Saur-Tomb Height

This hill is one of the highest points of the Donets Ridge (277.9 m) and was witness of one the largest battles on the eastern front, during the Second World War. The hill was taken by the German 6th Army in 1941, who established a headquarters here. From 1941-1943 it was heavily fortificated as part of the Mius-front. On 28 August 1943, the 96th Guards Rifle Division began its assault of the hill. The top was almost taken the next day, but the Soviets were pushed back by a powerful German counter-attack. The hill was eventually taken in the morning of 31 August. 23,238 Soviet soldiers and officers were killed during these three days for the capture of the hill. The German losses are unknown.

The memorial complex:

Today, the hill is a place where grief and heroism come together. On top of the hill is a 36-meters high obelisk standing. Within this obelisk is a room of military glory. Here are photocopies of newspaper publications about the battle for the Mius front and potrets of participants of the assault to exhbit. There are also several sculptures in memory of the Soviet infanterists, artillery men and pilots who fell here.

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