 | You can helpexpand this article with text translated fromthe corresponding article in Russian. (December 2013)Click [show] for important translation instructions.
|
| 96th Rifle Division | |
|---|---|
| Active | 1923–1993 |
| Disbanded | 1993 |
| Country |  Soviet Union |
| Branch | .svg) Red Army |
| Garrison/HQ | Kazan |
| Engagements | Soviet invasion of Poland |
| Commanders | |
| Notable commanders | Pavel Belov Ivan Shepetov Grigory Khalyuzin |
The96th Rifle Division, also designated the96th Mountain Division, was a division of theRed Army, active from 1923.
In December 1923, in theUkrainian Military District in Vinnytsia the 96th Podolsky Territorial Rifle Division was formed. In 1924, the division became part of the17th Rifle Corps.[1] On 29 July 1927 the honorary title changed to "Vinnytsia".
On 1 September 1929 it was named JF Fabricius (ru:Фабрициус, Ян Фрицевич) The full name of the division was now the96th Rifle Division Vinnytsia named for JF Fabricius. In 1931, the division was transferred to cadre status.
On 17 May 1935 the division as part of 17th RC joined theKiev Military District.
On 26 July 1938 the 96th Rifle Division, 17th RC, joined the Vinnytsia army group formed in theKiev Special Military District.
On 16 September 1939 the headquarters of the Vinnytsia Army Group was renamed Headquarters Volotchisk Army Group with headquarters inVolochisk. The 96th Rifle Division (17th RC) became part of this group.
From 17 September 1939 the division took part in theSoviet invasion of Poland.
It was converted to a rifle division in October 1941.[2] Became14th Guards Rifle Division January 1942.
The division was recreated in July 1942 and fought at Stalingrad. It became the68th Guards Rifle Division in February 1943.
The 96th Rifle Division was recreated at Tula in March 1943. In mid July 1943 it was part of the11th Army. During the Lublin-Brest Offensive, 350th Rifle Regiment company commanderMikhail Linnik distinguished himself and was subsequently awarded the titleHero of the Soviet Union.[3] The division fought in Belorussia,East Prussia, and near Berlin (Battle of Berlin). With48th Army of the3rd Belorussian Front May 1945.
In 1957 the division became the 96th Motor Rifle Division. From 1957 to 1989 it was served in theVolga Military District, with its headquarters atKazan, and the headquarters was set up in theKazan Kremlin at some point. In 1989 the division became the 5509th Base for Storage of Weapons and Equipment. The storage base disbanded in 1993.[4]
