The unit was formed at Novocherkassk in the North Caucasus Military District from reservists and the cavalry depots in the district's cavalry training grounds.
In July and August 1941 the group and the division raided into the rear areas and flanks of the German 2nd Army and 2nd Panzer Group south of Smolensk.
The division was on the southern edge of the German offensive against the Western Front.
[1] Assigned to the Southwestern Front reserves in October and November.
The continuous fighting in October and November wore down all the units in the front and replacements had to be found for them.