A Ukrainian Tale

As Junker bombers blacked out the sun and Panzer tanks devoured the earth, Adolf Hitler unleashed operation Barbarossa against an unsuspecting Soviet Union. Mighty armies over three million strong attacked with a merciless fury. Neither soldier, man, woman or infant were spared.

One of the Nazi's main tactical objectives was the Ukrainian capital Kiev. Though only after a ferocious struggle amidst scenes of medieval carnage and brutality did the city fall into German hands.Besieged alongside their fellow citizens were the footballers of Dynamo Kiev.

Pre-war Dynamo were the pride of Ukraine, the only club capable of challenging Moscow's ultra powerful teams. As the bombs rained down the players volunteered for civil defence duties but it was a futile task and they found themselves fighting a losing battle as their beloved city was reduced to smouldering rubble.

Ukrainians whom wrongly believed after harrowing treatment at Josef Stalin's hands that life would improve under Hitler's regime, swiftly realised their plight had grievously worsened. For the Germans regarded them as Ubermenschen: Sub Human. To be murdered, enslaved or starved into extinction at will.

The Dynamo footballers became prisoners of war and were put to work in Bakery One at 19 Degtyarevskaya Street. Whenever possible they enjoyed a kick about in the bakery yard where their formidable talents still excelled. Though classed sub-human by their Nazi overlords, as the Kiev players passed a football to each other with consummate ease, even those who wished them dead couldn't help but admire.

An idea formed in the mind of bakery owner Iosif Kordik whom wishing to keep the goodwill of the local commander Major-General Fredrich Eberhardt, suggested the notion of a match between the bedraggled Dynamo and a side made up from the occupying forces.

The General agreed for he realised the propaganda purposes of such a contest. For no matter how many of these Ukrainians you killed with bullets, the will to live remained strong amongst the local population. However break their sprit by humiliating Kiev's one time heroes and ultimately mass extinction could only be made easier.
And so the Germans made ready their plans.

Under a chosen name of FC Start (symbolising a new beginning) Dynamo defended their shattered nation's honour on a football pitch seven times, beating out of sight handpicked Axis army teams. All were destroyed as the Start players despite terribly ill nourished thrashed their hated opponents.

Huge crowds cheered every goal as if it was a bullet flying into a German head. This back-firing propaganda aberration infuriated German high Command, and General Eberhardt was ordered to terminate the growing myth of FC Start invincibility. Arriving in Kiev came the pride of the Luftwaffe-crack team Flakelf.

Moments before kick off an SS officer informed the Start players they had to make the Nazi salute. To do so undermined everything achieved so far and come the moment of truth the Ukrainians raised their hands upwards, only then snapping them back to their chest roaring out 'Fitzcult Hurra'!

('Long live Sport')!

Playing like a team in a hurry for their own funeral Dynamo Kiev produced a performance of jaw-dropping brilliance to leave the Germans on their knees. With moments remaining and leading 5-3 the gloriously-raiding defender, nineteen year-old Ivan Klimenko roared forward into the penalty area, rounded the keeper and was left with an open goal at his mercy.

FC Start's youngest player delighted an adoring Ukrainian crowd by choosing to mock the Germans by kicking the ball back to the half-way line. Unable to stomach any more the SS referee called time. This loss of face amongst German high command was inconceivable and a thirst for retribution in blood was sought.

One month later the Gestapo came to 19 Degtyarevskaya Street and the Kiev player were bundled away, interrogated and tortured before being sent to Siretz labour camp on the city outskirts. There on 23 February 1943, on a bitter freezing morning three were made to kneel before shot in the back of the head. These included the dashing teenager Klimenko.

Finally Dynamo Kiev lay down.