"Forward for the Motherland!" Soviet Soldier Charges into Battle in Belarus, 1944

August 3, 2025 - Reading time: 7 minutes

A heroic Soviet soldier leads the charge with a PPSh-41 and RG-42 grenades during the liberation of Belarus in 1944, part of the Second Belarusian Front.

In this stirring photograph, a Soviet infantryman leads the charge into battle during the liberation of Soviet Belarus in 1944. Armed with a PPSh-41 submachine gun and RG-42 hand grenades, the soldier exemplifies the courage and determination of the Red Army during the fierce battles of the Second Belarusian Front.

The PPSh-41, one of the most iconic weapons of the Soviet Union, was known for its high rate of fire and effectiveness in close combat, making it a deadly weapon in the hands of the Soviet infantry. The RG-42 grenade further enhanced the soldier's ability to strike fear into the enemy as he advanced through enemy positions.

The image captures a moment of bravery and resolve, as the soldier raises the call of "Forward, for the Motherland!," rallying his comrades to push forward in the face of German resistance. The Second Belarusian Front was a pivotal part of the Soviet offensive in 1944, contributing to the eventual liberation of Belarus and the continued advance towards Germany.

This photograph is a tribute to the countless Soviet soldiers who fought and died for their country, leaving an indelible mark on the course of World War II and the history of the Eastern Front.

Technical photo data:
📝 Source of information: Mark Markov-Greenberg
📍 Location: Belarus, USSR
📅 Date of photo: 1944
📷 Photographer: Mark Markov-Greenberg

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• PPSh-41 submachine gun

• Second Belarusian Front 1944

• Soviet grenade RG-42

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