On the Participation of Don Cossacks in World War II in 1941

This article discusses the major aspects of the participation of Don Cossacks in World War II. The author analyzes the characteristics of the formation of Cossack units at the war’s most complex and crucial, initial, stage. The article brings to light the role and significance of the volunteer Cossack movement. The author discusses the participation of Cossack units and formations in the war’s battles, characterizes their outcomes, and describes the Cossacks’ overall contribution to victory over the enemy. The authors come to the conclusion that right after the start of World War II the Don area became the venue for the formation of a whole array of cavalry units the core whereof was made up of Cossacks. A mass volunteer movement launched in Rostov and Stalingrad Oblasts, and as a result non-service age Cossacks or those who had legitimate grounds not to serve in the army started to form entire Cossack cavalry forces