Volunteer Assault Units as a Form of Volunteer Movement during Great Patriotic War: A Study of Rostov Region

This article examines the organization and activities of volunteer assault units in the Rostov region during the Great Patriotic War. It discusses the regulatory framework for their establishment, the specifics of their formation and staffing, levels of armament and equipment provision, as well as material, technical, and financial support. A number of archival documents are introduced into scholarly discourse. The source base includes both published regional collections of documents and archival materials identified by the author. The distinctions between militia units and other volunteer structures are highlighted, noting their differing chains of command. It is reported that immediately following the outbreak of war, in accordance with decisions made by the Soviet government, the party and Soviet leadership in the Rostov region swiftly initiated extensive efforts to form assault battalions across all cities and districts of the area. The article demonstrates that a significant number of these units were established in a remarkably short timeframe, with necessary personnel for both rank-and-file and command positions, as well as armament and equipment provided. The critical role of these assault units in maintaining public order, safeguarding vital industrial and transportation infrastructure in the frontline zone, and participating in defensive battles during the autumn of 1941 and summer of 1942 in the Rostov region is emphasized. It is noted that while the personnel of these units were not trained for direct combat on the front lines, they provided invaluable assistance in the initial phase of the war.