Order of the Day, January 28, 1944

Issued by Marshal Stalin and addressed to Army General Meretskov Troops of the Volkhov Front, developing their offensive, yesterday, January 27, captured the town and large railway junction of Tosno, and to-day, January 28, captured the town and important railway junction of Lyuban, and south of Lyuban they captured the railway stations of Pomeranye, Trubnikov Bor, Babino and Torfyanoye. Thus, the main railway line connecting Moscow with Leningrad – the October railway line – has been freed from the German invaders along its entire stretch, excluding the station of Chudovo, where the enemy is encircled and is being annihilated.

In fighting for the towns of Tosno and Lyuban,. distinction was won by troops under Lieut.-General Reginsky, Ma j.-General Festisov, Maj,-General Kazachek, Maj.- General Platov, Maj.-General Absalyaraov, Colonel Isakov, Colonel Tsyganov, Lieut.-Colonel Parshikov, artillerymen under Maj.-General of Artillery Petro-pavlovsky, and tankmen under Maj.-General of Tank Troops Ivanov. To commemorate the victory, the formations and units which particularly distinguished themselves in the fighting will be recommended for the award of the title "Tosno" and "Lyuban" troops, and for the award of Orders. To-day, January 28, at 23.00 hours (Moscow time) the capital of our Motherland, Moscow, on behalf of the Motherland, will salute with 12 artillery salvoes from 124 guns our glorious troops which captured the towns of Tosno and Lyuban.

For excellent military operations, I express my thanks to all troops under your command which took part in the fighting for the liberation of the towns of Tosno and Lyuban. Eternal glory to the heroes who fell in the struggle for the freedom and independence of our Motherland. Death to the German invaders!

J. V. Stalin

Marshal of the Soviet Union

Supreme Commander-in-Chief