When did Operation Kutuzov begin and end?
Operation Kutuzov began on the 12th of July 1943 and ended on the 18th of August 1943. The campaign concluded with the capture of Orel by Soviet troops.
Questions about Operation Kutuzov
Short answers, pulled from the story.
Who commanded the Soviet forces during Operation Kutuzov?
The Western Front, Bryansk Front, and Central Front executed Operation Kutuzov under Soviet high command. Lieutenant General Hovhannes Bagramyan led the 11th Guards Army within this structure.
What were the total casualties for Operation Kutuzov?
Red Army casualties included 112,529 men killed and a further 317,361 wounded during Operation Kutuzov. Overall German losses totaled 86,454 men killed, missing, or wounded in the same period.
How many aircraft sorties did the VVS fly during Operation Kutuzov?
Total sorties for the VVS reached 60,995 across the entire campaign of Operation Kutuzov. The Luftwaffe flew 37,421 sorties while dropping over 20,000 tonnes of bombs on Soviet targets.
Why was Operation Kutuzov named after Mikhail Kutuzov?
Operation Kutuzov was named after General Mikhail Kutuzov who saved Russia from Napoleon in 1812. Stalin initially wanted to attack immediately but listened to commanders advising a defensive posture first.