SgtRock
Site Admin
A day on the Volkov Front summer 1943
After the successful, though costly winter offensive launched by the Second Shock Army, the siege of Leningrad was nearly broken and land communication with the rest of the Soviet Union had been re-established. After the spring thaw Second Shock Army went on the offensive again, though still under strength the Soviets had an impressive advantage over the German formations they faced. Anchoring the southern flank of Second Shock Army was the 73rd Naval Rifle Brigade. This formation acted as the pivot point around which the rest of the army turned to close the gap between the Volkhov Front and the Leningrad Front. As the navy infantry formations were generally less well equipped and certainly not up to standards in training the 73rd brigade was the ideal choice to occupy this portion of the line allowing faster more mobile formations the press the offensive. The protracted siege of Leningrad and efforts to capture or liberate the city were centered on lines of extensive prepared fighting positions on both sides. In this example we see a section of the lines held by the 73rd Naval Rifle Brigade, short section of trench works centered around a heavy weapon position. In this case a DP28 light machine gun. The trench works seem to be hastily constructed, as there is yet no revetting of the walls. The sailors manning this position wear army uniforms, with navy caps and vests, the officer inspecting this postion has retained his Navy tunic and cap rather than adopt an army officers uniform.
2 Reference photos:
After the successful, though costly winter offensive launched by the Second Shock Army, the siege of Leningrad was nearly broken and land communication with the rest of the Soviet Union had been re-established. After the spring thaw Second Shock Army went on the offensive again, though still under strength the Soviets had an impressive advantage over the German formations they faced. Anchoring the southern flank of Second Shock Army was the 73rd Naval Rifle Brigade. This formation acted as the pivot point around which the rest of the army turned to close the gap between the Volkhov Front and the Leningrad Front. As the navy infantry formations were generally less well equipped and certainly not up to standards in training the 73rd brigade was the ideal choice to occupy this portion of the line allowing faster more mobile formations the press the offensive. The protracted siege of Leningrad and efforts to capture or liberate the city were centered on lines of extensive prepared fighting positions on both sides. In this example we see a section of the lines held by the 73rd Naval Rifle Brigade, short section of trench works centered around a heavy weapon position. In this case a DP28 light machine gun. The trench works seem to be hastily constructed, as there is yet no revetting of the walls. The sailors manning this position wear army uniforms, with navy caps and vests, the officer inspecting this postion has retained his Navy tunic and cap rather than adopt an army officers uniform.
2 Reference photos:
