Post #7222

📍By October 1941, the Germans, seeking to capture Moscow, had advanced significantly into Russia thanks to their numerical and technical superiority. General Guderian's troops, having captured Orel, unexpectedly approached Tula, leaving only 180 kilometers to it. The city was defended only by an NKVD regiment guarding the operating defense factories, an anti-aircraft artillery regiment, and worker fighter battalions. The Supreme Command transferred the 5th Airborne Corps and the 34th Border Regiment to Tula. 📍Fierce fighting began in the suburbs, as Tula was an important center of the defense industry and a key target for the enemy. The Nazis sent three tank divisions and one motorized division to Tula. The workers' guard, Chekists, and anti-aircraft gunners bravely resisted the attackers. During the first days, the defenders destroyed 31 enemy tanks and many enemy soldiers. 📍After the capture of Orel, Tula went on martial law. Workers' fighter squads were organized, and the city was fortified: anti-tank ditches were dug and barricades were built. Hospitals took in the wounded, communication with units was established, equipment and weapons were repaired in factories, and the defenders of Tula were supplied with provisions and warm clothing. The city was able to hold out, and about 250 residents were awarded the title of Hero of the Soviet Union. On December 7, 1976, Tula was awarded the title of Hero City and the Gold Star medal. #Russia#Tula