Soviet Naval Infantry Land Under Fire in Crimea – 8th Brigade Assault, 1942

June 27, 2025 - Reading time: 3 minutes

Soviet Naval Infantrymen of the 8th Brigade under Col. Gorpishchenko land on the shores of Crimea under heavy enemy fire. Part of the Black Sea Fleet’s assault operations to retake strategic coastal positions.

Kerch Peninsula, 1942.
Spray, smoke, gunfire. And amidst the chaos — shadows leaping from boats onto hostile shores. These are Soviet Naval Infantrymen of the 8th Brigade of the Black Sea Fleet, launching a beach assault under relentless enemy fire.

Commanded by Colonel Pavel Filippovich Gorpishchenko, these marines were veterans of the savage defense of Sevastopol, now thrown into yet another crucible — the fight to reclaim the Crimean coastline from Axis control. This rare photograph captures the very moment of their landing: weapons drawn, determination burning, comrades falling into surf and blood.

The 8th Naval Infantry Brigade was one of the most battle-hardened formations of the Soviet Navy. Formed during the darkest days of 1941–42, it drew on remnants of Sevastopol’s defenders and fresh volunteers from across the USSR. Their commander, Col. Gorpishchenko, was already a legend — a combat leader known for his grit and sacrifice.

After the events depicted here, Gorpishchenko would go on to command the 77th Guards Rifle Division, leading them through heavy engagements in southern Ukraine. He was killed in action during the brutal fighting at the Nikopol bridgehead in November 1943 — a true front-line officer who never left his troops behind.

This image, published in the May 1942 issue of Krasny Flot (Red Fleet) newspaper, stands as testament to the courage of those who brought the fight back to Crimea — yard by bloody yard.

📷 Technical photo data:
📸 Photographer: B. Kazbekov
📰 Source: Krasny Flot, Issue No. 119 (1070), May 23, 1942
📅 Date: 1942
📍 Location: Kerch Peninsula, Crimea, USSR