Soviet Infantry Hold the Line in the North Caucasus, 1942

September 1, 2025 - Reading time: 4 minutes

Soviet infantrymen of the 2nd Guards Rifle Division defend trenches in the North Caucasus, 1942.

Soviet infantrymen of the 2nd Guards Rifle Division in trenches, armed with Mosin-Nagant rifles and DP-27 machine guns, defending in the North Caucasus, 1942.

This wartime photograph shows Soviet infantrymen of the 2nd Guards Rifle Division entrenched in defensive positions during the battles for the North Caucasus in 1942. Armed with Mosin-Nagant rifles and Degtyaryov DP-27 light machine guns, the Red Army soldiers were tasked with holding the line against the advancing German Wehrmacht and Axis forces.

The division, which would later be honored with the title "Taman Division," earned distinction for its resilience and determination in some of the harshest fighting of the Caucasus campaign. For their courage and steadfast defense, its soldiers were awarded the Medal "For the Defense of the Caucasus," a recognition given to those who took part in the struggle to protect the strategic region.

The battles in the Caucasus were pivotal not only for the oil fields and mountain passes but also for maintaining Soviet control over the southern front. The image captures the resolve of ordinary infantrymen, whose endurance under fire was vital in preventing the enemy from breaking through to the Caspian and beyond.

Technical photo data:
📍 Location: North Caucasus, USSR
📅 Date: 1942
📷 Photographer: Unknown