Luftwaffe Night Raid on Moscow, July 26, 1941 — Soviet Anti-Aircraft Defense in Action
August 14, 2025 - Reading time: 3 minutes
On the night of July 26, 1941, Moscow faced a massive Luftwaffe air raid. The skies lit up with parachute flares as Soviet anti-aircraft batteries fought to protect the capital.
During the summer of 1941, in the early stage of the Great Patriotic War, the German Luftwaffe launched repeated bombing raids on Moscow, aiming to cripple Soviet military capabilities and break civilian morale.
The night of July 26, 1941, became one of the most intense. German bombers approached under the cover of darkness, dropping multiple flares on parachutes to illuminate targets. This rare wartime photograph shows the Soviet small-caliber anti-aircraft artillery opening fire at enemy aircraft. Seven bright flare trails streak across the night sky, guiding the Luftwaffe bombers toward their bombing runs.
Despite the danger, Moscow’s air defense network — including searchlights, anti-aircraft guns, and fighter interceptors — worked tirelessly to repel the attackers. These defensive actions reduced bombing accuracy and prevented large-scale destruction in key districts of the Soviet capital.
The relentless defense of Moscow in 1941 became a symbol of Soviet resilience, playing a crucial role in preventing the Luftwaffe from gaining air superiority over the city.
Photo details:
📝 Source: Wartime photograph
📍 Location: Moscow, USSR
📅 Date: July 26, 1941
📷 Author: Margaret Bourke-White
Moscow anti-aircraft artillery
Parachute illumination flares
Great Patriotic War air battles.
Related Pages
