Veteran of the 65th Army

Pavel Batov (1897–1985) was a distinguished Soviet military commander whose life and actions had a significant impact on the course of World War II. During World War I, he enlisted in the Tsarist army, and after the Bolshevik Revolution in 1918, he joined the Red Army, beginning a long and notable military career. During World War II, he participated in key phases of the conflict, commanding the 3rd Infantry Corps during the Soviet invasion of Poland on 17 September 1939 and gaining renown in the battles of Stalingrad and Kursk, as well as in operations in Belarus and northern Poland. One of his most famous achievements was the capture of Szczecin in April 1945. Leading the 65th Army of the 2nd Belorussian Front, Batov successfully carried out the crossing of the Oder River and the seizure of the city despite extremely challenging terrain in the swampy floodplains. After the war, he held numerous significant positions in the Soviet Union and remained active in public life even after retirement. His contributions were recognised with many prestigious decorations, including the Veteran of the 65th Army Medal, established to honour the soldiers and commanders who contributed to the Soviet victory. During the Polish People's Republic (PRL) era, Pavel Batov was granted honorary citizenship of Szczecin, highlighting his connection to the city. In 1976, through the Soviet Consulate in Szczecin and local authorities, he donated a collection of his memorabilia to the National Museum in Szczecin, including the Veteran of the 65th Army Medal. These items not only enriched the museum’s collection but also serve as important historical artefacts, reminding visitors of post-war ties between Szczecin and the USSR and the role of General Batov in the region’s history. Anna Lew-Machniak