File:250th Infantry Blue Division near Krasny Bor, January-February 1943 (25333809417).jpg

75 years ago today, soldiers of the 250th Infantry Blue Division march through a route near the village of Krasny Bor, Leningrad Region, January-February 1943.

The Battle of Krasny Bor was part of a large Russian offensive against German positions, which intended to create pincer attack near Leningrad, releasing the siege and encircling the German 18th Army, which would have had to surrender. The first day of the battle was a success for the Soviet troops, but the Francoist forces from the Blue Division, reinforced with an SS Police Division could dig in, losing over 70% of their members. Russian casualties were, however, higher, with more than 20,000 casualties, including wounded. The 13th, observing that it would be useless to attack the sector, the Soviets decided to cease the offensive.