PARTICIPATION OF THE 402ND AZERBAIJANI NATIONAL RIFLE DIVISION IN THE DEFENSE OF THE CAUCASUS

Abstract

The article talks about the most difficult period in the history of the 402nd Rifle Division organized in Azerbaijan during the Second World War-the destruction of German troops under heavy blows during the battles for the defense of the Caucasus. The main task set before the study is to provide a more objective study of the topic of the participation of the Azerbaijani people in the war by identifying the causes of this tragedy. Scientific study of the topic is of great importance in terms of revealing the historical truth, as well as giving an objective assessment of the division’s combat path. Given the role of a high-ranking officer of Armenian origin in the division’s heavy losses in December 1942, there is a need for a deeper study of the issue. In the first months of the war, the 402nd Azerbaijani National Rifle Division faced serious problems. The situation of the military unit was aggravated by the involvement of the division in military operations for the defense of the Caucasus
in the fall of 1942. Despite all the appeals of both the leadership of the division and the political leadership of Azerbaijan, the Soviet military command did not take reasonable measures to eliminate the difficult situation faced by the Azerbaijani
military community. This led to the destruction of the 402nd division as a result of the fighting. The 402nd division went through a glorious battle both in South Azerbaijan and in the North Caucasus during the war years. The incompetent leadership of the command of the division, along with the neglect of the Soviet military command of the problems faced by the division, ultimately led to the mass destruction of Azerbaijani military personnel.