Soviet Naval Infantry 1917-91

This book provides a comprehensive history and analysis of the Soviet Union's naval infantry units,from their establishment in 1917 to their dissolution in 1991. It includes eight plates of commissioned artwork and archive photographs and explores the evolution of their organization,uniforms,insignia,weaponry,and personal equipment. The book also highlights the role of Soviet naval infantry in the October Revolution,the Axis invasion of 1941,and the Cold War era,including their amphibious assault capabilities and their deployment in various conflicts.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 64 pages
Publication date: 16 February 2023
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

This book, drawing upon Soviet sources, provides a comprehensive assessment of the evolving organization, uniforms, insignia, weaponry, and personal equipment of Soviet naval infantry units from 1917 to 1991. Accompanied by eight plates of specially commissioned artwork and carefully selected archive photographs, it charts the history and appearance of the Soviet Union's naval infantry, from the October Revolution to the end of the Soviet era.

Although Russian naval infantry gained fame during the October Revolution, they were disbanded shortly after and re-established only in 1939. Following the Axis invasion of 1941, approximately 500,000 Soviet Navy personnel served on land, participating in the defense of Leningrad, Odessa, and Sevastopol, as well as the recapture of the Crimea in 1943–44. Soviet naval troops also played a significant role in the invasion of Manchuria in 1945.

During the Cold War era, the Soviet Union developed an amphibious assault capability that played a vital strategic role. By capturing aggressors' geographical exits to the oceans, it aimed to forestall threats to Soviet submarine bases. Naval infantry forces were equipped with a wealth of firepower assets, and the use of amphibious ships, hovercraft, and helicopters facilitated their rapid deployment, even in challenging Arctic terrain.

This study provides detailed descriptions and illustrations of these developments, shedding light on the evolution and significance of Soviet naval infantry throughout its history.

Weight: 212g
Dimension: 183 x 247 x 7 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781472851628