In December 1941, the Ivanovo Communist Division of the People's Militia was renamed the 49th Rifle Division. In March 1942, the division was sent to the Moscow Defense Zone and remained there until August. It was then transferred to the 8th Reserve Army, which soon became the 66th Army. The division fought at the Barrikady Factory during Operation Uranus. It also participated in Operation Koltso during January 1943. The division was then withdrawn from the front to rebuild and sent to the 16th Army in February. In April, the division was moved to the 50th Army. During July, it fought in Operation Kutuzov. From August, it fought in Operation Suvorov with the 10th Army. The division fought in the capture of Roslavl in September. For its actions, it was awarded the honorific "Roslavl" on 25 September.