Home Page of the 2nd Guards Rifle Division

OUR BEGINNING: The 2nd Guards Rifle Division (We represent the 1st Guards Rifle regiment) is a Living History Society whose members are dedicated to representing an accurate portrayal of the men and women that served with the Red Army in the Great Patriotic War, 1941 - 1945. The Unit was formed in the late 1980s by a few enthusiasts whose interest lay in the War on the Eastern Front.
In those early days getting kitted out and looking authentic in wartime Soviet uniforms and equipment was very difficult but the unit has come along way since those days.

THE RED ARMY: The Red Army were taken by surprise when the Wehrmact invaded the Soviet Union on 22nd June 1941. The German Blitzkrieg pushed the Red Army back. but not before losing huge numbers of troops as the enemy encircled and captured Divisions and Armies alike. The Wehrmact reached the out skirts of Moscow but were beaten back by Red Army Siberian troops.

In August 1943 Hitler directed the 4th Panzer Army towards Stalingrad. The Red Army & Red Navy defenders made the German 6th Army, who held most of the city, pay a high price as they defended and fought for every street, every house and every room.
The Red Army and Navy defenders were supplied with reenforcements, weapons and supplies from across the river Volga and were able to contain the 6th Army. The Red Army eventually surrounded the German 6th Army who surrendered with their 'Allies' on 2nd February 1943. Over two German armies were destroyed and wiped from the order of battle. Now the Red Army went over to the offensive.

After Stalingrad the Wehrmact attacked the area around Prokhovkha near Kursk in July 1943. The Red Army was ready for this massive battle which was and still is the largest tank battle ever fought.
The battle lasted two weeks and consisted of more than a million troops, hundreds of thousands Armoured vehicles and thousands of Aircraft. After two weeks of attrition with both sides taking heavy losses, the Germans retreated, they had lost many troops, Armoured vehicles and command of the skies, from then on the Germans were retreating!
'After Stalingrad the Russians knew that the Germans could be beaten, After Kursk, they knew that they would win'

ABOUT US:
The 2nd GUARDS RIFLE DIVISION is the single largest Red Army re-enactment group in the UK and Europe, who Boast over 60 members!
We participate in a number of Living History events at military shows nationwide and throughout the year. Much of the uniforms and equipment items are of original Soviet issue in order to maintain a high level of authenticity, and new members are given advice on acquiring uniforms and equipment from a number of sources , see our Links page.

Unit member receives a bi-monthly newsletter the KZ is named Red Star. We participate in a number events through out the year and some involve our participation in a public battle display. We also have annual unit trips abroad which have included Russia, Finland, Czech Republic and Germany. Click on our Video Page and view event footage.

Click here to Join the 2nd GUARDS RIFLE DIVISION

The 2nd Guards Rifle Division is a friendly reenactment group who represent the Red Army of the Great Patriotic War - 1941 - 1945. The unit has been established for over twenty years and has a strong growing membership and attend quality shows.
You may be the young amounst us or the experienced in life so why not come along a join us or visit us at one of our events. Contact us before an event then we may be able to loan you Red Army uniform and equipment for the weekend!

1. Visit the EVENTS page to see where the unit will be in 2010.

2. The HISTORY page gives you the beginings and present history of the
2nd Guards Rifle Division.

3. GALLERY1 has all the pictures that were taken at our events.

4. GALLERIES 2, 3 and 4 are picture galleries.

5. EQUIPMENT 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 gives details on Red Army equipment
that Red Army troops used.

6. The LINKS page gives you links to web sites that may be of use to you.

7. The ESSENTIALS page is for the new amounst us. You can learn what to buy and wear without making mistakes.

8. The SUPPLEMENTS page informs unit members of the details of the forthcoming event, such as the directions, the scenario and uniform to wear etc.

9. DESKTOP pictures are for you to download onto your desktop, more are being added.

10. Click the VIDEO button for video footage taken at events via 'you tube'.

11. The RANK Insignia page gives you all the Red Army ranks during the Great Patriotic War.
From the early Insignia, the Obr35 to the Obr 43 insignia.

12. The AWARDS page shows the medals and awards open to all unit members who show committment and dedication.