COMBAT OPERATIONS OF THE 23RD INFANTRY DIVISION OF THE 9TH ARMY OF THE SOUTH-EASTERN FRONT OF THE RED ARMY IN THE AREA OF THE KHOPER RIVER IN EARLY NOVEMBER 1919

Abstract

The article provides an overview of the operations of the 23rd Rifle Division in the area of the Khoper River in early November 1919. At that time, the troops of the © Гнидо С. В., 2023 37 СТАНОВЛЕНИЕ СОВЕТСКОЙ ВЛАСТИ И ГОСУДАРСТВЕННОСТИ South-Eastern Front had a responsible task — to prevent the Denikinists from breaking into the flank and rear of the advancing formations on the Southern Front. After delivering a swift strike by the Red units on the flank of the enemy grouping, which by this time had reached the Povorino-Borisoglebsk-Novokhopersk area, the White forces in the Povorin direction were undermined. Fearing for their rear, the enemy hurriedly left the Povorino station on November 1 and began to retreat to the Khoper River. The Revolutionary Military Council of the South-Eastern Front was tasked with pursuing the retreating enemy and reaching the Khoper River as soon as possible. The actions of the troops of the South-Eastern Front, and in particular the 23rd Infantry Division of the 9th Army, provided the conditions for the development of the successes of the armies of the Southern Front, and primarily the 8th Army and Budyonny's Cavalry Corps. The article concludes that the actions of the troops of the South-Eastern Front fettered a large enemy grouping, and they did not allow the transfer of any significant forces of the Don Army to help the Volunteer Army advancing in Ukraine and the formation of Denikin's troops with the Ural White Cossacks