Organisation of the production of shells, mines and cotton pulp at the enterprises of the people’s commissariat of the textile industry of the USSR in the first half of 1943

Abstract

This article examines the organisation of the production of shells, mines and parts for them, as well as cotton pulp at the enterprises of the People’s Commissariat of the Textile Industry of the USSR in the first half of 1943. Importance and attention is paid to solving the issues of providing them with metal, fuel, electricity, chemicals and other materials. The enterprises were required not only to produce, but also to fully ship the specified products to the equipment factories. Thanks to well-coordinated management and production cooperation, despite numerous problems, most of the factories and factories of the People’s Commissariat not only steadily fulfilled, but also significantly exceeded production tasks. The article presents the monthly dynamics of the implementation of the ammunition production plan, which was generally positive. Its receipt became possible as a result of the analysis of the orders of the People’s Commissariat stored in the fund No. 1689 of the State Archive of Ivanovo Region, introduced into scientific circulation for the first time. Examined in chronological order, they allow us to get an idea of the growing needs of the acting army in ammunition and gunpowder during and in anticipation of the key battles of the East Front of World War II. Categorical demands from the People’s Commissariat to the heads of the main departments and directors of enterprises about the need for unconditional fulfillment of the established plans complement it emotionally. The article is addressed to specialists in the field of the history of the Soviet textile industry, graduates, masters and undergraduates of higher educational institutions.