Assault on the German Blue Line by 2nd Guards Rifle Division, Taman Peninsula 1943

September 17, 2025 - Reading time: 3 minutes

2nd Guards Rifle Division assaults the German Blue Line on the Taman Peninsula, autumn 1943.

Red Army soldiers of the 2nd Guards Rifle Division assault German Blue Line fortifications on the Taman Peninsula, autumn 1943, supported by tanks of the 51st Tank Regiment.

This striking photograph captures Soviet soldiers of the 2nd Guards Rifle Division advancing on the heavily fortified German defensive positions known as the “Blue Line” on the Taman Peninsula, autumn 1943. Tanks from the 51st Separate Tank Regiment provide crucial armored support as the Red Army presses the attack.

The “Blue Line” was a formidable German defensive system, reinforced by a 400,000-strong force and a condensed front, making the fighting exceptionally fierce. Battles raged from February to September 1943, with Soviet troops gradually pushing the enemy back. The determined assault shown in this image contributed directly to the eventual German evacuation to Crimea.

For their bravery and success in the liberation of the Taman Peninsula, the 2nd Guards Rifle Division was awarded the honorary title “Taman” on October 9, 1943. The photo exemplifies the combination of infantry courage, armored support, and coordinated strategy that characterized Red Army operations during this critical campaign.

This rare wartime image highlights both the intensity of frontline combat and the strategic significance of the Taman Peninsula as a gateway to Crimea, showcasing the resilience and skill of Soviet forces in overcoming entrenched German positions.

Technical photo data:
📍 Location: Krymskaya station, Taman Peninsula, Krasnodar Krai, USSR
📅 Date of photo: Autumn 1943
📝 Event: Assault on the German Blue Line by the Red Army
📷 Source: Soviet WWII photo archives