Leonid Govorov (22 Feb. 1897 - 19 Mar. 1955)
When Germany invaded the Soviet Union in June 1941, Govorov was given command of the western front artillery. He was Chief of Artillery in the 5th Army during the battle of Moscow, later becoming commander of the army in October 1941. He commanded the 5th Army through the Soviet counter-strikes, recapturing Mozhaisk.
In April of 1942, Govorov became commander of the Leningrad Group of Forces, which led the defence and counterattack from Leningrad. His experience as Chief of Artillery served him well in this and he managed to eliminate key German positions. This breakout failed, however managed to incur heavy losses to the Germans. His next plan, Operation Iskra, managed to create a railroad that brought much-needed supplies to Leningrad, ensuring the city’s survival. He continued as commander, launching several attacks against the German lines and in November 1943 he became army general.
He would continue as commander pushing south and west, capturing the Baltic states and entrapping German troops remaining in Soviet territory. He would become marshal of the Soviet Union and later Hero of the Soviet Union.
For more information on Leonid Govorov:
Glantz, David M. Colossus Reborn: The Red Army at War 1941 – 1943 (Kansas: Kansas University Press), 2005.
Glantz, David M. The Battle for Leningrad 1941 – 1944 (Kansas: Kansas University Press), 2002.
In April of 1942, Govorov became commander of the Leningrad Group of Forces, which led the defence and counterattack from Leningrad. His experience as Chief of Artillery served him well in this and he managed to eliminate key German positions. This breakout failed, however managed to incur heavy losses to the Germans. His next plan, Operation Iskra, managed to create a railroad that brought much-needed supplies to Leningrad, ensuring the city’s survival. He continued as commander, launching several attacks against the German lines and in November 1943 he became army general.
He would continue as commander pushing south and west, capturing the Baltic states and entrapping German troops remaining in Soviet territory. He would become marshal of the Soviet Union and later Hero of the Soviet Union.
For more information on Leonid Govorov:
Glantz, David M. Colossus Reborn: The Red Army at War 1941 – 1943 (Kansas: Kansas University Press), 2005.
Glantz, David M. The Battle for Leningrad 1941 – 1944 (Kansas: Kansas University Press), 2002.