The KV-1 (M1940)
early models came with a welded turret and eventually a cast turret with rounded corners. Both models
came with 90mm thick hulls and extra 40mm plates bolted to the front and sides. This gave a total of up to
130mm front hull and the turret now was 92 - 110mm thick. All this extra armor increased the weight by 2
tons and ended up costing them speed and agility. The M1940 model now had more machine guns and a
new main cannon.
The 124th Guard Tank Brigade
was created in 1941 from what was left of the 24th Tank Division. One notable action by the 124th was
when Jr. Lt. Fyodor Fomin ‘s KV-1 became disabled in a swamp near Leningrad. The area was behind
enemy lines and the crew fought for six consecutive days while repairing the tank. Not only did they
manage to save their own vehicle but also they towed a damaged tank to Soviet lines. Fomin received a
special note and became a Hero of the Soviet Union.