Evacuation of Odessa

Discussion in 'The Eastern Front' started by Gerard, Mar 4, 2009.

  1. Gerard

    Gerard Seelow/Prora

    John Erickson in "The Road to Stalingrad" refers to the timely and well organised evacuation of Russian Troops from the City of Odessa by sea in October 1941. He praises the organisation and efficiency of the withdrawal which happened at very short notice and was completely successful. I can only find one link to this operation on the web and it is only a passing comment stating that over 30,000 troops were evacuated by the Black Sea Fleet. Anyone else got any info on this?
     
  2. Owen

    Owen -- --- -.. MOD

    From Barbarossa To Berlin by Brian Taylor, Volume 1 page 149 .

    16 October 1941

    The seige of Odessa ended after a sucessful evacuation of remaining Soviet units from the port. At 0200 hours rearguards fell back to their final positions around the harbour and commenced the destruction of the port facilities. Within a few hours these men had also been taken out of the city , leaving the blazing ruins to the Rumanians.
    The Coastal Army and Black sea Fleet lost 16 578 killed and wounded during the defence of Odessa , and a further 24 690 wounded*

    *Kirosheev, Soviet Casualties and Combat Losses in the Twentieth Century , Table 75.
     
  3. James S

    James S Very Senior Member

    Such a contrast to the end for the Germans in the Crimea.
     
  4. deadb_tch

    deadb_tch the deadliest b#tch ever

  5. deadb_tch

    deadb_tch the deadliest b#tch ever

    On this foto in center you can find famous Odessa hand-made tank - "Na ispug" that is translated like "To fright" - just a tractor covered with steel taken from steam boilers of ships.

    [​IMG]
     
  6. Owen

    Owen -- --- -.. MOD

    First hit on Google for Odessa 1941 gives this interesting article about the Rumainians.
    Never read up on this before.

    WorldWar2.ro - The Battle of Odessa - 1941

    From 14 October, when Soviet ships shelled the positions of the 5th Corps, the Romanian General Staff noticed the intensification of enemy naval activity. During the night and the following day, the ordered powerful reconnaissance raids to be executed and, in case the Soviets retreated, they were to be followed closely and aggressively. The Romanian patrols were met with heavy fire. The pursuit was hurried as a result. On 16 October, at 1030 hours, forward patrols of the 7th Infantry Division entered Odessa. At 1600 hours the "Eftimiu" Detachment captured the port. By evening the last strongpoints were annihilated.
    Thus ended the bloody battle of Odessa. The 4th Army engaged 340,223 men during the operations from 8 August to 16 October 1941, of which it had lost 92,545 (17,729 dead, 63,345 wounded and 11,471 missing). In addition to these were lost 19 tanks, 90 artillery pieces, 115 mortars, 956 light machine-guns, 336 heavy machine-guns and 10,250 rifles. GAL had flown 5,524 sorties and dropped 1,249 tons of bombs. 151 VVS aircraft were claimed for the loss of 20 of its own.
    The Soviet side reported 41,268 casualties (16,578 dead and missing and 24,690 wounded). They also managed to evacuate about 350,000 soldiers and civilians from the city. Odessa received the honorary title of "hero city".
    [​IMG]
     
  7. deadb_tch

    deadb_tch the deadliest b#tch ever

    Need to make correction: about 35 000 of men, not the 350 000. ;)
     
  8. Gerard

    Gerard Seelow/Prora

    Evacuating 35,000 troops from a besieged city is a notable achievement in itself. Thanks for the info so far lads, its much appreciated.

    Did a quick google Scholar search and came up with a paper on Soviet Amphibious Operations in the Black Sea 1941-43 which not only mentions the evacuation (although not in great detail) but also a landing by Soviet Marines in the Odessa area to destroy Rumanian Artillery positions that were threatening the Odessa area. The operation was by this account a complete success and goes to show that the Soviets although taking serious losses and being outmaneouvered were capable of putting on a good show in the right conditions. here is the link to the paper:
    http://www.chakoten.dk/soviet_amphibious_operations_in_the_black_sea.pdf
     
  9. Smudger Jnr

    Smudger Jnr Our Man in Berlin

    I have to admit to not knowing as much as I would like to about some the Eastern Front actions, this being one in particular.

    If my grey cells are still functioning, is this the defensive action where the Naval sailors were used as infantry defending the city?

    Regards
    Tom
     
  10. Gerard

    Gerard Seelow/Prora

    Tom, I'm not sure but I do remember such a scenario alright, but something is telling me that you might be referring to Sevastopol as opposed to Odessa.
     
  11. Smudger Jnr

    Smudger Jnr Our Man in Berlin

    Gotthard,

    I believe that you are correct and I really must do a little more East Front research.

    My books are limited on this subject and so it is up to the internet.

    Regards
    Tom
     
  12. englandphil

    englandphil Very Senior Member

    Im out in the Ukraine in Oct this year and am hoping to get to Odessa so will report in due course

    P
     
  13. deadb_tch

    deadb_tch the deadliest b#tch ever

    Im out in the Ukraine in Oct this year and am hoping to get to Odessa so will report in due course


    Come on, get pics of Odessa Defence Memorial! ;)
     
  14. Gerard

    Gerard Seelow/Prora

    Im out in the Ukraine in Oct this year and am hoping to get to Odessa so will report in due course

    P
    Excellent stuff Phil!! Get some photos if you get the chance :)
     

Share This Page