Sherman Tanks

The M4 Sherman Tank was one of the most popular Allied Tanks during the war. Over 50,000 of them were produced and it saw action in all theaters of operation, from North Africa, to Europe, the Pacific and even the Eastern Front through the Lend Lease program. The Sherman is what is considered a medium tank, and it offered a good balance of speed, armor and gun power, while at the same time, being reliable and easy to service in the field. All this made it a popular tank and many variations of it were made. Its 75 mm or 76 mm gun was able to take on most light and medium enemy tanks, like the German Panzer III and IVs, and the light Japanese tanks were no match for it. But its gun and armor were at a disadvantage against the heavier German Tanks like the Panther, Tiger and King Tiger (Tiger II), however the US made up for this disadvantage with numbers as well as air and artillery superiority. The Sherman's high profile also made it vulnerable as it made it easier to spot, particularly when it was silhouetted against the morning or evening sky, which made some of its crew men refer to it as a traveling coffin, particularly when fighting against the heavier German tanks. The book 'Brothers in Arms', the story of the 761st Tank Battalion, describes frightfully well what it was like to be a Sherman tank man fighting in Europe, and how the German shells would sometimes go right through the Shermans' armor wreaking havoc inside. In any case, the contribution of the Sherman during the War was substantial and they deserve proper credit for it. Manufacturers of armored vehicle models have done their part to help this happen, as illustrated below. 

21st Century Toys Sherman Tank - Part I

This is a plastic model with plenty of detail. It comes with a driver and a tank commander. The other figures around it are just guys that I added for the scene.

21st Century Toys Sherman Tank - Part II

Notice the pieces of track welded to the front of the vehicle to give the driver extra protection against head-on shots.

BMC Sherman Tank - Part I

If you are looking for a good deal on a Sherman Tank or you are considering getting a large fleet of them, this is the tank you are looking for. You can get it for about 5 dollars and if you take some time to paint it slightly, it can look really good.

BMC Sherman Tank - Part II

It is also a bit taller than the other models out there, which seems to be more in line with reality.

New Ray Sherman Tank - Part I

This is a die cast model, so it has a nice heavier feel to it. The scale is a bit on the smaller side though, but still acceptable and for some reason I've often seen them on sale, which can make it an affordable addition to your army.

New Ray Sherman Tank - Part II

This one also has some tracks welded on to protect the driver. The stars and the motif on the side are actually stickers, which is not great as they might come off, but you just need to be a bit careful with them so that they remain glued.

InAir / New Ray EZ Build Sherman Tank

Another all-plastic kit requiring some small amount of assembly. As with the other models in this line, the appearance is acceptable. The feel is a bit on the light side since it is all soft plastic and we've now become used to the FOV or 21C models. It was still a good find (ran into it at Amazon.com)

21st Century Toys Sherman Firefly - Part I

The Sherman Firefly was a British variation which contained a more powerful 17 pounder main gun capable of penetrating the armor of the heavier German tanks. Given that it is a British variant, I suppose I should have used British guys for this picture :-)

21st Century Toys Sherman Firefly - Part II

This model from 21C Toys is made of plastic, did not feature any figures with it and has a very light feeling to it, but its appearance is still fairly decent. The long gun gives it a more impressive look.

Forces of Valor U.K. Sherman Firefly - 7th Armored Division

FOV must be in cost cutting mode because this is the first vehicle that I come across which is pretty much made out of plastic entirely. The level of detail is still very high. For instance, the armor surface is all nicely pockmarked, but for the prices that they command these days, it was a bit disappointing that it was all plastic. Good thing that I found it on sale...

21st Century Toys Sherman Bulldozer - Part I

Another nice variation of the Sherman vehicle by 21st Century Toys. Vehicles like this might have been used in the rocky island campaigns in the pacific like Iwo Jima to clear paths for the other Shermans behind them with flamethrowers, which was the only way to clear some of those caves from where the Japanese fought. 

21st Century Toys Sherman Bulldozer - Part II

A bulldozer like this might also come in handy in the hedgerow country in Normandy, to create gaps in the hedgerows for the tanks and infantry to move through, avoiding the pre-set fields of fire. There is also a hedgerow cutter variation of the Sherman from Forces of Valor which is even more in line with what was used in that theater of operation.

Forces of Valor Sherman Amphibious Tank - Okinawa - Part I

This is one of the newer FOV vehicles produced since the FOV brand was acquired by Waltersons. It represents a version of the Shermans released towards the end of the war in the Pacific Theater of Operations. This model is unique because it comes equipped with 'deep wading gear' that enables the air intake/exhaust to happen above the level of the turret. This allowed it to come ashore much more successfully than the Shermans that attempted to disembark at Normandy. This Sherman is also special because it comes armed with amore powerful -and longer- 105mm gun. 

Forces of Valor Sherman Amphibious Tank - Okinawa - Part II

Here's a better view of the 'breathing' ducts from behind. These ducts are also removable. This is not just a feature of the models, but it reflects how the actual vehicles worked in real life, as this equipment would have no further use after coming ashore. This tank is part of Waltersons' 'Engine Plus' series which means that the upper part of the tank is removable and you can appreciate the engine and inside of the tank. The engine is removable and you can place it on the metal frame next to the tank in case your mechanics need to perform maintenance on it :-)

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Here are some pictures of GIs in action against German troops in Normandy

Introducing the Soviet Paratroops

The Soviet airborne forces, known as Vozdushno-desantnye voyska (VDV), were established in the early 1930s. They were created with the intention of using them for strategic deep-penetration, however during WWII, logistical challenges and the scale of the Eastern Front often forced them into ground roles. The structure of the airborne forces was adaptable, with units disbanding as needed to be used as the core of new formations. VDV troops were organized into corps (division sized) and brigades. By the end of 1941 there were 10 airborne corps, at the end of 1942, another 10 were established and by the fall of 1943, 6 more airborne divisions were added.

Their uniforms generally matched standard Red Army attire. Unlike German paratroopers, Soviet ones used standard infantry uniforms on the ground with a light blue field cap. Jump suits were issued when available along with standard infantry webbing and rucksacks. The ShL-41 padded helmet was used for jumps. This could be made from leather or canvas. Their weapons included Mosin-Nagant rifles, PPSh-41 submachine guns, and DP-28 light machine guns, light artillery, and mortars. 

VDV troopers were considered elite formations and were usually designated as Guards units. Despite being used mostly as regular infantry during the war, they were often employed in an offensive manner. This was befitting of their elite status, as they were highly motivated and well-trained and could create and exploit gaps in in crucial sectors of the front. In times of crisis, they could also be deployed in a defensive role, as was the case when they were sent to help at Stalingrad. There, they were involved in brutal urban combat and the subsequent counteroffensives. 

In terms of airborne operations, a couple stand out. The Vyazma Operation in January of 1942 aimed to encircle the retreating German forces of Army Group Center by deploying the 4th Airborne Corps behind them. Launched in severe winter conditions with limited supplies, the paratroopers faced fierce resistance and a lack of air support. This resulted in only a brigade from 4th corps being dropped, about 2100 men, and many were scattered far from their designated landing zones. Despite the initial shock and disruptions to the Germans, and follow up drops of another 1500 paratroopers in February, the VDV units were gradually encircled. Some paratroopers linked up with partisan groups and engaged in guerrilla warfare. Others managed to break through German lines and made their way back to Soviet forces. In the end, the operation failed to achieve its intended objective and resulted in very high casualties. 

The Dnieper Operation in September 1943 sought to secure bridgeheads on the Dnieper River to support the Red Army's advance. Poor planning and execution of the drops, along with robust German counterattacks by troops which found themselves fortuitously on the drop zone, resulted in significant losses, with many paratroopers landing off-target. Of the 6500 troopers which were supposed to be dropped, only 4500 did, and they were scattered over an area 20 times larger than the intended DZ. As was the case with the Vyazma operation, the paratroopers were either hunted down, joined the partisans, or fought their way back to friendly lines as they pressed on after crossing the Dnieper. Having failed in its main objective, the operation turned out to be mostly a nuisance, diverting German resources and creating confusion temporarily. 

Following this failure, the Soviet Army did not conduct any more airborne operations until August of 1945 when airborne forces were used to secure airfields and other key objectives during the invasion of Manchuria against the Japanese. Throughout the war the VDV troops distinguished themselves in combat, displaying exceptional bravery, even at the expense of high casualties. Their effectiveness as ground units, while born of necessity, highlighted the inherent quality and versatility of the VDV soldiers. Their experiences not only contributed to the overall effort to win the war, but they also helped shape the development of Soviet airborne doctrine and tactics in the postwar era.  

In terms of toy soldiers, this is a service branch that had been neglected by manufacturers until very recently. This year however (2025), I have come across a couple sets which have begun to represent these courageous men. Let's take a look.

Kozak Miniatures Soviet Paratroops - Part I

These guys get extra points for being the first Soviet Airborne troops that were released, as far as I know. Plastic Platoon just released theirs and I've already placed my order for them as I write this post on March, 2025. The other good thing about these guys is that all of them (or 5 out of 6?) are in poses that can be used in a battle scenes. These guys are outfitted with jumpsuits, including the padded helmet used for jumping. I am not sure that they would have kept them on after the jump, but when it comes to toy soldiers, I think it gives them more character and it makes them more recognizable as airborne troops. In terms of weaponry, 4 of them have machine guns, and two of them are rifle men. Given that they are all on an airborne mission, I would have left out the rifles and issued them all automatic weapons. I am also not super excited about their upright postures, but that's been the case with all other Kozak sculpts, so I won't spend much time dwelling on that. 

Kozak Miniatures Soviet Paratroops - Part II

These are the same 6 poses as the ones above, with the only difference being that they are wearing a field cap, instead of the padded jump helmet. This cap used to be sky blue in real life. Other than that, I also took the opportunity to position the kneeling man so that the first picture lets you see the rucksack which all of them are wearing, and the second picture lets you see the front of the man. I got these guys from Toy Soldier Central, and got them in 1/30 size so that they fit better with the upcoming Plastic Platoon figures. All figures come without bases, but you can ask for them and glue them yourself. I chose to leave the kneeling men without bases as that allows me to place them closer to obstacles or on uneven terrain where bases would make them stand at odd angles. 

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Soviet Artillery

Latest addition: Hanomak 45mm Anti-Tank Gun with crew

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The Soviets produced 76mm guns from 1942 onwards in massive quantities (over 100,000) and with a 76mm round, they were capable of piercing any German Tank prior to the Tiger I and the Panther. The Soviets were known for deploying large belts of anti tank defensive positions in depth which would wear down the German armored offensive capabilities and would leave them ripe for T-34 counterattacks, which is how they managed to stop the largest ever tank offensive at Kursk. The pictures below depict this gun in a street fighting scenario, as the Red Army pushed west and retook its cities.

Italeri Soviet ZiS 3 76mm Anti-Tank Gun - Part I

This is a nice artillery piece introduced by Italeri. It is a 76mm Soviet Anti-Tank gun. When this set was released, around 2010, it filled a huge gap in the WWII 1/32 plastic toy soldier world. In addition to the gun itself, the set contains a crew with a great variety of poses. There's a main gunner operating the weapon, while the rest of the crew works hard to keep the ammunition supply flowing.

Italeri Soviet ZiS 3 76mm Anti-Tank Gun - Part II

This is what the German vehicles would be facing as they came around the corner.

Italeri Soviet ZiS 3 76mm Anti-Tank Gun - Part III

This perspective affords a better view of the action as well as an unusual detail in the scene.

Can you spot it? I actually included a German guy in this picture by mistake! There's only six figures in the set. 

Plastic Platoon Soviet 76mm Gun with Crew, Winter Dress - Part I

This is a really nice contribution to the hobby. There aren't that many Soviet artillery crews and guns available. I can think of the Italeri set, but that's about it. PP has released this set in both summer and winter outfits. Unfortunately I have only been able to find the winter crew. The figures are certainly nice, as usual, but clearly, the highlight of this set is the gun itself. It comes in a few parts that must be put together - the wheels, shield, trail/carriage and the barrel, but it is fairly easy to assemble. The detail is all there. You can see many nice touches like the hinges on the front of the shield and the grooves on the wooden spokes of the wheels, as well as the firing mechanism of the gun itself.

Plastic Platoon Soviet 76mm Gun  with Crew, Winter Dress - Part II

As you can see from this other angle, you get an officer who is directing the firing of the gun, an ammo handler ready with the next round, a guy ready to fire, and another guy who can be placed in a couple spots to help operate or move the gun - he is carrying a side arm, so he might also be an officer. The uniforms are nicely detailed and show a variety of winter clothing. A couple of long coats, a padded jacket, etc. My favorite is the cap with sheepskin lining. And to round it all up, you also get a couple of ammo boxes. Ready to lay some supporting fire!

Hanomak Soviet 45 mm Anti-Tank Gun 'Sorokapyatka' - Part I

As you can see, this anti-tank gun is operated by a 4-man crew. One man is loading and firing the gun, another is handing him the ammunition. A third one is dealing with the cases containing additional ammunition, and the fourth one is observing and directing the fire. A good crew which can probably be deployed to help with other artillery pieces. In addition to the men you also get a wooden defensive position to go with it. I feel that this set is sculpted at a slightly better level of quality and detail than other Hanomak sets. The posing feels less rigid and more natural. Perhaps if you want to be highly critical, the hands could be done slightly better, and the 45 mm shell being held by one of the men feels a bit too thin, but other than that, I think this is one of their best sets.

Hanomak Soviet 45 mm Anti-Tank Gun 'Sorokapyatka' - Part II

Here's a view from the front to appreciate the detail on the front of the wooden barricade. I probably would have preferred to be able to buy the gun without it. I don't really need it and I would rather pay a lower price, but given that you get it, and it is reasonably nicely detailed,  I should be able to incorporate it into some defensive works for this or some other artillery unit, specially once it is painted as it has pretty nice texture on the wood and the rocky ground. 

Hanomak Soviet 45 mm Anti-Tank Gun 'Sorokapyatka' - Part III

I took this other picture to try to show the different parts that have to be glued to put together the gun. The gun comes as 11 separate parts, 3 of which have to be glued quite precisely to assemble the gun's operating mechanism. What makes it harder is that there are no instructions and some of these parts come attached to their sprue and it is not clear where to cut. Some of the plastic is needed as a pin to be inserted into some small holes, and some of the plastic is simply excess material but it all looks the same. Fortunately I found some pictures of some real guns out there on the internet that guided me in this process. Another thing I had to fiddle with is the gluing and positioning of the trails. At first it seemed like they were going to end up with the hole for the pin that keeps them together on the outside, but it is supposed to go in the middle. After some trial and error I figured out how to glue them in a way that the holes are on the inside. This was not intuitive given how the parts are designed to fit together. In fact, at the online store where I bought them, the pictures they show have them glued incorrectly.

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Introducing the Soviet Naval Infantry

Latest edit: Added Hanomak 'Baltika Set 2' Soviet Naval Infantry

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The Soviet Naval Infantry was theoretically an amphibious force, although they only conducted a handful of landings during the war. For the most part they were used as normal infantry in land battles where reinforcements were badly needed like Stalingrad, Leningrad, or the outskirts of Moscow. Some of them were actually ship crews retrained as infantry, but nonetheless they fought courageously and earned themselves a gallant reputation.

This first set of pictures is the Soviet Naval Infantry made by Pegasus Hobbies. It comes in 12 nice, very well-proportioned, action poses. It requires a minor amount of assembly/gluing, namely a few arms and weapons, as some of the figures are manufactured using two molds. That's still a small price to pay in exchange for some nicer -less flat- poses compared to what can be manufactured with one mold. Unfortunately I still have not gotten around to painting them, although I already researched the uniforms. Even unpainted, they still make a nice scene.  

In the pictures below you see them launching a counterattack on a street that has already exchanged hands several times. Will they prevail this time?

The men up front rush forward.

The rubble on the street offers some amount of cover.

The front elements are already in grenade-throwing range.

The guys immediately behind provide covering fire.

A couple of sub-machine gun bursts to make the enemy take cover.

A side view of the action.

Looks like this machine gunner is about to do some damage...

Taking a well-aimed shot.

The captain bringing up the rear.

The more cautious guys following a few steps behind.

Publius Soviet Naval Infantry - Part I

Here are a few more Naval Infantry guys made by a Russian company called Publius. They are really hard to find. I got these guys courtesy of my friend and fellow collector, The Plastic General. He discovered them and managed to obtain some from a contact in Russia. The level of detail and fluidity of movement in the sculpting is among the best I've seen. They are so well done that leave you longing for more poses. 

Publius Soviet Naval Infantry - Part II

I also like the fact that every pose is an action pose, as opposed to having some marching or standing guys, which tend to have a more limited use. And as you can see, there is a nice variety in the weaponry and outfits of the figures. I also like the fact that the bases have some detail and texture, but they are not bulky as has been the trend recently in the hobby. These guys are certainly a great complement to the Pegasus figures and add much needed variety to this service branch of the Soviet Army.

Publius Soviet Naval Infantry - Part II

These are the same figures as above, just as a group and in a different shade of color. I must admit that I forgot I had already bought and posted them, but the picture turned out well, so we can repost them :-)

Plastic Platoon Soviet Naval Infantry - Defense of Leningrad, 1941

A great set depicting the intensity of  close quarter combat happening in an urban theater. These naval infantry figures would be equally at home in Stalingrad or Sevastopol, and they will be a great complement to Publius' and Pegasus' naval infantry troops. Again, the plastic is a bit soft, and that makes the tips of the weapons point in odd directions, but other than that, the sculpting -i.e. the level of detail and action- on these figures is exceptional. I can't wait to see how realistic they look with some paint on them!

ESCI Soviet Spetznaz - Part I

The Spetznaz are Soviet Special Forces, however they are post WWII figures. I find their uniforms however close enough to the Soviet Naval Infantry that I have decided to use them as such to complement the Pegasus figures. The weaponry is a bit modern, so I'll have to overlook that. In terms of the poses I like the men who are crouching better than the ones who are standing.

ESCI Soviet Spetznaz - Part II

Some of these guys are wearing a different head gear. Not sure if those will blend in with the Naval Infantry. Their weapons however would fit quite well in the WWII period. Again, I have my reservations about the poses of the guys who are running. I would like them better if their upper bodies were leaning more a bit forward.

Speira Miniatures Soviet Naval Infantry

Speira makes 3D printed toy soldiers. They only offer a handful of Soviet Naval Infantry figures, so when I saw this guy I grabbed him. What's interesting about him is that you can also select the head that you want for him. There are three or four variations, with different headgear and facial expressions. He will go well with my other Soviet Naval Infantry guys from Pegasus, etc. 

Hanomak Soviet Arctic Troops

Even though this set is supposed to represent troops fighting in or around the Arctic Circle, there are only two guys who seem to be dressed adequately for the occasion -the officer and the man sitting on the ground seem to be pretty snug, but the other guys would be freezing. Or perhaps they are fighting in the summer months and we now have figures to defend the Arctic year-round? Jokes aside I actually bought this set to get my hands on the four naval infantry figures. I also don't have much use for the officer who is just standing around. But the three guys on the left, are in very nice action/fighting poses and will be a good addition to the unit. The guy who is aiming his handgun upwards is nice in terms of the sculpting and detail, but will also have limited uses on the battlefield. 

WW23D Soviet Naval Infantry

What attracted me the most about these Soviet Naval infantry guys is the fact that they are wearing helmets. Most of the other figures I have representing this service branch are wearing sailor caps. I actually prefer that look, but I like that these guys will create some variety in my ranks. Ready for defending Sevastopol or as reinforcements for Stalingrad.

Plastic Platoon Soviet Naval Infantry, Defense of Sevastopol

For some reason I really like Soviet Naval Infantry troops, so I was very excited to learn that Plastic Platoon had come up with its own interpretation. The set does not disappoint. Perhaps the only thing to criticize is the fact that some of the bases are almost like the base that you would have for an actual sculpture, particularly the anchor, the cannon, and the steps, but even those elements are well done. I also like that we get a guy wearing a cape, as well as one wearing a helmet instead of the usual cap. We also get a good variety of weapons, my favorite being the light machine gun. These guys will definitely go very well with the rest of the detachment! BTW, The title of the set refers to Sevastopol, but I feel like deploying these guys within the ruins of Stalingrad... WDYT?

Engineer Bassevich Soviet Red Army Continued - Part II

It was these five guys which convinced me to get this set. As you may already know by now, I have a soft spot for Soviet Naval Infantry, and these five sailors are definitely more interesting and dynamic than the other five figures in the set - at least they are engaged in battle! They are not the best naval infantry figures in my collection in terms of poses and sculpting detail, but they will add a bit more guys and variety to the unit. Maybe the most interesting guy is the one going cowboy, who also got rid of his jacket along the way - and will look nice when his striped shirt is properly painted. I also like the man throwing the grenade and how he has loaded himself with extra ammo belts as did a couple more of his fellow sailors. All in all a good second half of the set.

Tihon Figuren Soviet Naval Infantry 'Sailors of the Revolution'

Based on the name of the set, I am not sure if these guys are actual WW2 figures, or late WW1/Russian revolution. They do not have any submachine guns, so based on the weaponry they could be either. Which is a good thing for me! The poses are well done, with a lot of nice detail and also a nice level of dynamism. In terms of detail, the faces, including the mustaches are very well done and I also like how they gave the officer a round belly, perhaps due to extra vodka rations being a perk of his rank? Another nice detail I noticed is how the man who is advancing to strike with a knife is biting on to the flaps of his hat, likely to make sure they don't make any sound and betray his approach. The man who is whistling to his mates is also a unique pose. The material of these figures is relatively soft which means that I had to work a bit on straightening the bayonets. /nothing that a bit of hot/cold water won't fix, but it did take a few tries. Maybe that's why someone chose to clip them off in some pictures I saw online. Anyhow, a really nice set which will blend well with the other Naval Infantry sets in my collection!

Hanomak Soviet Naval Infantry 'Baltika' Set 1

I am not sure why Hanomak has released their Naval Infantry figures in two sets of 3. Here are the first 3. The two men standing are OK. The man on the left is a bit too straight for my taste, but his redeeming quality is that he is actually firing a captured German light machine gun - looks like an mg 34. The man on the right is just right as far as his stance and I like that he is wearing a helmet to give the unit a bit of variety in terms of head gear. And that leaves the prone guy. I think he is the most interesting guy in the set. If you look closely, he is holding a cluster of hand grenades, the kind that you might use to blow up the tracks of a tank. Is that the reason why he is crawling? It is also a nice detail that he is wearing two full ammo belts across his chest which will give him some good color once he is painted. I really like Soviet Naval infantry, so I am happy to add these to the ranks and I am eagerly waiting to get my hands on part 2 of these 'Baltika' guys!

Hanomak Soviet Naval Infantry 'Baltika' Set 2 - Part I

Here is the rest of the squad. Very nicely done, both in terms of the poses and the detail. The man firing the light machine gun on the go is nice enough, but the two man team carrying the machine gun is the special treat here. I am usually not a fan of figures that can't be deployed on their own as it limits their use. In this case, these two guys clearly go together. While the guy in the front could be made to drag the machine gun on his own (and I did glue the MG only to the guy in front to preserve that possibility), the second guy would look awkward leaning down and grabbing nothing, so not a lot of other things for him to do than help his buddy. But theses guys are unique enough that it's worth it to invest two poses to create this team vignette.

Hanomak Soviet Naval Infantry 'Baltika' Set 2 - Part II

To better appreciate the detail on the MG and also how the back man is grabbing it I took a second picture. The second guy's hand is made so well that he can hold the tip of the muzzle in the cup of his hand formed by his folded fingers. It is also worth mentioning that the bipod for the light machine gun also comes detached and it must be glued to it. I use Maxi Cure from Bob Smith Industries. You need very little and it creates que seems like a permanent bond even across very small attachment surfaces.

Hanomak Soviet Naval Infantry 'Kerch Set'

I an a big fan of Soviet Naval infantry figures, so when I saw this set I had to get it. I know that many will find the guy getting off the boat a bit odd. I do to. In fact, I really dislike such figures because they limit extremely where and how that figure can be used. Obviously not many of us have a harbor setup where we can attach the bow of this boat to some other partial ship. Anyhow, my plan is to cut off the section of boat and use the plank to get in and out of some ruined buildings. I considered giving the man another base entirely, and that would not be too hard because he is not fixed into the base. His feet simply plug into it. But the angle at which he would be standing relative to level ground would be off. Another figure which is a bit odd is the one walking on water. Yes, they have sculpted a wave under him! And it is not even a great looking wave. It resembles more a big foot with toes. So here what I am planning to do is to simply decorate the base with rubble once I paint the guy. Other than that the figures are really nice, well posed, with realistic uniforms and weapons, and well detailed -look as those mustaches :-). They will be a nice addition to the Soviet sailors fighting in the ruins of Stalingrad or Sevastopol! BTW, if you were wondering about the name of this set, Sevastopol and the Kerch Peninsula are both in the Crimea, which the Soviet sailors helped to liberate.   

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