Few people know about the monument at the Shilovsky bridgehead (Mass Grave No. 113) due to its location. Those who finally manage to visit remain deeply impressed by both the monument and the stories of the events that took place there in July 1942.
On the southeastern edge of the Shilovsky forest, where the buildings of the unfinished nuclear power plant now stand, stood the village of Shilovo, known since the early 17th century. Across a ravine, stood the village of Trushkino. The settlements were completely destroyed in a few days in July 1942. The site of Trushkino is now occupied by a ravine of the same name.
Before the war, the distance from the village of Shilovo to the Voronezh city limits was several kilometers. The Nazis, advancing on Voronezh in early July 1942, crossed the Don River near the village of Malyshevo and believed the road to Voronezh was now open. However, they encountered fierce resistance near the village of Shilovo. Although our forces were small, and the reserves allocated by General Headquarters were still approaching, the enemy's path was blocked by units of the 232nd Rifle Division, the 3rd Air Defense Division, and the 110th Tank Brigade. The Red Army suffered significant losses while holding the bridgehead. Therefore, the Shilovo Bridgehead is one of the main memorial sites for the battle for Voronezh.
The Shilovo Bridgehead's landscape is unique, with stunning views and a beautiful panorama of the surrounding area. The grave of poet Pavel Vintman, who valiantly fought for Voronezh and died on July 21, 1942, is also located here.
The first reconstruction of the memorial took place in the early 2000s. The names of the bridgehead defenders were carved into granite slabs. An obelisk was erected at the grave. At its top are the metal numbers "1941" and "1945," and at the bottom is the inscription "Shilovsky Bridgehead 1942-1943." To the right of the obelisk, on a low wall, is the inscription "People, remember," and next to it are five two-meter-high slabs bearing the names of the bridgehead defenders.
Opposite the mass grave, a monument was erected, considered one of the most original structures dedicated to the Great Patriotic War in Voronezh.
According to sculptor Sushkov, soldiers of different branches, genders, and ages appear to emerge from the river onto dry land. Benches were also installed on the memorial grounds, and the paths were paved.