Soviet IS-2 and T-34 Tank Crews Celebrate Victory in Berlin, May 9, 1945

August 15, 2025 - Reading time: 4 minutes

Soviet IS-2 and T-34 tank crews celebrate victory in Berlin on May 9, 1945, marking the end of WWII in Europe.

Crews of Soviet IS-2 and T-34 tanks celebrating victory over Nazi Germany in Tiergarten Park, Berlin, May 9, 1945.

This iconic photograph captures the jubilant crews of Soviet IS-2 heavy tanks and T-34 medium tanks from the 104th Guards Heavy Tank Regiment, 7th Separate Guards Heavy Tank Novgorod-Berlin Brigade, 8th Army, 1st Belorussian Front, celebrating the triumph over Nazi Germany in Berlin on May 9, 1945. The image represents the end of the Second World War in Europe and the culmination of the Red Army’s relentless push through Eastern Europe.

Among the T-34 crew is Guards Senior Sergeant Alexey Shmelkov, whose expression mirrors the overwhelming sense of relief and joy shared by Soviet forces after years of brutal conflict. The photograph is a composite, created by combining two negatives taken by war correspondents Mark Redkin and Anatoly Arkhipov, and is titled “Victory!”, symbolizing both military success and the emotional release of soldiers who endured the war’s hardships.

The tanks themselves — the formidable IS-2 heavy tanks and the versatile T-34s — were instrumental in breaking through German defenses, providing crucial firepower and mobility that helped secure Berlin. This moment not only celebrates the end of hostilities but also honors the bravery and sacrifices of the tank crews who brought victory to the Soviet Union.

Technical photo data:
📝 Source of information: Unknown
📍 Location: Tiergarten Park, Berlin, Germany
📅 Date of photo: May 9, 1945
📷 Photographer: Mark Redkin