Pavel Rotmistrov

Chief Marshal of Armoured Troops Pavel Alexeyevich Rotmistrov (Павел Алексеевич Ротмистров) (6 July 1901, Skovorovo – 6 April 1982) was a commander of armoured troops in the Red Army during and following World War II.

Pre-War
Rotmistrov joined the Red Army in 1919, and served during the Russian Civil War, during which he was involved in the suppression of the Kronstadt Rebellion and in the Polish Soviet War. He commanded a platoon and later rifle company in 31st Rifle Regiment of 11th Rifle Division. In 1928 he entered Frunze Military Academy. From 1937 to 1940 he was an instructor at the Moscow Higher Military Academy. In May 1941 he became Chief of Staff of the 3rd Mechanised Corps.

Second World War
He commanded 5th Guards Tank Army in the Battle of Kursk, and in Operation Bagration. He was removed from command following Bagration, and became deputy head of armoured troops at the General Staff. It is possible that the high losses incurred by 5th Guards Tank Army at the Battle of Minsk led to his removal from command. It is notable that he never held an active unit command again. He was promoted to general colonel in October 1943 and became the first Marshal of Armoured Troops in February 1944.

Post-War
Following the war he commanded the mechanized forces of the Group of Soviet Forces in Germany, and he became a Deputy to the Supreme Soviet and an assistant minister of defense. He became the first Chief Marshal of Armoured Troops on 28 April 1962.