Soviet Guards Heavy Tank Regiment
Not all Guards Heavy Tank Regiments were equipped with the IS-2 heavy tank during 1944. Many regiments were still armed with KV-1e, KV-1s, KV-85, KV2 and Churchill heavy tanks.
These older equipped units were still engaged in action and fought well, their thick armour still giving them ample protection from most German guns.
However, as the year went on more and more Guards Heavy Tank Regiments were re-equipped with the IS-2 heavy tank, with only a few regiments left with older equipment by the end of 1944.
26th Guards Heavy Tank Regiment
The 26th Guards Heavy Tank Regiment was formed in January 1943 with KV-1 tanks, but did not enter action until July 1943 with the 61st Army. The regiment spent spring and most of 1944 in reserve before it was re-equipped with IS-2 tanks in December 1944. In 1945 the regiment served with the 21st Army.