111 rifle division 399 regiment. Pioneers of the Afghan War
111th Line Infantry Regiment.
(111e Régiment d "Infanterie de Ligne)
The history of this regiment was "lucky", it was specially written by Doctor of Historical Sciences. Popov A.I. in his article, which is called: the 111th line regiment in the Russian campaign // "Emperor", 2005, No. 8. However, I could not find this source in the public domain, so short description the history of the regiment will have to be compiled mainly according to French data.
The motto of the regiment, since 1805: "À moi, soldatsdu 111e!" (To me, soldiers of the 111th!)
Refrain of the regimental song: "The 111th knows no fear. He has strong legs and a very kind heart."
The regiment was formed partly from the natives of Piedmont (this part of Italy was part of France in 1802-1814), so you can sometimes see the name "111th Piedmontese Regiment". Indeed, there were about 450 people in the regiment. of Italian origin, there were many Italians among the officers (from four battalion chiefs, there are three of them - Risheri, Greziana and Bastiani, the second major - Guido Montiglio).
Commanding Officer: Colonel Gabriel Juillet.
Senior Officer: Second Major Guido Antoine Frédéric Marie Montiglio.
1st Battalion: Battalion Chief Richery.
2nd Battalion: Battalion Chief Gresiana.
3rd Battalion: Battalion Chief Bastiani.
4th Battalion: Battalion Chief Delithier.
6th battalion.
Regimental artillery company - 4 three-pounder guns.
Total: 5 battalions, 4 guns.
According to French data, the personnel are 85 officers and 3762 lower ranks.
In domestic literature: 101 officers and 3,570 lower ranks.
(see Vlasov K. Schedule great army at the beginning of the Russian campaign of 1812)
The regiment participated in all major battles of the Russian campaign: Mogilev, Smolensk, Vyazma, Borodino, Mozhaisk, Maloyaroslavets, Krasnoe.
Regiment commander Gabriel Juillet led the 111th regiment on September 7, 1811 - exactly one year before the Battle of Borodino, being an experienced military leader at the age of 47, a participant in many Napoleonic wars and battles. He began his military service as a soldier in 1792, and in 1804 he was made a Knight of the Legion of Honor. The trip to Russia was his last.
The regiment, consisting of 5 battalions, began its march to destruction in the open spaces of Russia on March 2, 1812 from Rostock, where it spent time in military exercises. On the way to East Prussia On April 24, General of Division Compana reviewed the 111th Regiment and praised it for its "excellent uniform and neat uniformity." Already on May 15, a review was again held, this time by Marshal Davout himself. The marshal expressed displeasure to the commander of the regiment, Juye, for some of his subordinates, who talk a lot about politics. Davout sternly remarked that "in the army he wants to have not diplomats, but officers."
In June 1812, the regiment reached the Neman through Königsberg and on June 24 crossed the river along built bridges to the territory of the Russian Empire near Kovno. His path ran to Vilna, which the soldiers and officers liked very much for their trade and morals, and on July 10 the regiment entered Minsk. On July 19, the 111th regiment took part in the battle near Mogilev, on August 17 it stormed Smolensk, on August 29 it occupied Vyazma with battles.
On September 5, the regiment as part of the Kompan infantry division (25th, 57th and 64th linear regiments) began the assault on the Shevardinsky redoubt - its most famous and bloody battle, described in detail by many different participants in the war and historians.
It was already dark when the French again intending to capture the redoubt, they moved two infantry columns of the 111th regiment against it. Moving in the dark along the eastern outskirts of the village of Shevardino, the regiment was suddenly attacked by Russian cavalry - these were the Little Russian and Glukhovsky cuirassier regiments, as well as the dragoon brigade of Major General I. D. Panchulidzev, which included the Kharkov and Chernigov regiments.
This episode of the battle can be seen in the picture, where Russian cavalrymen attack the French battery of the 111th regiment.
Averyanov. Attack of the Little Russian Cuirassier Regiment at Shevardino.
An eyewitness to the battle for the redoubt, captain senior adjutant Louis Hardier wrote in his memoirs that Russian cuirassiers appeared in the dusk, which the French at first mistook for their Saxon cuirassiers and realized it late. The Russian horsemen took the 111th Regiment by surprise and "chopped up everyone who just fell under their attack." “Fifteen officers and about a thousand men and our artillery fell victim to this unfortunate mistake,” writes Gardier.
During a cavalry attack at the Shevardinsky Redoubt on September 5, the 111th French Line Regiment suffered heavy losses (it is erroneously written somewhere that it was “completely destroyed”). Figures of losses of the 111th line regiment in the appendix to the regimental report: killed - 4 officers and 82 soldiers; wounded - 15 officers and 540 soldiers, captured - 33 soldiers, missing - 138 people; 35 horses were killed (including the horses of the colonel and the major). Of the four dead officers of the 111th Regiment, three died from wounds received in this battle. These losses are significantly greater than those of the other three line regiments of the Kompan division. The total losses of the division under Shevardino are estimated by domestic historians at about 2 thousand people.
According to the memoirs of the senior sergeant of the 111th line regiment Vossen (Vossen), his regiment lost 300 people killed in this battle, including the battalion chief with his adjutant, a major and 12 company officers; "all regimental artillery with people and convoys perished."
The story of the battery captured from the French entered the national and foreign literature. French materials unequivocally indicate that these were three guns of the 111th Line Regiment. “Russian cuirassiers and dragoons of the Kharkov and Chernigov regiments attacked the 111th line regiment, which was moving in two columns against Russian positions along the eastern outskirts of the village of Shevardino. Only a small handful of shooters managed to escape. Colonel Juye shouted: "Regiment, line up in a square!" Before the battalions of the regiment had time to gather in a square and begin to retreat, the dragoons cut into the front ranks of the 1st battalion and inflicted heavy damage on it. The artillery company of the regiment, moving at some distance, was completely defenseless against the dragoons that emerged from the darkness. Artillerymen were scattered and cut down, and three guns were captured and taken away. But misfortune continued to haunt the 111th line. Having hardly repelled the attack of the dragoons, the regiment found itself under fire from some of its infantry units (it is possible that it was the regiment of Joseph Napoleon), who in the dark mistook him for the Russians. Then the regimental adjudant (adjudant-major) Wriston rushed at a gallop to the firing regiment and explained his mistake. More than the 111th regiment was not attacked by dragoons thanks to the successful actions of the Joseph-Napoleon regiment, which was part of the 2nd Friant division.
A day later, on September 7, a general battle of Borodino. On this day, the regiment lost 1 officer and 38 soldiers killed, 6 officers and 270 soldiers wounded. Under the commander of the regiment, a horse was killed, but he himself remained unharmed. The modest losses of the regiment that day are explained by the fact that after a heavy battle the day before for Shevardino, he was placed mainly on guard of artillery batteries.
After the battle, the regiment consisted of 53 officers and 1651 lower ranks, which were placed in apartments in Mozhaisk and Moscow.
On September 19, the regiment, together with the entire army, left Moscow and began to retreat from Russia. On November 3, the 111th regiment participated in the battle near Vyazma, where the commander of the regiment, Juye, was seriously wounded by a bullet in the left forearm, but continued to command the regiment. Already near Vyazma, the regiment was actually defeated: 30 officers and about 500 soldiers were out of action. The surviving, dirty and hungry soldiers reached Orsha on November 24th. Here, according to the memoirs of Louis Hardier, the carts of the regiment commander were looted, and two servants were killed. The wounded colonel was accompanied by Gardier and the second major, Guido Montiglio. Moreover, the saddle from the horse and all the kitchen utensils were stolen from Guardier.
On the evening of November 27, the miserable remnants of the regiment approached the crossing over the Berezina, which took several hours. The crowd pressed without any discipline, and one soldier stuck a bayonet into Gardier's horse to clear his way across the bridge. The frost reached at least 24 degrees. According to Gardier, the French army in its rags and rags was like a masquerade ball, "if all these rags were not so disgusting."
In Vilna, he found that everything there had been looted by starving soldiers, who had ceased to obey the newly arrived officers, who were trying to distribute the surviving soldiers to their military units. In Vilna on December 10, Colonel Juillet died of his wounds. By this time, 75 officers were missing in the regiment. The surviving soldiers crossed the Neman near Sredniki, a small town on the right bank. The population of East Prussia met the French extremely unfriendly. In the city of Thorn (Torun), a company of 150 people joined the remnants of the regiment. which was left in the garrison of this city.
The flag of the Airborne Forces 111 PDP is a tribute to the glorious traditions of the unit. The 111th Airborne Regiment made a great contribution to creating the image of a paratrooper as an elite of the Armed Forces.
Characteristics
- 111 RAP
- 111 Guards. RAP
- military unit 01986
111th Guards parachute regiment
Unfortunately, not all representatives of the younger generation of paratroopers remember the names and accomplishments of the glorious formations of the Airborne Forces, disbanded during Soviet Union. In this article, "Voenpro" will remind all veterans of the days of service in 111 PDP, and the younger generation will be given the opportunity to learn the history of how it was.
111 pdp 105 airborne division in Osh
The 111th Guards Airborne Regiment was formed in the city of Rybinsk on the basis of units of the 11th Guards airborne division in 1955. Shortly after the creation of 111 PDP, 105 Guards was attached. VDD.
In 1960, the regiment was relocated to the Turkestan military district. The location of 111 BCPs was the city of Osh.
AT Central Asia 105th airborne division, including the 111th Guards Airborne Regiment, underwent intensive training to adapt to combat operations in desert and mountainous areas.
In 1968, exercises were held with the landing of units of the 111th Guards. pdp and 351 pdp. The actions of the personnel of the regiments in the mountainous desert area were quite highly appreciated by the command.
The following year, the 111th Airborne Regiment proved to be excellent in joint exercises with the troops of the Central Asian Military District.
In 1970, under the leadership of Marshal of the Soviet Union K. Moskalenko, large-scale exercises "Vostok-70" were carried out. The actions of the guards-paratroopers 111 pdp received top marks from command.
In 1972, an inspection was carried out by the Ministry of Defense of the USSR. Paratroopers from 111 airborne troops did not disgrace the colors of the Airborne Forces and received good mark inspectors.
In 1973, the 111th Airborne Regiment received an "excellent" rating for courageous actions during exercises. The combat mission of the regiment's units is landing on four desert areas and the destruction of the missile battalion tank division was brilliantly done.
Disbandment of 111 pdp
Before starting a conversation about the disbandment of the 111th airborne division and the entire 105th airborne division, it should be noted that the units of the regiment were sent to Afghanistan in the summer of 1979. It's about about 1 infantry brigade of the 111th Guards Airborne Regiment, which performed the task of protecting the Kabul airfield and ensuring the landing of the main forces. It should also be noted that the 1st Airborne Battalion of 111th Infantry Regiment, already in Afghanistan at the time of the disbandment of the division, was transferred to the 345th Separate Airborne Regiment and continued to perform combat missions in its composition almost until the very end of the war in Afghanistan.
The disbandment of the division in the autumn of 1979 came as a complete surprise to most of the officers and personnel. Starting from 1978, the 105th airborne division, including the 111th airborne division, was constantly in the state of readiness "military danger". Indeed, everything indicated that the division, the best prepared in the USSR Armed Forces for battles in hot climatic conditions and mountainous desert terrain, would be sent to one of the hotbeds of tension. Afghanistan, Vietnam, in which clashes with the Chinese army began, Iran, blazing in the fire of the Islamic revolution - everywhere the experience of 111 PDP could come in handy. But history cannot be changed, and the regiment, like the entire division, was disbanded and new airborne formations were created on their basis.
PIONEERS OF THE AFGHAN WAR.
"OSH" VDV BATTALION
A person who is more or less familiar with the history of the Afghan war
I certainly got the impression that the first Soviet paratroopers
kami who entered the Afghan land were the soldiers of the 345th regiment
Airborne. However, this is not quite true. In fact, the pioneers are not declared
of the war in the DRA were guards paratroopers from the 111th regiment, included
which until the autumn of 1979 was part of the 105th Ferghana Airborne Division.
To be fair, let's talk about it. little known fact under-
more timidly.
First - Short story of the 111th Guards Parachute
but-airborne regiment. This regiment was part of the 105th division, not in
moment e; formations in December 1944 in Belarus, and already
much later, in the era of Khrushchev;va. Mid-1950s
characterized by reforms in the Soviet Army. Reducing the number
the airborne troops' laziness was negligible. However, compounds and parts of co-
Vetsky landing were subjected to a new structuring. Some
airborne divisions were disbanded, their regiments began to replenish others
winged infantry formations. In 1955, the 11th
guards airborne division, and the 111th regiment of this former
now the formation was included; n in the 105th Guards Air Force
airborne division. The location of the 111th regiment of the 105th airborne division is
was the city of Osh in Kyrgyzstan (Kyrgyz Soviet Socialist
Republic). Osh is one of the ancient cities of Central Asia; first
references to him in historical sources date back to the 9th century AD.
Through this place, which since ancient times was the center of sericulture, once
then passed the trade route from Central Asia to China, as well as to India.
Part Russian Empire he entered; l in 1876 after the conquest of Ko-
Kandan Khanate. In Soviet times, Osh began to turn into an industrial
strial city of the Kirghiz SSR. The basis of the economy has become easy and
food industry. In 1978, 165 thousand people lived in the city.
lovek. Osh, located in the southern foothills of the Altai Range, along
both banks of the Akbura River, located 120 km east of Ferghana,
locations of the 345th regiment of the 105th airborne division.
In the second half of the 60s and in the 70s. XX century, during the leadership
dstva Airborne general Vasily Filippovich Margelov, 111th
the regiment was in good standing with the Soviet command. Thanks to
strict and rigid traditions of the 105th Fergana division in the 111th regiment
combat, fire and physical
preparation. Almost every year, the Osh regiment took part in major
niyakh of the Central Asian military district. At the same time, sometimes the teachings have
whether the nature of the bilateral, ie. other regiments 105-
and divisions. For example, in 1968 such a two-way exercise with landing
survey in the mountain-desert area was carried out with the participation of
111th and 345th regiments of the 105th airborne division. 1970 was an anniversary year for the Soviet
sky airborne forces. The winged guard celebrated its own; fortieth anniversary. Not by chance
then in the USSR were held major exercises under the code name
I eat Vostok-70. In these exercises, which were led by Marshal of the Soviet
Union, Deputy Minister of Defense Kirill Sem; novich Moskalenko,
participated in the 111th Airborne Regiment. It is noteworthy that this regiment received
the highest, excellent rating, which gave reason to consider this combat
part of one of the best in the Soviet landing force. Should
also add that getting an "excellent" rating in an exercise of such
level, far from all units and formations of the Airborne Forces succeeded, advice
skoe military leadership at that time approached the assessment of combat readiness
our troops are strict, sometimes very strict. There were times when our
paratroopers undeservedly received even
satisfactory grades. For example, in 1978, the 103rd Vitebsk division
vision received a "troika", and this assessment was obviously biased
Noah (this story is discussed in more detail in the second book of our tri-
logy dedicated to the Vitebsk division).
It seems that this state of affairs has developed due to the subjective,
human factor, due to complex, strained relations between the
marshal S.L.Sokolov's defense nistra and Commander of the Airborne Forces genera-
la vf Margelov.
Throughout the 70s, the 111th regiment of the 105th Airborne Forces confidently held
shaft reputation as one of the best regiments of the winged guards. In 1973 in
Large exercises were held 300 km from the capital of Kyrgyzstan, Frunze
with the participation of the troops of the Central Asian military district, on which
the commander of the district, General of the Army Nikolai Grigorievich, was present
Lyashchenko. The 111th regiment also participated in these exercises, which was
the task was to capture a conditional object of the enemy - a separate
missile battalion of a tank division. Fulfilling the assigned task
ing, the Osh paratroopers landed on several squares at once
landing dock, which made it possible to reach the environment of the object and its
"destruction". The guardsmen acted as they were taught: boldly and decisively
seriously. It is natural that the 111th regiment received for its actions on
niyakh rating "excellent". The chief examiner was the commander
district N.G. Lyashchenko, who expressed gratitude to the paratroopers for
their professionalism.
The 111th Guards Airborne Regiment has become solid
school for young officers, sergeants and privates who are
investigation made a career in the field of service in the Soviet landing
those. An example is the military fate of Colonel General Os-
Walds Mikolovich Pikauskas, who in the 80s. was authoritative
high-ranking airborne officer. Pikauskas started his de-
a sanatorium career just in the 111th regiment; in 1964 he served as a private in
this military unit. Subsequently, he graduated with a gold medal and
diploma with honors Ryazan airborne school. Continued service at 7-
1st Guards Airborne Division (Kaunas). In the 70s
studied at the Military Academy. M.V. Frunze. For several years, O.M. Pi-
Kauskas commanded the 108th Guards Airborne Regiment.
Under this commander, the regiment's staff achieved excellent performance
combat training and other criteria. Truly O.M. Pikauskas
was a worthy representative of the landing school, commander
Airborne Vasily Filippovich Margelov. Osvalds Mikolovich was, with
on the one hand, a strict, very demanding commander, and on the other
goy - tactful and intelligent person, never used
who used obscene language, swearing. The ideas of the fighting brotherhood, you-
moved yet; V.F. Margelov in the 60s, Pikauskas successfully implemented
schal in parts of the Airborne Forces that he was in charge of. He also co-
commanded the 98th Airborne Division, which is becoming the best connection
I eat the winged guard in the 80s. In 1995, the first deputy commander
blowing airborne O.M. Pikauskas, before reaching the age of 50, died as a result of
Tate a serious illness. The winged guard really suffered
major loss.
In the book "History Airborne Forces of Russia» yes; the next historical
assessment of this paratrooper commander: “In the airborne troops
he was one of the most beloved generals. Osvalds Mikolovich
I didn’t think that to teach people who perform difficult combat missions,
only by personal example. In addition to exceptional honesty,
acute sense of justice, he was characterized by calmness,
innovation, tact, a rare ability not to raise one's voice to sub-
ranks; He was a natural teacher...
They do not consider dead people whose memory is alive; in our
hearts whose names we have the right to be proud of. They are alive as long as
Let our memory die while we make the third toast to them. Never
the name of a real paratrooper will be forgotten in the Airborne Forces
and courageous man- Colonel General Oswalds Mikolo-
Vich Pikauskas.
1979 became a fateful year not only for the 105th Guards
airborne division. At the beginning of this year, the Soviet leadership
The court sent the "Iron Man" to a postal pension. From jan-
Varya Vasily Filippovich becomes Inspector of the General In-
Species of the Ministry of Defense of the USSR. The new commander of the Airborne Forces was
appointed General Sukhorukov, a military leader, of course, a worthy and
experienced, devoted to ideology in the Soviet Airborne Forces, but devoid of charismatic
the matic mark that his predecessor had. Epoch
Margelov is over. In a few months, it will be completed and
thorium of the 105th Fergana division as such. This is an elite connection.
The Airborne Forces will be involved in reformist upheavals, which will initiate
cited the Ministry of Defense with the aim of creating a rapid
response of district subordination - air assault brigades.
The 351st regiment of the 105th airborne division will become the basis for the creation of one of these brigades
reptile - 56th. This unit, like the 345th regiment (which will be considered
separate), will take part in an undeclared war from the very beginning.
But let's get back to the 111th regiment of the Fergana division. By mid 1979
this landing unit, stationed in the Kyrgyz city of Osh,
still had enough high rating combat training.
The personnel of the regiment was quite well prepared for combat
operations in mountainous desert areas. it historical fact. And
it is the fighters of this regiment who will be the first to enter into relations
relatively peaceful and friendly to us then Afghan land.
The decision to send one battalion of the 111th Guards to Afghanistan
parachute regiment was accepted by the Soviet leadership
decision on June 28, 1979. The background to this decision is as follows.
On June 14, at the House of Nations in Kabul, DRA Prime Minister Hafi-
Zulla Amin (who, after a few months, having removed from power
President Taraki, will become the ruler of Afghanistan) through the Soviet
representative of Gorelov addressed the Soviet government with a very
a rare request for military assistance to the ruling in the DRA pro-
communist regime. In a personal conversation with L.N. Gorelov des-
the pot-premier said, in part: “We are completely unsure of the people
guarding the House of Nations. I am asking you to
reported to their leadership on rendering assistance to us, sending to
DRA for the protection of the government in the House of Peoples and Bagram Airfields
and Shindand Soviet crews on tanks and infantry fighting vehicles.
June 16, 1979 L.N. Gorelov from Kabul reported this to the
research institutes in Moscow. According to data posted on the Internet (V.I. Ab-
Lazov), already June 24, 1979, i.e. a few days before the official
cial decision in the Kremlin, Defense Minister Marshal D.F. Ustinov
ordered to allocate a battalion of paratroopers from the 105th Airborne Forces
to be sent to Afghanistan "for the protection of equipment and pilots of trans-
tailor aviation in Bagram and the possible provision of evacuation of
veterinarians in extreme conditions".
On June 27, a decision regarding H. Amin's request was made in
Moscow "Kremlin; vskim elders". In the book of the coryphaeus of the history of Afghanistan
of the war of Alexander Lyakhovsky "The tragedy and valor of Afghanistan"
there is a previously classified document extracted by the author from the Archive
President of the Russian Federation. In the note of the Central Committee of the CPSU, this fact, in particular, is
rilos: "To ensure the protection and defense of the Soviet air squadron-
send leas to the Bagram airfield to the DRA, with the consent of the Afghan
sides, paratrooper battalion in uniform (overalls)
under the guise of aviation technical personnel. In the same document
mente was considered expedient to send to Kabul for protection
the Soviet embassy, a KGB special detachment consisting of 125-150 people under
view of the attendants of our embassy. This "Note"
was signed by the main persons of the state: A. Gromyko (Minister
Foreign Affairs), Yu. Andropov (KGB), D. Ustinov (Minister of Defense),
B. Ponomar;v (Head of the International Department of the Central Committee of the CPSU).
The next day, June 28, 1979, the Politburo of the Central Committee of the CPSU approved
made the proposals set out in the "Note" aimed at strengthening
the existence of the Soviet presence in Afghanistan, the situation in which, with
every day; m became sun; more tense.
So the Kremlin has made its choice. It was decided to send to Bagh-
frames one battalion of Soviet paratroopers. Ministry of Defence
orders to send to the DRA a battalion of the 111th regiment of the 105th Ferghana-
Guards Airborne Division. As early as June 1979
General Staff Soviet army decided to disband the 105th
airborne divisions. July 3, Lieutenant General N.N. Guskov (head
liquidation commission) called the commander of the first battalion 111-
1st Regiment of the 105th Airborne Guards Lieutenant Colonel V.I. Lomakin and set
him the following task: “Fly under the guise of technical specialists,
all officers with epaulets of sergeants, so as not to reveal the structure
battalion. No bindings to the district and the Airborne Forces - they flew in from the USSR.
The first and main thing is the protection of the airfield. Let the sun be around; lit and ru-
it’s sewn, but it’s an airplane; at the same time, you must take off and land. equip-
you have to do it yourself, all materials are from the Union. Products are still on
30 days, in the future - to buy at the market. You will receive money
local - Afghani. Officers in general terms to orient now,
soldiers and sergeants - at the airfield, before boarding the plane; you. Already
since the end of June, the personnel of this regiment was in a state of
military readiness. July 7, 1979 came - a historical mo-
ment when the 1st battalion of the 111th GPDP was airlifted to
Afghan soil, to the Bagram air base. In the book of Alec-
Sandra Lyakhovsky says that the 1st battalion of the Osh regiment under
by the command of the guard lieutenant colonel V.I. Lomakin was sent to
DRA on July 7 in full force on three military transport aircraft
max. Obviously, this is not entirely true. According to the memories of some
now living veterans - participants in those events, the transfer
The 1st battalion in Bagram was carried out in several visits. Morning 7
July, the 1st company of the 1st
battalion, and the rest of the companies left for the DRA on the night of July 8. personal
the composition of the "Osh" battalion in the air was informed that they were
rule in Afghanistan. More; in Ferghana to the fighters and commanders of this
battalion was ordered to withdraw from military uniform the entire landing
symbols and regular insignia (buttons and chevrons of the Airborne Forces, tel-
nyashki and berets). On the shoulder straps of the officers were fixed yellow;
gentleman's stripes. The commander of the "Osh" battalion V.I. Lomakin wore
epaulettes of a foreman. The sergeants had red on their shoulder straps.
(field) stripes. Thus, the Osh paratroopers were camouflaged
licensed for Air Force technicians.
So, in early July 1979, the paratroopers of the "Osh" battalion 111-
th GPRT ended up on the soil of Afghanistan. Soviet soldiers turned out to be
in a completely unfamiliar and outlandish setting, as if in another
historical dimension. For them here in Bagram sun; it was unusual
but: climate, relief, people ... It cannot be said that the mood of the soldiers
was depressed. There was no reason for this, because none of them
could assume that in a few months they and the whole Soviet
the army of heaven will, by the incomprehensible will of fate, be involved in a terrible and
an undeclared war with an incomprehensible and wild people. And then, in July,
our warriors will experience only one real suffering. From
the Afghan heat at first, all the guards were really tormented
thirsty. But, as you know, a person gets used to everything. Already soon-
re this prosaic problem was not so relevant.
Meanwhile, everyday life in Bagram was slowly getting better.
Barracks, a dining room were set up, and other household
army facilities. Army life began to take its course. Co-
Of course, this life had its own specifics. Full-fledged combat and fire
there could be no new training in the new conditions. Yes and official
the status of the Osh paratroopers at this airbase did not allow them to be identified
belonging to the Airborne Forces. After all, these healthy and brave guys in combo
neozones were, in the army slang of those times; n, "plywood",
junior air force personnel.
Our soldiers were not the only combat contingent on the bug-
rama airbase. There were also Afghan soldiers
army, namely officers and soldiers of the Afghan Air Force, as well as staff
ny composition of powerful anti-aircraft (anti-aircraft) installations. Relative
relations between the "Shuravi" ("Soviet") and the Afghan military in those
the months leading up to the war were quite friendly and
coy. After all, the “Shuravi” have been friends of the Afghan for many, many years.
sky people. Soviet people in Afghan society (with the exception of
religious fanatics) were treated with due respect and
reverence. And, of course, there was a reason.
Before the start of the autumn season, probably the main occupation of the personal
The composition of the battalion was engineering, fortification work.
The airfield in Bagram at that moment was, in general, the Soviet military
base, de facto. Military personnel flew here almost constantly from the Union.
transport and other planes; you are with cargo, and not only. To annoy
to graze this base from possible attacks, it was decided to encircle Bag-
rama airfield with a system of trenches and other simple earthworks
weapons. So they plowed in the sweat of their faces, languishing from the Bagram heat on-
our guardsmen, digging trenches and cursing a very hard;
ment the ground. There was, of course, a lot of free time, and while away
it wasn't easy. The territory of movement was limited by air
Zoy Bagram. Although in that relatively peaceful time the rank and file
the commanders of the osh battalion sometimes allowed to get out of
airfield affairs, for small purchases. Our soldiers were then
surprised by a paradox. In this poorest and wildest mountain country
in the markets and in the storerooms they freely sold scarce for those years
consumer goods (jeans, sneakers, other fashionable in the world of bars -
lo, branded cassette recorders, etc.). We, in the Soviet
Union, these marvelous and very desirable things are a simple person, a "scoop",
could buy, as they say, "from under the counter" from black marketeers and special
kulyants at exorbitant prices. Therefore, our soldiers, fascinated by these
shami, of course, wanted to buy something with their modest salary, something
would, demobilized, take these things to the Union. Especially this pro-
The problem was relevant for those fighters who had to go to demo
Belle at the end of 1979. We tried to save something for demobilization and
those soldiers who were to be demobilized in 1980.
In the photo album of our book there is one characteristic photograph,
which depicts several young carefree people in
fashionable clothes: jeans, body shirts, glasses. These are my countrymen from St.
Litamaka: Mikhail Permyakov, Anatoly Makarov, Sergey Krylov. All
they are from the "Osh" battalion. While they were taking pictures in
Bagram (obviously, the end of the summer of 1979), the guys, alas, did not know
what test fate has in store for them. There are smiles on their faces, and in their heads,
probably thoughts about a peaceful and calm demobilization in 1980. But already
ro gears of inexorable fate will involve these first "Afghans" in
meat grinder of an undeclared and damned war. These guys are already at the beginning
next year will participate in the first battles with the rebels.
Mikhail Permyakov ("Gray") will die in action in August 1980, not
having reached the demobilization quite a bit. This guy's parents are still
alive. When I was at their house two years ago, I remembered the photo
ret "Grey", which stood on the sideboard. Our views then meet
thrived. Anatoly Makarov will also participate in the first combat
clashes. But fate will favor him. He successfully
n; tsyasya home and after almost 30 years will give me a bottle of vodka inter-
view, share memories, provide rare photos that
will be included in the book's photo album. Sergey Krylov, how much I
I know, I was a cook in the battalion; the breath of war burned him for hours
then, but he also had to shoot. He, too, will leave;
smoke, and I will be destined to meet him and drink vodka.
It was from him that I first heard about the "Osh" battalion, which
was the first to enter Afghan soil six months before the start of the war. How
and Misha Permyakov, he is also no longer on earth, he died two years ago
back from a heart attack. Therefore, the poem dedicated to him
I haven't been able to deliver...
Until December 1979, the personnel of the "Osh" battalion continued
I wished to stay peacefully in Bagram, carrying out the usual garrison service.
Dembel counted the days before returning to the Union, soldiers of other prizes
they also thought that their stay in the DRA would soon end, and they
return to Soviet soil. The measured pace of service of our de-
santnikov was violated in September. The battalion was alerted and
issued ammunition. Built on the runway;
shili that they were to fly to Kabul. This was due to the change in
power in the Afghan government. October 8, 1979
DRA dent and PDPA leader N. Taraki was killed (suffocated with pillows) by
by order of the head of the guard, Prime Minister H. Amin. October 10
it was officially announced that Taraki died of a short
and severe illness. H. Amin, villain, came to power in Afghanistan
Afghan history and the main instigator of the coming war. That's why in
those October days the "Osh" battalion was alerted. Murder
President N. Taraki was, on the one hand, an unexpected fact
for top Soviet military advisers in Afghanistan, and this is a
a logical event could result in unpredictable consequences -
mi. But on the same day, the paratroopers were given a retreat. The question arises:
why a battalion of armed paratroopers who should already
were to fly to Kabul to protect N. Taraki, gave up? Reason for-
was that the plane; you with the Soviet landing on board did not
had the opportunity to take off, because our liners were targeted
the vents of Afghan anti-aircraft installations, which could at any time
start spewing deadly fire. The fact is that H. Amin, who
ry at that moment was already the de facto ruler of Afghanistan, gave
corresponding order to the troops of the Afghan garrison in Bagh-
frame. According to such a competent researcher as Alek-
sandr Lyakhovsky, the Afghan anti-aircraft gunners were given the task of
shoot any aircraft, regardless of whether it takes off or
lands. The next day in Bagram it became known that the new
H. Amin became the president of Afghanistan.
On October 7, 1979, a serious emergency occurred at the air base in Bagram.
As a result of an accident, an officer of a special department, a captain, died.
Tan Chepurnaya. In books on the history of the Afghan war, this case is mentioned
passes only in passing. How did this Soviet officer die?
special officer? According to the official version, the death of this man
came out as a result of careless handling of a pistol
strange production. According to unverified reports, Captain Chepur-
Noah was outside the Bagram air base. After talking with
Bacchus, he began to twist and examine the gun and accidentally himself
fired the fatal shot. This is such a stupid death. Coffin with a body
the deceased Soviet officer was already ready to be sent to the Union for
aircraft; those when representatives of the Afghan military administration
demanded the opening of "cargo 200". Such an offensive action af-
Ghanaian authorities explained internal politics new president
ta-satrap Hafizullah Amin, who, having come to power, immediately began
harsh persecution of their political enemies and opponents.
He considered the main enemies of the so-called. "gang of four; x" members of the Politbyu-
ro PDPA, supporters of the murdered N. Taraki: Sarvari - chief
security services, Vatanjar - Minister of the Interior, Mazdur-
Yar is the Minister of Border Affairs, Gulyabzai is the Minister of Communications. By order
Amin, all flights at Afghan airfields were subject to inspection,
h;m all suspicious cargoes, boxes were subject to opening. Blood-
the greedy DRA president feared that his main enemies would be able to get away
from persecution. The procedure for sending "cargo 200" from Kabul to the Union
led by Lieutenant General Nikolai Guskov, deputy commander
blowing airborne forces. Despite his protest, the Afghans Sun; they opened the coffin
with the body of Chepurny and, after making sure that the deceased was in the box
Soviet officer, gave the go-ahead to take off; t.
There is another, unofficial version of the death of Captain Che-
purple. E; source - the opinions of now living veterans "osh-
sky" battalion. According to this version, Chepurnoy was in
Pania with Air Force officers. During this feast, a quarrel broke out between
do Chepurny and one of the officers (V.I. Lomakin?). The shooting started
ba, and the special officer was killed.
The next day, the commander of the "Osh" battalion of the guards
kovnik Vasily Iosifovich Lomakin was dismissed from the ranks of the Soviet
Army. Formally, he violated the order of the command not to leave the station.
position of the battalion (departure to Kabul to the communications center was allowed; n
once a week). The command of the Airborne Forces, of course, tried somehow
mitigate the situation in which, alas, the well-deserved sub-
rover of the winged guard. Thanks to the intercession of the leadership of the Airborne Forces,
IN AND. Lomakin did not lose his right to a pension.
It should be noted that Captain Chepurnoy was not the only
deceased from among the Soviet military personnel who are on the af-
Ghanaian soil in the pre-war period, i.e. until the end of December 1979
Due to an absurd accident, somewhere in the early autumn of 1979, he died
private "Osh" battalion Ibragimov. The source of this information
tion is not a printed archival document, but oral information,
which the author of this book received from one veteran of the “Osh” battalion
talon. According to this version, it was like this. Not only ordinary
becoming the "Osh" battalion, but the officers once every 1.5-2 weeks received
opportunity to visit the capital city of Kabul. It is clear that important
for young officers, the purpose of such a "cult trip" was to buy
fashion goods, consumer goods. By car, a group of officers, dressed
dressed in civilian clothes, traveled in an organized manner to the capital of the DRA.
At the same time, officers left their regular weapons (pistols) at the “base” in
location of the battalion. Only the elder had pistols with him.
groups of departing officers.
During one of these trips to Kabul, an accident happened.
stye. One of the officers, disguised as a "citizen", left the duty
a man in the company of his pistol, which was removed from the safety lock. By-
apparently, the duty officer, dabbling with weapons, and fired a shot in a row
vogo Ibragimov. This fighter, who was originally from. Kalinin (now
- Tver), died.
Reviews
Dmitry, you are great! For many years now I have been putting up with the idea of writing a book about the scouts of the 111th Osh Guards Troops, who were part of the first company (non-regular unofficial reconnaissance regiment) of the 1st battalion. It was they, the scouts of the 1st company on two An-12s, who landed at the Bagramsky airfield early in the morning (it was still dark) on July 8, 1979, then 10-20 minutes later 12 An-12 aircraft began to land. This was the 1st battalion of the 111th Osh PDP of the 105th Vienna (Fergana) Guards Airborne Division. The unofficial freelance reconnaissance company at that time was the best reconnaissance company among all the reconnaissance units of the 105th Guards Airborne Division. Since 1976, when Captain Manyuta Vladimir Alexandrovich became the company commander, the palm of the best scouts among the intelligence units of the 105th Guards Airborne Division was not inferior to anyone. She was really the best among the best in the division and in all the airborne forces of the USSR. Until 1976, the 100th separate reconnaissance company was the best among the reconnaissance units. Those who at that time served not only in the named reconnaissance company, but also in the division, had heard about a 7-day transition through the desert with one flask of water for 7 days and 3 cans of stew with porridge for each. The rest had to be obtained in the desert. At the end of the 6-7th day of the end of the campaign, the paratroopers ate snakes, spiders, camel thorns. Water was quietly obtained from local shepherds, random travelers, geologists and drivers of cars that accidentally fell into the air. Guards paratroopers of the 100th reconnaissance company with valor and honor, thinner by 10-12 kg and slender as cypresses, arrived at the end point at the specified time and time.
For some reason, you do not write anything about the commander of the regiment of the 111th Osh GV SDA of the 105th GV VDD. It was Lieutenant Colonel Nikolay Aleksandrovich Shvets (he is now 72 years old, lives in Ukraine, Chernihiv), a legendary man in the USSR Airborne Forces, it was not for nothing that the paratroopers later nicknamed him "KeP" or "our dad." Shvets Nikolai Alexandrovich is a real officer, corresponding to the purpose and spirit of the Airborne Forces (Uncle Vasya's Troops). He is a student of the Army General, Hero of the Soviet Union, participant in the Second World War, twice commander of the USSR Airborne Forces - Margelov Vasily Filippovich. Lieutenant Colonel Shvets N.A. twice, once with Lieutenant Colonel V.I. Lomakin, he was on the territory of Afghanistan. The first time in early April, the second time in mid-May. To be continued...
Dear Dmitry, would you like to be a co-author in our book? You and I? I have a lot of witnesses of that time who are directly involved in these events and photographic materials.
The daily audience of the Proza.ru portal is about 100 thousand visitors, who in total view more than half a million pages according to the traffic counter, which is located to the right of this text. Each column contains two numbers: the number of views and the number of visitors.
Formed on the basis of the 50 rifle brigade.
399, 468 and 532 rifle regiments,
286 artillery regiment,
267 separate anti-tank battalion,
146 reconnaissance company,
181 engineer battalion,
223 separate battalion communications (157 separate company communications),
120 medical battalion,
19 separate company of chemical protection,
189 motor transport company,
490 field bakery,
1005 divisional veterinary infirmary,
1608 field post station,
1652 field cash desk of the State Bank.
Combat period
17.7.42-29.9.43
26.10.43-15.9.44
30.10.44-11.5.45
111th rifle division was formed on the basis of the 50th separate rifle brigade in the city of Bezhitsa, Kalinin region from April 26 to July 16, 1942.
In July 1942, in preparation for a broad offensive on the Kalinin Front, the division in full force arrived at the battlefield. The division had: Directorate of the 111th Rifle Division, 399th, 468th, 532nd Rifle Regiments, 286th Artillery Regiment, separate training regiment, 267th separate machine-gun battalion, 267th separate anti-tank division, 369th separate anti-aircraft artillery battery, NAD, 146th separate reconnaissance company, 181st separate engineer battalion, 223rd separate communications battalion, 19th separate chemical protection company, 189th separate transport company, 490th field bakery, 120th separate medical battalion, 1005th veterinary infirmary.
... Having destroyed the enemy's bridgehead on the eastern bank of the Volga, near the city of Rzhava, as a result of heavy prolonged fighting, the 111th division was withdrawn from the battle in October 1942 and transferred to the area of \u200b\u200bthe city of Belev Oryol region. The greatly depleted division under the command of Colonel Khoteevna was in the second echelon of the army and began to recruit personnel and to engage in combat and political training. At the same time, work was underway to equip the 2nd army line of defense.
After the restoration of combat readiness in December 1942, the division was transferred to the Voronezh Front, where it took part in the breakthrough German defense in the region of the middle reaches of the Don.
In January-February 1943, the division as part of the 3rd tank army of Lieutenant General Rybalko fought fierce battles for the villages and farms of the Rovno region: Ivanovka, Nagolnaya, Rzhevka, Aidar.
On February 4, 1943, the division becomes subordinate to the commander of the 12th tank corps, lieutenant general tank troops Zinkevich.
By this time, the soldiers and officers had destroyed 8375 invaders, destroyed and captured 184 armored vehicles and tanks, 85 guns of various calibers, 6 aircraft, 119 mortars, 259 machine guns, 460 vehicles, 1950 rifles, 720 horses. The forces of the division liberated 300 settlements.
On March 2, 1943, the 111th division received an order and withdrew from the battle, and on March 14 it was assigned to the reserve of the Voronezh Front and deployed near the city of Novy Oskol.
On March 28, 1943, according to the order of the headquarters of the Voronezh Front, the 111th Infantry Division became part of the 69th Army, and on April 8 it took up defenses and defended the strip that took place in the Bolshetroitsky district.
Later, the division took the line from x. Petrovka, Bulanovka and to the village of Belyanka. The forces of the personnel of the division and the local population are equipping the front line in the area of \u200b\u200bheight 196, 7 on the western outskirts of the village of Osinovka, Bolshetroitsy (on the western mountainous outskirts of the fir garden), Ch-Dibrovka, 1 Tseplyaevo, Russkoye.
The order of the headquarters of the 111th division No. 001 dated April 3, 1943 noted that the enemy, having reached the line of the Seversky Donets River, was carrying out defensive work along the entire front and pulling up units from the depths. In this regard, the division was ordered to withdraw from the occupied line and by 7 o'clock in the morning on April 5, take and prepare defenses in the area with. White Well.
Already on April 3, units of the division at 12 o'clock in the morning withdrew from their positions and by 7 o'clock in the morning on April 5 they began to build defensive lines: the 399th Infantry Regiment - in the village. Berezovka; The 468th Infantry Regiment left the villages of Nemtsev, Zhurbinka, Pervomayskoye and by 9 am on April 4 settled down for a day in the village. Bershakovo, and then at 10 pm he set out and arrived at 7 am on April 5 and began defensive work in the village of Ch-Dibrovka.
The 532nd regiment set out from the x. Badgers, and by 7 am on April 5, concentrated and began defensive work in the village. White Well. The 286th artillery regiment also arrived here and began to equip its positions.
On April 8, an order was again received: the 399th regiment to equip the front line at the turn of 1-Strelitz - x. Berezovo on the river Nezhegolek.
The 468th regiment equipped the front line at the turn of Novoselovka (the eastern outskirts of Bolshetroitsa) and through the Shemraevka farm to x. Korzhov.
Other parts received orders on the very high place in the region, in Bulanovka, create a knot of resistance.
Thus, in anticipation of the enemy's offensive, the 111th division lived its full-blooded life. Daily from among the arrivals replenished with fresh manpower, equipment. Everyone expected a new offensive of our troops.
... And on July 5, 1943, at the very beginning Battle of Kursk, the division set out on a march in the direction of the city of Volchansk. In a day they covered a distance of up to 45 kilometers. The 399th Rifle Regiment under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Kuleshov on July 7 marched into a fierce battle with a well-prepared superior enemy. In cooperation with the fighters of the 468th rifle regiment, with the support of army artillery Soviet troops overturned a strong enemy and reached the eastern bank of the Seversky Donets River in the direction of Belgorod.
Developing the offensive, the regiments of the 111th Infantry Division took up defensive positions in the Old City area, for which they received 1 gratitude from the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces of the Soviet Union, Marshal I.V. Stalin.
The 399th Infantry Regiment, being on the defensive, fought off fierce enemy counterattacks every day until July 31, 1943. At 23:00 in the morning, the 399th regiment began to force the Seversky Donets River in order to create a bridgehead on the western bank of the river. At 24:00 in the morning, one of the battalions managed to cross the river and reach the railway station. But the enemy concentrated new forces and proceeded to furious counterattacks. The battalion was forced to withdraw to its former line. On August 4, the advance detachment, as part of a rifle company, under heavy fire from the Nazis, crossed the river in the area northeast of Belgorod and managed to create a bridgehead.
At 3 o'clock in the morning on August 5, 1943, the 399th regiment, under the cover of artillery preparation, broke into the city of Belgorod and by the end of the day, in cooperation with other units, completely cleared the city of Belgorod. The soldiers of the regiment again received gratitude from Stalin I.V.
Having liberated the city of Belgorod, the 111th division, pursuing the enemy, reached the outskirts of the city of Kharkov. In a fierce battle, the following were liberated: the village of Bolshaya Danilovka, the supply manager named after Shevchenko.
Having exhausted the main enemy forces, the 399th, 468th and other parts of the division went on the offensive at 24:00 on August 22, 1943 and broke into Kharkov on the morning of August 23. By the end of the day, in cooperation with other units in street battles, the city was completely cleared of the invaders.
A huge role was played by the fighters of the 181st separate engineer battalion, who risked their lives every minute, built bridges under enemy fire, provided equipment crossings, removed minefields, ensuring the successful advance of division units. Thus, the 111th Infantry Division from 1 to last day Battle of Kursk fought in our places. After fierce fighting, the division from September 28 to October 26, 1943 was withdrawn from the fighting and was in the village of Aleksandrovka and other villages Kharkiv region in the reserve of the Headquarters of the High Command.
On October 28, the 111th division was again on the march and on November 25, 1943, concentrated in the area of the city of Pyatikhatka. After the defeat of the enemy in the city, soldiers and officers participated in the liberation of the city of Alexandria. For the bravery and courage of the personnel of the division, the name of the Alexandria Red Banner Order of Bogdan Khmelnitsky was given.
On July 20, 1944, the 111th Rifle Division is transferred to Romania. For the participation of the Iasi-Kishinev operation, the division is again thanked by Stalin I.V.
The 111th Rifle Division of Alexandria of the Order of Bohdan Khmelnitsky completed its combat path in Czechoslovakia. The division suffered significant losses. 6105 soldiers and officers died heroically. However, the division covered itself for courage with unfading glory.
TsAMO. Fund 111 sd. Op. 1. D. Historical formulary.
111th Rifle Division was formed on the basis of the former 29th Rifle Division in July - August 1940. Arkhangelsk Military District, the place of deployment during the formation of the city of Vologda on March 17, 1942. By order No. 76 of the People's Commissar of Defense Comrade Stalin, the division was transformed into the 24th Guards Rifle Division.
Arriving at the front on 07/01/41. to Ostrov Leningrad region, parts of the division 07/03/41. entered into battle with the Nazi troops advancing from Kaunas through Pskov, Luga to Leningrad. The enemy threw in this direction two tank and five motorized infantry divisions, which were supported by aviation. 04.07.41 with a decisive counterattack, parts of the division pushed the enemy back 10 km to the west, the city of Ostrov changed hands several times. After heavy battles from 03.07. to 08.07.41 in the areas of Ostrov, Palkino, Dulovka, Nikolaevo, during which up to 1,500 enemy soldiers and officers were destroyed, 40 tanks were knocked out and destroyed, the division with battles retreated across the river. Great Pskov on Luga and 20.07.41. occupied the defenses of the southwest. Meadows. The advancing enemy units were stopped here. All efforts of the Germans to overturn the Luga defense and break through to Leningrad were unsuccessful. 29.07.41 with a bold counterattack, 468 joint ventures defeated the SS reconnaissance battalion main com. German army. At the same time, more than 100 enemy soldiers and officers were killed.
In mid-August, the enemy, throwing more than 10 tank and infantry divisions against the Luga defense, tried to break through it and was again stopped. Particularly distinguished in these defensive battles 561 ap. Major Kuznetsov. Marshal of the Soviet Union, Com. Voroshilov, by a special order, noted the resilience of the Luga defense units and expressed gratitude to all the personnel of the EU. Having no success in the Luga direction, the enemy, with strong blows from the directions of Kengisep and Pskov, went out to Krasnogvardeysk (near Leningrad) and to Novgorod and Chudovo, thus placing parts of the Luga defense in a semi-encirclement, in connection with this, by order of 41 ck 20.08.41. left the defense of the city of Luga and fought heavy battles with the advancing enemy in the area of Sorochkino, Yazchery and temporary storage. "Red Lighthouse"
2.09.41 when the ammunition ran out and communication with Shtakor 41 was lost, the division began to withdraw from the encirclement of the enemy, who by this time had closed his ring.
Having destroyed its materiel, the division reached the western bank of the river by the beginning of October in three separate columns. Volkhov in the Myasnoy Bor area along which the front line passed. Having contacted the units of the Red Army on the eastern coast through a scout of the 468th infantry regiment, junior lieutenant. Oplesnina, parts of the division overturned the enemy garrisons in Old and New Bystritsy, Yamno and crossed the Volkhov. On the night of October 5, the headquarters of the division and the communications battalion crossed over with a fight. Thanks to the heroic and selfless actions of junior lieutenant Oplesnin, the division managed to save most personnel.
12.11.41 after being understaffed and equipped with materiel, the division again entered the battle in the Malaya Vishera region (Leningrad region), operating as part of the 52nd Army. During November 11-12, parts of the division blocked and defeated the heavily fortified enemy points of Glutino, Veretye, Glad and liberated up to 20 settlements. 20.11.41 city was liberated and railroad station Small Vishera. In the battles for Malaya Vishera, the enemy suffered up to 1200 killed and wounded. Particularly fierce battles were for the Veretye stronghold covering the Gornetsno - Smooth road, which is one of the enemy's communications with his Tikhvin grouping. After the elimination of this strong point, part of the division 468 rifle regiment made a call to the rear of the enemy and intercepted the road st. Ridges - Chudovo near the station. Dubtsy, thus completely cutting off the enemy garrisons Gorneshko and Gryada from their rear. This operation ensured the rapid defeat of these garrisons.
During these battles, 422 infantry regiment and the 215th artillery regiment of the enemy. The enemy suffered losses of up to 2500 killed and wounded. Destroyed: 1 tanks, 6 guns, art. pool. 21, cars 2.
Trophies were taken: 12 guns, 15 radios and receivers, 18 machine guns, 14 mortars, 3 cars, 11 motorcycles, up to 5000 shells and mines. 26 enemy soldiers were captured.
During the second half of January, the division fought in the Gruzino-Chudovo region, but was not successful.
On January 20, 1942, having transferred to the operational subordination of the 2nd Shock Army, the division received the task of destroying a large enemy stronghold, Lyubino-Pole - Mostki. On the Chudovo-Novgorod highway, following the order of part of the division on 23.01.42. blocked the strong point and 12.02.42. have mastered it.
The enemy lost at the same time, out of 300 people who made up the garrison, only about 250 soldiers and officers were killed. The division captured large trophies: 14 guns, 10 mortars, 6 anti-aircraft machine guns, 13 heavy machine guns, 24 vehicles, 3 cars, 12 tractors, 9 tanks (padded), 70 boxes of mines.
The success of this operation was ensured by a carefully developed plan of the artillery attack and its precise execution. The artillery attack was carried out on 10 and 11.02.42. forces of the artillery regiment.
The losses of the division amounted to 110 people killed and wounded. The liquidation of the Lyubino stronghold - Pole - Mostki expanded the breakthrough in the enemy defenses carried out by units of the 2nd Shock Army in the Myasnoy Bor area.
Fulfilling the order of the Headquarters of the 59th Army, on entering the rear of the enemy, encircling his large stronghold - Chudovo, the division fought in the second half of February to eliminate separate centers of resistance in the forests west of the Spasskaya Polist of the Chudovsky district.
19.02.42 The division rejoined the 59th Army. Having cut the main communications of the enemy feeding his stronghold Spasskaya Polist, parts of the division overcoming the resistance of the enemy and repelling his counterattacks. continued to deepen into the territory occupied by him.
02.03.42 the second communication of the enemy was cut, the road Sennaya Kerest - Glushitsa, and division units went to the Karpovo 2 area, which is 7 km. southwest of Chudovo. However, due to the length of their own communications, which were constantly subjected to enemy counterattacks and required large forces to protect them, the division could not move further. At the same time, the enemy, having introduced a significant amount of equipment and manpower into battle, entered the communications of the 2nd Shock Army in the Myasnoy Bor area. In this regard, the division received an order from the operational group of the Headquarters of the 59th Army to withdraw its units from Karpovo 2, and take up active defense up to the Sennaya Kerest - Glushitsa road.
The enemy is operating with tanks on 20.03.42. knocked down our guards on the Sennaya-Kerest-Glushitsa road and cut off from the rear 532 joint ventures located northwest of Glushitsa. Regiment until 24.04.42. fought heavy battles surrounded and left the ring on the orders of Stadiva. 05/27/42 by order of the task force of the Headquarters of the 59th Army, parts of the division concentrated in the area of elev. 37.8 (west of Spasskaya Polist) with the task of breaking through the enemy defenses and connecting with units of the 59th Army operating from the east
Conducting offensive battles in this area for a month and a half in difficult conditions of swampy forest terrain, the division was not successful and suffered heavy losses. For the period from 15.02. until May 15, 1942 the actions of the units destroyed: 1 tank, 2 guns, 28 rp, 12 heavy machine guns, 21 mortars, 6 enemy soldiers were captured.
Own losses during this time amounted to 4000 people. killed and wounded.
From 20.05. to 07.07.42 the division was on vacation and was engaged in combat training in the Bol area. Vyazhitsa, Malovishersky district.
From 08.06. to 21.07.42 by order of the Commander of the Leningrad Front, the division replaced the 374th rifle division in the defense in the Spasskaya Polist area (on the east side).
From 22.07.42 the division, having passed its line of 378th rifle division, left in the Bol area. Knitting for combat training.
07.08.42 by order of the Volkhov Front, the division plunged into echelons at st. Ridges and 11.08.42. arrived in the Volkovo area, Volkhov Front, Leningrad Region, where she continued combat training.
Extracts from the archive were made personally by Oksana Korneva. If you wish to copy, be sure to read and execute.