Gen.Lt. Friedrich-Wilhelm von Loeper

[Andy H]

Did Gen.Lt. Friedrich-Wilhelm von Loeper stay in command of the 10th Infantry Division after it was upgraded to a motorised division in 1940?.

Also in general did the commanding officer of an Infantry Division stay with that unit when it was converted to a motorised division and did they have to undergo specialist training on armoured warfare?

Andy

[JC]

Actually, v.Loeper became Kdr. of the 10th just before the division was redesignated as motorized in October 1940. Paul Bader became Kdr. 2nd Inf.Div. 6 months before it was redesignated as motorized in October 1937, then left there in October 1940 and became Kdr. 3rd Inf. Div. just before it was redesignated as motorized. Likewise, Friedrich Fürst became Kdr. of 14th Inf. Div. on October 5, 1940, just 10 days before it was redesignated as motorized. So, I would say that it appears that commanders of infantry divisions did not stay on when their division was motorized.

Jeff

[Stauffenberg II]

It only depends on the abilities and the qualifications of the general:

13. (mot.) --> 13. PD (still Rothkirch F.-W.), Inf.
16. ID --> 16. PD (still Hube), Inf.
19. ID --> 19. PD (still Knobelsdorff), Inf.

18. ID --> 18. (mot.) ID (still Cranz), Inf.
25. ID --> 25. (mot.) ID (still Clössner), Inf.
60. ID --> 60. (mot.) ID (still Eberhardt), Inf.

Regards,
Stauffenberg II

[Andy H]

Thanks to you both for the clarification.

Andy

[Halfdan S.]

Just came across the Info that Loeper was Kdr. of "Friedrich Ludwig Jahn": https://www.axishistory.com/books/150-g ... udwig-jahn

Surely that must be an error! Jahn was fighting in Potsdam and later its way out of Potsdam at the end of April/beginning of May 1945. Where would Loeper come from at this moment in time?

Best
Halfdan S.

[Rossano]

Yes, error ! v. Loeper never commanded the Div. Jahn !

[Shakar]

Friedrich-Wilhelm von Loeper