Govorov, Leonid (1897–1955)

Soviet marshal. Appointed to command the 5th Soviet Army in front of Moscow November 1941, he played a major part in the Soviet defence and counteroffensive. He then took over the Leningrad front, at the time besieged by the Germans, conducting an active defence and opening up a supply route across Lake Ladoga. He eventually broke the siege January 1944 and pursued the retreating German forces all the way into eastern Prussia.