th century. Hero of the battles of Preussisch-Eylau, Ostrovno and Kulm.
Platov Matvey Ivanovich
Ataman of the Great Don Army (from 1801), cavalry general (1809), who took part in all the wars of the Russian Empire at the end of the 18th - beginning of the 19th centuries.
In 1771 he distinguished himself during the attack and capture of the Perekop line and Kinburn. From 1772 he began to command a Cossack regiment. During the 2nd Turkish War he distinguished himself during the assault on Ochakov and Izmail. Participated in the battle of Preussisch-Eylau.
During the Patriotic War of 1812, he first commanded all the Cossack regiments on the border, and then, covering the retreat of the army, won victories over the enemy near the towns of Mir and Romanovo. In the battle near the village of Semlevo, Platov’s army defeated the French and captured a colonel from the army of Marshal Murat. During the retreat of the French army, Platov, pursuing it, inflicted defeats on it at Gorodnya, Kolotsky Monastery, Gzhatsk, Tsarevo-Zaimishch, near Dukhovshchina and when crossing the Vop River. For his merits he was elevated to the rank of count. In November, Platov captured Smolensk from battle and defeated the troops of Marshal Ney near Dubrovna. At the beginning of January 1813, he entered Prussia and besieged Danzig; in September he received command of a special corps, with which he participated in the battle of Leipzig and, pursuing the enemy, captured about 15 thousand people. In 1814, he fought at the head of his regiments during the capture of Nemur, Arcy-sur-Aube, Cezanne, Villeneuve. Awarded the Order of St. Andrew the First-Called.
Denikin Anton Ivanovich
One of the most talented and successful commanders of the First World War. Coming from a poor family, he made a brilliant military career, relying solely on his own virtues. Member of the RYAV, WWI, graduate of the Nikolaev Academy of the General Staff. He fully realized his talent while commanding the legendary “Iron” brigade, which was then expanded into a division. Participant and one of the main characters of the Brusilov breakthrough. He remained a man of honor even after the collapse of the army, a Bykhov prisoner. Member of the ice campaign and commander of the AFSR. For more than a year and a half, possessing very modest resources and much inferior in numbers to the Bolsheviks, he won victory after victory, liberating a vast territory.
Also, do not forget that Anton Ivanovich is a wonderful and very successful publicist, and his books are still very popular. An extraordinary, talented commander, an honest Russian man in difficult times for the Motherland, who was not afraid to light a torch of hope.
Nakhimov Pavel Stepanovich
Successes in the Crimean War of 1853-56, victory in the Battle of Sinop in 1853, defense of Sevastopol 1854-55.
Stalin (Dzhugashvili) Joseph Vissarionovich
He was the Supreme Commander-in-Chief of all armed forces of the Soviet Union. Thanks to his talent as a Commander and Outstanding Statesman, the USSR won the bloodiest WAR in the history of mankind. Most of the battles of World War II were won with his direct participation in the development of their plans.
Gavrilov Pyotr Mikhailovich
From the first days of the Great Patriotic War - in the active army. Major Gavrilov P.M. from June 22 to July 23, 1941 he led the defense of the Eastern Fort of the Brest Fortress. He managed to rally around himself all the surviving soldiers and commanders of various units and divisions, closing the most vulnerable places for the enemy to break through. On July 23, he was seriously wounded by a shell explosion in the casemate and was captured in an unconscious state. He spent the war years in the Nazi concentration camps of Hammelburg and Revensburg, experiencing all the horrors of captivity. Liberated by Soviet troops in May 1945. http://warheroes.ru/hero/hero.asp?Hero_id=484
Chuikov Vasily Ivanovich
Soviet military leader, Marshal of the Soviet Union (1955). Twice Hero of the Soviet Union (1944, 1945).
From 1942 to 1946, commander of the 62nd Army (8th Guards Army), which particularly distinguished itself in the Battle of Stalingrad. He took part in defensive battles on the distant approaches to Stalingrad. From September 12, 1942, he commanded the 62nd Army. IN AND. Chuikov received the task of defending Stalingrad at any cost. The front command believed that Lieutenant General Chuikov was characterized by such positive qualities as determination and firmness, courage and a great operational outlook, a high sense of responsibility and consciousness of his duty. The army, under the command of V.I. Chuikov, became famous for the heroic six-month defense of Stalingrad in street fighting in a completely destroyed city, fighting on isolated bridgeheads on the banks of the wide Volga.
For the unprecedented mass heroism and steadfastness of its personnel, in April 1943, the 62nd Army received the honorary title of Guards and became known as the 8th Guards Army.
Vasilevsky Alexander Mikhailovich
The greatest commander of the Second World War. Two people in history were awarded the Order of Victory twice: Vasilevsky and Zhukov, but after the Second World War it was Vasilevsky who became the Minister of Defense of the USSR. His military genius is unsurpassed by ANY military leader in the world.
Barclay de Tolly Mikhail Bogdanovich
Finnish War.
Strategic retreat in the first half of 1812
European expedition of 1812
Paskevich Ivan Fedorovich
Hero of Borodin, Leipzig, Paris (division commander)
As commander-in-chief, he won 4 companies (Russian-Persian 1826-1828, Russian-Turkish 1828-1829, Polish 1830-1831, Hungarian 1849).
Knight of the Order of St. George, 1st degree - for the capture of Warsaw (the order, according to the statute, was awarded either for the salvation of the fatherland, or for the capture of the enemy capital).
Field Marshal.
Bennigsen Leonty
An unjustly forgotten commander. Having won several battles against Napoleon and his marshals, he drew two battles with Napoleon and lost one battle. Participated in the Battle of Borodino. One of the contenders for the post of Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Army during the Patriotic War of 1812!
Romanov Mikhail Timofeevich
The heroic defense of Mogilev, the first all-round anti-tank defense of the city.
Rurik Svyatoslav Igorevich
Year of birth 942 date of death 972 Expansion of state borders. 965 conquest of the Khazars, 963 march south to the Kuban region, capture of Tmutarakan, 969 conquest of the Volga Bulgars, 971 conquest of the Bulgarian kingdom, 968 founding of Pereyaslavets on the Danube (the new capital of Rus'), 969 defeat of the Pechenegs in the defense of Kyiv.
Stalin Joseph Vissarionovich
People's Commissar of Defense of the USSR, Generalissimo of the Soviet Union, Supreme Commander-in-Chief. The brilliant military leadership of the USSR in the Second World War.
Grand Duke of Russia Mikhail Nikolaevich
Feldzeichmeister-General (commander-in-chief of the artillery of the Russian Army), youngest son of Emperor Nicholas I, Viceroy in the Caucasus since 1864. Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Army in the Caucasus in the Russian-Turkish War of 1877-1878. Under his command the fortresses of Kars, Ardahan, and Bayazet were taken.
Yudenich Nikolai Nikolaevich
The best Russian commander during the First World War. An ardent patriot of his Motherland.
Blucher, Tukhachevsky
Blucher, Tukhachevsky and the whole galaxy of heroes of the Civil War. Don't forget Budyonny!
Denikin Anton Ivanovich
The commander, under whose command the white army, with smaller forces, won victories over the red army for 1.5 years and captured the North Caucasus, Crimea, Novorossia, Donbass, Ukraine, Don, part of the Volga region and the central black earth provinces of Russia. He retained the dignity of his Russian name during the Second World War, refusing to cooperate with the Nazis, despite his irreconcilably anti-Soviet position
Boris Mikhailovich Shaposhnikov
Marshal of the Soviet Union, outstanding Soviet military figure, military theorist.
B. M. Shaposhnikov made a significant contribution to the theory and practice of building the Armed Forces of the USSR, to their strengthening and improvement, and to the training of military personnel.
He was a consistent advocate of strict discipline, but an enemy of shouting. Rudeness in general was organically alien to him. A true military intellectual, b. colonel of the tsarist army.
My choice is Marshal I.S. Konev!
Active participant in the First World War and civil wars. Trench General. He spent the entire war from Vyazma to Moscow and from Moscow to Prague in the most difficult and responsible position of front commander. Winner in many decisive battles of the Great Patriotic War. Liberator of a number of countries in Eastern Europe, participant in the storming of Berlin. Underestimated, unfairly left in the shadow of Marshal Zhukov.
Rokossovsky Konstantin Konstantinovich was born in December 1896 in the city of Velikiye Luki, in the family of a machinist. Rokossovsky's father was Pole, his mother was Russian. Soon the family moved to the capital of Poland - Warsaw. When the future was 6 years old, his father died tragically in a train accident. In 1911 he also lost his mother.
With the outbreak of the First World War, Rokossovsky went to the front. Having become a private in the Russian army, Konstantin soon received an officer rank and became a non-commissioned officer. He served in his Kargopol Dragoon Regiment until October 17th.
After the October events, Rokossovsky enlisted in the Red Army. He was an assistant detachment chief, then commanded a cavalry squadron and a separate cavalry division. For military actions against the army he was awarded the Order of the Red Banner. For two years, Konstantin Rokossovsky studied military affairs in a special institution. Afterwards he worked as an instructor, and in 1929 he fought in China.
In 1937 he became a victim of Stalinist repressions. He was arrested on a fabricated case and accused of having connections with foreign intelligence. Rokossovsky did not plead guilty and was released in 1940, even having his rights restored.
With the beginning of the Great Patriotic War, he commanded the 9th Mechanized Corps. In the summer of 1941 he was appointed commander of the 4th Army. He managed to somewhat hold back the advance of the German armies on the western front. During the war, Rokossovsky commanded the 16th Army and led the defense of cities near Moscow: Volokolamsk, Solnechnogorsk, Yakhroma. At the most crucial moment of the battle for Moscow, the army launches a counteroffensive, which turns out to be very successful. During the operation, German detachments trying to bypass Moscow from the south and north were defeated.
In the summer of 1942 he became commander of the Bryansk Front. The Germans managed to approach the Don and, from advantageous positions, create threats to capture Stalingrad and break through to the North Caucasus. With a blow from his army, he prevented the Germans from trying to break through to the north, towards the city of Yelets. Rokossovsky took part in the counter-offensive of Soviet troops under. His ability to conduct combat operations played a big role in the success of the operation.
In 1943, he led the central front, which began a defensive offensive under his command. A little later, he organized an offensive and liberated significant territories from the Germans. He also led the liberation of Belarus, implementing the Headquarters plan - “Bagration”, this was one of the largest operations of the Second World War. Later he was transferred to lead the second Belorussian Front, and was ordered to take Warsaw. The task was completed. In his new position, Konstantin Konstantinovich carried out several successful operations, making an even greater contribution to the success of the common cause.
After the end of the war, Rokossovsky commanded the Victory Parade in Moscow, and Marshal Zhukov hosted the parade. In the post-war years, Marshal Konstantin Konstantinovich was the commander-in-chief of the USSR troops located in Poland. Later he held various government positions and was Minister of Defense. Konstantin Rokossovsky is a significant historical figure of the 20th century. He was a wonderful and great person. Died, twice hero of the Soviet Union, on August 3, 1968.
