Operation Barbarossa (Red Beard)
Initial Attack on Russia (Breaking Non-Aggression Pact)
–June 22, 1941 – Led by Von Paulos
Stalin was warned, did nothing – caught off guard
First attacks masterful. Soviets pushed back
Captured Leningrad/Keiv, 50 miles from Moscow
–Russians retreat to Moscow, scorched earth policy
Russian Winter hits. Coldest in 50 years
–German Machines all freeze. Germans not ready for winter
Thousands died in the cold
Attack on Moscow failed (50miles)
–Siberian soldiers and weather primary reason
–June 22, 1941 – Led by Von Paulos
Stalin was warned, did nothing – caught off guard
First attacks masterful. Soviets pushed back
Captured Leningrad/Keiv, 50 miles from Moscow
–Russians retreat to Moscow, scorched earth policy
Russian Winter hits. Coldest in 50 years
–German Machines all freeze. Germans not ready for winter
Thousands died in the cold
Attack on Moscow failed (50miles)
–Siberian soldiers and weather primary reason