What was a Russian Shock Army?

The 3rd Shock Army (Russian: Третья ударная армия) was a field army of the Red Army formed during the Second World War. The “Shock” armies were created with the specific structure to engage and destroy significant enemy forces, and were reinforced with more armoured and artillery assets than other combined arms armies.

Why did the Soviet Union fight in ww2?

In an effort to demonstrate peaceful intentions toward Germany, on 13 April 1941, Stalin oversaw the signing of a neutrality pact with Japan. Since the Treaty of Portsmouth, Russia had been competing with Japan for spheres of influence in the Far East, where there was a power vacuum with the collapse of Imperial China.

What happened to the Soviet Army?

After the Soviet Union ceased to exist in December 1991, the Ground Forces remained under the command of the Commonwealth of Independent States until it was formally abolished on 14 February 1992….

Why are they called shock troops?

“Shock troop” is a loose translation of the German word Stoßtrupp. Military units which contain assault troops are typically organized for mobility with the intention that they will penetrate through enemy defenses and attack into the enemy’s vulnerable rear areas.

Why were Canadian troops called shock troops?

The Canadian Corps beat the enemy with a honed, combined-arms approach to battle, using all the weapons at their disposal. The Canadians had earned their reputation as shock troops, and they were widely recognized as one of the most effective fighting formations within the British Expeditionary Force.

Why did Germany invade the Soviet Union?

After the fall of France Hitler ordered plans to be drawn up for an invasion of the Soviet Union. He intended to destroy what he saw as Stalin’s ‘Jewish Bolshevist’ regime and establish Nazi hegemony.

How did Soviet shock armies break up German defenses?

Soviet shock armies were characterized by a higher allocation of army-level artillery units to break German defense positions by weight of fire, and often had heavy tank regiments or heavy self-propelled gun regiments to add additional direct fire-support.

What was the first Shock Army in WW2?

In accordance with prewar planning that saw shock armies as special penetration formations, the 1st Shock Army was formed in November–December 1941 to spearhead the December counteroffensive north of Moscow. A total of five shock armies were formed by the winter campaigns of 1942–43, the 2nd (former 26th Army), 3rd, and 4th (the former 27th Army).

How many times was the 2nd Shock Army reformed?

The 2nd Shock Army was reformed three times, most famously after being encircled in the Lyuban operation south of Leningrad, after which its commander, General Andrey Vlasov, went over to the German side. Armies which distinguished themselves in combat during the Great Patriotic War of 1941–45 often became Guards armies.

What are shock troops in the military?

Shock troops. Military units which contain assault troops are typically organized for mobility with the intention that they will penetrate enemy defences and attack into the enemy’s vulnerable rear areas. Any specialized, elite unit formed to fight an engagement via overwhelming assault (usually) would be considered shock troops,…