The Turning Point: December 1941 and the Defense of Moscow
About This Footage
Reel 6 of The Battle of Russia (1943) showcases the decisive Russian counteroffensive in December 1941, which marked a turning point in the Eastern Front. After halting the German Army at the gates of Moscow, the Russian military launched a massive coordinated assault, aided by the brutal winter conditions. The offensive employed fighter planes, bombers, artillery, tanks, cavalry, and infantry, driving the Germans back across a series of key towns and villages, including Volokolamsk, Yepifan, Tarussa, Venev, Rogachev, Klin, Mozhaisk, Borodino, and Kaluga.
As the German Army retreated, it left behind a trail of devastation, with towns and villages destroyed. The Russian people emerged from hiding to find their homes and communities in ruins, yet their resolve remained unbroken. This reel highlights the resilience of the Russian Army and civilians, and the beginning of Germany’s retreat from the Eastern Front.
Part of this Complete Film
The Battle of Russia (1943) - WWII Eastern Front Documentary