Russian Division

[Glenn Warnes]

What was the story behind the Russian Division fighting on the western front?

Were they successful and what particular unit was it

[Dolphin]

Spider

You might like to look for a copy of With Snow on Their Boots by Jamie Cockfield, ISBN 0 312 22082 0. It's a good account of the two Russian Brigades, the 1st and 3rd, who were sent to serve in France (as part of a 'soldiers for shells' exchange with the French) and their eventual fate.

In essence, the troops fought well on the Western Front, but their morale was severely undermined by their experiences during the Nivelle Offensive and by events back in Russia. As a consequence they were assessed as being not entirely reliable. The 1st Brigade was sympathetic to the Revolution while the 3rd Brigade was less so. Perhaps influenced by similar events in the French Army, the 1st Brigade mutinied and took over their camp at La Courtine. Eventually the 3rd Brigade and French troops overwhelmed the rebels.

Some of the Russians then joined the French Moroccan Division, while most of their compatriots were exiled to North Africa until repatriation after the Armistice.

I hope this is useful.

Gareth