The Battle for Moscow

The Battle for Moscow - the Germans code-named it 'Operation Typhoon' - started on October 2nd 1941. The capture of Moscow, Russia's capital, was seen as vital to the success of 'Operation Barbarossa'. Hitler believed that once the heart - Moscow - had been cut out of Russia, the whole nation would collapse. 

  By the plan of "Typhoon" the German armies take the offensive in September 30, on Bryansk and October 2, on Viazma directions. Despite of fierce resistance of the Soviet armies their front was broken. By huge losses in the end of November - beginning of December Germans was possible managed to the channel Volga-Moscow, to force the river Nara, to approach to city Kashira from the south.
The final account tilted amazingly harsh on the Russian side of the battle. Russia suffered over 600,000 casualties, with some estimates going as high as 700,000. Meanwhile, the German troops suffered a smaller 250,000 casualties, though the German momentum was stopped while the Russians built up their own. For the efforts of Moscow residents to defend the capital city, Moscow was honored with the title Hero City in 1965.