The Navigation of 1943: The Battle for the Volga Goes On

Abstract

Introduction. During the Second World War Volga ships suffered considerable losses from artillery fire and mines. Fighting for the Volga – the main waterway – continued even after the Battle of Stalingrad was over. The river was mined throughout 1943. The Volga way provided goods for the Front and back areas, includind oil, as before. Materials and methods. The study is based on the historism and objectivity principles and uses the general scientific as well as specific historical and statistical methods. The paper is based on published and unpublished archival materials as well as on scientific publications on the Volga Military Flotilla, the Volga crossings at Stalingrad, the Volga Steamship Lines and others. Analysis. The preparation for the navigation of 1943 was carried out under severe conditions when the waterway transportation facilities were being restored. The Volga Steamship Lines had suffered enormous material damage. Special agencies were created for salvaging and repair of sunken ships. The agencies included salvaging and repair squads. The Volga Military Flotilla was engaged in clearing the river of mines and wreckage. The Volga Military Flotilla ships kept escorting ship convoys as well. An integrated system for mining observation was organized on the Volga. Not only the Lower Volga was dangerous for navigation but also the Middle Volga. Results. The first period of the navigation of 1943 was characterized by slow movement of ships, mined waterway and air attack menace. During the second half of the navigation period the movement of ships was more intensive under relatively safe conditions. Shipping on the Volga became safer.