The monograph describes the features and results of the Soviet-German confrontation in the great bend of the Don (summer 1942 - winter 1943). The influence of the natural climatic factor on the course of hostilities, the specifics of strategic and front-line military operations, the effectiveness of the actions of the Soviet and German military command, the issues of occupation, evacuation and military everyday life, as well as the reflection of the events in question in the historical memory of the region's population are considered.