20th Mechanized Corps (Soviet Union)
| 20th Mechanized Corps | |
|---|---|
| Active | 1941 |
| Country | Soviet Union |
| Branch | Red Army |
| Type | Mechanized corps |
| Engagements | |
| Commanders | |
| Notable commanders |
Nikolai Vedeneyev |
The 20th Mechanized Corps (Military Unit Number 2802) was a mechanized corps of the Red Army. Formed in March 1941, the corps was almost entirely destroyed in the Battle of Białystok–Minsk and the Battle of Smolensk, in which it defended Mogilev.
The 20th Mechanized Corps was formed in March and April 1941 from elements of the 4th Don Cossack Cavalry Division and the Borisov Automobile, Tank, and Cavalry Schools. Corps headquarters was located in Borisov. It included the 26th and 38th Tank Divisions, and the 210th Motorized Division. The 26th Tank Division was located at Krasnoye Urochishche, the 38th Tank Division at Novoborisov, and the 210th Motorized Division at Osipovichi. The corps was commanded by Major General Andrei Nikitin.
On 22 June, Germany invaded the Soviet Union in Operation Barbarossa. The corps fought in the Battle of Białystok–Minsk. The corps was not yet fully formed and was at cadre strength. Between 22 and 27 June the corps fought in battles in the Minsk area, unsuccessfully attempting to stop the German advance towards the city. On 26 June it was ordered to conduct a counterattack with the 4th Airborne Corps at Slutsk. The corps attacked with its 93 outdated light tanks (80 T-26 tanks and 13 BT tanks) and the 4th Airborne Corps advanced on foot instead of conducting an air assault due to a lack of transport aircraft. Both units were unable to stop the German advance. On 30 June the Svisloch Railroad Bridge, defended by the 4th Airborne Corps, was captured by the 4th Panzer Division, cutting off most of the 20th Mechanized Corps and a 4th Airborne Corps brigade. The corps and other remnants of Soviet units delayed the advance of the XXXXVI Motorized Corps with their resistance.
...
Wikipedia