Battle of the Kerch Peninsula(1942)
Exact site. The pin marks a documented battlefield location rather than a broad area.
Kerch city, Crimea
Coordinate source: latitude.to Kerch 45.3607, 36.4706
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
The Battle
Romanian Mountain Corps and 18th Infantry Division fought alongside German forces to clear the Kerch Peninsula, capturing 170,000 Soviet prisoners.
The Battle of the Kerch Peninsula was fought on May 8–18, 1942 as part of the Eastern Front 1942-43. Romania / Germany forces, commanded by Erich von Manstein, engaged Soviet Union forces under Dmitry Kozlov. Romania / Germany fielded 150,000 troops against Soviet Union's 249,800. The Romania / Germany force comprised 90,000 infantry and 0 armor. The engagement was fought on open steppe, flat coastal plain terrain, employing combined arms breakthrough and encirclement. The fighting lasted 11 days. It was a land engagement fought in spring. The defender adopted a prepared defense posture while the attacker employed flanking. The battle resulted in a Romania / Germany victory. Casualties were estimated at 10,000 for Romania / Germany and 176,000 for Soviet Union. Notable Soviet Union officers included Lev Mekhlis (Army Commissar 1st Rank, STAVKA Representative (undermined command)).
“"The 19th Romanian Division attacked with a verve that matched our best infantry." — Erich von Manstein, Lost Victories
Casualties & Outcome
~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.
Historical Record
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.
- What was the outcome of 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.