10th Guards Motor Rifle Division
Encyclopedia
The 10th Guards Motor Rifle Division was a division
of the Soviet Ground Forces. The full name of its predecessor division was the "10th Guards Rifle Pechengskii twice Red Banner, Order of Alexander Nevsky and the Red Star division". The division traces its history from the 10th Guards Rifle Division (ex 52nd Rifle Division, first formed in 1935) who Fought in East Prussia and in Berlin.
during the Winter War and then the Soviet invasion of Poland
.
From 26 December 1941 to 9 November 1944 and from 29 January 1945 to 9 May 1945 the division was part of the Soviet ground forces participating in World War II.
Before October 1944, the division has been in the Arctic
, defending positions on the Zapadnaya Litsa River
('Valley of Fame') (near Murmansk), as part of the 14th Army
. During the defense 10th division was engaged in 150 fights of local importance. In the end of April 1942 it began a counterattack, which was unsuccessful. The counterattack failed due to severe weather conditions and a strong snowstorm on the previous day.
In September – October 1944 the division was resubordinated to 131st Rifle Corps, itself reporting to 14th Army.
On 7 October 1944, it participated in the Petsamo-Kirkenes Operation
and was in the first echelon advancing to the building on Mount Small Karikvayvish and seized a bridgehead on the west bank of the Titovka River
on 8 October 1944. After four days of fighting for the Luostari
on 14 October 1944 they crossed the Pechenga River
west of Kakkuri and participated in the liberation of Pechenga. After the liberation of Pechenga the division attacked Kirkenes
, supported by the 378th Guards Heavy Self-Propelled Artillery Regiment. After that operation the division moved through the Baltic states Bialystok
into reserve in the Vologda
district.
In January 1945 the division crossed Poland
and was positioned in Ostrow-Mazowiecki.
On 26 February, during the East Pomeranian Offensive
, the division moved from Baldenberg and turned northeast to Rummelsburg
and on 3rd March captured Rummelsburg.
By 21 March, 10th division was relocated to the right flank of the army – 30 kilometers southwest of Marchand
and advanced towards Pustkovits-Gdynia.
On 31 March after taking Gdynia
, 10th joined forces with 1st Polish Tank Brigade and attacked Zagorje (east of Janowo
located on the peninsula formed by the Gulf Puttsger Vic and the river Rod
).
By the end of April the division was positioned in the forests northeast of Treptow
and covered the coast of Baltic Sea
from Kohlberg
to Valddivinov. Division combed the forests, eliminating small scattered groups of enemies.
In the last days of the war the division crossed the deltas of the rivers Oder
and Swinemunde. 10th division was engaged in fighting on the island of Usedom
along with 19th Army of the 2nd Belorussian Front in May 1945.
After World War II the division became the 10th Guards Mountain Division.
In 1957 it became the 10th Guards Motor Rifle Division. In the postwar period it moved to Akhaltsikhe
in the Georgian SSR, joining with 9th Army
.
The division appears to have dissolved in 1991–92.
Division (military)
A division is a large military unit or formation usually consisting of between 10,000 and 20,000 soldiers. In most armies, a division is composed of several regiments or brigades, and in turn several divisions typically make up a corps...
of the Soviet Ground Forces. The full name of its predecessor division was the "10th Guards Rifle Pechengskii twice Red Banner, Order of Alexander Nevsky and the Red Star division". The division traces its history from the 10th Guards Rifle Division (ex 52nd Rifle Division, first formed in 1935) who Fought in East Prussia and in Berlin.
History
In 1939 the division along with the 52nd Rifle Division, took part in the Battle of PetsamoBattle of Petsamo (1939)
The Battle of Petsamo was fought between Finnish and Soviet troops in the area of Petsamo in the far north of Finland in 1939 and 1940. The Finnish troops were greatly outnumbered but managed to contain the Soviet troops due to the extreme terrain and weather....
during the Winter War and then the Soviet invasion of Poland
Soviet invasion of Poland
Soviet invasion of Poland can refer to:* the second phase of the Polish-Soviet War of 1920 when Soviet armies marched on Warsaw, Poland* Soviet invasion of Poland of 1939 when Soviet Union allied with Nazi Germany attacked Second Polish Republic...
.
From 26 December 1941 to 9 November 1944 and from 29 January 1945 to 9 May 1945 the division was part of the Soviet ground forces participating in World War II.
Before October 1944, the division has been in the Arctic
Arctic
The Arctic is a region located at the northern-most part of the Earth. The Arctic consists of the Arctic Ocean and parts of Canada, Russia, Greenland, the United States, Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Iceland. The Arctic region consists of a vast, ice-covered ocean, surrounded by treeless permafrost...
, defending positions on the Zapadnaya Litsa River
Zapadnaya Litsa River
Zapadnaya Litsa River is a river in the north of the Kola Peninsula in Murmansk Oblast, Russia. It is 107 km in length. The area of its basin is 1,190 km². The Zapadnaya Litsa River originates on the Kuchintundra and flows into the Barents Sea...
('Valley of Fame') (near Murmansk), as part of the 14th Army
14th Army (Soviet Union)
The 14th Army was formed in October 1939 in the Leningrad Military District. It participated in the Soviet-Finnish war, during which its 52nd and 104th Rifle Divisions fought in the Battle of Petsamo.From 24 June 1941 the Army included...
. During the defense 10th division was engaged in 150 fights of local importance. In the end of April 1942 it began a counterattack, which was unsuccessful. The counterattack failed due to severe weather conditions and a strong snowstorm on the previous day.
In September – October 1944 the division was resubordinated to 131st Rifle Corps, itself reporting to 14th Army.
On 7 October 1944, it participated in the Petsamo-Kirkenes Operation
Petsamo-Kirkenes Operation
The Petsamo–Kirkenes Offensive was a major military offensive during World War II, mounted by the Red Army against the Wehrmacht in 1944 in northern Finland and Norway. The offensive defeated the Wehrmachts forces in the Arctic, driving them back into Norway, and was called the "Tenth Shock" by...
and was in the first echelon advancing to the building on Mount Small Karikvayvish and seized a bridgehead on the west bank of the Titovka River
Titovka River
Titovka River is a river in the north of the Kola Peninsula in Murmansk Oblast, Russia. It is 83 km in length. The Titovka River originates in the Koškajavr and flows into the Motovsky Gulf of Barents Sea. Its biggest tributary is the Valasjoki....
on 8 October 1944. After four days of fighting for the Luostari
Luostari
Luostari is a rural locality in Pechengsky District of Murmansk Oblast, Russia located near the Norwegian border. Before World War II, Luostari was part of Finland. It was occupied by the German army during World War II. Luostari/Pechenga airfield is located nearby....
on 14 October 1944 they crossed the Pechenga River
Pechenga River
Pechenga is a river in Murmansk Oblast, Russia . It is the namesake for the Pechenga settlement, Pechenga Monastery and the Pechenga District. The river discharges into the Pechenga Bay by the Barents Sea coast....
west of Kakkuri and participated in the liberation of Pechenga. After the liberation of Pechenga the division attacked Kirkenes
Kirkenes
is a town in the municipality of Sør-Varanger in the county of Finnmark in the far northeast of Norway...
, supported by the 378th Guards Heavy Self-Propelled Artillery Regiment. After that operation the division moved through the Baltic states Bialystok
Bialystok
Białystok is the largest city in northeastern Poland and the capital of the Podlaskie Voivodeship. Located on the Podlaskie Plain on the banks of the Biała River, Białystok ranks second in terms of population density, eleventh in population, and thirteenth in area, of the cities of Poland...
into reserve in the Vologda
Vologda
Vologda is a city and the administrative, cultural, and scientific center of Vologda Oblast, Russia, located on the Vologda River. The city is a major transport knot of the Northwest of Russia. Vologda is among the Russian cities possessing an especially valuable historical heritage...
district.
In January 1945 the division crossed Poland
Poland
Poland , officially the Republic of Poland , is a country in Central Europe bordered by Germany to the west; the Czech Republic and Slovakia to the south; Ukraine, Belarus and Lithuania to the east; and the Baltic Sea and Kaliningrad Oblast, a Russian exclave, to the north...
and was positioned in Ostrow-Mazowiecki.
On 26 February, during the East Pomeranian Offensive
East Pomeranian Offensive
The East Pomeranian Strategic Offensive operation was an offensive by the Red Army in its fight against the German Wehrmacht on the Eastern Front...
, the division moved from Baldenberg and turned northeast to Rummelsburg
Miastko
Miastko , is a town in the Middle Pomerania region of northwestern Poland. Administratively it has since 1999 been part of Bytów County in the Pomeranian Voivodeship; previously it had been in Słupsk Voivodeship.-History:Before 1945 the town belonged to the Prussian Province of Pomerania...
and on 3rd March captured Rummelsburg.
By 21 March, 10th division was relocated to the right flank of the army – 30 kilometers southwest of Marchand
Marchand
Marchand is a frequent surname in France and in Quebec .The surname may refer to:* Albert Gallatin Marchand , Democratic member of the U.S...
and advanced towards Pustkovits-Gdynia.
On 31 March after taking Gdynia
Gdynia
Gdynia is a city in the Pomeranian Voivodeship of Poland and an important seaport of Gdańsk Bay on the south coast of the Baltic Sea.Located in Kashubia in Eastern Pomerania, Gdynia is part of a conurbation with the spa town of Sopot, the city of Gdańsk and suburban communities, which together...
, 10th joined forces with 1st Polish Tank Brigade and attacked Zagorje (east of Janowo
Janowo
Janowo may refer to the following places in Poland:*Janowo, Lower Silesian Voivodeship *Janowo, Aleksandrów County in Kuyavian-Pomeranian Voivodeship...
located on the peninsula formed by the Gulf Puttsger Vic and the river Rod
Rod River
The Rod River is a tributary of the Apold River in Romania.-References:* Administraţia Naţională Apelor Române - Cadastrul Apelor - Bucureşti* Institutul de Meteorologie şi Hidrologie - Rîurile României - Bucureşti 1971...
).
By the end of April the division was positioned in the forests northeast of Treptow
Treptow
Treptow is a former borough in the southeast of Berlin. It merged with Köpenick to form Treptow-Köpenick in 2001.-Geography:The district was composed by the localities of Alt-Treptow, Plänterwald, Baumschulenweg, Niederschöneweide, Johannisthal, Adlershof, Altglienicke and Bohnsdorf....
and covered the coast of Baltic Sea
Baltic Sea
The Baltic Sea is a brackish mediterranean sea located in Northern Europe, from 53°N to 66°N latitude and from 20°E to 26°E longitude. It is bounded by the Scandinavian Peninsula, the mainland of Europe, and the Danish islands. It drains into the Kattegat by way of the Øresund, the Great Belt and...
from Kohlberg
Kohlberg
- Municipalities :Germany* Kohlberg, Baden-Württemberg, in the district of Esslingen* Kohlberg, Bavaria in the district of Neustadt * Kohlberg , in Saxony...
to Valddivinov. Division combed the forests, eliminating small scattered groups of enemies.
In the last days of the war the division crossed the deltas of the rivers Oder
Oder
The Oder is a river in Central Europe. It rises in the Czech Republic and flows through western Poland, later forming of the border between Poland and Germany, part of the Oder-Neisse line...
and Swinemunde. 10th division was engaged in fighting on the island of Usedom
Usedom
Usedom is a Baltic Sea island on the border between Germany and Poland. It is situated north of the Szczecin Lagoon estuary of the River Oder in Pomerania...
along with 19th Army of the 2nd Belorussian Front in May 1945.
After World War II the division became the 10th Guards Mountain Division.
In 1957 it became the 10th Guards Motor Rifle Division. In the postwar period it moved to Akhaltsikhe
Akhaltsikhe
Akhaltsikhe is a small city in Georgia's southwestern region of Samtskhe-Javakheti. It is situated on the both banks of a small river Potskhovi, which separates the city to the old city in the north and new in the south. The name of the city translates from Georgian as "new fortress".- History...
in the Georgian SSR, joining with 9th Army
9th Army (Soviet Union)
The 9th Army of the Soviet Union's Red Army was a Soviet field army, active from 1939 – 43, and then after the war from 1966 to 1989.It was active during the Winter War against Finland as part of the Leningrad Military District, beginning operations at the end of November 1939 under ComKor M.P....
.
The division appears to have dissolved in 1991–92.
Subordination September 1944 – May 1945
| Date | Front (District) | Army | Housing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Karelian Front Karelian Front The Karelian Front was a Front of the Soviet Union's Red Army during World War II, and operated in Karelia.- Wartime :... |
14 Army | ||
| Karelian Front Karelian Front The Karelian Front was a Front of the Soviet Union's Red Army during World War II, and operated in Karelia.- Wartime :... |
14 Army | 131 Rifle Corps | |
| Karelian Front Karelian Front The Karelian Front was a Front of the Soviet Union's Red Army during World War II, and operated in Karelia.- Wartime :... |
14 Army | 99 Rifle Corps | |
| Reserve Stavka Stavka Stavka was the term used to refer to a command element of the armed forces from the time of the Kievan Rus′, more formally during the history of Imperial Russia as administrative staff and General Headquarters during late 19th Century Imperial Russian armed forces and those of the Soviet Union... |
19 Army | 99 Rifle Corps | |
| Reserve Stavka Stavka Stavka was the term used to refer to a command element of the armed forces from the time of the Kievan Rus′, more formally during the history of Imperial Russia as administrative staff and General Headquarters during late 19th Century Imperial Russian armed forces and those of the Soviet Union... |
19th Army 19th Army (Soviet Union) The 19th Army was a field army of the Soviet Union's Red Army, formed in 1941 and active during the Second World War. It was disbanded in 1945 or 1947.-First Formation:... |
40th Guards Rifle Corps | |
| 2nd Belorussian Front 2nd Belorussian Front The 2nd Belorussian Front was a military formation of Army group size of the Soviet Army during the Second World War... |
19 Army | 40th Guards Rifle Corps | |
| 2-nd Russian Front | 19 Army | 40th Guards Rifle Corps | |
| 2-nd Russian Front | 19 Army | 40th Guards Rifle Corps | |
| 2-nd Russian Front | 19 Army | 134 Rifle Corps |
Components
- 24th Guards Rifle Regiment
- 28th Guards Rifle Regiment of the Red Banner
- 35th Guards Rifle Regiment
- 29th Guards ArtilleryArtilleryOriginally applied to any group of infantry primarily armed with projectile weapons, artillery has over time become limited in meaning to refer only to those engines of war that operate by projection of munitions far beyond the range of effect of personal weapons...
Regiment - 14th Guards separate anti-tank battalion
- 4th Guards antiaircraft battery (up to 4 June 1943)
- 21st Guards Mortar Division (until 29 October 1942)
- 13th Guards reconnaissance company
- 1-Guards minesweeperMinesweeper (ship)A minesweeper is a small naval warship designed to counter the threat posed by naval mines. Minesweepers generally detect then neutralize mines in advance of other naval operations.-History:...
HYDRATED BattalionBattalionA battalion is a military unit of around 300–1,200 soldiers usually consisting of between two and seven companies and typically commanded by either a Lieutenant Colonel or a Colonel... - 82nd (2nd) separate Guards Battalion (8-Guards separate communication company)
- 481st (12th) health Battalion
- 7-Guards separate company chemical protection
- 499-I (5-I) trucking company
- 609-I (6-I) field breadBreadBread is a staple food prepared by cooking a dough of flour and water and often additional ingredients. Doughs are usually baked, but in some cuisines breads are steamed , fried , or baked on an unoiled frying pan . It may be leavened or unleavened...
opekarnya - 569th (3rd) Divisional veterinary hospital
- 141 I-divisional repair workshop (up to 19 July 1942)
- 105th Field Postal Station
- 201-I field ticket office of the State Bank
Commanders
- Nikishin Nicolai Nicolaevich (1941), Major GeneralMajor GeneralMajor general or major-general is a military rank used in many countries. It is derived from the older rank of sergeant major general. A major general is a high-ranking officer, normally subordinate to the rank of lieutenant general and senior to the ranks of brigadier and brigadier general...
- Pashkovskii Michael Kazimirovich (26 December 1941 – 2 March 1942), ColonelColonelColonel , abbreviated Col or COL, is a military rank of a senior commissioned officer. It or a corresponding rank exists in most armies and in many air forces; the naval equivalent rank is generally "Captain". It is also used in some police forces and other paramilitary rank structures...
- Krasilnikov Daniel Yefimovich (3 March 1942 – 23 July 1942), Major GeneralMajor GeneralMajor general or major-general is a military rank used in many countries. It is derived from the older rank of sergeant major general. A major general is a high-ranking officer, normally subordinate to the rank of lieutenant general and senior to the ranks of brigadier and brigadier general...
- Khudalov Chariton A. (24 July 1942 – 29 November 1943), colonel, with 27 November 1942 Major GeneralMajor GeneralMajor general or major-general is a military rank used in many countries. It is derived from the older rank of sergeant major general. A major general is a high-ranking officer, normally subordinate to the rank of lieutenant general and senior to the ranks of brigadier and brigadier general...
- Grebenkin Fedor Alekseevich (30 November 1943 – 23 March 1944), ColonelColonelColonel , abbreviated Col or COL, is a military rank of a senior commissioned officer. It or a corresponding rank exists in most armies and in many air forces; the naval equivalent rank is generally "Captain". It is also used in some police forces and other paramilitary rank structures...
- Khudalov Chariton A. (24 March 1944 – 9 May 1945), Major GeneralMajor GeneralMajor general or major-general is a military rank used in many countries. It is derived from the older rank of sergeant major general. A major general is a high-ranking officer, normally subordinate to the rank of lieutenant general and senior to the ranks of brigadier and brigadier general...
Awards and name
| Award (name) | Date | For that received |
|---|---|---|
| Order of the Red Banner Order of the Red Banner The Soviet government of Russia established the Order of the Red Banner , a military decoration, on September 16, 1918 during the Russian Civil War... |
? | |
| Pechengskij | For the exemplary performance of tasks of command in the battles against the German invaders, for winning the city Petsamo (Pechenga) and for displaying valor and courage | |
| Order of the Red Banner Order of the Red Banner The Soviet government of Russia established the Order of the Red Banner , a military decoration, on September 16, 1918 during the Russian Civil War... |
? | |
| Order of Alexander Nevsky Order of Alexander Nevsky The Order of Alexander Nevsky is an order of merit bestowed by the Russian Federation. It is named in honour ofAlexander Nevsky's struggle with the Teutonic Knights.... |
For the fulfillment of the command in the battles against the Nazi invaders in the capture of cities Laudenburg, Kartuzy (Karthauz) and for displaying valor and courage | |
| The Order of the Red Star | ? | |
Warriors Divisional
| Award | Name | Position | Title | Date award | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
Aliyev, Said Davidovich | Sniper 35th Guards Rifle Regiment | Guard Sergeant Sergeant Sergeant is a rank used in some form by most militaries, police forces, and other uniformed organizations around the world. Its origins are the Latin serviens, "one who serves", through the French term Sergent.... |
22 February 1943 | |
| Borodulin, Ivan | Commander Branch 28th Guards Rifle Regiment | Guard Sergeant Sergeant Sergeant is a rank used in some form by most militaries, police forces, and other uniformed organizations around the world. Its origins are the Latin serviens, "one who serves", through the French term Sergent.... |
? | ||
| |
Generalov, Alexei Petrovich | Mortar company commander of 28th Guards Rifle Regiment | Guard capital | 2 November 1943 | Posthumously |
| Zhulega, Gregory Prokhorovich | Assistant platoon leader walking Intelligence 35 Guards Rifle Regiment | Guard Sergeant Sergeant Sergeant is a rank used in some form by most militaries, police forces, and other uniformed organizations around the world. Its origins are the Latin serviens, "one who serves", through the French term Sergent.... |
18 June 1944 24 November 1944 29 June 1945 |
||
| |
Zimakov, Ivan | Division commander 29th Guards Artillery Regiment | Guard Major Major Major is a rank of commissioned officer, with corresponding ranks existing in almost every military in the world.When used unhyphenated, in conjunction with no other indicator of rank, the term refers to the rank just senior to that of an Army captain and just below the rank of lieutenant colonel. ... |
24 March 1945 | Posthumously: called artillery fire on himself |
| |
Ivchenko, Michael Lavrent'evich | Sniper Sniper A sniper is a marksman who shoots targets from concealed positions or distances exceeding the capabilities of regular personnel. Snipers typically have specialized training and distinct high-precision rifles.... 28th Guards Rifle Regiment |
Guard Lance Corporal Lance Corporal Lance corporal is a military rank, used by many armed forces worldwide, and also by some police forces and other uniformed organizations. It is below the rank of corporal, and is typically the lowest non-commissioned officer, usually equivalent to the NATO Rank Grade OR-3.- Etymology :The presumed... |
2 November 1944 | Posthumously: closed body machine gun embrasure |
| |
Kvasnikov, Michael Savelievich | Mortar 28th Guards Rifle Regiment | Guard Lance Corporal Lance Corporal Lance corporal is a military rank, used by many armed forces worldwide, and also by some police forces and other uniformed organizations. It is below the rank of corporal, and is typically the lowest non-commissioned officer, usually equivalent to the NATO Rank Grade OR-3.- Etymology :The presumed... |
24 March 1945 | Posthumously: closed body machine gun embrasure |
| |
Streltsov, Pavel | Heavy 28th Guards Rifle Regiment | Guard ordinary Ordinary In those hierarchically organised churches of Western Christianity which have an ecclesiastical law system, an ordinary is an officer of the church who by reason of office has ordinary power to execute the church's laws... |
2 November 1944 | 26 October 1944 Died of |
| |
Frolov, Andrei D. | Company commander | Guard Lieutenant Lieutenant A lieutenant is a junior commissioned officer in many nations' armed forces. Typically, the rank of lieutenant in naval usage, while still a junior officer rank, is senior to the army rank... |
2 November 1944 | |
Memory
- Murmansk School-Museum from the School № 26.
- Museum of professional construction school № 48 of Moscow – Museum «Heroic Path 10th Guards Rifle Division»
External links
- Directory
- Web-Directory of the sosiety "Memory" from Voronezh University
- The Battle membership of the Soviet Army, 1941–1945
- The list № 5 of rifle, mountain rifle and mechanized divisions as part of the active army in the Great Patriotic War of 1941–1945.
- Some statistical materials about history of the Great Patriotic War