[Medical support for the landing in the Eltigen area in 1943]

The authors have used archive data to show the peculiarities of medical support of naval landing of troops at the region of Eltigen. The 279-th medical battalion immediately after landing was under constant fire from all sides, including the sea. Dugouts and caponiers were erected in mountains to deploy hospital facilities. In the conditions of severe blockade the medical battalion was occupied with admission of wounded, their surgical treatment and post-operational care in the conditions of almost complete lack of medications, dressing and sterile linen. Totally in the period from November 1 till December 6, 1943 in Eltigen area medical service have provided medical care to 1800 wounded and 140 sick servicemen. An active surgical treatment was conducted in 1560 wounded (86.7%), 720 soldiers were evacuated and 500 returned to their ranks.