Common grave of soldiers of the 72nd and 69th Marine Infantry Brigades

The enemy was conducting its local operations in the vicinity of the current Kola-Pechenga highway. The most fierce fighting was going on exactly where the common grave of soldiers of the 72nd and 69th Marine Infantry Brigades is now located. Both brigades took part in the Petsamo-Kirkenes operation.
The 69th Brigade participated in the liberation of Pechenga. On 22 October 1944, it liberated the town of Nikel and crossed the Norwegian border to liberate a concentration camp of Soviet prisoners in Norwegian territory.
The 72nd Infantry Brigade also took part in the liberation of Pechenga. In a turning manoeuvre, on 10 October 1944 it severed the Petamo – Salmijärvi road and repelled dozens of enemy attacks; on 13 October 1944 it blocked the Petsamo – Tarnet road to prevent enemy retreat westwards and, finally, supported the offensive towards Nikel. On 27 October 1944 it cleared the Neiden town of the enemy forces.