Part 6/14:
Order No. 227 proclaimed that any soldier or officer attempting unauthorized retreat or surrender would face severe punishment—up to and including execution. The famous phrase “Not one step back!” was aimed at deterring panicked troops from fleeing.
A key feature of the order was the formation of blocking detachments—units tasked with shooting retreating soldiers on sight, and establishing strict control over the front line. The order emphasized that cowardice and desertion were treason, requiring zero tolerance.