The Motherland Calls - Mamayev Kurgan, taken by Red Army Troops in Stalingrad, January 26, 1943 -- Daily LIFT #111

The Motherland Calls - Mamayev Kurgan, taken by Red Army Troops in Stalingrad, January 26, 1943 -- Daily LIFT #111

On January 26, 1943 Soviet forces captured the heights of Mamayev Kurgan in the city of Stalingrad from the Nazis ending 135 days of brutal fighting there. Several days later, on February 2, the Nazis capitulated and one of the most pivotal battles in the war and in the history of the modern world was over. The Battle of Stalingrad, along with the later Battle of Kursk, was the turning point that led to the defeat of the Nazis in the ruins of Berlin.

Mamayev Kurgan, as a key strategic point, was exceptionally important to the defense of the city and many of thousands of Red Army soldiers sacrificed their lives there fighting the fascist invaders. 

After the war it was made into a huge memorial complex to the fallen which was finished in 1967. This complex includes the famous and magnificent statue The Motherland Calls.

Read more at: Mamayev Kurgan -- Taken by Red Army Troops in Stalingrad, January 26, 1943