The division was mobilized in August 1939 and joined the XIV Corps of the German 10th Army for the invasion of Poland. It took part in the encirclement of Polish forces at Radom, Poland and committed the Massacre in Ciepielow.
In December 1939 it was transferred to the west. During the invasion of France it joined the 16th Army. As a strategic reserve it was used during the drive for the English Channel. After the Dunkirk evacuation it joined Guderians Panzergruppe (Heinz Guderian) for a speedy advance through eastern France. It was then employed in occupation duties in eastern France until early 1941.
Taking part in Operation Barbarossa it was attached to the German 4th Army and took part in a number of actions against isolated Soviet formations at Minsk, Smolensk and Bryansk. It was then sent to support Guderians Panzer Army near Tula. The division lost most of its vehicles and many killed and captured during the retreat from Moscow at Mordves, south of Kashira in the Moscow oblast. In 1942 it spent the first 6 months in action near Orel and then in July 1942 was assigned to the German 6th Army as part of Army Group South. By August 1942 it was near Stalingrad and took part in the bitter battles in the Southern part of that city.
In early 1943 the division found itself surrounded and facing west against the Soviet forces. A report on the 28th December noted that 6 of its 8 battalions were combat capable and it still had 30 guns, but only 3 operational anti-tank weapons. On the 21st January 1943 it was attacked by the Soviet 21st Army, and destroyed as part of the Battle of Stalingrad.
Home
Search
Calendar
Login
Register