The Black Sea port of Odessa was occupied by German and Rumanian forces on 16th October 1941 after a siege that had lasted since August. The evacuation, which was carried out in perfect order, was dictated by events in the Eastern Ukraine and the consequent need of more men to reinforce the Crimea where the enemy after crossing the Dnieper, were trying to force an entry through the narrow Perekop Isthmus. Before leaving the port the Russians destroyed all important works. The pictures show: citizens cheering the Russian rearguard as they move up to the front line, and German Panzer vehicles moving to the attack.
12-02-2007, 10:17 PM
