Battle for the Dnepr

   In order to reduce resistance on the right bank of the Dnieper, the Soviet command was decided to land on the right bank of the parachute. So, 24 September 1943 was launched Dnepr airborne operation. The aim of Soviet paratroopers was taking bridgehead until reinforcements arrived.

   The operation ended in complete failure. Due to poor knowledge of the pilot areas the first wave of assault was dropped on Soviet same position and, in part, into the Dnieper. The second is the wave of 5000 paratroopers were scattered over an area of several tens of square kilometers. Moreover, because of bad conduct reconnaissance of the terrain is not enabled detect mechanized Germans, most of the troops, in the absence of anti-tank weapons, was put down shortly after landing.

   Separate groups lost radio contact with the center, tried to attack German supply parts or joined the guerrilla movement.

   Despite heavy losses, the Dnieper airborne operation drew the attention of a large number of German mechanized units, making it possible to ferry troops from the smaller losses. Nevertheless, after the failure Vyazemskaya and Dnieper landing operations, the Supreme Command refused further use mass landings.