Battle of Mospyne

In early 1919, Mospyne was occupied by units of the Dnieper Division. Having established themselves on the outskirts of the village, they fought defensive battles on the approaches to Yuzivka. On May 13, 1919, Shkuro's troops launched an active offensive on the Mospyne area. The 9th Zadniprovsky and 55th (formerly 15th) Ukrainian regiments fought defensive battles. To reinforce the Makhnovists, the 1st Soviet Rifle Regiment under Chaika's command left the Volnovakha station. Shkurovtsy attacked in columns and with the support of three armored trains armed with six-inch naval guns and two tanks. After fierce resistance, they pushed the Makhnovists to the Starobesheve-Caravanna line and left Mospyne and Kuteynikovo behind.[1]

In this battle the 9th Zadniprovsky and especially the 55th regiment suffered heavy losses. In the latter, almost the entire membership of the Communist Party died, and about 500 soldiers remained in the regiment.[2]