Battle of Nalchik in Oct 1942

[Kelvin]

Hello, everyone, battle of Nalchik (25-26 Oct 1942) was called the largest encirclement battle in Caucasus campaign of 1942. Soviet 37th Army was encircled near Nalchik by 13. and 23.Pz.Division and Romanian 2nd Mountain division, and lost 11000 POW to German

And 37th Army had five divisions on 01st Oct 1942 : 151,275,295 and 392th Rifle divisions and 11th NKVD division, but on 01st November 1942 OOB, she only had 275, 295 RD and 11 NKVD division left, may i ask if 151 and 392 RD were annhilated or captured in Nalchik Pocket ? thank

[FredT]

It also had 2nd Guards RD, which absorbed the survivors of 11 NKVD.

151 RD was pulled back into reserve. The 13 Dec 1942 Soviet situation map shows it in Podgorny just NW of Grozny. The 19 Dec 1942 map shows it in reserve north of the Terek. The 26 Dec 1942 map shows it on the north flank with 4th Guards Cavalry Corps.

392 RD disappears until January 1943 where it's part of 45th Army on the Turkish border.

[Kelvin]

It also had 2nd Guards RD, which absorbed the survivors of 11 NKVD.

151 RD was pulled back into reserve. The 13 Dec 1942 Soviet situation map shows it in Podgorny just NW of Grozny. The 19 Dec 1942 map shows it in reserve north of the Terek. The 26 Dec 1942 map shows it on the north flank with 4th Guards Cavalry Corps.

392 RD disappears until January 1943 where it's part of 45th Army on the Turkish border.

Hello, FredT, thank for your detailed information. It seemed like both 151st and 392nd Rifle divisions were mauled heavily as they turned into reserve and disappeared.

But if 2nd Guard Rifle Division absorbed the remnant of 11th NKVD, is it mean the latter was destroyed at Nalchik ? thank

[Art]

151 Rifle Division was withdrawn from the frontline for replenimshment and reorganization starting from 24 October 1942 and by early November was having rest in the region of Grozny.

392 Rifle Division was cut off by German advance and in early November retreated to Georgia crossing the Main Caucasian Range. It took with it among other things 12 tons of molybdenum from local ores.

[FredT]

11 NKVD is still shown on the front line through 28 Dec 1942 and is gone on 4 January 1943. On 15 Dec 1942 it was down to 1170 men.

[Kelvin]

Hi, Art and FredT, thank for your both additional information.

[AMVAS]

Hi
I think this map can help a bit

Карта положения войск СГВ с 25 по 31.10.42 г.
Описывает период с 25.10.1942 по 31.10.1942 г.
Карты. Дата создания документа: 31.10.1942 г.
Архив: ЦАМО, Фонд: 47, Опись: 1063, Дело: 284
Авторы документа: ЗакФ (II ф.)

https://pamyat-naroda.ru/documents/view ... arti:shemi

[FORBIN Yves]

Very good !