Demyansk

Demyansk (Russian Демянск ) is an urban-type settlement and former town with 5365 inhabitants (as of October 14, 2010 ) in Russia. It is located 100 km southeast of Veliky Novgorod and 53 km north- west of the river Ostashkov Jawon in the northwestern Russian Novgorod Oblast. The location on the northern edge of the Valdai Hills is the center of Rajons Demyansk.

History

The first evidence about the place are from 1406. Demyansk From 1824 to 1927 was a county seat.

Prior to the occupation by the German Wehrmacht during the Second World War in 1941 the town had 3,400 inhabitants (as of 1939). During which began on January 18, 1942, almost five-month battle of encirclement Demyansk the place was completely destroyed.

After preparation of corridors into the boiler in the summer of 1942 was - according to all corporate offices involved - the evacuation of the only sensible solution. However, this was rejected by the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, Adolf Hitler on the grounds that the boiler area was needed as a starting position for subsequent operations against Moscow. After the military situation had developed increasingly untenable to the boiler fronts, the High Command of the Wehrmacht finally approved until February 1, 1943, the eviction. The troops retreated from the 17th February to the end of February 1943 as planned to positions east of the Lovat River and by mid-March 1943, the final main battle line on Redja River back. The evacuation took place during that began on February 15, 1943 major Soviet attack (Operation Polar Star) for the purpose of boiler related finally to liquidate after several unsuccessful attempts.

On the outskirts was during the fighting, the German POW camp Popowo Boloto in which, according to official figures, 20,000 people died.

On 5 July 1944, the district Demyansk became a part of Novgorod Oblast. On December 28, 1960, the city became an urban-type settlement.

Demographics

Note: Census data