Штрафники ww2

All the men penalty units dedicated to Red Army ... Music: Nikolai Emelin "penal battalion, Video: Anatoly Kizilov. In July 1942 Stalin directed the creation of 'shtrafbats', (штрафбат, штрафной батальон) or penal battalions by Stavka Order No. 227 (Директива Ставки ВГК №227) in July 1942. Order No. 227 introduced severe punishments, including the summary imposition of the death penalty, for unauthorized retreats.[1] In this order Stalin referred to the positive experience of the Nazis in use of the death penalty and service in penal battalions as a punishment for unauthorized retreats. Pursuant to Order No. 227, the first penal battalions were originally planned at 800 men; penal companies were also authorized, consisting of between 150 and 200 men per company. At this time policy on the use of the battalions was changed in conformance with Stalin's new policy of 'Not One Step Back': the penal units were only to be used in offensives or attacks.[2] In defence, they were to be employed only to counter-attack.[3] Penal battalion service was very dangerous, and was often used in attempts to break through particularly stubborn enemy defences. In addition to the battalions already serving with Armies, other battalions, subordinated to Fronts, were introduced. The first penal battalion deployed under the new policy was sent to the Stalingrad Front on August 22, 1942, shortly before German troops reached the Volga river. It consisted of 929 disgraced officers convicted under Order No. 227 who were demoted to the ranks and assigned to the penal battalion. After three days of combat, only 300 remained. Николай Емелин " Штрафная рота "