Motives for the Exploits of Young Residents of the South of the RSFSR during the Great Patriotic War: Narratives and Memorial Practice

A considerable number of publications have been dedicated to the heroism of children and adolescents during the Great Patriotic War. However, Soviet historiography offered a simplified interpretation of the young heroes’ motivations, reducing them to patriotism. Contemporary researchers sometimes run to other extremes: some feats are entirely denied due to the lack of reliable sources or are explained by mental and social anomalies. The purpose of the article is to provide a clear understanding of the motivations behind the exploits of young heroes in the South of the RSFSR, as well as the nuances of their representation in narratives and memorial practices. This issue has not yet been taken into consideration within the specified geographical framework. The study is primarily based on the recollections of participants and eyewitnesses of the events. These recollections include those recorded directly by the author of the article, as well as those published in special collections, archival documents, periodicals, and works of art. In addition to conventional source study, comparative historical, and problem-chronological methods, case study is employed. This approach makes it possible to analyse the most prevalent narratives and, consequently, identify the primary motivations behind the actions of underage war participants. The author suggests expanding the framework of the concept of an exploit in relation to children and adolescents: the participation of minors in the Great Patriotic War as such, even if they were not awarded, is considered a feat. In the narratives recorded during Soviet times, patriotic motives dominated. The same situation characterised Soviet fiction. Recent decades have seen a greater variety of motives for the exploits of young heroes in the South of the RSFSR, as reflected in the narratives. Along with patriotism and hatred of enemies, there is sympathy for the wounded and captured Red Army soldiers, civilians who perished during the occupation, interest in adventures, weapons and military affairs, and other psychological and social factors associated with age characteristics of minors and the development of wartime events. Memorial practices perpetuate exploits as actions committed because of patriotic motives.