“A перешейком смерти” – “a isthmus of death.” That’s what the people of Kolpino called this area during World War II. Now we stand before the Памятник воинам, погибшим при обороне Колпино War memorial. It stands as a testament to their courage.
This war memorial honors the soldiers. They died defending Kolpino during the Great Patriotic War. The monument is located on Freedom Boulevard in Kolpino. It is a key part of the Green Belt of Glory memorial complex.
The city of Kolpino was founded in 1722. The area where the monument stands was once a wooden dam. It ensured the operation of the sawmills. In 1836 the factories near the dam were reinforced with cast-iron supports.
By the early 20th century, a memorial plaque was erected here. It honored the 72nd Izhora Battalion. During the siege of Leningrad, this area was under constant enemy fire. Kolpino residents called it “a isthmus of death”.
The Izhora Battalion was formed from factory workers. They helped defend the Leningrad Front. They halted the Nazi-fascist invaders. These invaders advanced towards Leningrad.
The original memorial plaque was destroyed. It was hit by shells and aerial bombs. After the war, a decision was made to build a new monument. This Памятник воинам, погибшим при обороне Колпино War memorial was established in honor of the 72nd Izhora Battalion.
The solemn opening took place on January 24, 1959. It marked the 15th anniversary of lifting the siege of Leningrad. Modest Shepilevsky designed the monument.
This Памятник воинам, погибшим при обороне Колпино War memorial is 8.2 meters high. It stretches 21 meters long. The monument features a memorial wall. It faces with gray podolsky stone. The wall’s central part juts forward. It is adorned with two bronze steles. The central part stands out against the wall. It faces with polished dark red granite. A bronze mourning ribbon runs along its contour. Inscriptions honor the Izhora soldiers. They died during the war.
The monument also depicts the Order of the Red Banner. Laurel branches and the years 1941-1945 surround it. Three bronze wreaths of laurel and oak lie beneath. The laurel symbolizes steadfastness and courage. Oak branches represent accomplishment.
The lights symbolize the memory of the Izhora soldiers. They helped the city. The memorial reminds residents and visitors of the battalion’s strength. It also recalls their ability to stop the enemy.
The Izhora Battalion was awarded the Order of the Red Banner. The factory workers formed volunteer detachments. They formed a separate Izhora battalion. In August 1941, the soldiers helped the Leningrad Front. They stopped the enemy just four kilometers from Kolpino.
Kolpino will never forget its heroes. They bravely defended the approaches to Leningrad. The Памятник воинам, погибшим при обороне Колпино War memorial is a place of remembrance. It is a reminder of the sacrifices made during the war.