Troops and military tribunals of NKVD in battle for the Caucasus (August– November 1942)

Abstract

The article gives a brief description of the situation prevailing in the North Caucasus in the first period of World War II. Particular attention is paid to the creation and heroic defense by the troops of the People’s Commissariat of Internal Affairs (hereinafter referred to as the NKVD ) of the Vladikavkaz, Grozny, Makhachkala, Nalchik fortified areas, passes and mountain passages of the Main Caucasus Range (hereinafter referred to as the GKH) in August–November 1942. Archive data about the losses of the warring parties, as well as the rewarding of the personnel of the NKVD troops for their courage. The role and place
of the NKVD military tribunals in ensuring the rule of law and maintaining military discipline is revealed. It is concluded that the NKVD troops played a key role in the defense of the created fortified areas.