Characteristics Of The Battle Of Stalingrad

The “Triumphant” Defense of Stalingrad A successful defense is needed to retain key terrain, attrite the enemy before a decisive offensive operation, and surprise or disorient the enemy. During the Battle of Stalingrad in 1942, the Soviet Red Army were able to successfully defend the city of Stalingrad despite being heavily outmanned. This battle is important to study because it allows military historians as well as military leaders to understand what components can change the course of a battle. Breaking down the defense of Stalingrad, it is evident that the Soviet Army defeated the Germans because of their use of four main characteristics of the defense: Preparation, Flexibility, and Maneuver.
Stalingrad was a large industrial city (stretching about 30 miles) that lied along the bank of the Volga river where production of armaments and intelligence
Stalin then issued Order 277: “Not One Step Back” forcing citizens in Stalingrad to assist the military with preparation for the battle; building defenses, supply route, aid station and anything else needed for a successful defense of the city. The Soviets set up troops along the perimeter of the city however they were scattered throughout in a variant of an area defense. While defenses were being built, Soviet resistance forces, consisting of T-34 tanks to regular Russian civilians, were sent out as an early security measure for the advancing Germans. They attacked the Germans as they crossed over the Don River and slowed the German attack to an extent (Showalter, 2003). When the Germans broke through their lines, the resistance retreated to Stalingrad causing the Germans to advance towards them. This use of security and preparation was critical in drawing the Germans into the Soviet defensive forces deep in the