The “Cannon” Memorial Sign Dedicated to the 312th Rifle Division and the 101st Rifle Brigade

Historical Background

The “Cannon” memorial sign was installed in honour of the 312th Rifle Division and the 101st Rifle Brigade, whose formation was closely connected with the city of Aktobe. These military units played an important role during the Great Patriotic War.

The 312th Rifle Division was formed on Aktobe land and included soldiers from the region as well as representatives of different nationalities. The division was commanded by A. F. Naumov. The history of the 101st Rifle Brigade is also closely linked with Aktobe: in 1942, its young personnel underwent military training and prepared to be sent to the front.

This monument recalls the military history of the Aktobe Region, the contribution of local residents to Victory, and the patriotic spirit of the wartime generation.

Description of the Monument

The monument is designed as an independent architectural composition. It consists of a pedestal faced with grey marble, a section of red brick wall, and a ZIS-3 training cannon.

The red brick wall symbolically recalls a fortress wall and a battle flag. A ZIS-3 training cannon, approximately 7 metres long, is placed on the pedestal. The pedestal measures 6.24 x 2.64 x 1.1 m, while the wall measures 9 x 4 x 0.64 m. Memorial plaques are installed on both sides of the wall.

Together, the marble pedestal, brick wall and cannon image convey the ideas of military preparation, the courage of frontline soldiers and the people’s contribution to Victory.

Opening of the Monument

The memorial sign was installed in 1985. This period coincided with the 40th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War. The monument was created to honour the military units formed in Aktobe and to preserve the historical memory of the wartime years.

Why is this monument important?

This monument holds a special place in the military and historical memory of Aktobe. It was installed not merely as a display of military equipment, but as a sign of respect for the courage and sacrifice of an entire generation.

The history of the 312th Rifle Division and the 101st Rifle Brigade reflects the connection between the Aktobe Region and the front, the contribution of local residents to defending the homeland, and the importance of military mobilisation during the war. For this reason, the “Cannon” memorial sign is an important cultural site that promotes patriotism, preserves historical continuity and invites visitors to remember the victims and heroes of the war.

What to notice when looking at the monument
The first thing to notice is the cannon placed at the centre of the composition. It is the main symbol of the front, military training and fighting spirit.
The red brick wall recalls a military fortification and a battle flag. The grey marble pedestal gives the composition a solemn and memorial character. The plaques on both sides underline that this is not simply a decorative object, but a monument connected with specific historical events and military units.

Did you know?

This monument is not just a sculptural composition. At its centre is a piece of military equipment associated with the period of the Great Patriotic War — a ZIS-3 training cannon.

The image of the cannon recalls the preparation of military units formed in Aktobe. Today, this place is one of the city’s important memorial spaces, where flower-laying ceremonies and patriotic events are held around Defender of the Fatherland Day and Victory Day.

Main source:

1. Adilet Legal Information System of the Republic of Kazakhstan. State List of Historical and Cultural Monuments of Local Significance of the Aktobe Region:

Additional sources:

1. Official website of the Akimat of Aktobe Region. Material about the flower-laying ceremony held as part of the Day of Tribute to Heroism: