235th Rifle Division

The 235th Rifle Division was an infantry division of the Red Army, originally formed in the months just before the start of the German invasion, based on the shtat (table of organization and equipment) of September 13, 1939. As part of the 41st Rifle Corps it was soon sent to Northwestern Front to defend the distant approaches to Leningrad. Along with its Corps the division became part of the Luga Operational Group. After Novgorod was captured the Luga Group was largely encircled and had to fight its way north toward the city, suffering considerable losses in the process. The losses to the 235th were greater than those of some others and after officially carrying on in the reserves of Leningrad Front for some time the division was officially disbanded in late December.

A new division, originally numbered as the 454th, began forming in the Siberian Military District in early December and was soon redesignated as the 2nd formation of the 235th. After forming it was assigned to 53rd Army in Northwestern Front and served in the battles around the Demyansk Pocket into early 1943. During Operation Kutuzov it took part in the battles that liberated Oryol, and then went into the reserves before moving north to join 4th Shock Army. As part of 1st Baltic Front it was involved in the grinding battles around the Vitebsk salient through the winter of 1943/44, mostly as part of 43rd Army. Early in the summer offensive the division won a battle honor, and then advanced into the Baltic states, receiving the Order of the Red Banner for its part in the fighting southwest of Riga. In January 1945 the 235th advanced into East Prussia and spent nearly the remainder of the war there, winning further distinctions in the battle for Königsberg. It remained in service into the following year but was disbanded in July 1946.