Thursday, 14 May 2026

Inspirational Photo of an IS2 (pair) - Berlin 1945

A friend posted this photograph and I am totally entranced by it. I am pretty sure it is, as he stated Berlin 1945 (although I stand open to corrections). It shows that even in cities there are big open spaces. Perhaps it is false colour, but I love the details. The crazy Ivan to the left of the IS2 tanks on a bicycle, soldiers just standing around (so not a direct combat photo - which makes sense to me). Civilian vehicles, abandoned and people just milling around in the background. The wheels (bottom left) presumably of a Russian infantry support gun or "something" [that "something" turned out to be probably a Panzer IV chassis rear wheel, from either a tank, assault gun or SPG version - exactly what is undetermined, see comments] in the middle of the street! (see below, absolute chaos - but a lovely composition for a diorama):   


It inspired me to take a look at my late war Soviet armour (in 20mm) as I have a couple of IS2s. A late-war fall of Berlin scenario beckons. 

5 comments:

Martin Rapier said...

The wheel in the bottom left is the idler of a Pz IV chassis, given the period I'd say a Jagdpanzer IV. Berlin does indeed feature a lot of open spaces, it is obviously a major thoroughfare based on the tram tracks. The big building in the distance looks very familiar, although I think it is a church.

Anthony Clipsom said...

The wheels bottom left are actually the back corner of a Panzer IV - burnt out by the looks of it. There is a Sdkfz 251 to the left of the IS2 crossing the road.

Geordie an Exiled FoG said...

Martin/Anthony - well spotted, once you said what it was, I could see it clearly - thanks. It adds to teh photo, thanks!

Fire at Will said...

Distant building looks like the Brandenburg gate

Geordie an Exiled FoG said...

"Fire at Will" - totally agree with you