The Museum of Intelligence Officer Nikolai Kuznetsov presents a photocopy of a letter dated July 8, 1941, written by Nikolai Ivanovich Kuznetsov to his childhood friend Fyodor Belousov. The two had studied together at the Talitsa College, shared a dormitory room, and were inseparable friends.
Photocopy of a letter to Fedya Belousov
Creation period
the 20th century
Dimensions
29x20 cm
Technique
photographic paper, photographic printing
Exhibition
1
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From the memoirs of Kuznetsov’s sister, Lydia Ivanovna Bryukhanova, dated April 14, 1964:
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For a long time — and without success — we tried to locate Nikolai Ivanovich’s friends. Then we received sad news: one of them, Volodya Zakharov, had died during the years of the cult of personality. We decided to search for the last surviving friend, Fedya Belousov. Eventually, my brother Viktor managed to track him down. Fyodor Alexandrovich Belousov lives in the town of Gorky and works as Chief Engineer in the Department of the Woodworking Industry. We got in touch with him, and this was his reply:
‘Dear Viktor,
I’ve been trying to find you for a long time — even through comrade Medvedev — but without success.… Now I’m overjoyed to hear from the brother of my selfless and unforgettable friend, Nika… I still have his letter, as it turned out — his farewell letter, and a photograph of your brother. And as long as I live, this relic of a truly strong and unforgettable friendship will remain with me…’
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Fyodor Belousov received Nikolai Kuznetsov’s final letter — dated July 8, 1941 — five years later, upon his return from the front after the end of the Great Patriotic War. The letter was preserved by Belousov’s wife, Anastasia Grigoryevna.
The letter reads as follows:
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Moscow, July 8, 1941
Dear Fedya!
In this terrible hour for our beloved Homeland, I have decided to share my painful thoughts with you — my dearest friend from youth. I am leaving for the front the day after tomorrow and have been assigned to a paratrooper unit in the most critical sector. We have been given a mission of great importance to our command. You understand as well as I do that there is little chance I will survive this fierce struggle against the hated invaders — troops don’t deploy for a stroll or to stay at home.
But if I must die, I will fight these bastards to my last breath — those who have dared to trample our sacred land, soaked with our sweat and blood. We will destroy them like venomous reptiles — mercilessly!
And if I fall, may the memory of our friendship always remain with you, my friend. Then avenge me upon the fascist scum; show them no mercy. My brother Viktor is already fighting at the front — he was stationed with the Army in Baranovichi. There has been no word from him; he may already be dead. I will avenge him too.
I am filled with the certainty that our cause is just, and we shall crush the fascist monster. I doubt I’ll be able to write from the front — but if I have the chance and am still alive, I will.
Give my regards to all our friends.
Your friend from youth,
Nika.
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Photocopy of a letter to Fedya Belousov
Creation period
the 20th century
Dimensions
29x20 cm
Technique
photographic paper, photographic printing
Exhibition
1
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