Soviet tankers from the 6th Guards Tank Breakthrough Regiment pose with a KV-1S heavy tank in April 1943.
This photograph depicts crew members of a KV-1S heavy tank serving with the 6th Guards Tank Breakthrough Regiment in April 1943. The image documents one of the Soviet heavy tank units operating during a period when armored formations were being reorganized and prepared for future offensive operations.
The KV-1S was an improved version of the earlier KV-1 heavy tank. It featured reduced weight and better mobility while retaining the 76.2 mm main gun, making it more suitable for maneuver warfare than its predecessor. Vehicles of this type remained in frontline service throughout 1943.
Rather than showing combat, the photograph provides a clear record of a Soviet heavy tank crew and their vehicle. Images like this are valuable historical sources for studying Red Army armored units, uniforms, equipment, and tank markings during the middle years of the war.
Technical Photo Data
- 📍 Location: USSR.
- 📅 Date: April 1943.
- 🚜 Unit: 6th Guards Tank Breakthrough Regiment.
- 🛡 Vehicle: KV-1S heavy tank.
- 📷 Photographer: Unknown.
- 📝 Source of information: Unknown.
Recommended literature
- Steven J. Zaloga — KV-1 & KV-2 Heavy Tanks 1939–45.
- Mikhail Baryatinskiy — KV Heavy Tanks.
- David Glantz — Colossus Reborn.
- "KV-1S heavy tank"
- "6th Guards Tank Breakthrough Regiment"
- "Soviet heavy tanks"
- "Red Army tank crews"
- "KV-1S April 1943"