In the Soviet Union, the division was assigned to defensive duty in the Bryansk sector from February 1942 to July 1943. On 8 May 1942, a new Artillery Regiment was formed from the forces of the 164th Infantry Division. In fall 1943, parts of the dissolved 321st Infantry Division were merged into the 211th Infantry Division. On 16 July 1943, the divisional commander Richard Müller was killed in action at the Battle of Kursk and subsequently replaced by Johann-Heinrich Eckhardt. The division participated in the Battle of Nevel in December 1943.