402nd Rifle Division (Soviet Union)

The 402nd Rifle Division was a Soviet Red Army infantry division formed during World War II. It was formed in August 1941 in the Transcaucasian Military District, based on the mobilization of the Azerbaijani population.

Formation and Early Service:

The division's initial formation was part of the Soviet Union's rapid military expansion following the German invasion in June 1941. Its primary mission was defense of the Caucasus region, particularly the strategically important oil fields around Baku. The division spent its initial period undergoing training and fortification work.

Combat History:

The 402nd Rifle Division participated in combat operations primarily on the Eastern Front. It fought in the Caucasus region during the intense fighting against German forces attempting to seize the oilfields. The division saw action during the Battle of the Caucasus, specifically participating in defensive and offensive operations against the German Army Group A. Later it would be involved in offensives pushing the German forces back.

The division distinguished itself in actions around various locations in the Caucasus, fighting in difficult terrain. It participated in operations to liberate areas occupied by the Germans.

Later Years:

The 402nd Rifle Division continued to serve in the Soviet Army following the end of World War II. Details regarding its specific role in the post-war period and its ultimate disbandment are somewhat limited in publicly available information, but it is known that many wartime divisions were either disbanded or reorganized in the immediate post-war years.