Special Operations Squad
(Otryad spetsyalnogo naznacheniya)
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DVD Cover
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| Country
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 USSR
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| Directed by
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Georgiy Kuznetsov
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| Release Date
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1987
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| Language
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Russian
German
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| Studio
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Sverdlovsk Film Studio
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Special Operations Squad (Otryad spetsyalnogo naznacheniya) is a Soviet 1987 five-part mini-series directed by Georgiy Kuznetsov and based on the memoirs "Eto bylo pod Rovno" (It Happened Near Rovno) by Dmitriy Nikolaevich Medvedev. The plot depicts the activities of Soviet special force Pobediteli (The Victorious) under the command of Medvedev that acted deep behind the enemy lines in the Nazi-occupied Ukraine in 1942-1944. One of the main characters is Nikolai Grachyov (Aleksandr Mikhaylov), on-screen representation of Nikolay Ivanovich Kuznetsov, Soviet intelligence officer and partisan who acted under disguise of a German officer and personally assassinated a number of high-ranking German officials.
This mini-series is a second screen representation of Nikolay Kuznetsov, following 1967 film Silnye dukhom, made by same Sverdlovsk Film Studio.
The following weapons were used in the miniseries Special Operations Squad (Otryad spetsyalnogo naznacheniya):
Revolvers
Nagant M1895
A partisan carries a Nagant M1895 revolver.
Nagant M1895 - 7.62x38R Nagant. Note the angular front sight which was used from 1930s.
The grip of holstered Nagant is seen.
Pistols
TT-33
Partisan Nikolay Prikhodko (Vladimir Andreev) uses a TT-33 in his last battle. Some Soviet officers and partisans carry TT holsters but generally they seem empty.
Tokarev TT-33 - 7.62x25mm Tokarev. Post-1947 version
Prikhodko fires at a
Hilfspolizei who identified him.
The pistol in Prikhodko's dead hand.
A Soviet pilot carries a TT in holster; the grip can be seen. Note that the spare magazine carrier is empty which hardly can be in reality.
Luger P08
Nikolay Grachyov (Aleksandr Mikhaylov) uses a Luger P08 during several operations under disguise of German Oberleutnant Paul Siebert (mostly he uses a Walther P38). Lugers are also used by German officers and NCOs, including SS Hauptsturmführer Martin von Gettel (Boris Klyuev) and SS Hauptsturmführer Peter Krause (Uldis Lieldidzs), and traitor Naumov (Oleg Korchikov).
Gettel tests Naumov's loyality, handing him a Luger and ordering to shoot his comrade.
Naumov follows the order.
SS Obersturmführer Friedrich Miller (Aleksandr Salovskiy) holds a Luger during the massacre of innocent civilians.
Grachyov holds a Luger, taken from disarmed Gettel. In previous moment Gettel carried a P38.
Deadly wounded Naumov draws a Luger from the holster of killed SS Untersturmführer Ranke (Aleksandr Kurlovich).
Grachyov holds a Luger during the abduction of Gen. Max IIgen.
Another view of Grachyov's pistol in same scene.
Grachyov aims the pistol at Gen. Ilgen.
A SS Scharführer (Evgeniy Belonogov) aims his Luger during the mock execution of Valentia Dovger.
Walther P38
Nikolay Grachyov (Aleksandr Mikhaylov) mostly uses a Walther P38 during his operations. The report of SS Hauptsturmführer Krause claims that the pistol, used in assassinations, was "a 7-shot, caliber 7.65mm" - meaning a Walther PPK. In one scene SS Hauptsturmführer Martin von Gettel (Boris Klyuev) puts a P38 in his pocket, but when Grachyov disarms him, the pistol swtiches to a P08 due to a continuity error.
Walther P38 WWII dated with black grips - 9x19mm
He gives his pistol to Valentia Dovger (Natalya Mikheeva).
Grachyov trains with the pistol.
Gettel puts a P38 in his pocket (not the best choice for a backup gun).
Grachyov holds a P38 with obviously fake sound suppressor when he interrogates captured Gettel.
Grachyov's aide Jan Kaminski (
Anatoliy Kotenyov), disguised as a German officer, holds a P38 during the abduction of Gen. Ilgen.
Grachyov fires at Deputy Governor of Galicia District, Otto Bauer, and his secretary Heinrich Schneider.
Grachyov readies his pistol.
He fires at the commander of the German road block.
The commander of a group of the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) (
Yuriy Rudchenko) aims his pistol.
Mauser C96
The commander of special force, Col. Dmitriy Nikolaevich Medvedev (Yuri Grebenshchikov), carries a Mauser C96.
Pre-War dated Mauser C96 "Broomhandle" Commercial Version - 7.63x25mm Mauser
Medvedev's Mauser C96 in iconic wooden holster.
Medvedev checks his pistol.
Medvedev personally executes traitor Kosulnikov.
He puts the pistol back in holster.
Submachine Guns
PPSh-41
PPSh-41 submachine guns are widely used by partisans, including Dmitriy Medvedev (Yuri Grebenshchikov) and Nikolay Grachyov (Aleksandr Mikhaylov).
PPSh-41 - 7.62x25mm Tokarev
Grachyov (at the left) and Lt. Kochetkov (Mikhail Gorbunov) carry PPSh-41s.
Prikhodko fires a PPSh at German soldiers.
A partisan (Georgiy Bovykin) with a PPSh.
A partisan liaison in the town of Rovno fires a PPSh at German soldiers.
Partisans, mostly armed with PPSh-41s, prepare for battle.
A partisan scout watches with binoculars for Soviet soldiers.
MP38
Some partisans and German soldiers are armed with MP38 SMGs.
A partisan (Pyotr Vashchik) carries an MP38. Note the circular opening on the magazine housing.
A German soldier with MP38.
A member of Grachyov's group Nikolay Krutinskiy (Aleksandr Kolbyshev), disguised as a German NCO, holds an MP38 during the abduction of Gen. Ilgen.
Lt. Boris Krutikov (
Nikolai Sektimenko), the commander of group acting under the guise of UPA fighters, carries an MP38 (in next scene his SMG switches to an MP40).
MP40
MP40 submachine guns are widely used by German troops, Hilfspolizei personnel, Soviet partisans and UPA fighters.
Nikolay Prikhodko (
Vladimir Andreev) carries an MP40 when he throws a grenade at a car.
A German soldier fires at escaping underground fighter Avraam Ivanov.
A commander of Ukrainian
Hilfspolizei unit carries an MP40 during the murder of underground fighter Konstantin Dovger.
Kosulnikov (Nikolay Smirnov (II)) fires his submachine gun.
Nikolay Krutinskiy (Aleksandr Kolbyshev), disguised as a German soldier, fires his MP40 at Ranke and Naumov.
Lt. Kochetkov (Mikhail Gorbunov) with MP40.
Kaminski with MP40. In next moment it switches to an MP38.
Rifles
Mosin Nagant M1891/30
Some partisans are armed with full-length Mosin Nagant rifles, most likely M1891/30.
Full-length, Soviet Mosin Nagant M91/30 - 7.62x54mm R
Several Mosin Nagant rifles are seen in hands of partisans.
Mosin Nagant M1938 Carbine
Mosin Nagant M1938 Carbines are also seen in several scenes.
Mosin Nagant M1938 Carbine - 7.62x54mm R
A
Hilfspolizei carries an M38 Carbine.
A female partisan at the left carries an M38 Carbine.
Partisans at the left carry M38 Carbines.
An UPA fighter with an M38 Carbine.
Karabiner 98k
German soldiers, Hilfspolizei personnel and Soviet partisans use Karabiner 98k rifles.
Karabiner 98k - 7.92x57mm Mauser. Manufactured in Germany, 1937.
A partisan of Krutinskiy's group fires a 98k rifle during the ambush on
Hilfspolizei on the forest road.
Nikolay Krutinskiy (Aleksandr Kolbyshev) carries a 98k rifle after the battle on the road.
Hilfspolizei personnel with 98k rifles.
Ukrainian
Hilfspolizei with 98k rifles are convoying captured partisan liaison.
Same
Hilfspolizei during the murder of underground fighter Konstantin Dovger.
German soldiers in Rovno.
A partisan (Pyotr Vashchik) holds a 98k rifle.
A Kriegsmodell 98k rifle, not fitting for 1942-1943, is seen in one scene.
Karabiner 98k "Kriegsmodell" - 7.92x57mm Mauser
A
Hiwi soldier (former POW turned collaborator) (
Aleksandr Lebedev) carries a Kriegsmodell 98k rifle with bayonet, acting as a sentry at Gen. Ilgen's house.
Another view of the rifle.
Grachyov holds the rifle, taken from the sentry.
Machine Guns
Degtyaryov DP-27
Degtyaryov DP-27 light machine guns are used by partisans, notably by the Commissar of the special force Maj. Sergey Trofimovich Stekhov (Yuriy Kuznetsov).
Degtyaryov DP-27 - 7.62x54mm R
A partisan carries a DP-27.
A DP-27 is seen among the weapons of Krutinskiy's partisans group.
Commissar Stekhov fires at attacking German soldiers.
Partisan Vasiliy Drozdov (
Anatoliy Sokolovskiy) of Lt. Krutikov's group fires a DP-27. Note the MP40 magazine pouch set, not so often seen piece of equipment.
Degtyaryov DT
In one scene a scout of special force uses a Degtyaryov DT machine gun.
DT machine gun - 7.62x54mm R. DT could be dismounted from the tank or armored car and used with a bipod as a light machine gun. In such configuration it was favored by paratroopers.
Same character carries a DT on march.
MG34
German troops and partisans use MG34 machine guns in several scenes.
MG34 with front and rear sights folded down - 7.92x57mm Mauser
An MG34 on tripod is used for the massacre of innocent civilians.
Note: as other scenes show only non-firing MG34, there is a possibility that this MG is a visually modified PK, like the one in next section.
An MG34 is mounted on a motorcycle in the scene on German road block.
A partisan of Krutikov's group carries an MG34 (in center).
Another partisan of Krutikov's group with an MG34.
Kalashkinov PK (visually modified as MG34)
PK machine guns, visually modified to resemble MG34, are seen in several scenes.
A picture of the original MG34 and PK conversion
A visually modified PK is seen mounted on a German motorcycle. Note the shape of the receiver.
German soldiers with fake MG34 in the battle with Krutikov's group.
Maxim M1910
Partisans use Maxim M1910 machine guns in several scenes. Very likely this is a same prop reused.
Maxim M1910, simplified version with smooth water jacket - 7.62x54mmR
Partisans with a Maxim. Note the smooth water jacket.
A partisan drags a Maxim when they prepare for battle.
Maxim M1910/30
A Maxim M1910/30 is seen in sledge during the winter march.
Maxim M1910/30 machine gun - 7.62x54mmR
The ribbed barrel shroud is seen.
Other Weapons
PTRD-41
A PTRD-41 is seen among partisans weapons.
Partisans carry a PTRD on march (at the left).
RGD-5
During his final battle, Nikolay Grachyov (Aleksandr Mikhaylov) holds an URG-N, a training version of RGD-5 hand grenade. This post-war model doesn't fit for that time.
URG-N training version of RGD-5 grenade
The black body indicates a training version URG-N.
A closeup of the grenade fuze in Grachyov's hand.
F-1
An F-1 hand grenade is used by a partisan liaison (Vyacheslav Kirilichev) during the shootout in an abandoned house in Rovno.
F-1 High-Explosive Fragmentation hand grenade
A partisan readies an F-1 grenade to blow himself together with German soldiers.
Model 24 Stielhandgranate
Model 24 Stielhandgranates are used by partisans.
Model 24 Stielhandgranate "Potato Masher" high-explosive fragmentation hand grenade
The weapons of Krutinskiy's partisans group: a pair of
Stielhandgranate is seen together with a
DP-27, a pair of
PPSh-41s and numerous
MP40 SMGs and
Karabiner 98k rifles.
Stick Hand Grenade
Stick hand grenades are seen in hands of Nikolay Prikhodko (Vladimir Andreev) and Kosulnikov (Nikolai Smirnov (II)). These grenades are larger than RGD-33 but longer and slender than RPG-40. Possibly these are inaccurate mockups of RGD-33.
For comparison: RGD-33 high-explosive fragmentation stick grenade, shown with the diamond-patterned fragmentation sleeve.
Nikolay Prikhodko throws a grenade at a car.
Kosulnikov holds a similar grenade.
7.5 cm Pak 40
Pak 40 AT guns are seen on march.
7.5 cm Pak 40 anti-tank gun - 75x714mm R
A BTR-152, standing for German half-track APC, tows a Pak 40.
Trivia
Soviet post-war BTR-40 and BTR-152 APCs are used as German half-track APCs in several scenes.
A BTR-40 on road. It tows a Pak 40 AT gun.
Several BTR-40s are seen.
A BTR-152 on road. It tows a Pak 40 AT gun.
A BTR-152 is seen in the scene of Krutikov's group activities.
A German armoured train is seen in one scene. It appears to be a full-size mockup.
The armoured train on the bridge is seen with binoculars.
Various weapons are seen in wartime documenatry footage, taken in Spring-Summer 1942 and during the Battle of Kursk in Summer 1943.
MP40
An
MP40 of a dead German soldier.
PPSh-41
PPSh-41 - 7.62x25mm Tokarev
A Soviet soldier with
PPSh-41 and hand grenades.
Karabiner 98k
Karabiner 98k - 7.92x57mm Mauser
Mosin Nagant M1891/30
Mosin Nagant M91/30 - 7.62x54mm R
Maxim
Maxim M1910/30 machine gun - 7.62x54mmR
A destroyed
Maxim in Soviet trench.
Soviet soldiers fire a
Maxim.
PTRD-41
Soviet soldiers with Mosin Nagant rifle and
PTRD-41 AT rifle.
RGD-33
A Soviet soldier with PPSh-41 and
RGD-33 and RPG-40 hand grenades.
RPG-40
A Soviet soldier with PPSh-41 and RGD-33 and
RPG-40 hand grenades.
Artillery
15cm sFH 18 heavy howitzer in action.
A 76.2mm ZiS-3 in action.
Armour
A turret of German armoured car with 20mm KwK 30 autocannon.
Airplanes
Navy
A quadruple 2-pounder "pom-pom" on a Royal Navy ship fires at enemy planes.
A Royal Navy J-class destroyer.
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