The Youngest Six-Year-Old Soldier of WWII

Sergei “Seryozha” Aleshko’s horrifying yet brave story is one of creating hope amidst adversity.

Sergei “Seryozha” Aleshkov | Photo Credits: The Sangha Kommune

Imagining a six-year-old exposed to the ruthless brutalities of war isn’t a pleasant walk down memory lane; we often forget that such stories go beyond the tragic trope. Imagining ourselves as a six-year-old and having to see other soldiers die around us is chilling. However, even though sad, this tale is also one with precious small moments of joy, a story of belonging and believing in our worth. It is the tale of the Soviet Sergei “Seryozha” Aleshkov.

The Village Destroyed

The German troops burning a village after invading the Soviet Union in 1941 | Photo Credits: The Guardian

Sergei was born around 1934 in a small village surrounded by the forest. This small but essential village of Gryn was around 200 miles away from Moscow. Sergei’s first five years were ordinary, full of the childhood protection and joys we get to experience. It was a happy life with his three older brothers and mother.

However, in June 1941, when Germany invaded the Soviet Union, chaos spread. Almost every able man was recruited into the army to protect their motherland, under threat…