Soviet 37mm Anti-Aircraft Gun in Action, North Caucasus 1942

September 15, 2025 - Reading time: 3 minutes

Soviet 37mm 61-K anti-aircraft gun crew led by Sergeant I.I. Shapin, North Caucasus, USSR, 1942.

This striking photograph shows a Soviet 37mm automatic anti-aircraft gun (61-K, model 1939) in action near Nalchik, North Caucasus, 1942. The gun crew, led by Sergeant I.I. Shapin of the 2nd Guards Rifle Division (later the Tamanskaya Division), is manning the AA gun to protect Soviet positions from Luftwaffe air raids.

The 61-K, light but rapid-firing, was crucial for air defense in the rugged North Caucasus terrain, where enemy aircraft frequently targeted troop formations and strategic positions. The image captures the intensity and vigilance of Red Army soldiers as they prepared to repel air attacks, highlighting the blend of discipline and courage required to hold the line against German air power.

Technical photo data:
📍 Location: Nalchik, North Caucasus, USSR
📅 Date of photo: 1942
📝 Event: North Caucasus Campaign, WWII
📷 Source: WWII photo archives

Soviet anti-aircraft gun WWII
North Caucasus campaign 1942
Red Army AA crew photo
61-K gun in action WWII
Soviet air defense North Caucasus
WWII artillery photo USSR