№ 2153-2154. The series "On the 75th anniversary of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War of 1941-1945. Way to victory"

The Yelnya Offensive was a Soviet Army’s operation during the Great Patriotic War. The operation began on 30 August 1941, when the 24th and 43rd Armies of the Soviet Reserve Front commenced their attack, and ended on 6 September 1941. It was the first success of the Soviet troops in the Great Patriotic War. The operation resulted in the destruction of the Yelnya salient, which was a staging area for an offensive against Moscow, as well as a break through the enemy defense, overthrow of its forces and expulsion of the enemy from a part of the captured territory. Heavy damage was inflicted upon the Nazi troops and the Soviet Army operative status at the front line was enhanced. For the first time, four Rifle Divisions were transformed into elite Guards Divisions for valor and heroism.

A heroic defense of a Soviet naval base at Hanko Peninsula continued for 164 days, from 22 June till 2 December 1941. Air and sea forces of the Nazi troops were attacking a Soviet naval base at Hanko Peninsula from the start of the Great Patriotic War. The peninsula was withstanding everyday aerial bombardments and taking artillery fire from the sea and land. Not only did the Soviet forces withstood the enemy’s push for 164 days, but also stormed ashore, conducted reconnaissance, and attacked hostile ships, batteries and airfields. The Battle of Hanko left its mark in history of the Soviet naval warfare as an example of successful and selfless fighting in an island area.

The postage stamps feature a bas-relief depicting a group of Soviet soldiers during the Yelnya Offensive and the Battle of Hanko.