50th Rifle Division (Soviet Union)

The 50th Rifle Division was a Red Army infantry division that existed in several formations between 1936 and 1945.

1st Formation: The first formation was created in 1936 as part of the Belarusian Military District. It participated in the Soviet invasion of Poland in 1939 and the Winter War against Finland. In June 1941, at the start of Operation Barbarossa, it was part of the 13th Army, Western Front. The division was heavily engaged in the Battle of Białystok–Minsk and suffered heavy losses, leading to its disbandment in August 1941.

2nd Formation: A second formation was established in December 1941 in the Moscow Military District. It was then assigned to the 3rd Shock Army, Kalinin Front. The division participated in the Toropets–Kholm Offensive in early 1942 and subsequent defensive battles. It continued to serve on the Northwestern Front until late 1943.

3rd Formation: The division was reformed again in late 1943, absorbing remnants of other units. It fought as part of the 69th Army on the 1st Belorussian Front. The 50th Rifle Division participated in Operation Bagration in the summer of 1944, contributing to the liberation of Belarus and advancing into Poland. The division participated in the Vistula-Oder Offensive and the Battle of Berlin in 1945.

Following the end of World War II in Europe, the 50th Rifle Division was disbanded. Throughout its existence, the division received various commendations for its performance in combat. Its wartime service reflected the typical experiences of a Red Army rifle division: initial defeats and heavy casualties followed by participation in major offensive operations as the Soviet Union turned the tide against Nazi Germany.