Anatoliy Nikolaev Member of the underground organization 'Young Guard'. Date of Birth: 28.11.1922

1. Early Life and Education
2. Athleticism and Social Activities
3. Communist Involvement
4. "Young Guard" Resistance Activities
5. Arrest and Execution
6. Legacy and Recognition

Early Life and Education

Anatoly Georgievich Nikolaev was born on November 28, 1922, in Ukraine. His family moved to the village of Novoalexandrovka in the Krasnodon district, where he attended school. In 1930, the family relocated to the settlement of Pervomaika, where Nikolaev continued his education at School No. 6.

Athleticism and Social Activities

Nikolaev was an avid athlete, excelling in track and field, boxing, and gymnastics. He had a passion for sports and was a prominent figure in school competitions. Nikolaev was also active in the community, serving as a physical culture instructor and participating in choral and drama clubs.

Communist Involvement

In 1937, Nikolaev joined the Komsomol, the Communist youth organization. After completing eighth grade, he continued his studies at an evening school while working as a clerk and then as a physical education instructor at a coal mine.

"Young Guard" Resistance Activities

In February 1942, Nikolaev was sent to a three-month training course in Voroshilovgrad, where he was prepared to work as a Komsomol organizer in areas liberated from Nazi occupation. Upon his return to Krasnodon, he was appointed chairman of the district committee for physical culture and sports.

When the Nazis occupied Krasnodon, Nikolaev joined the "Young Guard" resistance movement. He worked as a machinist in the Central Electromechanical Workshops and participated in numerous acts of sabotage to disrupt the enemy's plans for coal mining.

Arrest and Execution

Nikolaev's resistance activities led to his arrest on January 5, 1943. From prison, he sent a note expressing his longing for his comrades and his uncertainty about whether he would survive. On January 16, 1943, Nikolaev was executed and thrown down the shaft of Mine No. 5.

Legacy and Recognition

Nikolaev is remembered as a hero of the "Young Guard" movement. He was posthumously awarded the Order of the Patriotic War, 1st Class, and the Medal "To a Partisan of the Patriotic War," 1st Class. Nikolaev's son, Alexander, was born several months after his father's death. Nikolaev is buried in a mass grave of heroes in the central square of Krasnodon.