Rifle Division No. 186 was formed in 1939 and joined the combat in June 1941 near the Daugava river. However, resisting the division was retreating and got into beseige for three times but escaped after persistent battles. Having taken part in Moscow defence campaign the division followed the path of glory across Dnepr, Drut, Narev, Western Bug, Visula rivers and finally reached Berlin.
In August 1943 division 186 was awarded with the Order of Red Banner for bravery shown in the battle of Orel.
The division took part in Bagration operation.
During the Lublin–Brest Offensive the devision took Brest on 28th of July 1944. The reward for this deed was an Order of Kutuzov and name after Brest. The division was a part of Army No. 65 led by general P.I. Batov. Together they crossed the Bug river, retook Warsaw, broke through to Dantsig and Gdynia, took part in carrying these cities by assault.
During the Battle of Berlin, the division took one of the most important positions of the front. At night on 15th of April 1945 the division reconnaissance group started a forced crossing of the East-Oder. In one rapid leap they overcame the water obstacle and took the dike on the Western bank. The opponent tried to apply a counter attack for three times, nonetheless the attempts were repelled. On the 24th of April the reconnaissance group cooperated with the division first echelon regiment, had fire preparation, crossed West-Oder on boats and took the lodgement. On the 25th of April Stettin was taken. The army continued to advance and reached Schwerin, Bart and Rostock.
