There was a movie I watched recently. The theme of this movie called "Enemy at the Gates" was taken from the life story of Vasily Grigoryevich Zaitsev, who fought against the Germans as part of the Soviet troops in World War II. The film was very interesting and I said that this should be my new topic.)
VASILY GRIGOROVYCH ZAITSEV (Picture 1) was born on March 23, 1915 in the Yeleninskoye region of the Russian Empire (now Chelyobinsk province) in a peasant family. Since he often went hunting with his grandfather at an early age, he also acquired shooting skills as a child. After graduating from vocational school in Magnitogorsk in 1930, he started working as a laborer. Later, he took accounting lessons. In 1935, he was drafted into the Workers' and Peasants' Red Army (RKKA) and sent to the Pacific Fleet (TOF). He first worked as a clerk in an artillery unit, then completed his studies at the military courses of the Pacific Fleet, and then was appointed chief of the financial department of one of the units of the Navy, where he served.
Zaitsev held a good position in the navy and was highly appreciated by the command. But in the summer of 1942, Vasili applied 5 times to be sent to the front. His request was granted and Zaitsev was sent to the 284th infantry division. On the night of September 1942, together with other soldiers, he was sent to cross the Volga for the defense of Stalingrad. Arriving in the city, he uttered these words that caused confusion: "For us soldiers and commanders of the 62nd army, there is no land beyond the Volga. We have stood face to face with death and we will stand!"
In the Second World War, during the period from August 23, 1942 to February 2, 1943, during the defense of Stalingrad (now Volgograd), which the Germans considered a key point for the invasion of Russia, Vasily's bravery increased the fighting spirit of the Russian army, created confidence in victory and Vasili's whole story almost started here.
Although Zaitsev entered the army at first as a simple soldier, due to his bravery and especially accurate shooting skills, he was given the rank of marksman and M1891 Mosin Nagat 7.62 mm sniper rifle.
A military school was even established in Stalingrad and trained many other marksmen who would play an important role in the war. Zaitsev's tactics and strategies helped Soviet forces neutralize many German snipers and gain the upper hand in urban warfare. Zaitsev participated in many successful missions that changed the course of the Battle of Stalingrad. He neutralized the German snipers and gave a great advantage to the Soviet troops. Courage and leadership skills earned him great respect among the soldiers. Zaitsev's marksmanship demoralized the German soldiers and strengthened the Soviet resistance.
The Battle of Stalingrad ended in 1943 with the victory of the Soviet army. German forces had to retreat with heavy losses. This victory was an important turning point that changed the course of the war and halted the advance of Nazi Germany. One of Zaitsev's most famous skirmishes during the Battle of Stalingrad was his duel with German sniper Major Erwin Koenig. Rumors spread that König was the head of a German sniper school. The Germans called König to lead the army, especially to kill Zaitsev. This legendary duel became the subject of several books and was later fictionalized in the 2001 film Enemy at the Gate. Although the exact details of the duel are disputed, Zaitsev claimed to have killed König on February 17, 1943.
However, recent research suggests that Koenig may be a fictional character created for propaganda purposes. For example, according to the British military historian Alan Clarke, SS Standardenfuhrer Heinz Thorvald, the head of the sniper school in Zossen (near Berlin), died in a duel with Vasily Zaitsev. In fact, it was a kind of propaganda, the Russians created an image of an "artificial hero" for themselves. True, Zaitsev's story, although partly surrounded by myths and embellishments, remains a testament to the courage and endurance of Soviet soldiers in one of the deadliest conflicts in history.
However, Zaitsev killed 225 enemy soldiers during the war. However, this number is not exact. Military Times magazine published an article about Zaitsev's memories and tactics for becoming an effective sniper. According to Zaitsev:
1)"Do not make a base camp or fixed positions: The gunner is nomadic. You must appear in the most unexpected place. Never stay in one position for a long time: he can be observed.
2) Be careful in gathering intelligence: Where, when and under what conditions are our own soldiers killed by enemy snipers? Then scout the area and investigate how enemy snipers might move.
3)Work closely with nearby regulars: They can provide reconnaissance, diversion and distraction. They are aware of the events happening around them.
4) Never assume it is safe to expose yourself to gather intelligence. Assume the ever-present silence is threatening. Work slowly, carefully and methodically. A successful sniper 'measures seven times and cuts once'.
5) When you need to reveal yourself, you should be minimally exposed, completely camouflaged, and as still as possible: Lie like a rock and just observe. Aim to be completely invisible, even to a trained eye.
6) Yours is a battle of patience, concentration and endurance: Create distractions.
7) Don't shoot until you're sure you're going to kill: If you shoot without accurate aim, you'll reveal your position.
8 ) It all depends on creativity, careful preparation, attention to detail and endless patience: Impatience is death”.
Zaitsev is the author of the memoir "За Волгой для нас земли не было" ("There was no land for us since the Volga"). He also wrote the book "The notes of Russian Sniper" in 1981. In this book, he talked about his achievements during the war, including the secrets of his art. When talking about achievements, it should be especially noted that he was awarded with many medals and honorary titles. Hero of the Soviet Union, 4 Orders of Lenin, 2 Orders of the Golden Banner (1942, 1944), Order of the Great Patriotic War, "For Bravery" medal, "Honorary citizen of Hero Volgograd" etc.
After the end of World War II, Zaitsev continued his service in the Soviet army. He worked in various positions, including as an instructor, passing on his experience and knowledge to the next generation of snipers. In 1969, after nearly thirty years of service, Zaitsev retired with the rank of major.
In his post-war civilian life, Zaitsev settled in Kiev, Ukraine. He worked as an engineer in the construction industry and contributed to efforts to remove the devastation of war.
Vasily Zaitsev died in Kiev, Ukraine, aged 76, on December 15, 1991, just 11 days before the collapse of the Soviet Union, and was buried in Kiev despite his request to be buried in Stalingrad (his grave Picture 3). On January 31, 2006, his ashes were solemnly reburied in the Mamayev Kurgan in Volgograd, along with all his military honors. (Picture 4)
His legacy lives on through books, films and documentaries depicting his remarkable achievements and the significance of the Battle of Stalingrad. Although some aspects of his story have been romanticized or exaggerated, Zaitsev's contributions to the war effort and the outcome of the Battle of Stalingrad are indisputable. His bravery and outstanding marksmanship continue to inspire generations, representing the strength and determination of those who fight in the face of adversity.
