Understanding Soviet Military Discipline: The Reality Behind Blocking Units

The notion that the Soviet Union was prone to shoot its own soldiers during critical battles such as Stalingrad has long been a popular myth. This article sheds light on the truth behind the Soviet military's actions during World War II, specifically addressing the role of blocking units and the Orders put in place to maintain discipline.

Roaming Blocking Units and Retreating Soldiers

During the Battle of Stalingrad, Soviet military police 'blocking' units played a crucial role in deterring unauthorized retreats from front-line units. These units, often composed of military police from the NKVD or regular army troops, were tasked with intercepting and dealing with individuals who were retreating without proper authorization. However, the portrayal in films like 'Enemy at the Gates' is far from the truth.

Documentation and Reality of Actions

According to historical records, a total of 15,649 men were apprehended by blocking units during the battle. Of those, 320 were sentenced to penal units after standing trial, while 244 were executed. The rest were simply sent back to their units. This suggests that, while the penalties were severe, outright shooting of soldiers was not the norm. The actions of these units were more akin to detaining and interrogating soldiers while quicker measures were taken with the most severe offenders.

The specifics of blocking units can be traced back to the broader context of the Eastern Front. Blocking formations were a common phenomenon in the Red Army, not limited to just the Battle of Stalingrad, but prevalent throughout the war. On July 27, 1942, Stalin issued Order 229, which explicitly authorized extreme disciplinary measures, including the establishment of blocking formations, to combat unauthorized retreats. It is important to note that this order was in place long before the Battle of Stalingrad even began, emphasizing its widespread application.

Eastern Front Context: Beyond Stalingrad

It is a common misconception that the majority of fighting on the Eastern Front took place in or around Stalingrad. In reality, the front was vast and encompassed numerous battles and engagements. During the summer of 1942, there were approximately 160 German divisions in the Eastern theater. Sixth Army, a significant component, controlled only 21 divisions at the time, and at any given moment, no more than 8 of these were actually stationed within the city limits of Stalingrad.

The Battle of Stalingrad began on August 23, 1942, when the Germans had not even crossed the Don river, let alone reached the Volga. Therefore, the origins of Order 229 were not tied to Stalingrad, and its application extended well beyond the geopolitical boundaries of the city.

Widespread Military Discipline: The Case of Wehrmacht

It is worth noting that the Wehrmacht likewise practiced stringent discipline, with similar or even higher levels of shootings of its own troops. This underscores the fact that extreme measures were employed across multiple combatants to ensure continued military cohesion. Both the Red Army and the Wehrmacht faced enormous challenges and required severe disciplinary actions to maintainorder among their respective forces.

Due to the repeated setbacks suffered by the Red Army during Operation Blue, which began on June 28, 1942, and earlier in May and early June, the situation had become dire by late July. The prospect of a total rout loomed as a significant threat, necessitating the implementation of extraordinary measures to prevent the disintegration of the army.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while the role of blocking units and the enforcement of Order 229 were severe, the portrayal in popular media of Soviet soldiers being machine-gunned in the streets of Stalingrad is an extrapolation of myth. The reality was more nuanced, with a focus on deterring unauthorized retreats through a range of disciplinary actions, including trial and imprisonment in penal units. These measures were not limited to just Stalingrad, but were part of a broader strategy applied throughout the Eastern Front to maintain military discipline during one of the most challenging periods of World War II.