Welcome to Russian History Retold, Episode 224, The Siege of Leningrad, Part 3.

Last time, we talked about the events that led up to the siege of the city, founded by

Peter the Great.

Today, we continue the story as all roads in and out of Leningrad have now been sealed

but, the only ways to get through the blockade are by air and barge.

The German Luftwaffe, while not completely controlling the air, are still a formidable

obstacle for both air travel and travel by boat on Lake Lagoda, north of the city.

The city of Leningrad was surrounded by Finnish troops to the northwest and German troops

to the northeast and south.

Hitler demanded that the army of Finland continue to fight their way into the city, but their

commanders were satisfied with keeping their positions where they were, avoiding any fighting

that might endanger their men.

While this infuriated the Nazi leaders, they could do nothing as they needed their allies

even if they didn't do anything else.

In his book The 900 Days, The Siege of Leningrad, author Harrison Salisbury says this about

the situation and the north.

Quote, the commanders of Leningrad's defenses treated the northern front, that with Finland,

like a savings bank.

From almost the beginning of the war, they systematically transfer troops and material from

the north to feed into the bleeding fronts on Leningrad south, southwest, and southeast.

He further goes on to write, quote, but the northern front was not an inexhaustible reservoir

of manpower.

...