The generals who SERVED under Soviet dictator Josef Stalin in what was called “the Great Patriotic War” were survivors of the purges of the 1930s. These led to the execution or dismissal of 720 out of 837 Soviet officers above the rank of colonel, for supposed disloyalty to the regime. From June 1941 Soviet commanders had to cope not only with a massive invasion by the armies of Germany and its Axis allies, but also with Stalin’s constant interference in decision-making and the severe risks involved in contradicting him. Yet Stalin finally had the sense to back generals who stood up to him, and by 1943 he was allowing them more autonomy.
