Victory in Berlin: Soviet IS-2 Tank Crew Posing with Deadly DShK Heavy Machine Gun, April 1945

August 29, 2025 - Reading time: 4 minutes

Soviet IS-2 heavy tank crew posing with 12.7mm DShK machine gun in Berlin, April 1945.

Soviet IS-2 heavy tank crew posing with turret-mounted 12.7mm DShK machine gun in Berlin, April 1945.

This striking wartime photograph captures Soviet tankers on top of their fearsome IS-2 heavy tank, dramatically posing as they man the 12.7mm DShK heavy machine gun mounted on the turret. Taken in April 1945 during the final assault on Berlin, the scene reflects both the confidence and the symbolic power of the Red Army in the closing days of World War II.

Behind the posing soldiers stands an American-made Dodge WC51 truck, a reminder of the Lend-Lease supplies that bolstered Soviet logistics during the war. The combination of Soviet firepower and Allied support created a formidable force that brought Nazi Germany to its knees.

The IS-2, armed with its massive 122mm cannon, was already one of the most feared tanks on the battlefield. But the presence of the DShK heavy machine gun added even more firepower, effective against enemy infantry, aircraft, and light vehicles. Here, the crew presents themselves not in the middle of combat, but in a symbolic gesture of victory, showing their weapons proudly in the heart of Berlin.

The image is more than just a staged moment—it encapsulates the Red Army’s triumph. By April 1945, Soviet forces had fought their way into the German capital, sealing the fate of the Third Reich. This photograph immortalizes not only the hardware of victory but also the spirit of the men who carried it to the final battle.

Technical photo data:
📝 Source of information: Soviet wartime archives / WWII photo records
📍 Location: Berlin, Germany
📅 Date of photo: April 1945
📷 Photographer: Unknown