Our memory. Oryol Frontier, Mtsensk
It is with great pleasure that we continue our cycle devoted to the militaryhistorical museums and collections of our country.
This time, thanks to the help of one of our readers, we found ourselves in a place that made an indelible impression on us.
So, the city Mtsensk Oryol region. We were met by Alexander Kossov, head of the search squad of the city of Mtsensk "Orlovsky Frontier". We made a very exciting tour of the city, with a tour of everything that interested us. And interested, of course, everything that had to do with the events of the Great Patriotic War. All the information we received will go into the cycle "Unknown War", and our today's story is about the squad's museum.
The museum is very remarkable. In general, it is not even a museum, but a small historical and patriotic center for the younger generations. But let's go in order.
The museum is located in a building that was provided by the city authorities. No, really, heating, so in the winter (and during our visit) it is cool there. But from the search engines do not take any payment for the room. This is also an important aspect in our time.
Here is a large part of the museum exposition.
A complete set of German mortar.
High-explosive flamethrower. It was fully operational when it was found.
Grenades. Naturally, now deactivated.
The remains of the self-propelled mine "Goliath". "Goliaths" were first used here.
Candlestick from the church.
Personal items of fighters. As Alexander said, behind every spoon, behind every mug there is a soldier’s story.
A bucket made from a can of American stew. By the way, the manufacturer is still alive today.
Grenades, disks, bottles from under the liquid KS.
German corner. Next to the flasks are brown cases. I tried to translate - a remedy for fleas. Opened one and sniffed. Acts today, I guess.
Cases for interchangeable trunks.
Shop from 37-mm anti-aircraft guns.
Coil telephone operator.
A lot of publications and documents of the time.
Exhibition of rifle weapons. All presented exhibits are demilitarized, but in full working condition. Alexander demonstrated the performance of the PTR. Works, despite his age. On the video you can see.
Englishman. Brought the same ... Compared with the DP is very difficult and uncomfortable.
Toilers of war: Mosinka, Svetka and two Mauser carbines. With a brown bed - MMG, with yellow - dug up. Comparing, were surprised. The dug 98 works more smoothly and clearly.
Alexander Kossov, commander of the "Orel Frontier" detachment.
Photo chronicle of the club on the stand.
Recognition of merit. All did not fit into the frame.
And these are crafts that make club members from "pasture material." We first saw this.
The famous mine "frog".
Cartridge containers for machine gun belts.
Shields from machine guns.
Documents. I also saw the medical card for the first time.
Another great thing. It belonged to the Lithuanian Gujunis from the 16 Infantry Division and miraculously survived to this day. Atlas of the world, pocket. Apparently, with his help officer Gujunis conducted some classes with the soldiers. On the pages of the atlas translations from Russian to Lithuanian.
Near the exposition of things found by search engines a small shooting gallery is equipped. For one person. The fact is that, in agreement with the district authorities, schoolchildren from the entire district are brought to this museum. And here is another originality of the exhibition. ALL exhibits can be touched (except for some documents). Of all the shooters, you can (and, as Alexander says), you need to shoot. And after inspecting the exhibits and listening to the stories of the guide, you can try to get into the target. No one refuses, of course.
The beginning of a new exhibition. Afghanistan.
In general, the quantity and quality of the museum is simply excellent. It is beautiful, informative, and it is especially great that schoolchildren of the Mtsensk District carry it on a tour.
But that's not all.
In the near future expansion of the exhibition is planned. The fact is that the detachment has another exposure. Unfortunately, today it is open-air, on the territory of a roadside cafe. But the owner of the cafe changed, and the exhibition does not interest him. Well, business is above all. Nothing in our time can be done with such people.
The city and district authorities decided to help the detachment and allocate space and equipment in order to relocate the exhibition. See for yourself how wonderful she is.
Many exhibits just soak in the rain and snow. Still hold on.
Engines from Il, Yak, La ... We hope that soon they will find a more convenient place, near the museum. It would be great.
On our own, we wish success to the Mtsensky search engines from the Orlovsky Frontier detachment, and we will be happy to join their search in the fall, “when everything is removed from the fields.” The invitation was accepted with joy.
Special thanks to Alexander Kossov for the excursions in the museum and the city and Stanislav Sopov, who provided invaluable assistance in organizing this expedition.
So this was the first, but far from the last our report from the places where our memory keepers live and work.
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