Headquartered in Rostov-on-Don, the division included units in Novocherkassk, Taganrog, and Zernograd.

In June 1941 it became part of the 19th Army, formed in the North Caucasus Military District under General Lieutenant Ivan Konev.

Recreated at Alma Ata in January 1942, fought at Stalingrad and became 73rd Guards Rifle Division in March 1943.

Created again at Kutaisi 4.43, fought on the Dnieper River and at Targul Frumos.

The division was disbanded in the summer of 1945 in the Southern Group of Forces.