Battle of the Kerch Peninsula(1942)
Romania / Germany victorylandopen steppe, flat coastal plain
Background
Romanian VII Corps was assigned the southern thrust where Soviet lines were weakest, demonstrating Romanian divisions could handle complex offensive tasks alongside Wehrmacht units.
Campaign: Eastern Front 1942-43
Forces Engaged
Victor
Romania / Germany
Commander: Erich von Manstein
Strength: 150,000
Defeated
Soviet Union
Commander: Dmitry Kozlov
Strength: 249,800
The Battle
Romanian Mountain Corps and 18th Infantry Division fought alongside German forces to clear the Kerch Peninsula, capturing 170,000 Soviet prisoners.
“"The 19th Romanian Division attacked with a verve that matched our best infantry." — Erich von Manstein, Lost Victories
Casualties & Outcome
10,000
Romania / Germany
casualties
176,000
Soviet Union
casualties
~7,500 total Axis (~2,000 Romanian); ~28,000 killed, ~170,000 captured (Soviet)
Romania / Germany achieved victory over Soviet Union.
Three Soviet armies destroyed, ~170,000 prisoners taken. Cleared the way for Sevastopol assault and Germany's Case Blue offensive.
Significance & Legacy
Cleared the path for the Siege of Sevastopol. Romanian mountain troops praised by German high command.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When was the Battle of the Kerch Peninsula?
- The Battle of the Kerch Peninsula took place in 1942. May 8–18, 1942.
- Who won the Battle of the Kerch Peninsula?
- The Romania / Germany were victorious against the Soviet Union.
- What was the significance of the Battle of the Kerch Peninsula?
- Cleared the path for the Siege of Sevastopol. Romanian mountain troops praised by German high command.
Related Battles
Siege of Sevastopol — Romanian Contribution1942 · Romania / Germany victoryBattle of Stalingrad — Romanian Armies1942 · Soviet Union victoryKuban Bridgehead — Romanian Withdrawal1943 · Soviet Union victoryOperation München — Recapture of Bessarabia1941 · Romania / Germany victorySiege of Odessa1941 · Romania victoryBattles of Târgu Frumos1944 · Romania / Germany victory
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