Photo of the Red Navy landing force on the defense line of the Zapadnaya Litsa river

The original wartime photograph is in excellent collector's condition. The size is 100*132 mm. The reverse side is clean. Guarantee of authenticity.

Murmansk became one of the most important cities of the Soviet Union during the war. This ice-free port, located in the north of the country, was the gateway for lend—Lease supplies - American weapons, equipment, food and medicines were sent here in huge volumes. If the Germans had captured Murmansk, it would have seriously undermined the military potential of the USSR. The German command was aware of the importance of this port and in June 1941 began to develop a plan to capture it. This operation was named "Silberfux", which translates as "Silver Fox". The main goal is to cut off Murmansk from the rest of the USSR, seize the port and disrupt Allied supplies.

The key obstacle for the German troops was the defense line on the Zapadnaya Litsa River. This section of the border, protected by natural barriers — mountain ranges and impenetrable forests — has turned into a real fortress. The natural conditions made the enemy's offensive extremely difficult. The Soviet troops, despite the suddenness of the attack, were able to organize the defense in the shortest possible time. The German 20th Mountain Rifle Army, accustomed to fighting in the Alps, expected an easy victory. However, here in the Arctic, a completely different reality awaited them.: severe frosts, swampy terrain and the stubborn resistance of the defenders. The fighting in this area lasted until the late autumn of 1941. The Germans tried to break through the Red Army positions, but to no avail. The soldiers, hardened by the polar climate, knew the terrain and used its features to deter the enemy.

Western Europe remained an insurmountable frontier for the German army. This place, where the enemy could not cross the border of the USSR, became a symbol of heroic defense and perseverance in the most extreme conditions. Murmansk proved that even at the edge of the world, bravery and perseverance can turn the tide of war.