3rd Armored Brigade (People's Republic of China)
| 3rd Tank Division (1950–98) 3rd Armored Division (1998–2011) 3rd Armored Brigade (2011-17) |
|
|---|---|
| Active | 1950.10.8 - 2017.4 |
| Country |
 China |
| Type | Armored |
| Size | Brigade |
| Part of | 39th Army before 2017 |
| Garrison/HQ | Siping, Jilin |
| Engagements | Korean War, Laotian Civil War, Sino-Soviet border conflict |
On October 8th, 1950, 3rd Tank Division(Chinese: 战车第3师) was formed in Siping, Jilin province from 1st Independent Division, Northwestern Military Region.
By then he division was composed of:
The division was equipped with 20 Japanese-made tanks, 6 Type 90 75 mm field gun and several trucks and vehicles and 6774 personnel.
In February 1951 the division received equipment from 2 tank self-propelled artillery regiments of Soviet Army: 60 T-34s, 12 IS-2s, 8 SU-122s, 4 T-34 tank tractors, 10 APCs, 13 repair vehicles and 100 automobiles.
On June 17th 1952, 3rd Tank Division moved into Korea to took part in the Korean War as a part of People's Volunteer Army(CPA). During its tour to Korea, it took part in 267 battles and engagements, destroyed or damaged 22 enemy tanks and 74 aircraft.
On March 24th 1953, the division was renamed as 3rd Tank Division(Chinese: 坦克第3师, note the change on Chinese characters).
During April to May 1954 the division pulled out of Korea and stayed in Siping. In November, the division was re-organized as a Army Tank Division of National Defense Force, receiving 61 more T-34s and IS-2s, and 10 light tanks to its reconnaissance battalion. The division was then composed of 5902 personnel.
In 1958 the division was re-organized as a independent tank division: all heavy tank companies and self-propelled artillery batteries were detached, and 3 more medium tank companies were attached. Motorized Infantry Regiment was renamed as Mechanized Infantry Regiment. Motorized Artillery Regiment was renamed as Howitzer Artillery Regiment.
By then he division was composed of:
The division was then equipped with 138 T-34s, 62 artillery pieces, 24 antiaircraft guns and 5803 personnel.
In October 1962 the division was re-organized as a tank division, adding its personnel to 7690.
From August to November 1965, the division received 138 Type 59 tanks to replace all T-34s.
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Wikipedia