Military interaction of partisan movements of Belarus, Russia, Ukraine in Gomel region (May – November 1942)

Abstract

For the first time in historiography generalized information based on the analysis of published literature is presented on the joint military operations of the partisan formations of Belarus, Russia and Ukraine on the communications of German troops around the Gomel transport hub during the period of heavy defensive battles of the Red Army on the southern flank of the Soviet-German front. The most important joint military partizan operations of neighboring Soviet republics on the rail way, highways and dirt roads are mentioned. The periods of high activity of partisans fighting on the transport com- munications of the Gomel region in the spring – autumn 1942 are identified and marked. The forms of the help a large land of partizan in expanding sabotage on enemy targets in the occupied territory of Belarusian Polesieare shown. The role of special forces sent to the region from the Soviet rear, to intensify the activities of the local partisans is outlined. As a result of analysis of the sources new information is included about the interaction of partizan groups and groups of Belarus, Russia and Ukraine by applying blows to the German troop train with human resources, military equipment, fuel, food. The draw conclusions show the results of the activities of partisans in the spring – autumn 1942, it is stated that the people’s avengers provided real help to the Red Army troops who were engaged in heavy defensive battles against the Nazi invaders in the area of the Volga.