12th Guards Rifle Corps
12th Guards Rifle Corps | |
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Active | 1942–1946 |
Country | Soviet Union |
Branch | Red Army |
Type | Infantry |
Engagements | World War II
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Decorations | Berlin Offensive. The corps was awarded the Order of the Red Banner for its actions during the storming of Berlin.[1] It was disbanded in Germany in June 1946.
HistoryThe corps was first formed on the 384th Rifle Division.[2] It was commanded by Major General Nikanor Zakhvatayev. In May 1944, Zakhvatayev was transferred to command the 1st Shock Army.[3] He was replaced by Major General Mikhail Siyazov.[4] On 29 July, Siyazov became 67th Army deputy commander[5] and was replaced by Major General Stepan Bunkov .[6]
On November 3, 1944 the corps included the 32nd and 15th SS Infantry Divisions made several attacks against the corps, supported by tanks. These attacks were repulsed.[1]
Bunkov was sent to study at the Military Academy of the General Staff on 12 February[5][6] and replaced by Lieutenant General Alexander Kazankin. The 23rd and 52nd Guards Rifle Divisions took up defensive positions on the east bank of the Oder between Nieder-Krenina and Alt-Rudnitz. From 16 April, the corps was involved in the Battle of Berlin. Kazankin was wounded on 27 April during the fighting for Berlin.[7] He was replaced by 3rd Shock Army deputy commander Major General Alexander Filatov.[8] On the morning of 2 May, the German troops began to surrender and the fighting ended soon after. On 11 June, the corps was awarded the Order of the Red Banner for its actions at Berlin.[1] The corps appears to have been disbanded in June 1946, still part of the 3rd Shock Army.[9] References
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