 The German resistance was strong and elements of Army Group Courland did not surrender to the Soviets until 8–9 May at the end of World War II in Europe.The division was part of 22nd Guards Rifle Corps, 6th Guards Army towards the end of the war on 1 May 1945.In 1947, it became the 44th Rifle Brigade at Vilnius, now with the 2nd Guards Rifle Corps.