In 1941-42 the main anti-tank gun of the Soviet army was 45mm gun model 1937, which soldiers called the "sorokopyatki." Later in the army came the famous "Katyusha". Anti-gunners and howitzer batteries, anti-aircraft gunner and "Katyusha" was to play a decisive role in the Battle of Stalingrad.The purpose of the summer campaign of the German command extended to the shores of the Caspian Sea and was to seize the oil fields of Baku and Grozny. In this operation, the sixth army under Paulus played an important role - to cover the flank of groups aiming to seize oil and Don steppes exit to Stalingrad. Artillery is often called "the god of war." Powerful artillery preparation was laying before the onset of the German positions, and allowed Soviet troops with fewer losses to move forward. Knowing that standing behind its artillery, infantry could feel confident in the face of enemy tanks.