Historical photograph by Kuramshin from May 9, 1945, depicting the commanders, staff, and soldiers of the Soviet 88th Guards Heavy Tank Regiment at the captured Reichstag in Berlin.
Personnel of the 88th Guards Heavy Tank Regiment at the Reichstag (May 9, 1945)
This historic archival photograph, taken by military correspondent Kuramshin on May 9, 1945 (Victory Day), portrays the officers, staff, and crews of the Soviet 88th Separate Guards Heavy Tank Regiment standing before the heavily damaged facade of the Reichstag in central Berlin.
Following the capitulation of Nazi Germany, personnel of the regiment—which had played a direct, pivotal role in neutralizing enemy strongpoints during the assault on the building—were granted leave to visit the iconic site.
The Role of IS-2 Heavy Tanks in the Assault on the Reichstag
Official combat action reports from the 79th Rifle Corps detail the direct support provided by the 88th Guards Heavy Tank Regiment during the battle for the government district:
- Crossing the Spree: On the morning of April 30, 1945, the regiment's 122mm-armed IS-2 heavy tanks crossed the Spree River via the intact Moltke Bridge, establishing direct-fire firing positions on the Kronprinzenufer embankment.
- Direct Fire Support: At 13:00, participating in the massed artillery preparation preceding the infantry charge across Königsplatz, the regiment opened direct fire into the reinforced windows and embrasures of the Reichstag.
- Breaching Enemy Defenses: At 18:30, the heavy tanks provided a second barrage to cover the renewed infantry assault, maintaining heavy fire until Red Army assault groups engaged enemy forces inside the structure.
Identified Personnel on Victory Day
The commemorative photograph captures key figures of the regiment's leadership and support personnel:
- Regimental Command: Regiment Commander Col. P. G. Mzhachikh (8th from left), Deputy Commander Maj. F. M. Zharkoy (6th from left), Chief of Staff Maj. N. V. Shiroky (3rd from right), and Deputy Commander for Technical Affairs Maj. I. P. Romanchenko (7th from right).
- Staff & Services: Assistant Chief of Staff Capt. I. German (2nd from left), Regimental Physician Maj. Prokharenko (5th from left), SMERSH Counterintelligence Chief Capt. Subochev (11th from left), Adjutant Lt. Molotkov (10th from left), Driver-Mechanic I. I. Smirnov (4th from left), and Commander's Driver Tyutin (12th from left).
Historical Legacy
Standing before the scarred columns and grand portico of the Reichstag, the commanders and soldiers of the 88th Guards Heavy Tank Regiment represent the culmination of the Red Army's mechanized drive from the defense of the Volga to the final victory in the heart of Germany.
📍 Location: Reichstag, Berlin, Germany
📅 Date: May 9, 1945
📷 Photographer: Kuramshin (Military Press Corps)
📰 Primary Source: Soviet Guards Armored Units Historical Archives
Recommended reading:
- The 88th Guards Heavy Tank Regiment: Direct-fire support during the battle for the Reichstag
- IS-2 Heavy Tanks in Urban Warfare: Tactics on the streets of Berlin in April 1945
- The Assault on Königsplatz and the Spree Crossings: Operations of the 79th Rifle Corps
- Victory Day in Berlin (May 9, 1945): Archival photography and celebrations