Velikie luki ww2. Soviet counterattacks during the Winter Campaign of 1941–1942, especially the Battles of Rzhev just to the south, formed a large salient in the German lines. Velikiye Luki lay just on the western edge of the original advance, and was just as strategic for the Soviets as the Germans. Velikiye Luki (Russian: Вели́кие Лу́ки, IPA: [vʲɪˈlʲikʲɪjə ˈlukʲɪ]; lit. The Battle of Velikiye Luki, also named Velikiye Luki offensive operation (ru|Великолукская наступательная операция), started with the attack by the forces of the Red Army 's Kalinin Front against the Wehrmacht 's 3rd Panzer Army during the Winter Campaign of 1942–1943 with the objective of liberating the Russian city of Velikiye Luki as a previous part of . It is a large trade and industrial center of the southern part of the region, important cultural and educational center. The population of Velikiye Luki is about 90,100 (2022), the area - 60 sq. As part of 'Barbarossa Velikiye Luki - Overview Velikiye Luki or Velikie Luki is a city in Russia located in the Pskov region, 474 km west of Moscow. Aug 31, 2006 · In the wet snows of late November 1942, the Soviet army struck at the thinly manned German front lines north and south of the city on the river, surrounding the vital supply center and trapping its garrison while threatening to cut off and encircle an entire German army group. The phone code - +7 81153, the postal codes - 182100-182115. Jul 23, 2018 · Late in November the Russians attacked north and south of Velikiye Luki and succeeded in encircling the city which was held by a strong regimental combat team of the 83rd Division. A few miles farther south two additional German combat teams suffered the same fate. fandom. It is the second largest town in Pskov Oblast; population: 86,711 (2021 Census); [10] 98,778 (2010 Census); [4] 104,979 (2002 Census); [11] 113,745 (1989 Soviet census). com As the battle of Stalingrad raged in Southern Russia, an equally ferocious battle raged at Velikiye Luki in Northern Russia. In August 1941, the Germans occupied the city of 30,000 during Operation Barbarossa Mar 19, 2018 · On January 16, the German garrison surrounded in Velikie Luki was completely liquidated, and by the same day 12 only one center of resistance headquarters of the defense, headed by Lieutenant Colonel von Sass, remained under enemy control. great meanders [9] or longbows) is a town in Pskov Oblast, Russia, located on the meandering Lovat River. As part of Operation Barbarossa, the German army took Velikiye Luki on 19 July 1941, but was forced to retreat the next day due to Soviet counter-attacks breaking the line of communications in multiple places. It is called "little Stalingrad" by many historians. km. From its pivotal role in the Battle of Velikiye Luki to its modern-day recognition as a “City of Military Glory,” the city has left an indelible mark on Russian history. See full list on military-history. [12] Velikiye Luki is a Aug 4, 2020 · A highly illustrated study of one of the most dramatic yet overlooked episodes on the Eastern Front in World War II, the siege of Velikye Luki by Soviet forces in 1942--43. Apr 14, 2025 · Velikiye Luki, a city marked by its military history, stands as a symbol of Soviet resilience during World War II. In 15: 30, a special squad from the 249 division broke into the basement and captured 52 as a soldier and officer, including the lieutenant colonel himself The Battle of Velikiye Luki, also named Velikiye Luki offensive operation, started with the attack by the forces of the Red Army's Kalinin Front against the Weh The 'Velikiye Luki Offensive Operation' was was a Soviet offensive by the forces of the Kalinin Front against the 3rd Panzerarmee in the course of the winter campaign of 1942/43 with the object of liberating the city of Velikiye Luki as part of the northern pincer of the 'Rzhev-Sychevka Strategic Offensive Operation', otherwise 'Mars' (19 November 1942/16 January 1943). Velikiye Luki had been an important Russian fortress city since the 13th century and had become an important rail-hub by the 19th century. 0dy55wdprw6lfkjxlymzwbb3dhmf5rui42xauyt