Russia – Soviet: A Relief of Leningrad Order of the Patriotic War 2nd Class awarded to Red Army Soldier Ilya Dmitrievich Britvin, a Gunlayer, 120mm Mortar, 160th Artillery Regiment, 224th Rifle Division for exemplary reconnaissance of the enemy and delivery of a captured German on 15th January 1943. On 27th January 1943, he was severely wounded by fragments in the right forearm resulting in its subsequent amputation from the upper third. He would subsequently find work as a chairman of a Kholkoz in Vologda Oblast.
Order of the Patriotic War 2nd Class, the reverse numbered 199933
Condition: Good Very Fine
Ilya Dmitrievich Britvin was born in the village of Zhar, Kosmarevsky selsovet, Nyuksenky District, Vologda Oblast in 1906. A Russian national, he attained an elementary education and joined the Red Army in May 1941 and he would go on to see service on the Leningrad Front during December 1942 and January 1943.
This would be Britvin’s sole award, issued to him by decree of the Supreme Soviet on 4th May 1945. Noted as a Red Army Soldier and Gunlayer of a 120mm Mortar, 160th Artillery Regiment, 224th Rifle Division the recommendation states:
‘He took part in battles on the Leningrad Front over the course of 2 months. For exemplary reconnaissance of the enemy and delivery of a captured German on 15th January 1943, he received a certificate of gratitude from the Regimental Commander. In battle with the German invaders on 27th January 1943, he was severely wounded by fragments in the right forearm with splintering of the bone and subsequent amputation of the upper third of the right forearm. By decision of the medical commission of Evacuation Hospital 1498 of 25th June 1943, he was declared unfit for military service, with removal from registration. He is an Invalid of the Patriotic War, 2nd Group. He works as chairman of the ‘Bratstvo’ Kolkhoz. He is conscientious in his work. He led the Kolkhoz ahead of the rest to be one of the foremost in the selsovet.
For participation in battles with the German invaders and suffering severe wounds in the process, I motion for awarding Red Army Soldier Britvin, Ilya Dmitrievich the Medal for Combat Merits. The wound is confirmed by a certificate and the personal deeds recorded from his oral statement.’
In October 1946, Britvin is noted as living in the village of Malaya Selmenga, Kosmatevsky selsovet, Nyuksenky District, Vologda Oblast whilst working as a Foreman in the Bratstvo Kolkhoz there.
