The composition of each mechanized corps, along with two tank divisions, included a motorized division. It was intended to consolidate the success achieved by tank divisions, and to solve other tasks in the depths of the enemy’s defense. Motorized divisions of the first nine mechanized corps were deployed from rifle with the same numbering. For the second wave of mk, the formation of new divisions began - from scratch or on the basis of the disbanded cavalry divisions. The composition and organization of the motorized division were approved by decree of the Committee of Defense of May 22, 1940 No. 215с.
Organizationally motorized division consisted of the following parts and divisions:
• division management;
• two motorized rifle regiments;
• Gun artillery battery (4 76-mm guns);
• a tank regiment (consisting of 4 tank battalions and support units);
• howitzer artillery regiment;
• support units.
According to the state of wartime in the division should be: 11534 man; 258 BT tanks and I7T-37; 51 armored car; 12 152-mm howitzers; 16 122-mm howitzers; 16 76-mm guns; 30 45-mm PTE guns; 8 37-mm anti-aircraft guns; 12 anti-aircraft machine guns DShK; 12 82-mm mortars; 60 50-mm mortars; 80 machine gun; 367 light machine guns; 1587 vehicles; 128 tractors; 159 motorcycle.
BA-10 2-th mk General Yu.V. Novoselova move to Ungeny for a counterstrike on Romanian units.
Medium armored BA-10 on the march. The headlights of the armored car are covered with sun visors.
The armored vehicle BA-20 and its driver, awarded the Order of the Red Banner.
The numbering of the units in the motorized divisions was the same with the rifle divisions, that is, unsystematic (although before 1939, the numbering of the regiments in the rifle divisions was simple - their numbers went in order, for example, 11-i sd - 31, 32 and 33 st, 24 st - 70 st, 71 st and 72 st (with 1939 r. 7 st, 168 st and 274 st respectively).
Motorized divisions differed greatly in manning, armament and equipment. This is well illustrated by the example of three compounds - 131, 213, and 215 MD, which were part of the KOVO Mechanized Corps. Having a staff close to the standard (1 1534 person), in 131 md - 10580, in 213 md - 10021, in 215 md - 10648 people, these divisions experienced a great shortage of command personnel: with full-time commanders in 1095 people, in 131 there was a mn - 784, in 213 a md - 459, in 215 a md - 596. Tank fleet - on average 36% of the state. By divisions: in 131-th - 122 tank, in 213-th - 55, in 215-th - 129. Artvooruzhenie - total percent completeness of three divisions: 76-mm cannon - 66,6%, 37-mm cannon - 50%, 152-mm howitzer - 22,2%, 122-mm howitzer - 91,6%, 82-mm mortar - 88,8%, 50 -mm mortars - 100%.
The situation with vehicles was much worse:
cars - 24% of the state. Instead of 1587 cars, in 131-th MD - 595, in 213-th MD - 140, in 215-d MD - 405;
tractors and tractors - 62,6% of the state. Of the 128 regular, in the 131-st MD - 69, in the 213-nd MD - 47, in the 215-nd MD - 62;
motorcycles - 3,5% of the state. Instead of 159 machines, in the 131-th MD - 17, in the 213-th and 215-th MD - no.
But these were divisions of the First Strategic Echelon. In the inner districts, the situation was even worse. Therefore, from the first days of the war most of the divisions were used in combat as rifle formations.
Just before the war, the mechanized corps had 29 motorized divisions. In addition to them, there were several more separate motorized divisions.
The fates of the mechanized division mekkorpusov during the war years were different:
1-th md 7-th m 21.09.1941 g. Transformed into 1-th Guards honey (from 23.01.1943 g. 1-i Ged). Completed the military path during the war as the 1-I Guards Moscow-Minsk Proletarian Order of Lenin. The Red Banner Order of Suvorov and Kutuzov sd.
7-th md 8-th m 12.09.1941 g. Reformed into 7-th sd. 27.12.1941 disbanded.
15-th md 2-th m 6.08.1941 g. Reformed into 15-th sd. Finished the war as 15-I Inzensky Xi-vaska-Szczecin Order of Lenin. Twice Red Banner of the Order of Suvorov and Red Banner of Labor.
29-I mdb-gomk 19.09.1941, disbanded.
81-th md 4-th m 16.07.1941 g. Reformed into 81-th sd. 27.09.1942 disbanded.
84-th md 3-th m 16.07.1941 g. Reformed into 84-th sd. Finished the war as 84-I Kharkov Red Banner sd.
103-I md 26-th mic. 28.08.1941 has been converted to 103. 27.12.1941 disbanded.
109-th md 5-th m 19.07.1941 g. Converted to 304-th sd.
131-th md 9-th m 29.07.1941 g. Reformed into 131-th sd. 27.12.1941 disbanded.
163-th md 1-th m 15.09.1941 g. Reformed into 163-th sd. Finished the war as 163-I Romnensko-Kiev Order of Lenin Red Banner Order of Suvorov and Kutuzov sd.
185-th md 21-th m 25.08.1941 g. Reformed into 185-th sd. Finished the war as 185-I Pankratovsko-Prague Order of Suvorov sd.
198-th md 10-th m 17.09.1941 g. Reformed into 198-th sd.
202-th md 12-th m 20.09.1941 g. Reformed into 202-th sd. She ended the war as 202-I Korsun-Shevchenkovskaya Red Banner of the Order of Suvorov and Kutuzov sd.
204-I md 11-th m 19.09.1941 r. Disbanded.
205-I md 14-th m 30.06.1941 r. Disbanded.
208-I md 13-th m 19.09.1941 r. Disbanded.
209-I md 17-th m 19.09.1941 r. Disbanded.
210-th md 20-th m 14.07.1941 g. Converted to 4-th cd.
212-th md 15-th m 29.07.1941 g. Reformed into 212-th sd. 21.11.1941 disbanded.
213-I md 19-th m 19.09.1941 r. Disbanded.
215-I md 22-th m 19.09.1941 r. Disbanded.
216-I md 24-th m 19.09.1941 r. Disbanded.
218-i md 18-th m 8.09.1941 g. Reformed into
218 sd. 27.09.1942 disbanded.
219-i md 25-th m 9.09.1941 g. Reformed into
219 sd. 27.12.1941 disbanded.
220-th md 23-th m 21.07.1941 g. Reformed into 220-th sd. Finished the war as 220-I Orshanskaya Red Banner Order of Suvorov sd.
221-I md 27-th m 10.08.1941 r. Disbanded.
236-th md 28-th m 09.1941 g. Reformed into 236-th sd. Finished the war as 236-I Dnepropetrovsk Red Banner Order of Suvorov sd.
239-i md 30-th m 6.08.1941 g. Reformed into
239 sd. Finished the war as 239-I Red Banner sd.
240-i md 16-th m 6.08.1941 g. Reformed into
240 sd. Finished the war as 240-I Kiev-Day-provsky Red Banner of the Order of Suvorov and Bohdan Khmelnitsky cd.
After the abolition of the mechanized corps, most of the motorized divisions were transferred to the states of rifle divisions, since there were practically no tanks left in them, and there was no hope for the arrival of new ones.
Tank divisions
The main strike force of the mechanized corps were two tank divisions that were part of them. The main purpose of the tank division was to break through the weakly fortified defense of the pro. the development of an offensive to a greater depth and actions in the operational depth — the destruction of reserves, the violation of control and demoralization of the rear, the seizure of important objects. In defensive operations, etc., they had to launch counter-attacks in order to destroy the enemy that had broken through. This task before the war was considered secondary and unlikely. Therefore, in the ensuing battles, it was not possible to organize and conduct properly counterattacks.
The organization of a tank division and its staff fully responded to its purpose. In view of the domination of the theory of "war of little blood on foreign territory 1", which meant seizing air supremacy and the offensive as the main type of combat, tank divisions had great striking power, but completely insufficient (as the war showed) amount of air defense and evacuation vehicles.
The formation of tank divisions began in accordance with the states approved by the Decree of the Council of People's Commissars of the USSR 6 dated 1940 in July No. ИХNUMX-93с. Division supposed to: personnel - 464 man tanks - 11343 (including 413 KB, 105T-210, 34 BT-26, 7 T-18, 26 chemical), armored cars - 54, guns and mortars (without 91-mm) - 50. In March 58, the organization of a tank regiment of a tank division was changed - the number of heavy tanks in it decreased from 1941 to 52. Accordingly, the number of tanks in the division was reduced from 31 to 413. In the mechanized corps instead of 375 tanks it became 1108. 1031 was
18 armored divisions formed in the composition of the mechanized corps and two separate TDMs (6-I - in SCW and 9-I -SAVO).
The organizational structure of tank divisions was as follows:
• two tank regiments, each as part of the 4 tank battalion (battalion of heavy tanks - 31 KB and 2 battalion of medium tanks with 52 T-34 in each; battalion of chemical tanks);
• motorized rifle regiment;
• howitzer artillery regiment;
• support units.
A tank company of medium tanks had 17 machines (in a platoon - 5), a battalion - 52 tanks. The heavy tank battalion numbered the 31 tank (10 in the company, platooned in 3).
T-34 nominated for position. The "bare" cases attract attention - the machines are not equipped with spare parts, drawers with accessories and tools. Northwest Front, September 1941
The numbering of units in tank divisions was easier than in motorized and rifle divisions. The numbers of the tank regiments went in order (with a few exceptions) and corresponded to the division number multiplied by 2 and the number multiplied by 2 minus 1 (for example, in 47 th TD - 93 th and 94 th). Exception: 16-td - 31-th and 149-th TP. 23-th TD - 45-th and 144-th TP, 24-th TD - 48-th and 49-th TP, 25-th TD - 50-th and 113-th TP, 27-th TD - 54-th and 140-th TP, 29-I TD - 57-th and 59-TH TP, 31-I TD - 46-th and 148-th TP. The numbers of the motorized rifle regiment, artillery regiment, anti-aircraft artillery division, reconnaissance battalion, pontoon bridge, medical-sanitary, motor transportation, repair and restoration battalion and communications battalion, company of regulation and field bakery coincided with the division number. Field postal stations and cash desks of the State Bank had their own numbering system.
In the tank divisions formed for the mechanized corps of the internal districts, the numbering system was broken - the regiment numbers changed - and did not have the former slimness.
Here is the composition of the 1st Red Banner Tank Division: 1st, 2nd TP, 1st MSP, 1st Hap, 1st Ozadn, 1st Time-Wedbat, 1st Pontoon Battalion, 1st Separate communications battalion, 1st medical battalion, 1st motor battalion, 1st repair and restoration battalion, 1st regulatory company, 1st field bakery, 63rd field post station, 204th field cash desk of the State Bank.
The staff of the Red Army Tank Division in 1941 was 10942 man, including 1288 command and control personnel, 2331 junior command personnel, 7323 privates.
The division's armament consisted of 375 tanks (63 heavy, 210 medium, 26 BT, 22 T-26, 54 chemical); 95 armored vehicles (56 BA-10 and 39 BA-20); 12 122-mm howitzers; 12 152-mm howitzers; 4 76-mm regimental guns; 12 37-mm automatic anti-aircraft guns; 18 82-mm battalion mortars; 27 50-mm company mortars; 1360 vehicles; 84 tractors; 380 motorcycle; 122 light machine guns; 390 submachine guns; 1528 self-loading rifles.
The events of the beginning of the war showed that the weak point of the tank divisions was the lack of anti-aircraft and anti-tank weapons, armored personnel carriers (they did not exist at all), although all other weapons were at the level of the best examples of the Wehrmacht or even exceeded it.
Colonel Baranov (second from left) indicates the line of battle for tankers of his unit. The typical for T-34 model 1941 of the year "cutting house", the viewing instruments of the driver and the rounded joint of the front hull sheets are clearly visible. South of Ukraine, October 1941
Heavy tanks in KOVO, ZOVO and PribOVO were represented by 48 T-35 (all as part of 34, etc.), 516 KV-1 and KV-2 (the last ones in 41, there was 31, but all of them remained without ammunition). Park medium tanks in the western districts in 1940 - 1941. 1070 has been updated with thirty-threes. The most common remained light BT-5 and BT-7 (about 3500 pieces) and the most popular in the Red Army T-26, as well as its flamethrower modifications (about 9500 machines in total). For conducting reconnaissance intended floating T-37, T-38, T-40 and armored vehicles BA-20 and BA-10, which were equipped with reconnaissance battalions and reconnaissance of tank divisions.
Each tank division by state had to have an 84 tractor and tractor for towing artillery pieces. In fact, there were much fewer of them, for example, in 19-th TD - 52, and in many divisions things were even worse: in 41-th TD - 15, in 20-th TD - 38, in 35-th TD - 7, in 40 std - 5. The percentage of manning the tank divisions of the mechanized corps of the 5 Army KOVO was 26,1%. In addition, agricultural tractors were also used very often, as there was a lack of special equipment. As for the suitability of the available towing vehicles, even the best of them, the Comintern, could only tow the 12-ton cargo and was suitable, at best, for taking out light tanks.
The nominal number of tank divisions in the fleet was 1360 vehicles. But they also did not have enough, so the number of cars ranged from 157 in 40-td to 682 in 41-th-td. The average staffing of the tank divisions 9, 19, 22 of the mechanized corps was 27% of the standard, and the motorized division - 24%.
Each tank division was supposed to have 380 motorcycles. However, in reality, the picture was different. 35, 40, 41 td did not have motorcycles at all, in 19 and 20 td they were on 10 machines, in 43 td - 18. The total percentage of staffing was all 1,7 from staff. The situation in motodivisions was no better - with a standard number of 159 motorcycles, 213, 215 md did not have them at all, in 131 md there was 17. The percentage of staffing was 3,5. In addition, the available motorcycles served and were in poor technical condition. Here is the testimony of the 43 reconnaissance commander 43 th vd V.S. Arkhipov: "By the beginning of June 1941, the 43 reconnaissance battalion was almost fully formed. Only new motorcycles were waiting. In the motorcycle company there were old cars of different brands, and there are very few of those, so most of the fighters were transported by truck. " This created great difficulties in the conduct of intelligence and communications.
BA-10 being repaired in factory workshops.
Communication was one of the weak points of the mechanized corps. As in the case of the 1939 model, the main remained radio tank stations 71-TK and automobile 5-AK. These radio facilities were not enough to control the tank corps of the former organization, and even more so the new corps, the number of tanks in which increased almost 2 times.
With homogeneity on paper, in reality, the number of personnel, weapons and equipment in tank divisions was different, there were very few fully equipped divisions by the beginning of the war.
The number of tanks ranged from 36 in 20 th TD to 415 in 41 th TD. The number of machines close to the nominal ones had 1,3,7, 8, 10, etc., the majority of the divisions were in the initial stage of formation.
Comparing the armament of the Soviet and German tank divisions, it should be noted that the Red Army tank division in terms of the number of tanks (standard) exceeded German by 2 times, yielding in numbers of personnel (10942 versus 16000 people). The organizational structure of the divisions was different: in the Soviet there was an 2 tank regiment of the 3-x battalion, in the German one was a tank regiment of the 2-x battalion. Against one motorized rifle regiment (3 battalion) in the Red Army, etc., in the German one there was a 2 grenadier regiment (according to the 2 battalion). The remaining units and divisions were almost identical.
Table N9 7. Data on the tank fleet of some tank divisions
The tank fleet of tank divisions of the Red Army was also diverse. If 7, 8, 10-td had a large number of new tanks KB and T-34, then in 40-td from 158 139 tanks were lightly armored floating T-37 and the entire 19 T-26, and its combat potential as a tank connection was minimal - one big name. Most of the divisions had mostly BT and T-26 series tanks of various modifications.
The staffing of tank divisions with armament and military equipment can be seen on the example of the KOVO mechanized corps 9, 19, 22 compounds, since there is the most reliable information about them. Let's start with the staff. The overall staffing of the tank divisions with the commanding personnel was 46% (with the normal number of 1288 people, ranging from 428 in 35 td to 722 in 19 td), the junior command personnel - 48,7% (staffing - 2331 people, actually, 687 people), actually - 20, X - YNX, etc. in 1644 std to 35 in 10942 std). More than half of the commanders of different levels were missing. When staffed at 8434, human strength ranged from 43 in 9347 td to 19 in 81,4 td. The total staffing level was XNUMX%.
The tanks in these 6 divisions had 51% of the state. The scatter by machine type was large: KB had only 9,41%, T-34 - even less - 0,16%, BT - 41%, T-26 - 64,9%, chemical - 16%. The main machine was T-26 - in 41-th TD - 342, in 43-th TD - 230. The situation with artillery weapons was a bit better - the total percentage of manning by gun type was as follows: 76-mm guns - 66,6%, 37-mm anti-aircraft guns - 33,3%, 152-mm howitzers - 66,6%, 122-mm howitzers - 86%.
A major problem for division commanders was the shortage of vehicles, especially fuel tankers. For example, in 11, 13, 17, 20, the mechanized corps of vehicles had only 8 - 26% of the standard.
The most difficult situation with fuel tankers was in the Baltic OVO, where the commander of the district, Mr. Kuznetsov, was forced on June 18, 1941 to give the order: " aviation) gas tanks and transfer them 50% each to the 3rd and 12th mechanized corps. "All this led to sad consequences: in the first days of the war, very often tanks at the most inopportune moment found themselves without fuel and were forced to wait for hours for it (which interaction plans), or the crews had to destroy their vehicles so that they would not get to the enemy.
T-34 take to the position near Leningrad.
Another drawback of tank divisions was the lack of evacuation means, as a result of which not only damaged, but even serviceable ones, but stuck in swamps, rivers and other obstacles, tanks were not evacuated and destroyed. The divisions had a total of 3-4 low-powered tractors designed for evacuation. In addition, in the pre-war years, repair was considered as a purely technical measure, providing only the removal of faults in the vehicles during operation, but not contributing to the restoration of the combat capability of the troops. Therefore, the repair of equipment on the battlefield was provided only after the troops completed combat missions. In combination with a weak training of personnel, all this led to the fact that the loss of the mat-part for non-combat reasons exceeded 50%.
Table No. 8. Number of vehicles in the border districts
The reason for this "wastefulness", along with the weakness of the repair base and the lack of spare parts (according to current practice, their production was stopped with removal from the production plans of the machine itself), was the weak training of many crews who first met with difficult equipment and abandoned tanks in the army which they were not able to eliminate. According to German data, in the first two months of the war they captured the destroyed or abandoned 14079 crews of Soviet tanks.
This is also referred to in the political addendum of the propaganda department of the South-Western Front of 8 in July 1941: "The 22 mechanized corps during the same time (22.06 - 6.07.1941) lost 46 vehicles, 119 tanks, of which 58 was undermined by our units during the withdrawal due to the inability to repair on the way. The losses of KB tanks in the 41 tank division are extremely high. From the 31 tank that was in the division, 6 was left for June 9.Here disabled by the enemy - 5, undermined by the crews - 12, sent for repair - 5 ... The heavy losses of the KB tanks are due primarily to weak technical support. the crews, their low knowledge of the tank crew’s matte parts, and the lack of spare parts. There were cases when the crews couldn’t repair the faults of the stopped KB tanks and undermined them. "
Table No. 9. Causes of loss of hardware 8-th TD 4-th m YuZF 1.08.1941g
Table No. 10. Causes of loss of hardware 10-th TD 15-th m YuZF
The state of many tank divisions before the war can be represented by reading "Description of the fighting 40 th TD 19 th MK":
"By 22 June 1941, the division was equipped with tanks for 8-9%, and those - not tabular. The condition of the materiel for the battle did not match (T-37, T-38, T-26 machines, mainly, which underwent medium repair, intended for training and combat fleet). Tank service tanks are completely absent.
Armament: tank regiments had rifles to carry guard duty. Personal commanders weapons was staffed by 35%. The division did not have special weapons due to the lack of tanks. The artillery regiment had 12 guns. The motorized rifle regiment with service armament, especially automatic weapons, was equipped with 17-18%. "
Armament: tank regiments had rifles to carry guard duty. Personal commanders weapons was staffed by 35%. The division did not have special weapons due to the lack of tanks. The artillery regiment had 12 guns. The motorized rifle regiment with service armament, especially automatic weapons, was equipped with 17-18%. "
Pz Kfpw III Ausf E, shot down in the Smolensk direction. The tanks that had broken through to the trenches were shot by fire in the boards and the stern. 20 July, 1941
The pre-war deployment of many divisions was extremely disadvantageous. Here is one example: the 22-I tank division of the 14-th MKNNUX-th army Zapovo was located in the southern military town of Brest (4 km from the border). For her, a serious problem was the exit to the assembly areas - to get to the Zhabinka area, it was necessary to cross the Mukhavets river, cross the Warsaw highway and two railway lines: Brest - Baranovichi and Brest - Kovel. This meant that at the time of the passage of the division, all movement in the area of Brest would cease. In addition, due to the proximity of the border, the division in the first hours of the war suffered huge losses from artillery fire, having lost, moreover, ammunition and fuel and lubricants.
The Red Army soldiers of the Sd Kfz 253 light armored personnel carrier stuck in their trenches.
After the start of the war, the organizational and staff structure of many tank divisions, due to a shortage of materiel, was changed. Already on June 24, the tank divisions of the 21 Mechanized Corps of the Moscow Military District were reorganized. In the 42-th and 46-th TD there were two tank regiments, but now each had only one tank battalion of two-year-olds. In the company - 3 platoon on 3 tank. These were added 9 commander tanks. In total, there were 45 tanks in the tank division, which was less than in the tank battalion of the pre-war organization. In July, after the abolition of mechanized corps, the 1941 tank divisions of the new organization were formed from the mechanized corps of the internal military districts - the number of tanks per staff was reduced to 10, the tank company instead of 217 became 17, the howitzer artillery regiment was converted to anti-tank, instead of the repair and restoration battalion, a division and repair company was introduced into the divisions, which included:
• platoon repair heavy and medium tanks;
• 2 platoon repair light tanks;
• platoon repairing wheeled vehicles;
• electrical platoon;
• platoon repair artillery and small arms;
• a platoon of supply of spare parts;
• tractor (evacuation) platoon.
In the famous photograph depicting a T-34 tank duel with a German “panzer”, the vehicle of tank company commander LL Kukushkin was captured, waterfighter from the battle that destroyed three enemy tanks. From the defeated Pz Kpfwll Ausf With already removed weapons and disassembled the engine compartment. 7 August, 1941
Separate tank divisions were transferred to the subordination of the commanders of the combined-arms armies.
Until January 1942, all tank divisions were disbanded or transformed into tank brigades, which became the main tactical unit of the armored forces. Until 1945, only 61 and 111-I tank divisions, which were part of the Trans-Baikal Front, remained. They took part in the defeat of the Kwantung Army in August-September 1945.
The combat operations of the Soviet tank divisions in the summer of 1941 can be judged by the example of the 43 td of the 19 t of the 5 th army of the YuZF. It was not possible to complete the formation by the beginning of the war, although there were 237 tanks in the division, of which 5 KB, 2 T-34 and 230 T-26. He commanded the division of the pk IG Tsybin, the chief of staff - the pp V.Butman-Doroshkevich. How the 43-td entered the war says, "The report on the military actions of the 43-th of the 19-th MK for the period from 22 to 29 of June 1941.":
"Personnel:
The headquarters of the division was staffed almost completely by fully trained command personnel, knitted and capable of command and control, staffed by the 35-th Red Banner Tank Brigade that arrived in the division.
Senior and middle command personnel were also prepared quite satisfactorily, the majority had combat experience in battles with Finland.
The specialists of the division were staffed both in quantity and quality quite satisfactorily, the crews of the combat vehicles were trained, many of them had combat experience and the available equipment was completely mastered.
Junior commanders, especially the motorized rifle regiment, were not included in the 70%, were not sufficiently prepared, as they arrived from other units and were nominated from the Red Army.
Left untrained personnel of the first battalions of tank regiments as soon as they arrived at the staffing, due to lack of materiel, having passed only the course of the young fighter.
Combat vehicles were fully prepared for the battle, equipped with crews, but technically worn out. Of the existing number of vehicles around 150, they were faulty, partially repaired at the repair facilities, and some of them stood without drivers in Berdichev before receiving them from the assigned mobil plan. Spare parts for combat vehicles in the warehouses of the division was available only on 40-45%.
The actual number of cars in no way provided a division for campaigning and raising all reserves. As a result, the bulk of the personnel of the motorized rifle regiment and other specialists of non-combat vehicles could not be raised by motor transport. Also, people of the first battalions of tank regiments who had no materiel could not be raised.
The shells for the 37-mm anti-aircraft guns in the unit were not perfect. For guns 122 and 152-mm there was only one ammunition. The MPs with automatic weapons and mortars were equipped with 1520% against the table. ”
The headquarters of the division was staffed almost completely by fully trained command personnel, knitted and capable of command and control, staffed by the 35-th Red Banner Tank Brigade that arrived in the division.
Senior and middle command personnel were also prepared quite satisfactorily, the majority had combat experience in battles with Finland.
The specialists of the division were staffed both in quantity and quality quite satisfactorily, the crews of the combat vehicles were trained, many of them had combat experience and the available equipment was completely mastered.
Junior commanders, especially the motorized rifle regiment, were not included in the 70%, were not sufficiently prepared, as they arrived from other units and were nominated from the Red Army.
Left untrained personnel of the first battalions of tank regiments as soon as they arrived at the staffing, due to lack of materiel, having passed only the course of the young fighter.
Combat vehicles were fully prepared for the battle, equipped with crews, but technically worn out. Of the existing number of vehicles around 150, they were faulty, partially repaired at the repair facilities, and some of them stood without drivers in Berdichev before receiving them from the assigned mobil plan. Spare parts for combat vehicles in the warehouses of the division was available only on 40-45%.
The actual number of cars in no way provided a division for campaigning and raising all reserves. As a result, the bulk of the personnel of the motorized rifle regiment and other specialists of non-combat vehicles could not be raised by motor transport. Also, people of the first battalions of tank regiments who had no materiel could not be raised.
The shells for the 37-mm anti-aircraft guns in the unit were not perfect. For guns 122 and 152-mm there was only one ammunition. The MPs with automatic weapons and mortars were equipped with 1520% against the table. ”
Pz KpfwIIAusf With, lined by Soviet tank crews on the South-Western Front. August 1941
At noon on June 22, the division was tasked to concentrate in 20 km southwest of Rovno and to be ready for an offensive in the direction of Dub-no-Dubrovka. The march took three days under its course, under continuous air strikes, with a constant shortage of fuel and spare parts, which literally had to be searched along the route, moving away from the 150 - 200 km part. During all this time, the division headquarters did not receive any information about the situation at the front, intelligence and operational reports, remaining ignorant even of their neighbors from the flanks and the enemy. Thus, it was believed that the main forces of the Red Army were already successfully fighting to the west and the division’s task was to liquidate the German tank groups that had broken through. At the same time, one and a half thousand people had to move on foot due to lack of transport. On the morning of June 26, the division’s tank group, which included the 2 KB, 2 T-34 and 75 T-26, moved to Dubno and met the retreating Soviet units. They managed to stop and subjugating themselves, included in the defense. However, the division was left without artillery, hopelessly lagging behind on the march, and did not have any cover from the air, still not knowing the intelligence data. Nevertheless, as a result of a tank attack, it was possible to reach the goal and reach the outskirts of Dubno, dropping the enemy by 15 km. The tank battle continued for 4 hours, and the result was the 21 destroyed Germans tank, two VET and 50 batteries of vehicles, and, due to the lack of armor-piercing shells KB and T-34, they had to fire with enemy anti-tank weapons. The price of this steel 2 burnt KB and 15 T-26. It was not possible to develop the achieved success because of weak interaction with the neighbors, under the flank counterattack of the Germans who had retreated. Behind them, under fire, the 43-I, etc., retreated at night.
T-34, lost track roller and burned down after a blast on a mine.
T-34, destroyed by the explosion of ammunition.
Having occupied the borders east of Rovno, the 43-I, etc., continued to remain under artillery fire and bombardment, repelling the attacks of the Germans and constantly losing contact with their neighbors, continually discovering that they had already left their positions. Tankers had to move on to "mobile defense", with short counterattacks, leaving one line after another and fighting off sticking Germans. By the end of the day, 28 June 43-I, etc., lost 19 T-26 tanks.
The following are data on the tank divisions of the Red Army with a brief description of their combat path.
The 1 th Red Banner TD was formed in July 1940 in the Leningrad Military District on the basis of the 20 th Red Banner tbri 1 th ltbr as part of the 1 th micron. Deployed before the war in Pskov. By order of the Chief of Staff of the Leningrad Military District, Mr. Nikishev, 17 June 1941 was transferred to the Arctic, where from the beginning of the war until July 8 she fought against 36 ak Germans in the Alakurtti region. 3.07 crew of the tank 1-th TP under the command of the station S. Borisov, holding the line at the bridge over the river Kuolaiki, during 32 hours repelled the attacks of the enemy. In July (without 2-th TP), she was transferred to the Gatchina region and led to defensive battles on the approaches to Leningrad until mid-August. In the middle of September she joined the 42 Army of the Leningrad Front and defended at the turn of Ligovo-Pulkovo. September 30 has been disbanded, and on its base, the 123-i Tbr is created. The commander is Mr.V.I.Baranov. On 22, June had 370 tanks and 53 armored vehicles.
Light tank T-60 was put into production in September 1941. The tank in the photo has two types of rollers - solid and cast with knitting needles.
Modified KB, carrying 25-mm screens of the upper and lower front hull plates, introduced from July 1941 g, and the mount bracket for the DT anti-aircraft machine gun (the machine gun itself is missing).
1-th TD (2-th formation) is converted from 1-th honey 18.08. She led the fighting on the Western Front. September 21 renamed to 1-th gwmed.
2-I TD was formed in July of 1940, in PriboVO, as part of 3-th micron. Before the war, stationed in Ukmerge. June 22 was located east of Kaunas. June 23, in conjunction with the 48 and 125, the SD, launched a counterattack against the forces of Army Group North in the direction of Scoudwil. In the oncoming tank battle with 6, the Germans did a lot of damage to it, but by the end of 24, June was surrounded by troops of the 56-m Manstein and was left without fuel and ammunition. In the Raseinai area, one KB from the division for nearly two days was holding back the onset of the 6 th TD Mr. Landgraf. 26 June held the last battle in the forest north-east of the town of Raseiniai, in which the division commander, Mr. E.N.Solyankin, was killed. The remaining tanks were blown up, and parts of the personnel managed to get through to their own. 16 July was disbanded.
3-I TD was formed in July of 1940 in the Leningrad Military District as part of the 1-th micron. Before the war, it was stationed in the Pskov area, having in its composition 338 tanks and 74 BA. In early July, she received 10 tanks KB and was transferred to the composition of the NWF. By participating in a counterstrike on 56-mk of the Germans, rushing to Novgorod, 5 July attacked the Germans 1-td, which occupied the city of Ostrov. Lacking air support and leading an offensive without infantry, she lost more than half of the tanks. July 6 in the division remained 43 tank. By the evening of July, 5 took possession of the Island, but by the morning of July 6, the blow of 1 and German 6 was thrown out of the city. 7 July 5-th TP was transferred to 22-th sk, and 6-th TP led battles as a part of 41-th sk, resulting in a fighting unit 3-I TD ceased to exist. By August 1, 15 tanks remained in the division, and it was used as a rifle unit. 14 December 1941 was transformed into 225-th SD (ended the war as 225-th Novgorod Order of Kutuzov sd). Commander - p. K.Yu. Andreev.
The 4-I TD was formed in July of the 1940 in the ZapVO as part of the 6-th micron. By the beginning of the war was based in the region of Bialystok, having, among others, 63 KB and 88 T-34. 22 June entered the battle at the turn of the River Na-rov, but by evening it was withdrawn to participate in the counter-attack of the mech-corps of the Western Front. June 23, together with the tank divisions of the 6 and 11, the MK, launched a counterattack against the Suwalki group of German troops. In the course of the battle, she was left without fuel and ammunition and was forced to retreat in the direction of Novogrudok. The remaining tanks were blown up. The remnants of the division, along with other troops of the 3 and 10 armies, were encircled west of Minsk, where until July 1 they fought with the enemy's 10, trying to break through to the Baranovichi area. 6 July disbanded. Commander - Mr. A.G.Potatchev.
5-I TD was formed in July of 1940 in PribVO on the basis of 2-th LHD as part of 3-th micron. Before the war, stationed in the city of Alytus. 22 June, after leaving the point of permanent deployment, the division was to turn around at the front of 30 km to defend the crossings in the Alytus region and ensure the withdrawal of the 128-th section. Part of the division entered the battle at different times, as ready. In difficult conditions, 5-td could not perform the combat mission - tank units suffered heavy losses and allowed German troops to seize the 3 bridge over the Neman. The division itself was surrounded by the eastern banks of the Neman River in the Alytus region and was practically destroyed. The headquarters of the 3 tank group 22.06 informed the army headquarters Center: “On the evening of June 22, 7, etc., had the largest tank battle during the war, east of Olit against 5, etc. Destroyed by 70 tanks and 20 aircraft (on airfields) of the enemy. We lost 11 tanks, of which 4 are heavy ... "
Repair KV-1 after the battle. Hinged logs were used for self-pulling, often necessary for a heavy machine.
A German soldier leads the captured tankers KV. "Staged" snapshot - a clear story of one of the mouths of the Wehrmacht propaganda, in an exploding tank would not have survived, none of the crew.
Shielded KV-1, shot with 88-mm cannon fire, are the only guns that can fight these tanks.
The 6-I TD was formed in July of the 1940 in ZakVO as a separate tank division, then incorporated into the 28-m. Before the war, based in Armenia, being fully staffed. After the 1941 28 was disbanded in July, the MK was included as a separate trademark in the 47 Army as a separate one. In August, she was transferred to the area of Nakhichevan, from where 25 August, as part of the 45 Army, entered the territory of Iran and made a march to Tabriz. Later returned to ZakVO, where 17 of October was disbanded, and on its base the 6-i Tbr was created. Commander - p. V.Alekseev.
The 7-I TD was formed in July of the 1940 in the ZapVO as part of the 6-th micron. Before the war, it was stationed in the region of Bialystok, having in its composition 368 tanks (of which 51 KB, 150 T-34). One of the most complete and powerful tank divisions of the Red Army. 22 June was alarmed, on the night of 23-e marched to the area east of Bialystok to eliminate the alleged Germans that had broken through, losing 63 tank from air strikes, but did not detect the enemy. On the night of June, 24 marched to a region south of Grodno, but again did not find the enemy. 24 - June 25 participated in the 6 th MI counterattack against the German forces that had broken through. Due to the lack of fuel, she lost almost all the tanks and retreated to Minsk, where she was surrounded with troops of the 3 and 10 armies. At the end of June, she tried to break through the front of the 12 of the German tank division in the direction of Molodechno in order to get out of the encirclement, but by July 1 lost all the tanks. 6 July was disbanded. Commander - Mr. S.V. Borzilov (died surrounded by 28.09.1941).
Guns, tractors and trucks abandoned in the vicinity of Kiev. In the Kiev boiler, the Germans got 3718 guns and some 15000 trucks.
OT-133 flamethrowers were disarmed and undermined by their crews. District of Kiev, September 1941
8-I TD was formed in July of 1940 in KOVO as part of 4-th micron. By the beginning of the war, it was located in the Lviv region, having 325 tanks (of which 50 KB, 140 T-34). Since June 22 fought in the Lvov ledge in the area of Gorodok, Nemirova with the troops of Army Group South. June 23 in the area of Radekhov fought off the attacks of the 262 st and other troops of the enemy 44 th corps. June 26 transferred to the command of the commander 15-th mic. In late June - early July, she led defensive battles in Western Ukraine and retreated to Kiev. Since July 8, the division’s consolidated detachment has defended Berdichev. In late July, she was surrounded by Uman, but managed to escape from the ring. In mid-August, she fought near Dnepropetrovsk. September 20 was disbanded, and on its basis the 130-i Tbr was created. Commander - pp PSFotchenkov.
The 9-I TD was formed in July of the 1940 in the CAMD as a separate tank division, then incorporated into the 27-th micron. It was stationed in the city of Mary. In mid-June, the transfer of parts of the division to Ukraine began. After the start of the war, the 27-th MK was disbanded, and the 9-I was separate. Soon, she changed the numbering, becoming 104-th etc. Commander - pk V. G Burkov.
10-I TD was formed in July of 1940 in KOVO as part of 4-th micron. In 1941, transferred to 15-th micron. Was stationed before the war in the city of Zolochiv. Fully equipped - 365 tanks (of which 63 KB, 38 T-34) and 83 BA. 22 June made a march to the Radekhov region, Brody, where 23 was engaged with the enemy's 262 and 297 th divisions. On June 26, as part of the 15, the MK participated in the attack of the mechanized corps of the South-West Front, advancing from the Brody region on Radekhov, Berestechko. In the battles suffered heavy losses and later covered the withdrawal of the troops of the South-Western Front. In early July, Berdichev was engaged in battles with the German 11 Panzer Division, was surrounded, but managed to get through to her own. At the end of July, she was again surrounded by Uman and again managed to break out of the ring. After the re-formation of 20, August was incorporated into the 40 Army, defended at Konotop. 29 August launched an offensive in the direction of Shost-ka, Glukhov. In September, they fought off (unsuccessfully) the strike of Guderian’s tank group to the south, which ended with the entourage of the main forces of the South-West Front. After the loss of almost all the materiel 10-td was withdrawn to the rear, in the Kharkov region. Here September 28 was disbanded, and on its base 131-i and 133-i tbr were created (from 8.12.1942 g. - 11-i Guards Korsun-Berlin Red Banner of the Order of Suvorov, Kutuzov, Bogdan Khmelnitsky tbr). The commander, Mr. S.Ya.Ogurtsov (was taken prisoner in August).
11-I TD was formed in July of 1940 in OdVO as part of 2-th micron. Before the war, it was stationed in the Tiraspol area. With the beginning of the war came to the Soviet-Romanian border, where 25 June, together with 74-th SD, launched a counter-attack with the aim of eliminating the Skulyansky bridgehead. 27-go freed Skulya-ny. At the end of June - beginning of July, she participated in the 2-th missile strike on Balti in order to stop the enemy’s advance. July 8 attacked the 4 of the Romanian and 11 of the German armies, managing to stop the enemy by 10.07. In connection with the exacerbation of the situation on the right flank of the law firm, the 2-th MK was transferred to the Christianovka area, where on July 22 the 11-th and 16-td launched a counter-attack on the German 11 and 16-th divisions in the direction of Uman with a view allow the entourage of the 18 Army. The task was completed, and in the future, the division led defensive battles, moving to the east. K 30 July 11-I and 16-I td 2-th mic lost 442 tank from 489. The 27 of August was disbanded, on its basis the 132-i tbr was created (from 24.01.1942 g. 4-i Guards Smolensk-Minsk Red Banner Order of Suvorov tbr). The commander is Mr. G.I. Kuzmin.
The Germans inspect abandoned equipment at the crossing of the Dnieper, removing usable parts. One of the drivers liked the "reserve" from the BA-10.
12-th TD was formed in July of 1940 in KOVO as part of the 8-th micron based on 14-th TBR. Before the war, stationed in Stryi. On June 22, after the transfer of the 8-th mk from the 26-th army to the 6-th army, made a march to a new area of concentration. The 23 of the Brody area reflected the blow of the German 16 tank and 16 motorized divisions of the German NNXX. June 48 on the orders of the commander of the 24 Army marched in a new direction. Having received an order from the Commander of the South-Western Front, 6 June moved to a new area of deployment to participate in the mechanized corps counterstrike. During the first day of the 26 war, obeying the conflicting orders of the command, 4 passed the km and lost for technical reasons the 500% materiel. 50 June put into battle with the move, in parts and without sufficient preparation. Having crossed the Slonów River and leading the battle with the 26 German Tank Division, advanced by 16 km. 20 June at the turn of Turkovich — Poddubtsy suffered heavy losses from artillery fire and went over to the defensive. 27-th again attacked the enemy - 28-I td, 16-I and 75-I, advanced to 111 km, but by the evening was forced to move. 12 is surrounded in the Radzivilov region, but by the end of the day she managed to escape from the ring, losing the entire materiel. By June 29 in 30-mk mk from 8 tanks left 858. In subsequent battles, the division participated as a rifle unit. September 10 disbanded, on its base was created 1-I tbr. Commander - Mr. T.A.Mishanin.
The 13-I TD was formed in July of the 1940 in ZabVO as part of the 5-th micron. It was stationed in the Borzi area. 15 June 1941 was sent to KOVO as part of the 16 Army. At the end of June, she was transferred to the ZF, where she became part of the 20 Army. 5 July, having 238 BT-7 and other machines, together with 17 td 5-th micron, 14-th and 18-th TD 7-th micron, participated in a counter-attack on the 39-th and 47-m of the mx army group m Center "in the direction of lepel. Having advanced on 20 km, I got up due to lack of fuel. By resuming the July 7 offensive, tank divisions ran into organized defense and suffered heavy losses (more than 50% materiel). Since July 9 fought against the Germans 17 td north of Orsha. In the middle of July, together with other troops of the 20 Army, she was encircled in the Smolensk region. In early August, the remnants of the division made their way to their own. 10 August disbanded. Commander - pp FU.Grachev.
14-I TD was formed in July 1940 in the Moscow Military District as part of the 7-th micron. It was stationed in the Moscow region. By the beginning of the war had 179 BT-7 and other tanks. After the start of the war, the 7 Mechanic Corps became part of the ZF troops. July 5 participated in the 5 and 7 mk counterstrike in the Lepel direction against 3 tgr. July 8 led a head-on battle with the German 18 th Panzer Division in the Senno area. Due to large losses (more than 50% of tanks), 9 July was withdrawn from the battlefield to reserve. At the end of July, she was in the Vyazma area in the reserve commander of the Polar Division. 19 August disbanded. Commander - p. I.D. Vasiliev.
15-I TD was formed in March 1941 in KOVO as part of the 16-th micron. It was stationed in Stanislav. Since the beginning of the war, she fought with 48-mk Germans, who acted on the right flank of the 1-th tank group. 26 June transferred to the 18-th Army LF. In July, again as part of the South-Western Fleet, she participated in defensive battles in the Berdichev area, covering the withdrawal of the South-Western Troops troops. By the end of July, I lost almost all the tanks (on 30.07 in 16-m MK - 5 T-28 and BA 12) and
It was surrounded by Uman. The remnants of the division in August managed to break out of the ring. The 14 of August was disbanded, and on its basis the 4-i Tbr was created (from 11.11.1941 d. 1-I Guards Chertkovskaya twice the Order of Lenin of the Red Banner Order of Suvorov, Kutuzov, Bogdan Khmelnitsky Tbr). Commander - pk V.I.Polozkov.
16-I TD was formed in July of 1940 in OdVO as part of 2-th micron. Was stationed in Kotovsk. After the start of the war, she became a part of the 9 Army of the LF. At the end of June, together with 11-td, participated in a counterstrike in the direction of the city of Balti, stopping the offensive of the enemy. Then it was redeployed to the Uman area, where, with the 11, etc., it attacked the enemy's 11 and 16 tank divisions in order to eliminate the threat of the environment of the 18 army. Rejecting the enemy on 40 km, later led defensive battles in the area of Christianovka. 20 August disbanded. Commander - pk M.I.Myndro.
The 17-I TD was formed in July of the 1940 in ZabVO as part of the 5-th micron. It was stationed in the Borzi area. By the beginning of the war had 255 BT-7 and other machines. 15 June began the transfer of the division to Ukraine, but after the start of the war with the 5-m, uk was sent to the ZF. July 5 participated in the 5 th and 7 mk counterattack on the Lepel direction. Having advanced on 20 km, I stood for almost a day without fuel, resuming the offensive on July 7. 8.07 led the oncoming battle with the enemy's 18 armored division in the Dubnyakov area. After the loss of most of the tanks withdrawn in reserve in the Orsha area. Later participated in the battle of Smolensk. The 17 division was the first in the Great Patriotic War to be awarded the Order of Lenin. 28 August was disbanded, and on its base was created 126-I tbr. Commander - pk I.P. Korchagin.
Lying in the river BT. The tank, left on the bridge as a barrier, was dropped by German tank crews into the water to clear the way.
Wreck T-26, destroyed by the explosion of fuel and ammunition. Karelian Isthmus.
KV-1 August issue 1941 g. With additional booking body. Onboard 25-mm screens of increased height to protect the tower shoulder strap. In place of the headlights - a stub.
18-I TD was formed in July 1940 in the Moscow Military District as part of the 7-th micron. It was stationed in the Moscow region. 28 June became part of the troops of the ZF. In July, she participated in a counterstrike on the Lepel area. In the oncoming tank battle with 17 and 18, the enemy’s tank divisions lost more than 50% of hardware. 9 July withdrawn reserve ZF in the area Vyazma. Later she fought on the Moscow direction. September 1 has been disbanded, and on its base, the 127-i Tbr is created. The commander is Mr. F.T. Remizov.
19-I TD was formed in March 1941 in KOVO as part of the 22-th micron. Was stationed in Rivne. The 22.06 had a 163 tank. On the night of June 23 made 50 km march to the region northeast of Lutsk, suffering losses from air strikes and for technical reasons (118 tanks - 72%). 24-th, having a total of 45 T-26, attacked the 14-th German tank division in the area of Voinitsa. Having lost most of the tanks, retreated. In the battle, the commander of the 22 Mechanism Corps Kondrusyov was killed, the division commander was wounded. The remnants of the division moved to Rivne. 1 July participated in a counterblow in the direction of Dubno, but, after 2.07 was hit from the flank of the SS division "Adolf Hitler", was forced to defend, moving to the east. 10-14.07 attacked enemy 113 and 25 motorized enemy divisions in the Novograd-Volyn area. In late July - early August, she fought in the area of the Koro-Stensky fortified area. By 19.08 in the division there was only one tank. October 8 disbanded. Commander - Mr. K.А.Semenchenko.
20-I TD was formed in July of 1940 in KOVO as part of 9-th micron. Was stationed in Shepetovka. By the beginning of the war had 36 tanks. In the evening, June 22 marched to Lutsk. 24-th in Klevan attacked the Germans 13-md, losing all the tanks in battle. 26.06 as part of 9-th MK participated in a counterstrike in the area of Dubno against the 13-th tank and 299-th infantry divisions of the enemy. By the end of the day, due to the threat of encirclement, she withdrew to Klevan. Before 30.06, she fought with 14 and so on, and 25 with the Germans at the turn of the Goryn River, and then at Klevan. 10-14.07 participated in a counterstrike on Novograd-Volynsky direction, after which until August 6 she fought in the area of Korostensky fortified area (no tanks, 2 thousands of personnel). In late August, defended in the area north of Chernigov. September 9 disbanded. The commander is the pk of M.Ye. Katukov (in the first days of the war due to Katukov's illness, the pp of V.M. Chernyaev).
Booked in the Leningrad workshops ZIS-5 with the installation of a DT machine gun in the cockpit and 45-mm 21 naval gun in the cabin in the back. Leningrad Front, October 5 1941
Another version of a homemade armored vehicle with the installation in the back of the antitank "sorokapyatki." Car in winter camouflage. Leningrad Front, November 22 1941
21-I TD was formed in March 1941 in the Leningrad Military District as part of the 10-th micron. It was stationed in the Leningrad region. Since the beginning of the war was in reserve. In July, it was included in the 1-th mk SZF, then it was aimed at strengthening the 11-th army. 14 - 18.07 participated in a counterblow of 11 Army troops against 56 mk Manstein in the area of the town of Soltsy, striking from the north. After the 16 hours of battle with the 8-th TD and the German 3-nd, the enemy dropped the enemy on 40 km. In August, she became part of the 48 Army and led defensive battles at the NWF as a rifle unit. 3 March 1942 was disbanded, and at its base 103-I (from 20.11.1944 - 65-th Guards Sevsko-Pome-Ranskaya Order of Lenin twice of the Red Banner Order of Suvorov, Kutuzov, Bogdan Khmelnitsky Tbr) and 104-tbr created. Commander - pk L. Bunin.
The 22-th TD was formed in March of 1941 in the Zapovo as part of the 14-th micron based on the 29-th TBR. It was stationed in Brest, in 2 km from the border. In the first hours of the war, she was subjected to massive shelling, as a result of which she lost most of the tanks, artillery and vehicles. The art warehouse and fuel depot were destroyed. The remnants of the division to the 12 watch went to the area of concentration, almost without fuel, ammunition and communications. In 2, 22.06 engaged General Model’s 3 Panzer Division. 23 June, having about 100 tanks, participated in the counter-attack 14-mk in the area of Brest. In the battle of Zhabinka with 3, the td suffered losses and, under the threat of encirclement, retreated to Kobrin, where it was subjected to air strikes. The division commander, Mr. V.P.Puganoe, was killed. The command took pp to I.V. Kon-nov. 24 June, together with 30-td, with a total of 25 tanks, stopped the troops of 47-th General Lemelsen at the boundary of the river Shara, south-east of Baranavichy. 25 - 28.06 fought in the Slutsk area with 3 th Germans. By the end of 28.06, 450 remained in the division, 45 had no vehicles, no tanks. 28 Jun disbanded.
23-I td formed in March 1941, in PriboVO as part of 12-m. Was stationed in Liepaja. June 22 was located in the Kurtuvena area. 23.06, having received an order to inflict a counterstrike on the erupted troops of the enemy's Tilsit grouping in the region of Skoudvile, made a march from Plunge to the Laukuva region, having in its composition 333 T-26. On the march I lost 17 tanks from air strikes. On the same day, the first combat encounter with the enemy occurred. 24.06 participated in an oncoming tank battle in the Šiauliai area with troops of the 4 tank group. By the end of the day, having lost most of the tanks, the 23 Division ceased to exist as a single combat unit. Its remnants became part of the 8 Army and until July 3 defended in the area of the Island. 8.07, under the blows of the German 1 Panzer Division, was left by Pskov. At this time, the division remained 2 operational tanks (plus 56 damaged and in need of repair). The 144 of the tank was lost from enemy fire, 122 - for technical reasons, 9 - transferred to other parts. 16 August disbanded. Commander - Settlement TS Orlenko.
24-I TD was formed in March 1941 in the Leningrad Military District as part of the 10-th micron. It was stationed in the Leningrad region. On 22, June had 139 BT-2, 88 BT-5 and other machines. In early July, included in the Luga task force. 13.07 entered into battle with the enemy's 41 mk, participating in a counterstrike at the Luga line. In July - August she fought defensive battles here. In early September, she was surrounded by troops of the Luga task force. The remnants of the division managed to get through to their own. September 22 disbanded, and at its base created 124-I and 125-I tank brigades. Commander - pk M.I.Chesnokov.
The 25-I TD was formed in March of 1941 in the ZOVOVO as part of the 13-th micron. It was stationed in the Belsk-Podlyasny area. Since June 22 fought on the White-Stoke ledge. 25.06, along with other troops of the 10 Army, was encircled west of Minsk. The remnants of the division without materiel made their way to their own at the end of July on the river Sozh. 4 July disbanded. Commander - pk to N.M. Nikiforov.
The 26-I TD was formed in March of 1941 in the ZOVOVO as part of the 20-th micron. It was stationed in the area of Borisov. Before the war, the 20 mechanized corps had the entire 93 tank. June 24 division sent to the front as part of the 13 Army. On the same day she entered the battle near the station Negoreloye. 7 spent the day fighting between the Berezina and the Dnieper. June 29 - on the closest approaches to Minsk with 17 th vd Arnim, but by the end of the day was forced to leave Minsk. With the battles retreated to the Dnieper. 7.07 in the division had 3800 man and 5 guns. 9.07 in the area of defense of the 20-th army of the 2-th tank group of the Germans broke through the front of the 13-th army, and soon it was withdrawn to the rear. 12.07 26-td was handed over to the commander of 61 sk and 17.07 participated in the Orsha counterstroke. Moving west, it was stopped by German troops and forced on July 20 to withdraw to the starting line with heavy losses. 21 July disbanded. The commander is Mr. V.T. Obukhov.
The 27-I TD was formed in March of 1941 in the ZOVOVO as part of the 17-th micron. Was stationed in Novogrudok. By the beginning of the war the formation of the division was not completed. The equipment was not available, the personnel were armed with rifles at 30 - 35%. The inefficient division was ordered to take up defense in the Baranavichy area. Only three thousand people reached the line of defense, while the remaining 6 thousand without weapons were concentrated in the forest. As a result of the strike of the German troops, the division was crushed. 1 August disbanded. Commander - AO Ahmanov.
Tank landing on the armor KV-1 and T-34 during a counterattack. Tank unit of the holder of two orders of the Red Banner, Major V.I. Filippova.
BT-7 on the left bank of the Neva in the area of the crossing. 23 November 1941
28-I td formed in February 1941, in PriboVO as part of 12-m. Was stationed in Riga. June 18 began to advance to the border, having in its composition 210 BT-7 and other machines. 23 June, having received an order to deliver a counterattack against the German troops in the direction of Skaudvile, made a march on the initial line of Varnay-Uzhventis, while losing 27 tanks to aviation. Having stood up for several hours due to the lack of fuel, it entered the battle with the enemy's 1 tank division only in the evening of the 24. Pashili's 25.06 defeated the Germans' 8 th column of the motorized regiment, but, having fallen under heavy shelling, after 4 hours of battle, withdrew 48 tanks. Total for 25 June 84 tank was lost. By June 26 in the division remained 40 machines. In the following days, 28-td covered the withdrawal of the NWF troops. 6.07 was moved to the rear for re-formation (by this time the 133 tank had lost from the enemy’s fire, for technical reasons - 68). In early August, the remnants of the division, some units of the 48 Army and all attached engineer units were combined into a task force under the command of division commander I. T. Korovnikov for the defense of Novgorod, and then participated in the battles in Valdai. September 13 in the division was 552 man, 4 guns. 13 January 1942 d. 28-td was converted into 241-sd (ended the war as 241-I Vinnytsia orders of Bogdan Khmelnitsky and Red Star sd). Commander - p.k. I.D. Chernyakhovsky.
The 29-I TD was formed in March of 1941 in the ZOVOVO as part of the 11-th micron. Was stationed in Grodno. June 22 counterattacked enemy 20 units in the direction of Lipsk, but due to the lack of organization of supplies at the height of the battle was left without fuel and ammunition. As a result of the oncoming battle at the turn of Golynka-Lipsk, having lost almost the entire materiel and a large number of personnel, Novogrudok moved aside. 25.06 remained in the division 600 man and 15 tanks. At the end of June it is surrounded west of Minsk. Due to the lack of fuel 2.07, the entire materiel was destroyed. The remnants of the division made their way to their own. 14 July disbanded. Commander - pk N.P.Studnev.
The 30-th TD was formed in April of the 1941 in the ZAPOVO as part of the 14-th micron based on the 32-th TBR. Was stationed in Pruzhany. Before the war had 174 T-26. June 22 entered the battle in Pilica district with General German Nering's 18, and stopped it for a while. 23.06, having 120 tanks, participated in the counter-attack of the 14-th MK near Brest. During the oncoming tank battle with 17 and 18, the enemy’s tank divisions lost 60 tanks and withdrew, leaving Pruzhany. Due to poor organization and management, the counterstrike failed. 24.06, together with 22, etc., fought on the Shara River, where most of the foot units were surrounded. 25 - 28.06 defended Slutsk, reflecting the attacks of the German 3-th tank division. By the end of 28, the 1090 man, the 2 T-26, the 90 vehicles and the 3 tractor remained in the division. 30 Jun disbanded. Commander - pk S. Bogdanov.
The 31-I TD was formed in March of 1941 in the ZOVOVO as part of the 13-th micron. It was stationed in the Belsk-Podlyasny area. June 22 entered the battle in the defense zone of the 10 Army ZF at the turn of the Nurets River. It was surrounded in the area of Belovezhskaya Pushcha and destroyed. 30 Jun disbanded. Commander - p. S.Kalikhovich.
32-th TD was formed in March 1941 in KOVO as part of the 4-th micron based on the 30-th ltbr. Was stationed in Lviv. It was fully equipped, had about 200 KB and T-34. Since June 22 fought on the Lviv salient against the right wing of the South Army strike group. In contact with the enemy entered at noon 22.06 south of Kristi-nopol. 23 June fought in the Great Bridges area. In the evening of the same day, having received the order of the commander of the 6 Army to destroy the enemy in the Kamenka area, she attacked German troops on this sector of the front. 24.06 withdrawn to Lviv, where it was shelled in the streets by members of the OUN. 25 June counterattacked parts of the 14-th micron in the Yavorov region, losing 15 tanks in battle. From 26.06 north-west of Lviv, the 1-th GDS of the Germans fought back. In the future, led defensive battles in the area of Starokon-Stantinov, Ostropol. In early July, she participated in the defense of Berdichev, acting against the German 16 Panzer Division. Got surrounded by Uman in late July. The remnants of the division in August made their way to their own. 10 was disbanded on August, and 1-I (from 16.02.1942 - 6-I Guards Sivashskayatbr) and 8-TBR (from 11.01.1942 X-NUMX-I Guards Minsk-Gdansk Order of Lenin of the Order of Suvorova and Tsar Commander - p. E.G. Pushkin.
Trenched T-28 in defensive positions near Leningrad. Tank bleached winter camouflage. 9 December 1941
Red Army inspect padded self-propelled gun Stu G III Ausf E. Judging by the antenna and armor of a powerful radio station, this is the vehicle of the division commander.
The 33-I TD was formed in March of 1941 in the ZOVOVO as part of the 11-th micron. Was stationed in Grodno. 22 June joined the battle in the Augustow area. 23-24.06 participated in the 11-th MI counterattack in the Bialystok region, but, remaining at the height of the battle without fuel and ammunition, lost almost all the tanks and retreated to Novogrudok. Here 25.06 was surrounded. The remnants of the division in July, managed to get through to their own. 14 July disbanded. Commander - p. To M.P.Panov.
The 34-I TD was formed in July by the 1940 in KOVO as part of the 8-mk based on the 14-th heavy tank brigade. Was stationed in the Garden Cherry. The only tank division that had heavy T-35 tanks (67 68 tank regiments had 48 tanks that were previously part of 14 tbbr, all of which were lost in the first days of the war for technical reasons). June 22 was transferred from the 26 Army to the 6 Army and marched to a new area of concentration. 24.06 - another march (by order of the commander of the 6 th army) to a new place. 25.06, already on the orders of the Commander of the South-Western Front, began to advance to participate in a counter attack in the Dubno area. During the first three days of the war, more than 500 km passed, losing for technical reasons 50% materiel. June 26 attacked the enemy’s 16 Tank Division, advancing 10 km towards Berestechko. 27.06 from 34 td, 24 tp 12 td and 2 th mtsp formed a mobile group under the command of Brigadier Commissioner N. K. Popelya, who, under the threat of being shot, ordered to take Dubno. The offensive began without prior reconnaissance and training. With great losses, the division in the evening 27.06 knocked out the enemy from Dubno, dropping his 11-td. The next day was surrounded by the Germans (16-I TD, 75-I and 111-I PD) and completely destroyed. 29.06 killed division commander I.Vasilyev in battle. We managed to get through to a small group headed by Popel. After this failure, Corps Commissar Vashugin shot himself. On August 15 the division was disbanded, and on its base the 2-i and 16-i tank brigades were created. Commander - p. I.V. Vasilyev.
35-td formed in December 1940 in KOVO as part of the 9-th micron. It was deployed in Novograd-Vol-Lynsk. By the beginning of the war had 142 tank (141 T-26, I chemical). 22 June made a march to Lutsk. 24.06, southwest of Klevan, engaged the German 13, etc., by participating in the South-Front Mechanized Corps counter attack. 26-27.06 fought the 299 gantry at the turn of Sta-wok-Mlynuv. In the evening, 27.06 retreated across the Goryn River under the blows of 14, etc., and enemy's 25. Then, until July 4, it defended itself in Tsuman, Klevan. 1014.07, as part of the 9, the MK, launched a counterattack on the 44 and 95 infantry divisions of the Germans in the Novograd-Volynsky direction, slowing down their progress. In late July and early August, she fought at the turn of the Forces of the Fortified Region. The 19.08 in the division was a 927 man and not a single tank. September 10 disbanded. The commander is Mr. N.A. Novikov.
The 36-I TD was formed in March of 1941 in the ZOVOVO as part of the 17-th micron. It was stationed in the area of Bar Novices. By the beginning of the war materiel practically did not have, therefore from the first days of the war it was used in defensive battles in Belarus as a small unit. 1 August disbanded. Commander - p. To S.Z. Miroshnikov.
37-I TD was formed in March 1941 in KOVO as part of the 15-th micron. Was stationed in Sukhodolakh. June 22 marched to the border in the region west of Brody. As part of the 15 th mechanized corps, she participated in a counterattack along the right flank of the Kleist 1 tank group, advancing from the Brod area in the direction of Radekhov, Berestechko. In the battles with 297, the first PD suffered heavy losses and was forced to retreat. In early July, defended in the area of Berdichev, then on the outskirts of Kiev. 10 August was disbanded, and on its base was created 3-I tbr. The commander is the parasite FG Anikushkin.
Division T-26 before the march.
In the Moscow direction: Pz Kpfw II Ausf C and Pz Kpfw III Ausf G on the village street near Rzhev.
The 38-I TD was formed in March of 1941 in the ZOVOVO as part of the 20-th micron. It was stationed in the area of Bar Novices. On the 22 of June, the 3 divisions of the 20 th mechanized corps had 13 BT and 80 T-26 tanks. 24.06 was sent to the front as part of the 13 Army. Before 30 June, she fought on the outskirts of Minsk with 17 th vd Arnim. After Minsk was left, it retired to the line of Berezino-Svisloch. Before 9.07 led defensive battles at the turn of the Berezina-Dnieper. After the Germans broke through the front at the site of the defense of the 20-th micron, he was withdrawn to the rear. On July 17, as part of the 61 Infantry Corps, together with the 26 td launched an attack on Orsha. Progressing forward, but to 20.07 was thrown back to the starting line. 1 August disbanded.
39-I TD was formed in March 1941 in KOVO as part of the 16-th micron. Was stationed in Chernivtsi. Since June 23 participated in the battles against the enemy's 48. 26.06 was transferred to the 18 Army of the Law Faculty and fought on the right flank of the Law Firm. 4.07 returned to the SWF, 7 July began unloading from the train echelons, on the move entering into battle at Berdichev, where in July-August with the battles retreated to the east. September 19 is ramped up. Commander - pk N.V. Starkov.
40-I TD was formed in March 1941 in KOVO as part of the 19-th micron. Was stationed in Zhytomyr. By the beginning of the war had 158 tanks (19 T-26, 139 T-37). Having marched 300 km, 24 June entered the battle west of Rovno. 26.06, participating in the counter-attack of the mechanized corps of the South-Western Front, led a head-on battle with the German 13 armored division, in which it suffered heavy losses. Due to the breakthrough of the enemy’s 13 Tank Division at the junction of 40 and 43 Tank Divisions and the surrounding threat posed, it was forced to withdraw. 27.06 defended on the approaches to Rovno, repelling the attacks of the 13 th TD, the enemy 299 th. The next day, due to the coverage of the 19 divisions of the German 11 Mechanized Corps, the Td left exactly and until 3.07 held its defenses at the turn of the Goryn River. From 4.07, we began to withdraw to the line of fortified areas. On the 9.07 in the 40 and 43 divisions remained 75 tanks. 10 - 14.07 participated in a counterattack on the Novograd-Volyn area against the German 99 and 298. Then, until August 5, she defended herself at the turn of the Co-fortified fortified area. 10 August disbanded. At its base, 45-i (from 7.02.1943, 20-i Guards Jassy-Mukden Red Banner Order of Kutuzov tbr) and 47-tbr were created. Commander - pk to MV Shirobokov.
41-I TD was formed in March 1941 in KOVO as part of the 22-th micron. Deployed in Vladimir-Volyn. By the beginning of the war had 415 tanks (31 KB, 342 T-26, 41 chemical and 1 T-37). All 31 KV-2 arrived a week before the war and have not yet been mastered by the crews. In addition, there were no 152-mm projectiles for them, so 24.06, Chief of the General Staff G.K. Zhukov, who was on the USP, was forced to order the use of concrete-breaking shells of the 1909-30 model. 22 of June, according to the mobilization plan, the division left Vladimir-Volynsky to the Kovel area, but, on the way, it got into the swamp, got stuck in it and failed to complete the task, having suffered heavy losses from aviation strikes and artillery fire. For this, the division commander, pp Pavlov, was removed from office. Being transferred to the subordination of the commander of 15 sk, the division was divided into small units: 22.06 41-th MSE transferred to 45-sd, 23.06 two tank battalions transferred to the 87-sd, 5 tanks for the protection of 5-th army headquarters . 24.06 20 tanks transferred to 45-th SD, 30 tanks 62-th SD. On the same day, the tank company was engaged in the pursuit of small enemy landings, and two more tank companies were sent to guard the command post of 15 sk. By the end of June 25, the entire 41-I was divided into divisions. Then, until the beginning of July, she was in the area of Kovel, ready to repel a blow from Brest. 1 July, having 16 KB and 106 T-26, participated in a counterstrike on Dubno against the 14-th German tank division, which ended in failure. After moving to the east, 10-14.07 participated in a counterstrike on the Novograd-Volynskiy direction against 113-rd, 25-rm, mbr SS "Adolf Hitler". 18.07 began withdrawing to the northeast. In late July - early August, she fought in the area of Korostensky fortified area. By 19.08 in the division remained one tank. In late August, defended on the Dnieper, in the Chernobyl area. September 9 disbanded. Commander - pp P.Pavlov.
Map from the German army magazine "Signal" for October 1941, illustrating the loss of the Red Army.
On the outskirts of Moscow. T-26 nominated for attack. October 1941
Members of the government who were evacuated to Kuibyshev take on the November 7 1941 parade.
42-I TD was formed in March 1941 in the Moscow Military District as part of the 21-th micron. It was stationed in the Idritsa area. By the beginning of the war, there were only 21 tanks in the three 98 divisions. On June 25, as part of 21, the MK was transferred to SZF to cover the Daugavpils direction, where the 8-th tank and 3-th motorized divisions of the 56-th MNstein broke, and broke through at the junction of the 8 and 11-th armies. Having marched 200-km, 29 June entered into battle with 121-th PD east of Daugavpils, then participated in street fights with 3-th German MD. Since July 2 fought off attacks 8 th TD, 3 md and SS divisions "Dead Head" in the area of Rezekne (Dalda's 3.07 defeated the column of this division). In July - August she participated in the battles of Pskov and Novgorod as a small unit. September 5 disbanded, and at its base created 42-I tank tank brigade. Commander - N.N.Voyekov.
The 43-I TD was formed in March by the 1941 in KOVO as part of the 19-mk based on the 35-th Light Tank Brigade. Deployed in Berdichev. By the beginning of the war had 237 tanks (5 KB, 2 T-34, 230 T-26). 22 June began advancing to the border. 27-28.06 on the approaches to Rovno led battles with the 13-th tank, 299-th infantry divisions. As a result of the breakthrough of the Germans (11-I TD) and the threat of the environment surrounding 28, June left Rovno and began to retreat to the east. In July, she participated in counterstrikes on the left flank of Army Group South on the Kiev direction in the area of Novograd-Volynsky and Korostensky UR. In early August, it was withdrawn to the rear, near Kharkov. 10 August was disbanded, and on its base was created 10-I tbr. Commander - pk I.G. Tsibin.
44-th TD was formed in March of 1941 in Od VO as a part of 18-th micron based on 49-th ltbr. Was stationed in Tarutino. From the beginning of the war she fought in the LF zone. 29 Jun 18 MK was sent to the Western Front. On July 9, in view of the danger of the 6 army encircling the SWF, the troops of the 1 tank group that had come to Berdichev, the divisions of the 18 mechanized corps, which at that moment marched from Chernivtsi to Lyubar, were transferred to the 6 army. With 10.07, the 44 division battled Berdichev with the enemy's 16 tank division. July 19 joined the 18 Army and participated in a counterblow south of Vinnitsa against the German 17. The 25.07 troops of the 17 Army broke through the defenses in the 18 line of the mechanized and 17 rifle corps, forcing them to withdraw from the Gaisin-Trostyanets area. By July 30 in 18-mk left 22 tank. In early August, it was withdrawn to the rear, in the area of Pavlograd. 21 August disbanded. Commander - pk V.P. Krymov.
45-I TD was formed in March 1941 in KOVO as part of the 24-th micron. It was stationed in the Pro-Skurov area. By the beginning of the war there was an 45 tank in the 49 and 222 armored divisions. Since June 22 has been fighting as part of the troops of the 26-th Army of the South-West Front. In late June, she defended in the area of Starokonstantinov, leading battles with 14-mk. In early July, transferred to the 12-th army, defended in the area Letysevskogo fortified. In late July, she was surrounded by Uman, where she died. September 30 disbanded.
KV-1 leaves the Moscow factory after repair. Clearly visible overhead armored screens on the bolts on the tower and the body.
Camouflaged HF-1 in a forest ambush. Ambush tactics became the most effective in the fight against the advancing enemy tanks. 29 October 1941
46-I TD was formed in March 1941 in the Moscow Military District as part of the 21-th micron. It was deployed in Opochka. At the end of June, she was transferred to the North-Western Front to repel the German attack on Daugavpils. June 28 in the first echelon of the 21-th mk attacked the 56-th motorized body, as a result of which the enemy was stopped in this direction until July 2. After the start of the new offensive of the German troops (8 td, 3 md) in the area of Rezekne with 2.07 fought to the northeast. In the future, left without materiel, participated in defensive battles in the NWF. On September 1, it was disbanded, and on its basis the 46-i tbr was created (from 16.02.1942, the 7-i Guards Novgo-Rodsko-Berlin Red Banner Order of Suvorov and the Red Star tbr). The commander is V. V. Koptsov.
47-th TD was formed in March of 1941 in OdVO as part of 18-th micron based on 23-th ltbr. Was stationed in Ackermann. In the early days of the war was in reserve. June 29 was redeployed to the Vinnitsa region, where in mid-July it engaged in combat with units of the 17 Army. In late July, she was surrounded in the Tulchin region. 28.07 remnants of the division without materiel made their way to their own. In early August, a group under the command of Mr. P.V. Volokh was formed from units of the 18-th mechanized corps, which fought as part of the 18-th army. August 12 withdrawn to the rear in the region of Poltava length of re-formation. On August 31, having an 34 tank, joined the 38 Army and occupied the defense on the Dnieper near Kremenchug. After the start of the German offensive with the aim of encircling the South-Western Front, the battle went to Poltava. 10.09 launched a counterattack in the area of Kobeljak, 19 - 22.09 fought at the turn of Pisarevka-Shevchenko near Poltava. 30.09 withdrawn to the rear, in the area of Kharkov. Here the 47 th missile unit was transferred to the 199 th rifle division, the materiel 71 th separate tank battalion. October 7 disbanded, ^ on its base, 142-I was created. Commander - PC G.S.Rodin.
48-I TD was formed in March 1941, and ORVO as part of 23-th micron. Was stationed in the area of Orel. At the end of June, she was transferred to the Western Front, where 6 July entered the battle. Participated in the battle of Smolensk. 2 was disbanded on September, and 17-I (with 17.11.1942 and 9-I Guards of the Zaporozhye Order of Suvorov tbr) and 18-I of the TBR (with 10.04.1943 of 42-I Guards Smolensk Red Banner of the Suvorov Order of Bohdan Khumans of the X-Men of the Zaporozhye of the Smolensk Red Banner of the Suvorov, Bohdan Khumans of the XIVUMX of the Suvorov Guards Smolensk Red Banner of the Suvorov, Bohdan Khumans of the XIVUMX of the Guards of the Smolensk Red Banner of the Suvorov, Bohdan Khumans of the XIVUMX of the Guards of the Zaporozhye Smolensk Red Banner of the Suvorov, Bohdan Khumans of the X-Menhm of the Zaporozhye Order of the Suvorov Red Banner of the Suvorov School, and Bohdan’s HMT. ). Commander - p. D.Ya. Yakovlev.
49-I TD was formed in March 1941 in KOVO and the composition of 24-th micron. It was stationed in the Pro-Skurov area. With the beginning of the war, she became a part of the 26-th army of the South-Western Front, and then, in early July, the 12-th army. She led defensive battles in the area of Letichevsky UR. In late July, was surrounded by in Uman. September 17 disbanded.
50-I TD was formed in March 1941 in the HVO as part of 25-th micron. It was stationed in the Kharkov region. June 25 by rail sent to the South-Western Front. June 30 began unloading from Kiev, joining the 19 Army. But she was soon transferred to the ZF in the Gomel area. 4 July at Novozybkovo 25-th MK, having received 300 Т-32 in addition to 34 tanks, joined the 21-th army and struck the German troops in the direction of Godilovich. In mid-July, she participated in a counterstrike on Bobruisk, after which she defended herself in the area of Mogilyov, repulsing the attacks of the 10 and 17 infantry divisions. In mid-August, he was included in the 13 Army of the Bryansk Front. Waged battles against the troops of 2-y tgr, turned to the south in order to encircle the SWF. September 17 has been disbanded, and on its base, the 150-i Tbr is created. Commander - p. B. BS. Bakharev.
The 51-I TD was formed in March of 1941 in the OrVO as part of the 23-th micron. Was stationed in the area of Orel. After the outbreak of the war, he was included as a separate tank division in the 30 Army formed in the Moscow Military District. In July, it was transformed into 110-td.
52-I TD was formed in March 1941 in the North Caucasian Military District as part of 26-th micron. By the beginning of the war there was an 26 tank in the divisions of the 184. In mid-June, the 19 Army began redeploying to Ukraine. After the outbreak of war, it was transferred to the Western Front. After the dismantling of the 26 Mechanism Corps in early July, it was transformed into 101-th TD. Commander - pp. G.M. Mikhailov.
53-I TD was formed in March 1941 in CAMNO as part of 27-th micron. It was stationed in the area of the city of Mary. In mid-June, the 27 Mechanic Corps was sent to the ZF. After the start of the war, the 27-th micron was disbanded. The 53 Division became separate and converted to the 105 TD.
"Thirty-four" on the forest glade. In addition to camouflage, the crew covered the tank in front with a barricade of logs.
BT-7 and KV-1 on the outskirts of the village after the battle.
Landing on the armor T-34. The chassis combines rollers of different types, but they all have rubber bands. The tank carries a spare 200-liter barrel with fuel on the armor.
54-I TD was formed in March 1941 in ZakVO as part of 28-m. After the start of the war, the 28-th MK was disbanded, and the 54-I was incorporated into the 47-th army. She did not take part in the hostilities, was disbanded, and at its base 54-I (from 26.12.1942 25-I Guards Yelninskaya Order of Lenin of the Red Banner Order of Suvorov Tbr) and 55-I Tbr were created.
55-I TD was formed in March 1941 in the HVO as part of 25-th micron. It was deployed in Chuguev. June 25 was sent to the South-Western Front in the area of Kiev, and in early July, with the troops of the 19 Army, it was transferred to the ZF. 4.07 joined the 21 Army. Participated in a counterstrike at Bobruisk, in the battle of Smolensk. August 10 disbanded, and at its base created 8-I and 14-I separate tank brigades. Commander - pk VN Badanov.
56-I TD was formed in March 1941 in the North Caucasian Military District as part of 26-th micron. In mid-June in the 19-th army sent to Ukraine. After the outbreak of war, transferred to the ZF. In July, after the dismantling of the 26 th mechanized corps, it was transformed into 102-th TD. Commander - pd I.D. Illarionov.
The 57 th Red Banner TD was formed in March of 1941 in ZabVO as a separate TD of the 17 of the army. Was stationed in Mongolia. In May, 1941 was included in the 5-th MK 16-th army and sent to KOVO. By the beginning of the war had more 300 tanks. Entered the battle under Shepetovka, then was transferred to the ZF in the 19 th army. Soon transferred to the 20-th army and participated in the battle of Smolensk. With 9.07, she fought Red with 29 in MD. By mid-July, the division did not have the main forces of 114 and 115 in TP: one lost tanks in the battles of Shepetivka, and the second was part of the 20 Army. 20 July moved over the Dnieper. September 1 has been disbanded, and on its base, the 128-i Tbr is created. Commander - pk V. A. Mishulin.
58-I TD was formed in March 1941 in the Far East as part of 30-m. In October, she was deployed near Moscow. She participated in defensive battles near Moscow from November 1, and then in the counteroffensive of the Soviet troops. December 31 disbanded, and on its basis created 58-I tbr. Commander - Mr. A.A. Kotlyarov.
59-I TD was formed in March 1941 in the Far East as a separate tank division. It was stationed in the Khabarovsk area. In June
sent to the Western Front. On the way, converted to 108-yd. Commander - pk to N.I. Orlov.
60-I TD was formed in March 1941 in the Far East as part of 30-m. In October, she was transferred to the NWF, where she became part of the 4 Army. 1 th November joined the battle, participating in the battles for Tikhvin. In the future, she fought at NWF. 20 January 1942 disbanded, and on its basis created 60-i tbr. Commander - Mr. AF Popov.
The 61-I Red Banner TD was formed in March of 1941 in ZabVO as a separate TD based on the 11-tbr. It was deployed in Mongolia as part of the 17 Army. In 1941-1945 in the Trans-Baikal Front. Hardware - BT and T-26. In March, the 45 received T-34 tanks. In August, 1945 was incorporated into the 39 Army. 9.08-2.09 1945 participated in the operation to defeat the Kwantung Army in Manchuria. Overcoming the Great Khingan, ended the war on the Liaodong Peninsula, defeating the 107 and 117 infantry divisions of the Japanese. Commander - pk GI Voronkov.
A tank assault with the support of T-34 attacks the village. Western Front, December 1941
101-I TD formed in July 1941 g. On the basis of 52-th TD. 15 July entered the battle at the ZF. Participated in the battle of Smolensk. In mid-July, she fought in the Smolensk area, trying to unlock the surrounded 16, 19, and 20 of the ZF army. September 16 converted to 101-th honey (20.10.1941 g. - disbanded). Commander - pp. G.M. Mikhailov.
102-I TD was formed in July 1941 from 56-th TD. 15 July entered the battle at the ZF. As part of the 24 Army, she participated in a counterstroke near Yelnya against the 20 Army Corps in late August-early September. September 10 has been disbanded, and on its base, the 144-i Tbr is created. Commander - pd I.D. Illarionov.
104-I TD was formed in July 1941 from 9-th TD. 11 July in the Bryansk area became part of the ZF. 20-22.07 fought with the German 10, etc., west of Spas-Demensk. Since July 23, as part of the task force of General Kachalov, participated in a counterstrike to break through to Smolensk. When leaving the area Yelnya suffered heavy losses from aviation. July 24 launched an offensive in the direction of Smolensk, leading battles with the 137 and 292. 31.07 was surrounded in the Roslavl area. In early August, the remnants of the division made their way to their own. September 6 was disbanded, and on its base the 145-i tbr was created (from 10.04.1943 d. 43-i Guards Verkhne-Dnieper tbr). Commander - pk VG Burkov.
105-I TD was formed in July 1941 from 53-th TD. Since July 15 fought on the Western Front. Participated in the battle of Smolensk, together with 104 th TD tried to unlock the troops surrounded in the Smolensk region. September 13 has been disbanded, and on its base, the 146-i Tbr is created.
107-th TD formed 17 July 1941 g. On the basis of the 69-md on the Western Front. 18 July, in conjunction with 110-th TD, inflicted a counterstrike on Dukhovshchina with the aim of reaching Smolensk for the de-blockade of the 16, 19 and 20 armies of the Western Front. Having suffered heavy losses in battles with 7 of the German tank division, she was unable to fulfill the task. July 20, having 200 tanks, participated in the 30-th army offensive in the direction of Smolensk (before 28.07). Later led defensive battles at the ZF. At the beginning of September there was an 153 tank in the division. September 16 transformed into 107-th honey (from 12.01.1942 d. 2 th gwmed, from 13.10.1942 d. 49 th Guards Kherson Red Banner of the Order of Suvorov sd). The commander is P. P. Domrachev.
Soviet soldiers inspect the German MP 38 submachine gun near the captured Pz Kpfw IV Ausf E.
108-I TD was formed in July 1941 from 59-th TD. Since July 15 joined the battle on the Western Front. At the end of August, as part of the Bryansk Front mobile group, she participated in a counter attack against the enemy's 47 tank corps in the Unecha region, which ended unsuccessfully. In the future, defended in the area of the Eagle, leading battles with the troops of Guderian. By October 6 in the division remained 20 tanks. In November, as part of the 50-th army fought in the area Epifani. December 2 disbanded, and on its basis created 108-I tbr. Commander - pk to N.I. Orlov.
109-I TD formed in July 1941. Since July 15 participated in the battles on the Western Front, in the Battle of Smolensk (without much success). September 16 has been disbanded, and on its base, the 148-i Tbr is created.
110-I TD was formed in July 1941 from 51-th TD. Participated in hostilities since July 15. July 18 struck in the direction of Dukhovshchina against the German 7 th etc. with the aim of reaching Smolensk. The task was not fulfilled and was withdrawn to the reserve of the Commander of the Polar Division in the Rzhev area. Subsequently fought on the Western Front. September 1 was disbanded, and on its base 141-i and 142-i tank brigades were created.
111-I TD was formed in March 1941 in ZabVO on the territory of Mongolia. In 1941-1945 was part of the 17-th army of the Trans-Baikal Front. It was stationed in the Choibalsan area. 9.08-3.09.1945 participated in the defeat of the Kwantung Army, being in the reserve commander of the Trans-Baikal Front. Commander - pk I.I. Sergeev.
112-I TD was formed in August 1941 as part of the troops of the Far Eastern Front on the basis of 42-th LtBR. It was stationed in the Voroshilov area. In October, sent to the Western Front, near Moscow. 5 November, having 210 T-26 tanks, the division began hostilities in the Podolsk area as part of the ZF mobile team under the command of P. A. Belov. November 18 launched a counter-attack on the enemy's 17 Panzer Division in the Tula region. As part of the 50 Army, she participated in a counterstrike near Moscow. Freed Yasnaya Polyana, December 21 was the first to enter Kaluga. 3.01.1942 was disbanded, and on its basis, the 112-i Tbr was created (from 23.10.1943. 44-I Guards Berdichev Order of Lenin of the Red Banner Order of Suvorov, Kutuzov, Bogdan Khmelnitsky, Red Star, Sukh-Bator and Fighting Red Banner, and Red Banner Uniform. tank brigade). Commander - pp to A.L. Getman.
Conclusion
The failures of the first months of the war and the loss of 90% of the entire materiel, especially tangible in corps and tank divisions, by the end of 1941 was forced to switch to new organizational forms and staff more appropriate to the real situation. The main form of organization of armored and mechanized troops became brigades, tank, mechanized and motorized rifle, more mobile and flexible in structural and tactical terms. The return to large combat forms began in the spring of 1942. They were tank corps, which had three tank brigades with the necessary motorized rifle and artillery reinforcements, and in the fall of 1942, the first mechanized corps with a new organizational structure were deployed:
• 3 mechanized brigades (each with a tank regiment);
• tank brigade;
• 2-3 self-propelled artillery regiment;
• mortar regiment;
• anti-aircraft artillery regiment;
• Guards mortar battalion;
• motorcycle battalion;
• engineer battalion;
• communications battalion.
From December 1941, the armored troops troops became known as armored and mechanized troops (BT and MB). Organizationally, they consisted of tank armies, tank and mechanized corps, tank, heavy tank, mechanized, self-propelled artillery and motorized rifle brigades and individual tank regiments.