404th Rifle Division (Soviet Union)


The 404th Rifle Division was an infantry division of the Soviet Union's Red Army during World War II. Formed in late 1941, the division fought in the Battle of the Kerch Peninsula and was destroyed there in May 1942.

History

The division was formed from September to October 1941 on the Transcaucasian Front, in accordance with Stavka Order No. 170426. It was commanded by Colonel Pyotr Motovilov. After completing its formation, the division was deployed in the Caucasus, fighting in combat from 1 December. It was part of the 44th Army. On 26 December, the division landed in Crimea during the Battle of the Kerch peninsula. On 29 March, Colonel Mikhail Menshikov took command of the division. Colonel Dmitry Kuropatenko took command on 26 April. During the German offensive in May 1942, the division was destroyed. It was officially disbanded on 14 June 1942.

Composition

The division included the following units.