(Michael Cole) Mothers of Russia and Operation Barbossa History Blog

June 21, 1941
My name is Svetlana Dracov. Hitler is a traitor! He broke the Nazi-Soviet Pact and has invaded the Soviet Union (I always knew he would...)! My husband, Klaus Dracov was drafted into the Russian Army from the Reserves to halt the German advance. He is an expert sniper. We have two sons. One of my sons is 14 years old. His name is Vladamir. My other son, Igor, is 6 years old. Every day my hubby is gone, Igor asks me, "When is Father coming home?" and I can only say out of uncertainty, "Soon, my son. Hopefully soon."

December 7, 1941
The German Nazi's have moved far into Russia. Fortunately for us, we Dracov's live much farther away from the front line. We are sitting at our dining table, eating borscht, the best soup in all of Russia, as we listen to a speech from Stalin on the radio. He states, "The filthy Nazi's may be at our back door, but I am sure they will not last in the presence of the fury of 'General Winter'". Temperatures have dropped to -40 degrees Farenheit. In that temperature, tanks cannot run properly, and soldiers freeze to death without the proper equipment. And you can trust me, our soldiers are well equipped. This will all end soon." I have also heard news that Klaus, my husband, is still alive. What's even better is that he excels at sniping under these cold, snowy conditions.

September 23, 1941
We just recieved news from Stalin again on the radio. Hitler is attempting to seize Leningrad! Stalin has stated, "For the good of all Soviet people, I will be sure Leningrad does not fall, for my predecessor, Lenin's sake. Have hope people of Leningrad, against the oppression of the Nazi's!" Every time he speaks, Stalin stirs our very souls.

January 17, 1943
Hitlers Armies could not conquer Leningrad. Instead, he has launched a new offensive on the city of Stalingrad. With winter closing in once more, the Nazi's have no ammuniton, nor proper supplies for tanks and infantry, and with no hope of rescue, The Nazi Commander surrendered unconditionally. Our great army can now turn itself on the offensive. stalin says, "We will drive out the Nazi vermin from our lands.

May 8, 1945
Hitler's Nazi Army is no match for the Alliance of the Big Three! Germany has been defeated once more, and peace has been returned to Russia. My husband, Klaus, the love of my life, has returned home, a hero to all. His honorable prestige is great in number, and his awards are numerous. No longer shall Russia be conquered! Stalin has brought great happiness upon me, my children, and my family. LONG LIVE THE SOVIET UNION!