Soviet Mountain Troops Defend Marukh Pass in the North Caucasus — 1942

August 2, 2025 - Reading time: 7 minutes

Soviet alpine troops led by Lieutenant A.S. Efremov, defending the Marukh Pass in the North Caucasus in 1942, with PPSh-41 submachine guns.

Soviet alpine troops, led by Lieutenant A.S. Efremov, defend the Marukh Pass in the North Caucasus, 1942, armed with PPSh-41 submachine guns.

In this powerful image from 1942, Soviet alpine troops, under the command of Lieutenant A.S. Efremov, are seen ascending a glacier to defend the Marukh Pass in the North Caucasus. Armed with the iconic PPSh-41 submachine guns, these soldiers played a crucial role in holding the high ground against the German invaders during World War II.

The Marukh Pass, located in the rugged mountains of the North Caucasus, was a strategic point of defense during the German advance into Soviet territory. The Soviet mountain troops, or alpine troops, were specially trained for such difficult terrain, and their role was vital in slowing down the German offensive. The harsh mountain conditions made it difficult for both sides, but the Soviet forces were determined to hold their ground.

The image captures the resilience and determination of these Soviet soldiers, who not only had to fight against the enemy but also endure extreme weather conditions in the mountainous terrain. Their courage in the face of overwhelming odds became a symbol of the Soviet resistance and played a significant role in the eventual Soviet victory on the Eastern Front.

These soldiers were part of a broader effort to protect the Caucasus region from Nazi invasion and to secure vital resources for the Soviet war effort. The North Caucasus was an important region for both the Soviets and the Nazis, and its defense became a key point in the larger conflict of WWII.

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