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Author: Gustavo Uruena A
Publisher: Createspace Independent Publishing Platform
ISBN: 9781537707020
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 302
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Book Description
15th Light Division The division that was later to become 21st Panzer Division had a very modest birth indeed. As originally conceived the special blocking force was seen as having an anti-tank and defence function. It was to be made up mainly from elements drawn from 3rd Panzer Division, which had been the formation originally earmarked for North Africa back in the summer of 1940. There was no intention at this stage of sending a full-strength panzer division. The first unit designated to to move was 39th Panzerjager (anti-tank) Battalion from 3rd Panzer Division. This was a motorized unit with halftracks and trucks towing anti-tank guns, three companies each with nine PAK 36 37mm guns and two PAK 50mm guns. However, events already dictated that an armour, reconnaissance and infantry presence would be needed. 5th Panzer Regiment of 3rd Panzer Division was chosen as the armour element, having at the time an under-strength establishment of 20 PzKpfw IVs, 75 PzKpfw IIIs, 45 PzKpfw IIs and 25 Pzkpfw 1 Ausf B tanks (including command and observation vehicles). Also from 3rd Panzer Division came 3rd Reconnaissance (Aufklarung) Battalion with a light and heavy armoured car company, a motorcycle company and heavy weapons support platoons. Even this was under strength, for one of the light armoured car platoons had VW Kubelwagens substituted. The infantry element was 200th Rifle (Schutzen) Regiment from 3rd Panzer Division, and artillery support came from one battalion only of 75th Artillery Regiment, also from 3rd Panzer. Divisional staff was drawn from the staff of 3rd Panzer Brigade within 3rd Panzer Division, the chief staff officer (Ia) being Major Mauser and the intelligence officer (Ic) being Hauptmann von Kluge. To these ex-3rd Panzer Division units were added army troops from various depots and formations comprising 606th Flak Battalion (with 20mm guns), 605th Panzerjager Battalion with three companies each of nine 4.7cm PAK(t)(Sf) auf PzKpfw I Ausf B-an ex-Czech 47mm anti-tank gun on a PzKpfw I Ausf B chassis - plus the 2nd and 8th Machine Gun Battalions."
Author: Gustavo Uruena A
Publisher: Createspace Independent Publishing Platform
ISBN: 9781537707020
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 302
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Book Description
15th Light Division The division that was later to become 21st Panzer Division had a very modest birth indeed. As originally conceived the special blocking force was seen as having an anti-tank and defence function. It was to be made up mainly from elements drawn from 3rd Panzer Division, which had been the formation originally earmarked for North Africa back in the summer of 1940. There was no intention at this stage of sending a full-strength panzer division. The first unit designated to to move was 39th Panzerjager (anti-tank) Battalion from 3rd Panzer Division. This was a motorized unit with halftracks and trucks towing anti-tank guns, three companies each with nine PAK 36 37mm guns and two PAK 50mm guns. However, events already dictated that an armour, reconnaissance and infantry presence would be needed. 5th Panzer Regiment of 3rd Panzer Division was chosen as the armour element, having at the time an under-strength establishment of 20 PzKpfw IVs, 75 PzKpfw IIIs, 45 PzKpfw IIs and 25 Pzkpfw 1 Ausf B tanks (including command and observation vehicles). Also from 3rd Panzer Division came 3rd Reconnaissance (Aufklarung) Battalion with a light and heavy armoured car company, a motorcycle company and heavy weapons support platoons. Even this was under strength, for one of the light armoured car platoons had VW Kubelwagens substituted. The infantry element was 200th Rifle (Schutzen) Regiment from 3rd Panzer Division, and artillery support came from one battalion only of 75th Artillery Regiment, also from 3rd Panzer. Divisional staff was drawn from the staff of 3rd Panzer Brigade within 3rd Panzer Division, the chief staff officer (Ia) being Major Mauser and the intelligence officer (Ic) being Hauptmann von Kluge. To these ex-3rd Panzer Division units were added army troops from various depots and formations comprising 606th Flak Battalion (with 20mm guns), 605th Panzerjager Battalion with three companies each of nine 4.7cm PAK(t)(Sf) auf PzKpfw I Ausf B-an ex-Czech 47mm anti-tank gun on a PzKpfw I Ausf B chassis - plus the 2nd and 8th Machine Gun Battalions."
Author: Werner Kortenhaus
Publisher: Helion
ISBN: 9781912174140
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages :
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Book Description
For years, one of the most essential sources for study of the Normandy invasion was known only to a select few and nearly unobtainable even to those who knew of its existence. It has never before been translated. None of the major English language histories of the Normandy Invasion refer to it, even though it is the history of the only German armored division that was in place in the Caen area at the moment of the invasion. It reveals key facts that are missing elsewhere. At long last, Werner Kortenhaus' history of the 21st Panzer Division has been published in English. Kortenhaus's account of the division's subsequent commitment, in the Lorraine - Saar Region - Alsace area provides intriguing detail on this little known sector as the southern wing of Patton's 3rd Army strove for the Upper Rhine area of Germany. The last section follows the division after its hasty transfer to the Oder Front, facing the final Russian onslaught on Berlin. In revising and updating his account, originally released in two massive typed volumes, Die Schlalcht um Caen, 1944, Caumont, Falaise Seine, der Einsatz der 21. Panzer Division" in 1989 and "Lothringen Elsa, der Ostfront, der Einsatz der 21. Panzer Division" in 1990, Werner Kortenhaus has exhaustively researched all available sources in German, French and English to supplement his own experiences and those of his fellows and the many individuals whom he interviewed. The result is a seamless account of the Normandy invasion in the British sector from the German viewpoint that sheds new light on many controversial issues. The account continues, following the division and surrounding events during the retreat to the Seine and the division's later commitment in Alsace - Lorraine and, finally, on the Oder Front against the Soviet Union, and its eventual demise in the horrors of the Halbe pocket. The account is not restricted to the history of the 21st Panzer Division, but includes detailed analysis and exposition of actions of adjoining divisions and of the larger picture, from the German viewpoint. Elements of the 21st Panzer Division were committed separately prior to the Normandy invasion on both sides of the River Orne, in the vicinity of Caen. Although the 21st Panzer Division was the only German armored division stationed in the Caen area, it stood by in frustration with engines running for hours awaiting orders for action. Even then it was handicapped by its prior dispersed commitment. Elements of the 21st Panzer Division fought against the British airborne force at Pegasus Bridge, while other elements launched a counterattack that almost reached Sword Beach. The division's Kampfgruppe von Luck was a major part of the German defense east of the Orne. North of Caen, to the west of the Orne, along with the 12th SS-Hitler Jugend Panzer Division the 21st Panzer Division blocked the unrelenting British frontal attacks on Caen that culminated in "Operation Charnwood. The division subsequently played a major role in halting the British assault east of Caen, "Operation Goodwood," short of its final objectives. The division was then shifted westward where remnants of the division then defended against Montgomery's "Operation Bluecoat" that resulted in the final British Breakthrough on their western flank as the Americans broke through to Avranche and beyond. As the German counterattack at Mortain failed and allied forces moved toward encircling the German Fifth Panzer Army and Seventh Army, the 21st Panzer Division was shifted again and attached to the I SS-Panzer Korps. Its two combat groups were separated by the advance of the II Canadian Corps, Kampfgruppe Rauch and elements of Panzer Aufklarungs Abteilung 21 ending up inside the Falaise Pocket, Kampfgruppe von Luck on the outside. Following the retreat to the Seine, the reconstituted, but much depleted, 21st Panzer Division then fought in Lorraine against Patton's 3rd Army. As one of the few armored divisions not included in Hitler's build up of forces for the impending Ardennes Offensive, the division became a "fire brigade," shifted from one hot spot to another, constantly counter attacking as the German front was forced back from Lorraine into the Saar region and then into Alsace. Kortenhaus presents an unusual and detailed insight into the "poor man's war" against the southern arm of Patton's thrust through the Saar region to the upper Rhine, as a few hard-pressed remnant formations tried to "hold the line" while the bulk of the remaining German forces were massed and reconstituted for Hitler's last great offensive in the Ardennes. As the Ardennes operation failed, the 21st Panzer Division took part in "Operation Nordwind" and fought on in Alsace, until the Russian assault over the Vistula shattered the frail German Eastern Front. Within a matter of weeks the Russian forces reached the Oder and broke into East Prussia and Silesia. On 31 January 1945 Hitler ordered that the 21st Panzer Division be pulled out of Alsace and dispatched in extreme haste to the Eastern Front in the Kustrin area. A mere shadow of even what it was when it entered the fighting in Lorraine, the division established contact with the garrison of "Fortress Kustrin" before it was, again, hastily shifted south into northern Silesia in the Sagan - Bunzlau area on the Lausitzer Neie River. After initial eventful fighting the division fell back to the west bank of the Lausitzer Neie River, where it dug in. As the Russian offensive focused on other sectors, the defensive line along the Lausitzer Neie River was successfully held by the 4th Panzer Armee until mid-February 1945. / While the Russians concentrated forces for their last offensive, the "Battle of Berlin," the Oder Front remained relatively quiet, except on the boundary between the 4th Panzer Armee and 17th Armee, where the "Battle for Lauban" developed as the last major offensive of the German Army. A combat group and command staff from the 21st Panzer Division took part in the offensive, which, while successful, faded into insignificance in comparison with the magnitude of Russian forces. Faced with the concentration of the Soviet forces for the final offensive on Berlin, the German Supreme Command repositioned forces, transferring the 21st Panzer Division to the Weiwasser - Spremberg area, on the left wing of the 4th Panzer Armee, of Heeresgruppe Mitte, initially as Armee reserve. The division was ordered to dig in in the "Mathilda" Position, in the German second line of defense. Marshal Koniev's 1st Ukrainian Front launched its final offensive as the last elements of the division arrived. The division was quickly drawn into the fighting. Fighting in desperate defense, the division fell back on Cottbus. The Russian breakthrough in the area between Spremberg and Cottbus split the German V Armee Korps, including the 21st Panzer Division, off from the left wing of the 4th Panzer Armee/Heeresgruppe Mitte, forcing it to the north, into the sector of Heeresgruppe Weichsel, where it was attached to the German 9th Armee. The division met its end as the 9th Armee was cut off and destroyed in the Halbe Pocket, while Russian forces fought within the city of Berlin. Helion's English edition includes a significant number of rare photographs and many maps. Werner Kortenhaus' study represents a significant contribution to English language material available regarding a Heer panzer division, besides its extensive coverage of German armoured operations in Normandy, Lorraine, Alsace and elsewhere.
Author: Chris Ellis
Publisher: Ian Allan Publishing
ISBN:
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 108
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Book Description
The new Spearhead series is designed to look at the cutting edge of war, dealing with units capable of operating completely independently in the forefront of battle. Each volume in the series examines a historic unit's origins, history, organization, order of battle, battle history, insignia and markings. The 21st Panzer Division gained greatest fame in North Africa, but also served in Normandy and on the Russian Front. Each Spearhead title includes an evaluation of the units combat effectiveness as seen by the unit, its opponents and subsequent researchers, and a research section including a bibliography and a listing of museums, websites, re-enactment groups and memorials.
Author: Jean-Claude Perrigault
Publisher: Heimdal
ISBN: 9782840481577
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 527
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Book Description
In February 1941, the German High Command decided to dispatch an expeditionary force to north Africa in support of the Italian forces which were in a difficult situation against the British. This contingent included elements that a few months later were to form the 5th Light Division, and in 1942, the 21st Panzer-Division. As the keystone of the Deutsches Afrika Korps, this division was involved in the hardest battles in that theater of operations until it was finally driven out of the continent of Africa along with the rest of the Axis forces in May 1943. A new division was then formed in France from the surviving elements. Poorly equipped, partly with old models of French and German tanks, the division showed great initiative in turning these salvaged vehicles into formidable fighting weapons. On 6 June 1944, 21st Panzer-Division was the first German armored formation to be launched in a counter-attack against the Allied landings in Normandy. After getting as far as the coast, the division was forced back. However its action on D-Day held up British troops' attempts to capture the city of Caen for a whole month. It was almost wiped out in the British offensive west of Caen on 18 July 1944, but fought on in the hedgerows before retiring eastwards across France. Following the failed German counter-attack in Alsace in 1945, the division was transferred to the eastern front where it was annihilated in the Halbe pocket shortly before the end of the war.
Author: Werner Kortenhaus
Publisher:
ISBN: 9781907677717
Category : World War, 1939-1945
Languages : en
Pages : 0
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Book Description
Author: Pier Paolo Battistelli
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing
ISBN: 1472800435
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 285
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Book Description
This volume provides a detailed examination on the late-war changes to the German Army Panzer forces and the formation of new units, from the collapse on the Eastern Front, through operations on the Western Front in Normandy and the Ardennes, to the final battle for Berlin in 1945. The major organizational changes that took place in this intensive period are examined, together with the adaptation of German armoured doctrine, tactics, and the command. Details of unit histories and operations, illustrated in colour maps, are also provided in this packed treatment.
Author: Rainer Kriebel
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Biography & Autobiography
Languages : en
Pages : 344
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Book Description
This book presents the battles of the Afrika Korps as seen through the eyes of a trained general staff officer, and provides key insight into a formidable fighting force at the height of its power. Kriebel's account highlights the German response to the Crusader offensive and analyzes the unparalleled genius and fatal flaws of Erwin Rommel's generalship. Exposes the secrets of Rommel's exemplary fighting force's success as well as the dangers inherent in victory.
Author: Tim Saunders
Publisher: Pen and Sword Military
ISBN: 1526757370
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 499
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Book Description
The history of the armored division comprised of German teenagers in the Normandy campaign, drawing on new materials from former Eastern Bloc archives. Raised in 1943 with seventeen-year-olds from the Hitler Youth movement, and following the twin disasters of Stalingrad and ‘Tunisgrad,’ the Hitlerjugend Panzer Division emerged as the most effective German division fighting in the West. The core of the division was a cadre of officers and NCOs provided by Hitler’s bodyguard division, the elite Leibstandarte, with the aim of producing a division of ‘equal value’ to fight alongside them in I SS Panzer Corps. During the fighting in Normandy, the Hitlerjugend proved to be implacable foes to both the British and the Canadians, repeatedly blunting Montgomery’s offensives, fighting with skill and a degree of determination well beyond the norm. This they did from D+1 through to the final battle to escape from the Falaise Pocket, despite huge disadvantages, namely constant Allied air attack, highly destructive naval gunfire, and a chronic lack of combat supplies and replacements of men and equipment. Written with the advantage of new materials from archives in the former Eastern Bloc, this book is no whitewash of a Waffen SS division and it does not shy away from confronting unpalatable facts or controversies. Includes photographs
Author: R. W. Byrd
Publisher: Helion & Company Limited
ISBN: 9781874622581
Category : Biography & Autobiography
Languages : en
Pages : 222
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Book Description
Once I Had a Comrade is the story of the author's German father-in-law, Karl Roth, who grew up during the tumultuous 1930s in the Franconian town of Schweinfurt, located in northern Bavaria, and of his regiment, 36th Panzer Regiment. When the Second World War began, he found himself conscripted into the army and assigned as maintenance private to the headquarters company of Schweinfurt's new branch of service, the 36th Panzer Regiment, assigned to 4th Panzer Division until November 1940, 14th Panzer Division thereafter. They participated in the campaigns in Poland 1939, France 1940 and Yugoslavia 1941, before serving on the Eastern Front (southern sector) until destruction at Stalingrad 1943. The division was then rebuilt and again served in the southern sector of Russia before being transferred to Kurland in late 1944, where it saw out the rest of the war serving with 18th Army. During these campaigns, Karl Roth repaired nearly every type of tank in the German arsenal, holding the rank of master sergeant by the end of the war. After six years of conflict he survived being blown off his tank, dysentery, malaria, weeks separated behind enemy lines, a possible court-martial, and was awarded the Gold Tank Destruction Badge. As Richard Byrd began to research the story, several questions arose about the unit and his father-in-law, including: What kind of man was he? Where did he fight and what tactics were used? Why wasn't a regimental history written after the war? What was their strength and what strategic events affected them? Many of the answers to these questions were supplied by books, but more important than all the numbers and statistics gathered for the research were the first hand accounts related to him by his mother-in-law and survivors of the regiment, who have provided a host of original photographs and anecdotes explaining the human aspect of the 36th Panzer Regiment's history. This book then is a tribute to Roth and his comrades, and to all soldiers who aspire to commendable and honorable action during time of war. Key sales points: Provides the first history of 36th Panzer Regiment yet published in any language / Combines operational details with fascinating personal accounts telling the story of Karl Roth and his comrades / Features over 150 b/w photos, many previously unpublished / A major contribution to the history of the Panzertruppen.
Author: Samuel W. Mitcham Jr.
Publisher: Stackpole Books
ISBN: 0811744477
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 224
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Book Description
The story of one of Germany's most renowned panzer commanders. Based on Eberbach's own papers and writings. Details on the armored opponent the Allies faced after D-Day.
