Original subtitles

THE BATTLE OF MOSCOW.

Germany - The Wolf's Lair 05 September 1941

Gentlemen. Today, we must discuss Directive Nr. 35

regarding the decisive operation and offensive against Moscow

It concerns the annihilation of the Russians before Winter arrives

The offensive will take place east of Smolensk by means

of a double encirclement in the region of Vyazma

After the encirclement and destruction of the enemy, which is vitally important

Army Group Center will be ordered to take Moscow

My Fuehrer! At last, my old yearning is being fulfilled:

starting an offensive against the bulk of the Russian troops

Hopefully, we'll continue to have good weather

since the necessary reserve units will not be available before the end of September

I suggest calling the operation "October Harvest“

set to finish on 07 November in Red Square

No, that'd be too great an honor for the Bolsheviks

We'll call it "Typhoon“.

Part II: Typhoon

subtitles by: RAREFILMSANDMORECOM (Copyright 2017; All Rights Reserved)

For the attack on Moscow, the German High Command selected powerful forces

Not once during the Second World War

except during the campaign for Moscow, were three tank armies

1,800,000 men, 7,000 tanks and up to 2,000 airplanes put into action at once

On 30 September 1941, two days before the start of the general offensive

Guderian‘s tanks army attacked the left flank of the front at Bryansk

He was supported with every kind of plane available to Army Group Center

After powerful artillery and air assaults, German mechanized units broke

the tactical defense lines of the Bryansk Front and began to move on Orel

Moscow - General Staff 01 October 1941

Chief of Staff of the Red Army Marshal Shaposhnikov

You must save the situation!

Your mission is to prevent Guderian's armor from advancing on Orel

Within four to five days, you'll need to prepare the 1st Rifle Corps

From what I understand, there 1's no corps, except for its commanding officer!

You've understood correctly. Up to now, there isn't one

You are to make up your staff from the best officers available among the tank units

And consider which reserve units can be integrated into your corps in four days

Comrade Stalin is calling for General Lelushenko

For you, too, Boris Mijailovich.

The situation's changed abruptly

Guderian's already close to Orel

Your corps will need to be put together within two days, not five

Comrade Lelushenko, you must fly to Orel

and find out what's going on over there in person

Allow me to tell you my plans! - Go ahead.

It doesn't make sense to fly Orel; there are no troops there.

Give me command of the 36th Regiment of motorcycle troops

and the artillery school at Tula and I'll confront Guderian here.

I think we should accept his recommendation, Comrade Stalin

Fine. Don't let the enemy advance beyond Mtsensk - As ordered, Comrade Stalin

Mtsensk 03 October 1941

Whose tanks are these?

Who's asking? - General Lelushenko

Colonel Katukov, commander of the 4th Tank Brigade, at your service.

How many tanks do you have'? - Sixteen

Sixteen? Not so many.

Suburbs of Mtsensk 04 October 1941

Where shall we place the tanks, Colonel?

They'll attack the enemy's open flanks and smash them in a pincer movement

Agreed. That's a good idea. We'll put the tanks where we can ambush them best.

Over there. In the woods.

Artillery, fire!

Colonel, send in the tanks! - Yes sir!

A little more and the enemy will start retreating.

We don't have "a little more". We threw everything we had into the battle

A katyusha division's arrived

Captain Chumak, commander of a mortar division

I was told to provide you a salvo

Why so little? - It'll be enough.

You might want to warn the men in the forward lines, so they don't panic.

Take care of that! I've already heard about your katyushas

I heard the Germans shit their pants when you used them in Orsha. Show us what you got!

Tokyo 04 October 1941

Good morning, Mr. Ambassador

- Good morning, Richard. What's up?

I need your advice, sir, as to which information we're able to give to the press

What's the most important news? - I'd stress our offensive against Moscow

Although it won't change a thing - That's unfortunately my opinion as well

The Japanese don't seem to care about our successes - Really?

I sent a message to Berlin explaining that Japan won't declare war on Russia

before the Spring of 1942.

That's the final decision of the Japanese government?

Yes, they will enter the war when we have it won.

I'm sorry, would you like some tea?

No, thank you, I have a press conference to attend

They're following me. I think our luck's starting to run out

Are you ready? - Perhaps we should hold off tonight, Richard

No, it's too important.

The text reads as follows: “There'll be no war this year"

"Ramzai, 04 October 1941."

I've assumed a great responsibility.

Now they have to believe me.

They can't have any doubts about me now. They can't.

That was the last transmission of Richard Sorge

Moscow - Supreme Command

05 October 1941 0300 hours

On 02 October, Army Group Center went on the offensive

Army Group Center, which is numerically superior to our forces

has advanced in the last 48 hours and is threatening the flanks of the entire Western Front

The situation's further complicated by the fact

that in the direction of Moscow, there are no strategic reserves to defend the capital. That's all

Germany's forces are way too strong to stop with the forces we have available

Unfortunately, some military leaders didn't live up to the events around them

They were confident of their bravery or class consciousness

But you need to be well-trained in military matters t0 repulse the enemy

They seem to lack expertise in military matters, especially in the technological field

What should we be doing differently? First

Things are improving on the Leningrad Front

I therefore recommend we oall back Zhukov from Leningrad immediately

Second: We've received reliable reports that the Japanese won't attack in the Far East

So, some of our rifle divisions and all of our tanks can be withdrawn from there

and brought quickly and directly to Moscow.

Third: The Urban Committee of the Party must recruit more men for the People's Militia

The watchword'|| be "Everything for the defense of Moscow!"

Moscow - Military Council for the Moscow Region

05 October 1941

Comrade Division Commissar!

Air recon has detected the movement of enemy tanks towards Yugnov

That's impossible! - The information is accurate.

A column of tanks with infantry has penetrated 15 miles into ourfines.

The pilots were flying low and could clearly see the fascist crosses on the tanks

and received heavy anti-aircraft fire from the ground.

Is there no way they can be mistaken?

No, they're experienced pilots. They're not mistaken.

We'll have to consult with General Staff HQ

Marshal Shaposhnikov! - Shaposhnikov speaking.

Do you have any new information about the Western Front?

Nothing new.

They have no information.

In our rear, German tanks are advancing on Moscow with no one to oppose them

It'd be criminal to sound the alarm without confirming the veracity of the information

I must ask you to carry out this order as quickly and urgently as you can.

Send our best pilots. They're to fly low and confirm whose tanks and infantry they are

How far away are they?

The vanguard of the column is right outside Yugnov.

That's 120 miles from Moscow.

We must inform HQ!

Get me Marshal Shaposhnikov!

Have you still not gotten any reports about the Western Front?

What's with these calls? Why do you keep asking me the same thing?

Air recon reports the Germans are right outside Yugnov.

Is it possible your pilots may be mistaken?

No, they're not! - That's impossible!

We've received no such report!

Teleguin’? - Yes, Comrade Stalin.

Are you the one who told Shaposhnikov that there was a breakthrough at Yugnov?

Where did you get that information from and who's confirmed it?

The information was reported by our best pilots and then confirmed

What measures have you taken?

I ordered the personnel of two military schools and an academy into battle

Gather up even/one capable of fighting

This is my order for the military commanders of the district:

You're responsible to stop the enemy, no matter what the cost, in no more than five days!

Podolsk Infantry School

Comrade General!

Why don't the cadets have coats?

Supply officer!

Why aren't the cadets wearing coats?

We haven't been able to equip all the companies with Winter uniforms, Comrade General

Everyone is to have a coat by tomorrow! Understood?

Director of Podolsk Infantry School

Major General Smirnov

A group of enemy tanks has broken through the front lines

and is moving towards Moscow

You're our only hope

You must hold the Germans for three days. Only three days!

We're poorly armed and short of ammunition

but, despite that, we must be worthy of our traditions

and of the Red cadets who fought in the Civil War

We swear to do our duty!

We vow not to let the enemy approach Moscow!

We swear it! We swear it! We swear it!

From this moment on, you will obey my orders.

You will march out of Podolsk with gallantry, singing!

We will sing the old songs with gusto!

The sixth company will be in the vanguard.

Sixth company, listen to my order!

Sixth company: attention!

Right face!

Shoulder arms! Eyes forward, march!

Sing!

Remember! I remember the provincial city

peaceful, lost and sad.

The church and the market and its boulevards.

Couples would come and sometimes I saw

that well-known, dear silhouette

Blue beret, blue coat

The girl's poise hidden by a dark skirt

Oh, my fleeting romance!

Tania, Taniusha, my Tatiana.

Remember that hot summer?

Can we forget

the time we had to love?

Company, halt!

Halt! Where are you going? - What do you care?

I'm seizing this vehicle in the name of the high command

This truck belongs to the Executive Committee and those are my personal items

We need it for the front. Sorry!

Fi||'pp0v! Unload the truck!

What's going on? What are they doing? Haven't you heard? I'm from the Executive Committee!

I understood; but you don't understand Russia. This is more important than rank.

That's how it is. Russia can only be understood with the soul

And you, papa, don't get it.

You're in for a big surprise

Vyazma 06 October 1941

Major General Nikitin, commander of the garrison at Vyazma

How are things? - There's panic in the city.

They say German tanks are on their way from Yugnov

and that we've no troops in Vyazma

Where are the authorities? - In the church. Get in! We'll drive there.

Popov, secretary of the Smolensk Regional Committee.

It'll be alright, Comrades. He's our new commander in chief.

Sorry to disappoint you. I'm the C-in-C, but I have no troops.

I was assured the 16th Army would be here with at least five divisions!

There are German tanks in the city! - From which direction?

I saw them from the belfry.

We must leave the city at once!

Comrade Commander, what are you doing?

You're taking off and leaving us to our fate?

We gave everything we had to the Red Army, down to the last shirt!

I'm an old soldier. I fought the Germans in the last war

We never left them to trample our land. And what are you doing now?

Forgive us, Father!

We will return. For sure.

Turn right!

Moscow 07 October 1941

The boss is sick with the flu

But he ordered me to take you straight to him.

I await your orders, Comrade Stalin

What's new in Leningrad?

The Germans are using less force in their attacks

They suffered heavy casualties in September

so now, they're digging in

Several enemy armored and motorized columns are leaving Leningrad and heading south

They are probably moving in the direction of Moscow.

Let me show you something!

We've run into a very difficult situation here

I can't reach the Western Front. I haven't a clue what's going on over there

We can't make a decision without knowing

where and with what forces the enemy will attack

and how our troops are doing in this section

Go to the Western Front and take a good look at how things are going!

Call me from there, regardless of the time. I'll be waiting for your report.

General Staff of the Western Front 08 October ‘I941

Why do your reports not notify Comrade Stalin about the actual situation at the front?

Because we do not know what the actual situation is.

No. You know the situation quite well. You know the troops are surrounded

and that they have no reserves.

The situation changes from moment to moment.

We trust, that it will soon change in our favor.

Do you trust the troops to break the encirclement?

They could've avoided it had you noticed the main direction of enemy attacks

and had concentrated all the reserves at that point

But you didn't, although you had two months to do so

It's not so difficult to figure out the Germans' strategy.

It's always the same attacks with mechanized troops against the flanks

But don't worry: I didn't come here to pass judgment

I'm simply stating my opinion. Good day.

We're approaching Protva.

When I was young, I knew this place from top to bottom

Strelkovka's about six miles from here. That's my home village

My mother and my sister with her four children live there

Shall we visit them, Comrade General?

No, there's no time.

Comrade General, what will become of your mother and sister

if the fascists arrive and find out they're related to General Zhukov?

Let's go! At least, we can tell them to leave.

Impossible!

In two weeks, the Germans would indeed occupy Strelkovka

Zhukov would save his mother and his sister at the very last moment

but his house would go up in flames, like the whole village.

You can't go on. Who are you?

General Zhukov. Where's your unit located?

The staff of the armored brigade is in the forest

Colonel Troitski, commander of the armored brigade

My comrade at Halkin-Gol! I didn't expect to see you here.

Quite a surprise for me, too. I thought you were in Leningrad

Tell me, what's going on here! - The armored brigade is part of HQ's reserve

So far, I've received no orders - Well, now the brigade will be under my command.

No tank is to move without an order from me. Clear? - Understood, Comrade General

Deploy part of the brigade and organize the defense

with the goal of sealing off Medyn - Understood

Send a communications officer with me. I wish you success.

Would you like a cup of tea? - No, I can't

Comrade Lieutenant, people from above have arrived

Come here!

Commander of the 6th company of the Infantry School, Podolsk. Lieutenant Mamich

How long have you been here? - Three days.

How did you organize the defense?

We pushed the enemy back to the other bank of the Ugra

Our defensive line passes through the eastern bank

How many men do you have? - 140.

With sixty more, we could strengthen the defense.

Give him 100 men! - That will be difficult, Comrade General.

We don't have the men to pull from other defensive areas

I know that. Pull them from wherever you have to!

And what if you're not able to hold out even with the reinforcements?

We'll hold out. Without fail, Comrade General

Pay attention! The fascists will not come from the Ugra

Tell the cadets! - Yes sir!

Wait, I'll tell them myself.

Why German military coats?

They were taken as booty. They warm the soldiers better than ours

Are you drunk?

The parachutists gave each of us 100 grams against the cold

It's too cold to walk about without a coat, Comrade General

How is that possible? - The quartermaster failed to distribute winter clothing

The quartermaster will face a court martial

I want everyone to be given a coat by this evening. That's an order!

Cadets! Not one step back! Not one inch! Fight to the last man!

Children, please! Try and hold out here two more days!

Two more days.

The coats, by nightfall! - Yes, sir!

Do you know with whom you were speaking?

No, we don't know.

Never forget him! That was Zhukov

Moscow 09 October 1941

Mama, I'm going to the front; I volunteered.

The front? - But don't tell anyone!

If asked, tell them I went to see grandpa in the village

Do you think you're strong enough to do this? Why do you have to go? Why you?

I, myself, asked to be sent to the front.

If you were healthy, you would've done the same

Anyway, I can't stay here any longer. I can't.

Staff Headquarters of the Western Front ‘I0 October ‘I941

Comrade Marshal! The staff of the 16th Army has broken the encirclement at Vyazma

Commander of the 16th Army Lieutenant General Rokossovski

How do you explain coming to Vyazma with your staff, but not with the troops of the 16th Army?

The front commander ordered me to deliver command of my troops to General Yershakov

I'm to take command of five new divisions in Vyazma

But there were no soldiers in Vyazma!

Peculiar

The order was signed by General Koniev and Military Council member Bulganin

Yes, I gave the order to pull

Rokossovski out of a possible encirclement

He was to take command of five divisions in Vyazma

and counterattack against the Germans

But those divisions went into combat and weren't able to reach Vyazma

The State Council of Defense Commission is here to clarify

the causes for the failures on the Western Front.

It will also take into account this strange decision of yours.

Why did you let the German High Command seize the initiative?

The German High Command won the initiative thanks to its superiority

They had more tanks and more planes

If you want an idea how strong the enemy is, one example will suffice

Against 4 divisions of the 30th Army

the Germans used 12 divisions with more than 400 tanks

The troops of the 30th Army fought bravely and stubbornly, but they were forced to retreat

A strategic withdrawal is a form of complex combat

which requires a high degree of troop preparation.

I won't listen to this anymore. “Strategic withdrawal as a form of complex combat!“

How far back will your "strategic withdrawal“ take our troops?

We know how to withdraw. Your strategy is undermining the Red Army. We withdraw, because

Yes. Before the war, we never practiced how to withdraw.

We thought your doctrine called for taking the fight to the enemy Kliment Yefremovioh

We avoided defensive combat. And now, thanks to you, we're paying for it in blood.

What's this? You want to place the blame for your screw-ups on me?

For me, it's clear.

The commander of the Western Front not only shows a lack of strategic understanding

but was also operationally incapable of leading his troops

I will insist that the general staff of the Western Front

in other words, General Koniev, be put up for court martial

Molotov? - Comrade Stalin.

Is Zhukov there? - Zhukov?

Yes, he's here. I'll give him the phone

Zhukov. At your service, Comrade Stalin.

Headquarters has decided to appoint you commander of the Western Front

Do you have any objections?

No, but I have a request: make Koniev my representative

The members of the Committee for Defense have quite another opinion about Koniev

Koniev knows this theater of operations well

Let him take over command in the Kalinin area

I need a representative there, who can think independently.

Fine. All the units of the Reserve Front will be at your disposal

Take over command right away! Don't lose a minute!

As the new commander of the Western Front, I'd like to say a few things

The troops on the Western Front fought with courage

and most importantly, they didn't flee in panic

The former command of the Western Front had a lot to do with that

At the cost of their lives, they saved Moscow.

Let us acknowledge those who fought to the death in defensive battles and encirclements

They stopped the Germans!

They blunted the German offensive for eight days

A fact we must exploit to open a new front before Moscow

Commander of the 16th Army Rokossovsky, I have a mission for you

You will cover the road to Volokolamsk on 14 October - Do I have any soldiers?

Of course. On your left will be the road to Minsk, which will be covered by General Lelushenko

Kubinka 12 October 1941

Colonel Polosujin, commander of the 3rd Far Eastern Rifle Division

The division has everything they need and can go into battle immediately

Congratulations, Colonel. It's a great honor for you. You'll be fighting at Borodino

Borodino 13 October 1941

Why were these left behind? - We weren't given any time!

Remove all the Russian banners

and give them to the units defending Borodino.

May the glory of these banners bring good fortune to our regiments in combat!

What's this?

The guest book for our illustrious visitors.

Polosujin! Write something on behalf of the soldiers.

"We've come to defend the field of Borodino - Polosujin."

Borodino 13 October 1941 1130 hours

At Borodino, a unit composed of so-called French volunteers, fought at Borodino

They had been recruited mainly in Lorraine.

French allies, friends!

History repeats itself

130 years ago, here, in Borodino

Napoleon's Grand Army arrived

At the time, French and German soldiers fought shoulder to shoulder, side by side.

This European army defeated the Russians and took Moscow

Now, you will repeat the feats of your ancestors.

Brave Frenchmen! I call upon your heroism!

Borodino 13 October 1941 1200 hours

Comrade Colonel! We're the unified battalion of the Moscow Political-Military School

600 men, all Communists.

This is the standard of a regiment of grenadiers

Take care of it, as if it were your own.

They will be in the second echelon. They'll have it the hardest

The defense will be led by the 230th Regiment, made up of volunteers from Moscow

Good morning, Muscovites!

Good morning!

This is the banner of the Muscovite militias of 1812.

Thank you, Comrade Colonel.

For us, it is a relic of great value

Where do the men come from?

From the factory “The Sickle and Hammer".

The engineer Grigoriev. - Greetings, Comrade Colonel

Gonchar, electromonitor.

Orlov and Zajarchenko

The Pavlovs, father and son, from “The Sickle and Hammer“.

Purebred Muscovites? - By all means!

How's the mood? - Combative.

Only, the company commander, who's so hard on us

What kind of man is he?

He's my son. He's a first-rate soldier, but tries too hard

After we're done clobbering the Fritzes, I'll make you a sergeant

I'll handle it personally. - Did you hear?

Colonel Orlenko, commander of the 20th Armored Division.

This is the cavalry banner of 1812. May your steeds strike the enemy hard!

Our horses of steel are few; but they'll do

If something happens to me, let my family know!

Of course. You do the same!

Volokolamsks Directorate 14 October 1941

Major General Dovator - commander, 3rd Cavalry Corps

Password!

I couldn't tell you. We just got out of the encirclement

No one told me about it

Nothing else I could do, friend. There's no time to screw around

Comrade General!

The 3rd Cavalry Corps presents itself, as ordered

Good morning! Let's enter my headquarters!

We live like kings here. We even have a tent!

Stop! Password!

Major General Panfilov

Commander of the 31st Rifle Division

What's this nonsense about a password?

We just arrived from Central Asia and you greet us with screams!

I'm not screaming. Pass!

Our 16th Army is still not up to strength

Our main force is the Third Cavalry Corps.

Yeah, but we're pretty decimated

As you're aware, the corps just escaped an encirclement

We're aware of your brave deeds

We got General Dovatofls corps; a cadet regiment of 1200 men; and Panfiloxfls 316th Division

Yes, I have a full division of 15,000 fighters and armed accordingly

We have good officers on duty, and commissars recruited from Kazakh politicians

We're ready to fight.

Borodino 14 October 1941

Batteries ready! - Batteries ready!

Concentrated fire with high explosives!

Elevation: 80!

Communication‘s been cut off! - Out loud, in a chain!

Out loud, in a chain! Elevation: 80!

Elevation: 80!

Fire at will!

Follow me! Attack! Forward!

The first attack was repelled!

They held out! Borodino's ours!

Great! But don't sit on your laurels!

Do night reconnaissance and be ready for tomorrow! Got it?

Are you defending Borodino?

Mine the highway to Minsk! Every possible on-ramp

Organize mobile groups, complete with pioneers

provide them with mines and explosive charges.

Their mission is to close the way to enemy tanks

There are no reserves. That's everything we've got

Staff HQ of the Western Front 14 October 1941

Comrade Commander! German parachutists have landed in the area of the general staff!

Order me a sub machine gun!

Inform me once they've finished off the paratroopers!

The parachute drop was finished off. There are prisoners

Are you going to question them? - I have no time.

Shall I inform headquarters? - To what end?

Borodino 15 October 1941

Report from General Dojturov to Field Marshal Kutuzov

about the battle of Borodino on 26 September 1812

“Lithuanian, lzmailovski and Finnish regiments showed themselves to be worthy

"in battle and were the first to repulse the enemy attacks with great courage

"Equally brave, other regiments also repelled the enemy

“The soldiers fought with great courage until nightfall

“at which time, the battle ended"

Same as now

One could send this today as a battle report!

And how it's written! Really extraordinary!

Colonel Polosujin, hero of the Battle of Borodino

in the 20th century, would fall in battle at Gzhatsk within three months in February 1942

They've woken up! Now, they'll come and try to cook us alive! Everyone to their positions!

Separate the infantry from the tanks!

Open fire in the direction of the army observation point.

Open fire on me! Open fire on me!

Orlenko, head up front! Forwards!

Now, we'll give them something to light their cigarettes with.

On 13 October, the enemy began an offensive from all directions towards Moscow

In the center, the enemy seized Kaluga, took Kalinin, Borovsk and Vereya

In Borodino, the enemy managed to penetrate between two and four miles

This complicates the situation around Moscow

Our troops are fighting with extreme bitterness

The commander of the Bryansk Front, General Yeremenko, is wounded

Army commander Ershakov is dead; army commander Lelushenko, wounded

It has been proposed that we make Gorovo commander of the 5th Army instead of Lelushenko

Does everyone agree? Continue!

In view of the threatening situation, it is necessary we prepare anti-aircraft batteries

for possible use against enemy land forces and have sapper detachments ready to mine

the roads and bridges around Moscow and possibly blow up the capital's bridges

Steps must be taken to prepare the capital for evacuation

Comrade Molotov will address this issue.

Due to the frontline‘s proximity, the Defense Committee must decide to evacuate

the government of the USSR to Kuibyshev

Government agencies must be evacuated, along with the diplomatic corps, large factories

scientific and cultural institutions

Also, state institutions of major importance

You must remove Lenin from the mausoleum!

You, Boris Mikhailovich, will leave with the chief of staff

Let Vasilievski stay with the operative group!

Comrade Stalin must leave Moscow

We've no right to endanger his life. That's my opinion.

I will talk with "Comrade Stalin" about it.

The evacuation! We've never seen anything like this before in history!

1,523 factories were dismantled and put on rail cars usually under enemy air attack

and, within five months, reassembled in the eastern parts of the USSR

For this purpose, 1,500,000 rail cars were used.

In total, 1O million people were transported east

The entire industrial complex was evacuated to the East.

Moscow 16 October 1941

Halt! Turn around! You're not allowed to proceed

It is an outrage! I'm going to complain!

Halt! What is it, comrade?

The bosses skedaddled and left us out to dry

The fewer the scaremongers, the better

It's our Moscow and we won't surrender it!

And the bosses?

Stalin's staying in Moscow.

Company, attention! Forward, march!

Podolsk Infantry School 17 October 1941

The Germans took the village of Shubinka and will attack us from there.

From there, they can carry out the offensive in the direction of Maloyargaslavetz

Each village taken by the enemy brings them one step closer to Moscow

One last effort, brothers! Do what you can!

We will do our best, Comrade

Thank you.

Soldiers, advance!

The machine gun's screwed up.

To Hell with it! Follow me! Forward!

Fi||'ppov, sing!

Don't linger! Harass the enemy! Ahead!

They've done it! They've done it. They've taken back Shubinka!

If only we could give them a hand

Chief, do we have any reserves?

Not one man. - l??? te/krhg about reserves None, Comrade General!

They've surrounded us! No happy song's gonna help us now.

You're the only subordinate I have left.

Well, Cadet Gusev? Get going! Attack the enemy's flanks!

This is no time forjokes. The enemy doesn't have a sense of humor

First, some heavy artillery to tear a hole in their lines.

Bastards!

Wait, Gusev!

Gusev, wait! Think of Zoya!

It's over already

We stopped the enemy for one more day.

Moscow - Kremlin 19 October 1941

Comrade Scherbakov, what is the situation in Moscow?

The provocateurs and alarmists are causing panic among the population.

There have been cases of looting

What do you propose?

The Party Committee considers it necessary to declare a state of emergency in Moscow

Good. Write!

It has been decided, that the defense of the capital some 60-70 miles west of Moscow

will be entrusted to General Zhukov, commander of the Western Front

The defense of all access to the city will be led by the head of the Moscow garrison

Lieutenant General Artyemyev.

In order to guarantee the defense of Moscow and end

spy and sabotage activity by provocateurs and other agents of German fascism

the State Defense Committee announces the following:

1. The implementation of a state

of emergency in Moscow as of 20 October 1941;

2. Those found violating public order will be subject to military court martial;

Provocateurs, spies and other agents of fascism will be shot on the spot where caught at work

Do you agree with the text? - Yes.

Babushki! You're wasting your time digging ditches!

German tanks will come and you'll see how useless your work is

Perish, you waste of life!

The Germans are in Mozhaisk and are advancing towards Kuntsevo.

By nightfall, they will be in the capital. Run, before it's too late

Provocateur! Seize the bastard!

He's a spy! Give it to him good!

Party Urban Committee. Moscow, 21 October 1941.

The Muscovites are doing everything they can t0 stop the enemy

Moscow's provided the front with twelve militia divisions

In these difficult days, each district committee has managed to organize a communist unit

In fact, a total of 25 complete battalions, mostly communists and komsomols

At this very moment, we're forming these so-called units

the 2nd communist Moscow Division, totaling 15,000 men

Also, in the last few weeks, forty storm battalions have been organized in Moscow

They've already taken their places at the approaches to the city

Another 169 detachments have been put together totaling 7,000 men, for street fighting

In these last days of October alone, the capital's mobilized an additional army of 50,000 men

The defense of the city consists of three lines: first, the Moscow ring road

Second: the Ring of the Gardens and third, Circle "A" and the area south of the Moskva River

Comrade Artiemiev, how's the mining of the bridges going?

We've put 22 tons of explosives under 12 bridges.

An extreme measure, I know. But, in case of the worst

We trust you won't have to resort to such measures

The Battle of Moscow entered its decisive stage.

On 29 October, Guderian's tanks advanced on the left flank of the city, on the Mtsensk-Tula road

incurring huge losses, German troops managed to take and occupy Yasnaya Polyana

Yasnaya Polyana 29 October 1941

Count Tolstoy lived in this shithole?

Yes, General. This is where he lived. It's an historical place

We specifically installed your staff headquarters here.

But if you don't like it, we can throw his crap outside - No, it's fine

This was Leo Tolstoy's bedroom

We thought you might prefer staying here while directing the battle against Tula

Take this old piece of garbage out and bring me my cot!

General, Field Marshal Book's on the line for you

Hello, Field Marshal! Yeah, it's been a difficult day; not very successful

I've concentrated more than 100 tanks in the direction of Tula

They were supposed to take the city from its suburbs

The forward tank units got as far as 2 miles from Tula

but the attempt to take the city by assault failed due to a strong anti-tank defense

We must attack again

Fine. I'll launch two attacks tonight with 80 tanks and motorized infantry

against the southern sector of the city.

Tula must be taken tomorrow so we can continue the advance on Kolomna and Serpujov!

This isn't May and we aren't in France

Tula

Supreme High Command 01 November 1941

We wish to solemnly celebrate the anniversary of the October Revolution in Moscow

and also have a military parade.

What do you think? Will the situation at the front permit us to have these celebrations?

The enemy isn't going to launch a major offensive now

They've suffered heavy losses recently and will need to reinforce their units

To neutralize enemy aircraft, I propose concentrating all the fighters from neighboring fronts

I think, we'll be able to have the parade

General Gromadin, commander of anti-aircraft defense in Moscow

Throughout the day, the enemy tried to reach the capital with 250 bombers from Podolsk

but was repulsed by a thick curtain of anti-aircraft fire and by our fighters

The enemy returned to their bases without achieving their objective.

For now, they're trying to reach the city center by using single planes and squadrons

34 Junkers have been brought down today

What steps will be taken if the enemy launches an air raid on Moscow on 07 November?

Moscow's air space is secure. 550 fighters are on Level One alert status on various airfields

Fascist planes must not be permitted to reach the skies of Moscow on that day!

But in case it were to happen, the parade mustn't be canceled for any reason

It won't happen; we will stop them in their tracks

Fine

Moscow 06 November 1941

German troops are advancing towards Kashira.

The city administration is asking permission to blow up the power plant

Impossible.

The power station at Kashira supplies Moscow

So, tell them they're not to blow up the plant under any circumstances!

We'll send them reinforcements

Don't blow the plant! You'll be personally responsible to make sure it doesn't happen!

Do you not understand? Yeah, reinforcements are coming. Hold tight!

and these people without conscience or honor

who have the morals of animals, have the insolence to demand

the extermination of the great Russian nation

The nation of Plekhanov and Lenin

of Chernyshevsky and Belinsky, of Pushkin and Tolstoy

of Glinka and Tchaikovsky of Gorky and Chekhov

of Sechenov and Pavlov, of Repin and Surikov

of Suvorov and Kutuzov!

The German invaders want a war of extermination with the peoples of the USSR

Very well. If the Germans want a war of extermination, we'll give them one

316th Rifle Division 06 November 1941

Commissar Klochkov is to report to the division commander!

May I enter, Comrade General?

I can't salute you; my cap was blown off my head

The important thing is that you kept your head

Comrade Klochkov, for your firmness and the courage you

displayed in the defense of our capital

the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR

decorates you with the Order of the Red Banner.

I serve the Soviet Union!

Give me the medal!

Why?

According to Russian tradition, one must bathe it before battle

so it's not the last one. Drink!

But I don't drink - Well, this is a good reason to start

Besides, it's also the anniversary of the Revolution

I will get drunk.

It doesn't matter. The Germans won't attack anymore today

Yes, I hear you

Understood. When are the girls coming?

Got it.

They're sending us "Katyushas“

We've been ordered to put together a special battalion

The General Staff will send the trucks.

Klochkov, you will go as the battalion commissar

Here's my hat; it's a gift.

Here, where the 316th Rifle Division stood guard

on the night of 07 November, a sabotage detachment crossed the front line

Zoya Kosmodemyanskaya was in that detachment

The Germans! A column of trucks!

Quick, everyone to the forest!

Stop! Take a break!

Friends! Listen closely!

I congratulate you on the 24th anniversary of the Great October Revolution

Moscow 07 November 1941

Comrade Commissar! We've arrived.

Moscow! My God!

Commissar!

What is this? Where do you think you are? Line up in formation!

Yes sir! Come along!

Comrade Red Army soldiers and sailors!

Officers and commissars!

Partisans!

The world sees in you the strength needed to annihilate the German invaders.

The enslaved peoples of Europe see their liberators in you

You have a great mission of liberation ahead of you

Be worthy of this mission!

The war that you fight is a war of liberation; a just war.

Scherbakov. How do things look?

Everything is calm. The parade was a complete surprise to the enemy

Good. Continue monitoring!

May this war inspire you with the courageous image of our great ancestors.

Alexandr Nevsky, Dmitri Donskoi

Kuzma Minin, Dmitri Pozharski

Alexander Suvorov, Mikhail Kutuzov.

May the banner of our great Lenin illuminate the way!

Under the banner of Lenin, forward, to victory!

There are clouds in the sky. It rains in the darkness.

Under an old cart, the workers rest.

And you hear them whisper proudly:

"Within four years, this city will be a garden of paradise!“

Cold causes cramps; there is little to give comfort

They eat a crumb of bread, spoiled by the dampness.

But louder than hunger are the tinkling of the drops, which say

"Within four years, this city will be a garden of paradise!“

"I know that the city will arise. Yes, the garden will flourish.

"Because in our Soviet land, there are people who can do anything“

Zoya, recite another piece!

Enough, guys. It's time.

Break's over. When we return, Zoya will recite something else

You stay on guard!

Give me a task!

Only the boys get battle missions.

Difficulties must be shared. Please!

Fine. You will go to Petrischevo and burn the stable

But afterwards, return to the forest right away, understood?

Acknowledged, comrade commander!

Lieutenant Colonel Ruderer, commander - 332nd Regiment

Who are you?

I'm not telling you

Did you set the stable on fire?

Yes, it was me

What was your intention? - To wipe you out

Who sent you? - I'm not saying anything

Where is your unit?

I don't know.

Gentlemen! Do something; and make it fast!

I'll ask you again: Where is your unit?

I won't tell you!

Comrades! Why the sad looks?

I do not fear death.

It's a privilege to die for your people

You will hang me, but I'm not alone

There are 200 million of us; you can't hang us all

They will avenge me.

Goodbye, comrades! Kill the fascists!

Stalin is with us! Stalin will liberate us!

Upon learning of the death of Zoya Kosmodemyanskava

Stalin ordered the soldiers of the Western Front not to take any soldiers or officers

of the 332nd Infantry Regiment prisoner

Orsha 13 November 1941

Gentlemen, today we will address only one question.

Supreme Command wants to know your opinion as to what we should do.

Should the armies entrench themselves, prepare positions and wait for the Spring?

Or should the Winter offensive against Moscow continue?

Freezing cold is expected for the next few days, making it possible, for a certain period

to perform a quick operation in the East

That is, our tanks and trucks will be able to use the roads

I think we need to go over to the defense in the north and south

But in the center, we should deal a final blow to Moscow

and take it before more severe weather arrives

It is indispensable, both militarily and politically, to take Moscow

Marshal Book's opinions coincide with those of the Supreme Command and the Fuehrer

Berlin - Reichschancellery 15 November 1941

Hear the call of the Fuehrer to the German army!

Soldiers! Moscow is before you!

In two years of war, all the capitals of the continent have bowed before you

You have marched through the streets of the best cities

Moscow remains to be one of them

Force it to submit!

Show them the strength of your weapons!

March through their squares!

Taking Moscow will mean the end of the war

Moscow will mark the start of your well-deserved rest

On 15 November, the second offensive against Moscow began

The German High Command launched 74 divisions

with a total of around one million soldiers

11,670 pieces of artillery and mortars; 1,500 tanks.

Alexandrovs song and dance

ensemble has arrived. - What?

That's who they sent instead of reinforcements?

Comrade Alexandrov, we are happy to see you.

We came to give a concert at the front

We're already getting concerts. Listen! I can't let you out there.

But that's why we've come!

I can't allow that. You represent the foundation of the entire army

Comrade Major, bring all the phones you can get!

The ensemble will perform by telephone

The soldiers will listen to them and sing along. Good luck!

Arise, vast country, arise for a fight to the death!

Against the dark fascist forces, against the cursed hordes.

Let noble wrath boil over like a wave!

This is the peoples' war; a sacred war!

Battery! Fire!

The Fifth is on the phone.

The enemy is trying to break through to Dubosekovo. Don't let him!

Halt!

Boys! Twenty tanks is nothing!

Less than one per head.

Fire!

You see? 14 out of action!

It seems, it's time to die.

Brothers!

Russia is vast, but there's nowhere to retreat to.

Moscow is behind us

ls Panfiiov still resisting?

They've been defending the highway for 3 days now.

But I don't know if they'll be able to hold out.

They've decorated their division with the Order of the Red Flag

and re-named it the 8th Guard Division

Thank you. I'll pass on the news straight away. I'm sure they'll be thrilled. I'll call them now.

Connect me to General Panfilov!

General Panfilov has been killed -What'?!?

General Panfilov is dead.

Seven armored, three motorized and three infantry divisions

attacked in the direction of Volokolamsk

trying to break the front and enter into Moscow.

Staff HQ of the Western Front 19 November 1941

Comrade Commander!

I came to ask your authorization to withdraw troops to the lstra Line

It's only a matter of six miles

The Istra reservoir and river would be a good line of defense

and would be much more advantageous for us.

The troops have suffered heavy casualties, in both men and materiel

The soldiers won't be able to function with this exhaustion much longer

Give me permission to pull back to the lstra!

To pull back means to retreat, Comrade Rokossovsky

No, not one step back! Resist to the last!

May I go?

Go

Are you sure we will be able to hold Moscow?

I'm asking you this, because I'm very worried

Comrade Zhukov, answer me honestly!

I'm convinced, we'll hold Moscow

But we'll need two armies and at least 200 tanks

Your response calms me quite a bit, Comrade Zhukov

Call the General Staff and give them your demands

The two reserve armies must be placed at your disposal. Your demand isn't unreasonable.

They will be available to you by the end of November

But for now, I can't give you any tanks

Understood. The reserve armies should be concentrated on our flanks.

Farewell, Comrade Stalin.

16th Army HQ 19 November 1941

Zhukov won't accept my plan

I consider my request to pull back behind the lstra to be decisive.

My duty as a commander doesn't permit me to let Zhukoxfls decision go unchallenged

I will appeal his decision.

Prepare a telegram for the head of the General Staff

Write! To Marshal Shaposhnikov

MOSCOW

Supreme Command Center 19 November 1941

Rokossovsky requests permission to withdraw

towards the Istra reservoir.

That's six miles closer to Moscow

However, they'll be in a more advantageous position.

Authorize Rokossovskfs request, only if you consider it unavoidable

16th Army Staff HQ 19 November 1941

The Chief of the General Staff has approved your proposal

That's more like it. I should have gone to Comrade Stalin from the beginning.

Write the order for the pullback of the troops to the lstra reservoir line immediately!

To the commander of the 16th Army, Rokossovsky.

Frontline soldiers will take orders only from me!

The order to withdraw to the lstra Reservoir is hereby revoked

I order you to stay in the positions you occupy! Not one step back!

What are we going to do?

Zhukov is right.

You were right, too. You're responsible for your section of the Front.

The only thing he's accomplished with his teletype is to shoulder the responsibility for everything

that happens on every part of the Western Front

I know Zhukov better. We've been friends for over twenty years.

He's assumed a colossal responsibility for the entire Soviet nation

And if it seems he's mistaken, there's one thing you can be sure he's right about:

We cannot retreat a single step. Moscow is behind us.

We must fight till the end

Wolf's Lair 19 November 1941

Field Marshal von Bock is personally directing

the Battle of Moscow from his command post

His display of selfless bravery is giving the needed push to his men

Just as in the Battle of the Marne, a single battalion

can determine the fate of the battle

Tell Bock to halt all frontal assaults and to try and surround Moscow; especially in the north

And that he shouldn't forget the secondary objectives:

Vyazma, Ribinsk and Vologda

Weather permitting

Tell Bock that, in his honor

we plan to give Smolensk the name of Bockburg.

And so, despite huge losses, Army Group Center had to continue its attack on Moscow

There was fierce fighting near Kryukovo; lstra; Naro-Fominsk; and Yakhroma

Next stop: “Red Square"

When's the bus coming? It's running late

It already came. - Let's catch up to it!

Moscow Soviet? Inform Comrade Stalin, that the Germans are in Krasnaya Polyana!

Staff HQ of the 16th Army 24 November 1941

The Supreme Commander asks you to come to the phone

Do you know whether enemy units have appeared in Krasnaya Polyana?

What are you doing to stop the enemy from overrunning the town?

We are aware of the situation. We've sent forces from other sectors of the front there.

Headquarters has arranged to send you reinforcements.

In the morning, Krasnaya Polyana must be retaken!

Field Marshal, heavy artillery's been set up for a bombardment of the Kremlin

Very good, General.

Now, show me Moscow through the binoculars! - By all means!

The Russians will counterattack. We should leave this place.

Yes, but at least, I saw Moscow.

Maybe for the last time.

Army Staff HQ 25 November 1941

Everyone, listen!

Comrades! Brothers!

For our great country, for our Moscow, forward!

Chief of Staff - Western Front 29 November 1941

German troops have been driven out of Dmitrov and pushed back beyond the channel

The time has come to launch a counterattack with the 1st and 10th armies

We'll be able to hit the enemy hard and throw him back from Moscow

Are you sure the enemy is in a critical situation and won't be able to bring up reserves?

The fascists are exhausted. If we don't throw in the 1st and 10th armies now

the enemy will be able to reinforce its troops with new reserves

And then, the situation will really get complicated

The time has come to start the counteroffensive.

I will confer with the General Staff

How do you feel?

Thank you, better. The crisis has passed

Disease is an offensive of microbes. It's like war

When in a crisis, you launch a counterattack and kill the microbes with pills

I have a great reserve of those pills and I'm on the attack

Speaking of war

I must tell you, that Zhukov believes that the crisis on the Western Front is already over

He believes it's time to put the 1st and 10th reserve armies in against the Germans

What's your opinion? - I think, he's right

and it's time to strike back at the Germans and burn their asses.

Understood, Boris Mikhailovich. Get better as quickly as possible! - Thank you, Comrade Stalin

Give the following command: As of today, 29 November

the 1st, 10th and 20th Shock armies will be under Zhukov's command

We should try another attack in the direction of Krasnaya Polyana

It's the shortest way to Moscow.

Ten miles to the river port of Gimki

What do you think? - We have to attack!

Time to crush the last defensive line. The colossus is wobbly. One more strike and it'll fall.

The 7th Armored Corps will launch an attack on 01 December on the Minsk road

Fine. The 20th Army Corps will attack Naro Fominsk on 01 December

Staff HQ of the Western Front 01 December 1941

By dispersing their units on a wide front

and stretching their armored forces on the flanks

the enemy has lost its shock force in its attacks on the access roads to Moscow

Enemy communications are being disrupted by partisan attacks

The large number of German casualties and the bitter resistance of our troops

are having tremendous effects on the Germans' ability to keep fighfing

Our troops, too, have suffered heavy losses.

But they're able to count on the aid of their homeland and retain their combat ability

Intending to take advantage of the favorable situation around Moscow at this moment

Staff HQ of the Western Front has decided to split the Germans in two, starting on 06 December

On 06 December 1941, an historic date, we will begin a counteroffensive.

How will the counteroffensive crush and push back the Germans from Moscow?

How do you think we should attack, comrade generals?

The Western Front doesn't have numerical superiority over the enemy

They're able to draw on more tanks

And that will no doubt be the biggest problem in our attempt to carry out the counteroffensive

Well, your ideas?

We believe it necessary to attack at night

A daytime attack by the infantry against German tanks won't turn out well. They'll be wiped out.

The enemy will have a hard time orienting themselves in the dark

The Germans' superiority in tanks and planes must be reduced to zero

We must prevent them from becoming a part of the battle

We must approach the enemy and force him to fight with us in close combat

With machine guns, sub machine guns, the rifle, hand grenades and even knives.

And the night will prove to be a very reliable and helpful ally

And how will the troops be able to keep their orientation in the night, in unfamiliar territory?

Do you have a lighter? - Of course

We will light two fires in the rear of the battalions

on an axis about half a mile away from one another

If the commanders turn and see the two flames merging

then they'll know they're going the right way

If they see they're apart, then they'll know they're going the wrong way

Good. That'll work

The enemy's advancing towards Kubinka!

Eliminate the break in the lines!

This has to be their last attack

The date remains unchanged: 06 December

The 7th Armored Corps attacked in a "rhombus" formation

a classic, German combat tactic

In the vanguard, wedged forward, were the heavy Pzkw IV

My tank army is finished

Follow me! Forward!

On 05 December, the Kalinin Front went on the offensive

On 06 December, at 0600 on the dot, units of the 1st, 20th and 30th armies attacked

The Red Army's counteroffensive began all along the front from the walls of Moscow

At dawn, the enemy's defensive line was broken

On 08 December, the Red Army's left flank also went on the counteroffensive

G0|ikov‘s 10th Army; Bo|din's 50th Army

and Be|ov‘s 1st Cavalry Corps.

Yasnaya Polyana 08 December 1941

Frederick the Great once said that you had to kill Russian soldiers two times

and then stab them. Yeah, he recognized his enemy well.

The Moscow Offensive's failed. All that effort for nothing.

That, because of the High Commands stubbornness, will lead to a catastrophe

General, the Fuehrer wishes to speak with you

Guderian! You will hold at any cost!

I will send you reinforcements by plane! You can count on it.

Hold out, no matter what!

As ordered, my Fuehrer!

I will not give the order to fight to the end, even if I'm brought before a court martial. My coat

The Fuehrer doesn't know the real situation

After suffering heavy losses and having to withdraw continuously

the Red Army dealt the German fascists a demolishing blow before Moscow

Outside of Moscow, the Germans lost more than 50,000 men

1,300 tanks and 2,500 artillery pieces

The Wehrmacht had never experienced such losses before

The Germans were pushed back 100 to 180 miles from Moscow

The Red Army's counteroffensive continued.

Bravo, Dovator!

These Guards units are splendid

During the counteroffensive, the Red Army liberated more than 11,000 localities

Among them, the cities of Kalinin, Klin, Solnechnogorsk, Staritsa, Volokolamsk

Mozhaisk, Borovsk, Yugnov, Maloyaroslavets, Kaluga, Sujinichi.

We will not fall upon Bock for failing to fulfill his mission in Operation Barbarossa

But to retreat now, of all times!

Who gave the order to pull back from Moscow?

Get Bock back here! He's relieved of his command!

We'll put Kluege in his place

Call Guderian! He's to report to me immediately!

Hitler removed Brauchitsch, Bock, Leeb, Rundstedt; Hepner; Roth; Guderian

and 35 other generals were replaced by Hitler

On 16 December 1941, Stalin received a note from the President of the United States

Roosevelt wrote:

"| want to tell you of the great enthusiasm for the victories

“of your armies in the defense of that great nation.“

We hear the echo of the distant parade

We imagine the routes of the last attack.

You are my hope, you are my joy.

You are in my heart, beloved Moscow.

Our victory was earned honestly

Faithful to our sacred homeland

In each new house, in each new song

Remember the fallen in Moscow.

In the Battle of Moscow the troops distinguished themselves under the leadership of

General Zhukov

General Koniev

Lieutenant-General Artyemiev and Boldin

Golikov, Golubev, Efremov, Zajarkin, Kuznetsov, Rokos- sovsky, Govorov, Lelushenko

Akimenko, Beloborodov, Beryezin, Lebedenko, Mironov, Panfilov, Petrov, Siiasov

Smirnov, Tarasov, Shvetsov, Erastov; Griaznov, Karamyshev, Korotkov

Lizyukov, Martirosian, Miroshnichenko, Mijailov, Naumov, Polosujin

Sviridov, Chanohibadze, Chernyshev; Katukov, Hetman, Rotmistrov

Kiriohenko, Sajno; Lavrinenko; Zhuravliov; Belov, Dovator; Golovanov, Kravchenko

Sbytov, Klimov; Bezvierjov, and Chistiakov

Eternal glory to the fallen heroes in the fighting for

the freedom and independence of our country