Two-tiered WM Infantry for Barbarossa

[BDV]

I was considering whether there could have been two tiered infantry arrangement for Barbarossa.

Namely, instead of the classical three tier infantry (Mechanized, regular, and security) there would have been only two tiers - regular infantry ~60 divisions (which would have had the historical infantry materiel and shared the materiel of the 7 mechanized divisions), and ~60 divisions of blocking/security divisions. This would be in addition to ~20 panzer divisions, for a total of 140 divisions.

[Alanmccoubrey]

Since the Motorised Infantry Divisions were essential to the successful operation of the Panzer Divisions you are making the Germans worse off operationally so it is a waste of time.

[BDV]

Not necessarily so.

The blocking divisions would be for strictly defensive operations, rear security, protecting communication lines, and blocking surrounded RKKA troops, without engaging in offensive operations. Their weaponry would simply be rifles/MGs, and a small amount of light AT/75 mm tubes. Their mobility would be by foot.

The 60 Regular Infantry divisions would have the artllery and mechanized assets of the entire spectrum of infantry and mechanized infantry divisions (~90 regular + 7 motorized), and, except for periods of rest/refit, they would be continuously available for offensive operations by themselves, or in support of th panzer spearheads.

The ideea is to serparate the offense and defense duties, so that units able of offensive operations would not be stuck doing defensive work, which could presumably be done by lighter armed forces.

The idea had already been introduced with the static divisions in the West. I am questioning taking it a step forward, and applying the same concept to OstFront duties, (e.g. by expanding the duties and size of the security formations, and downsizing the duties of light infantry formations).

Instead of 24 powerful divisions and ~80 so-so (the regular infantry), the germans would end up with 80 strong divisions and ~40-60 weak ones (assuming after mid August additional trops are removed from the Westwall for Ostfront duties).

[Alanmccoubrey]

If the Panzer Divisions didn't have Motorised Infantry to help them by holding the ground they'd taken until the foot infantry arrived then there wouldn't be so much ground for your mythical blocking divisions to be employed upon.

[BDV]

A. The motorized divisions were slightly more versatile than pedestrian ground-holders for the panzerdivisionen.

B. infanteriedivisionen, even after their 4-Barbarossa shaving, were also slightly more than placeholders.

C. By having STRICTLY defensive duties, blocking units (division/regiments) would not get stuck fighting stubborn Soviet defenders and could keep up with the armor.

P.S. the big problem with the proposition likely is the lack of discipline/rank amateurishness in the mobile formations' and Army leaders who would employ these units offensively outside of their intended goal, and get them slaughtered in the process.

[Don71]

The 60 Regular Infantry divisions would have the artllery and mechanized assets of the entire spectrum of infantry and mechanized infantry divisions (~90 regular + 7 motorized ), and, except for periods of rest/refit, they would be continuously available for offensive operations by themselves, or in support of th panzer spearheads.

I want to remember that the Wehrmacht had 15 Inf. mot divisions at the beginning of Barbarossa plus one Inf. mot regiment instead of seven.

3. Inf. mot (Panzergruppe 4)
10. Inf mot (Panzergruppe2)
14. Inf mot. (Panzergruppe3)
16 Inf. mot. (Panzergruppe1)
18. Inf mot. (Panzergruppe3)
20 Inf. mot. (Panzergruppe3)
25.Inf. mot (Panzergruppe1)
29.Inf. mot (Panzergruppe2)
36. Inf. mot (Panzergruppe 4)
60. Inf. mot (Panzergruppe1)

Inf. mot regiment Groß Deutschland. (Panzergruppe2)

1. SS Division Inf. mot (LAH) (Panzergruppe1)/11. Army
2. SS Division Inf. mot (Das Reich) (Panzergruppe2)
3. SS Division Inf. mot (Totenkopf (Panzergruppe 4)
4. SS Division Inf. mot (Polizeidivision) (Panzergruppe 4)
5. SS Division Inf. mot (Wiking) (Panzergruppe1)

From all I have read these divisions were essential for every german Panzercorps and Panzergruppe/Panzerarmy.

In summary the Wehrmacht had 19 panzer divisions, plus 15 Inf. mot. divisions at the beginning of Barbarossa.

[Sheldrake]

Your post highlights the real problems the Germans had =- lack of motor vehicles to support a campaign in the East.

[Don71]

Your post highlights the real problems the Germans had =- lack of motor vehicles to support a campaign in the East.

Name any other Army which had 36 offensive motorized (34 at Barbarossa + 2 at North Africa) divisions at June 1941.
The real problem was the lack of SUPPLY of motor vehicles, to compensate the losses for the existing Divisions.

A. The motorized divisions were slightly more versatile than pedestrian ground-holders for the panzerdivisionen.

The whole year 1941 the motorized infantry divisions operated as flank protection, in front of, or at level with the panzer divisions, your statement is wrong for the year 1941.

[Sheldrake]

Your post highlights the real problems the Germans had =- lack of motor vehicles to support a campaign in the East.

Name any other Army which had 36 offensive motorized (34 at Barbarossa + 2 at North Africa) divisions at June 1941.
The real problem was the lack of SUPPLY of motor vehicles, to compensate the losses for the existing Divisions.

A. The motorized divisions were slightly more versatile than pedestrian ground-holders for the panzerdivisionen.

The whole year 1941 the motorized infantry divisions operated as flank protection, in front of, or at level with the panzer divisions, your statement is wrong for the year 1941.

Hmm the USA would have 100 motorised divisions by the end of 1941 and according to Joslin the British managed 30+ mmechanised divisions All British formations apart from the airborne and some specialist units were motorised with as many vehicles as German motorised formations