Russian KV1 markings

Russian KV1 markings KV 2 Tank Markings

While digging through looking fir some research pictures in one of my zip drives,  came across some eastern front 1942-43 KV1 and KV2 tank unit document. Some time ago I come across a piece I found on the net somewhere and I have edited it and added extra unit detail from my research pulling together a document I will continue to update as I can. Hopefully it will be useful to the Russian ww2 modellers and wargamers out there. 

I originally put it together three years ago when I was modelling some vehicles, and looking at the confusing mess of guards and non guard units. 

I love KV1 and KV2 tanks, but the markings have always been a puzzle, particularly KV2 as I have seen none in any photos of the Corps or brigade markings . 

I plan to add some photos of vehicles with the markings to give a visual reference also. Do not hold your breath as this is a working document at the moment and may be a year or two from completion. 

In order to more easily control and identify fighting and transport vehicles, the Commander of the Army's Armoured Forces Semyon Krivoshein gave the following order: For heavy tank units, the introduction the following identification marks:

 
1st Tank Corps : Rhombus
Each tank should be marked with a sequential number.
The numbers for tanks in the 1st Tank Corps: 1-210 unknown how allocated
1st tank corps wheeled transport, the following ranges: 1st Tank Corps: 1-600 (unknown how allocated)
Each brigade should have 70 numbers reserved, starting with the number of the brigade. The letter code should be the numerator and the number code should be the denominator inside the outline.

1st Guards Mechanized Rifle Brigade
2nd Guards Mechanized Rifle Brigade
3rd Guards Mechanized Rifle Brigade
16, 17, 18, 19 Guards Tank Regiments (combined into the 9th Guards Tank Brigade by 1945)

8th Guards Mechanised corps (raised October 43): Rhombus


26th Tank Corps (becomes the 1st Guards Tank Corps 8th December 1942) A Circle
A Circle in white paint on the side and rear of the turret. Each tank should also be marked with a sequential number. The 26th Tank corps numbers allocated were 280-490. Each brigade should have 70 numbers reserved, starting with the number of the brigade. The letter code should be the numerator (top) and the number code should be the denominator (bottom) inside the outline of the circle.

26th Tank Corps wheeled transport, establish the following ranges:: 750-1200 (unknown how allocated)

19th Tank Brigade (becomes the 16th guards tank brigade on 8th December 1942): ?

157th Tank Brigade (becomes the 17th guards tank brigade on 8th December 1942): Ж

216th Tank Brigade (becomes the 15th guards tank brigade on 8th December 1942): З


14th Motor Rifle Brigade (becomes the 1st guards rifle brigade on 8th December 1942)?


4th Tank Corps: (becomes the 5th guards tank corps in Feb 43) Square
A Square drawn on in white paint on the side and rear of the turret. The size of the marks is 50 cm, with a 5 cm thick outline. 4 Tank Corps tank numbers allocated: 4th Tank Corps: 490-700 unknown how allocated.  Each brigade should have 70 numbers reserved, starting with the number of the brigade. The letter code should be the numerator and the number code should be the denominator inside the outline.

4th tank corps wheeled transport 1200-1600

Assign the following letters to brigades:
89th Tank Brigade: А
117th Tank Brigade: Б
158th Tank Brigade:
159th Tank Brigade: В

 
3rd Guards Tank Brigade: Г

3rd Guards Tank Brigade tanks allocated numbers: 210-280

3rd Guards Tank Brigade wheeled transport: 600-750

 

44th Motor Brigade: Д
29th Tank Brigade: Е
14th Motor Brigade: И
45th Tank Brigade: К
69th Tank Brigade: Л
102nd Tank Brigade: М
4th Motor Brigade: Н
22nd Motor Brigade: О
1st Guards .TP: П
2nd Guards TP: Р
4th Guards TP: С

Yet to be place and labeled 
133rd Tank Brigade (11th Guards tank Brigade)
16th Guards tank Brigade
20th heavy tank brigade (46th Guards Separate Heavy tank assault regiment)
25th Guards Tank Brigade
15th Tank Brigade
4580th Separate Heavy Tank Battalion
13th Heavy Tank Regiment
4th Tank Brigade
89th Separate Heavy Tank Battalion
57th Guards Separate Heavy Tank regiment
178th Tank Brigade
6th Guards Tank Brigade
220th Tank Brigade
1st Tank Division
5th Tank Division
53rd Guards Tank brigade
178th Tank Brigade
4th Tank Brigade
16th Tank Brigade
13th Guards Separate Heavy Tank Regiment
23rd Tank Brigade
47th Tank Brigade
36th Guards Tank Brigade

 
cheers
Matt