Memorable Dates of Russia: The Saratov Historical Park presented two exhibitions, marking the 80th anniversary since the beginning of the Battle of Stalingrad

Marking the 80th anniversary since the beginning of the Battle of Stalingrad, two exhibition projects, prepared by the specialists of the Museum-Reserve “The Battle of Stalingrad” (Volgograd) with the support of the Volgograd Regional Branch of the Russian Military Historical Society, have opened in the Saratov Historical Park.

The exhibition Paratroopers-Guards of Stalingrad is dedicated to the bravery and heroism, shown by the guards rifle divisions, based on the airborne formations, during one of the most important and big general battles of the Great Patriotic War and World War II. The exposition features documents and photographs depicting soldiers and officers, posters, topographic maps of the period. The Battle of Stalingrad lasted for 200 days and nights, from July 17, 1942 to February 2, 1943. The exhibition’s materials tell the story of the paratroopers of the Great Patriotic War stopping the enemy in the hardest moment and buying some time for the organization of offensive. They fulfilled their mission of strategic reserve.

Every exhibition tablet tells about the role of the eight airborne corps, reformed in the summer of 1942 into the guards rifle divisions and transferred to the southern direction, in this battle on the Volga. A special section of the exhibition is dedicated to the military path of the Commander of the legendary 13th Guards Rifle Division, Hero of Soviet Union, Major General A. I. Rodimtsev.

The materials of the exhibition project Marshals of Victory. G. K. Zhukov and K. K. Rokossovsky are devoted to the military and life path of the two outstanding commanders of the XX century, who left a noticeable mark in the military history of Russia and the world. The exhibition displays photographs, copies of documents, portraits, memoirs, including pages of G. K. Zhukov’s book Memories and Thoughts signed by the author.

Visitors will have an opportunity to learn about the childhood of future marshals, their studies, participation in World War I and civil wars. Special attention is paid to the deeds of G. K. Zhukov and K. K. Rokossovsky in the Great Patriotic War, especially during the defence of Moscow and the Battle of Stalingrad. The culmination of their military careers was the participation in the Victory Parade on the Red Square on June 24, 1945. The final section of the exhibition covers the post-war period of marshals’ lives.