Defensive Forces in Poland, 1940

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BDV
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Defensive Forces in Poland, 1940

#1

Post by BDV » 07 Dec 2014, 14:29

What units, and what strength were allocated for the defense of Germany's Eastern border in Spring- Summer 1940?
Nobody expects the Fallschirm! Our chief weapon is surprise; surprise and fear; fear and surprise. Our 2 weapons are fear and surprise; and ruthless efficiency. Our *3* weapons are fear, surprise, and ruthless efficiency; and almost fanatical devotion

Art
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Re: Defensive Forces in Poland, 1940

#2

Post by Art » 07 Dec 2014, 14:48

Something like a dozen divisions counting OKH reserves in the East. See the detailed OOB here, for example:
http://www.wwiidaybyday.com/kstn/gliede ... 8jun40.htm


CNE503
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Re: Defensive Forces in Poland, 1940

#3

Post by CNE503 » 07 Dec 2014, 15:42

Hello,

You have to distinguish the units which were tasked to protect the Eastern borders prior to the end of June 1940, and after.

During the Westfeldzug, there were only 17 divisions to protect the Eastern provinces and mainly East-Prussia and the Generalgouvernement (206., 209., 213., 218., 228., 231., 239. and 311. Infanterie Divisionen, 351., 358., 365., 372., 379., 386., 393., 395. and 399. Landesschützen Divisionen). The instruction units of Wehrkreis I in East-Prussia can be added, but they were of poor military value (like all the divisions listed above...).

After the victory against the Western powers, Germany began to improve its forces in Poland and East-Prussia, sending the 18. Armee with 15 combat effective divisions. On July 19th, 1940, the 18. Armee had the following units under its command in the Eastern provinces : 62., 68., 75., 76., 161., 162., 168., 217., 252., 257., 258., 291., 292., 297. and 298. Infanterie Divisionen.
Seven territorial divisions were still there (209. Infanterie Division, 365., 372., 379., 393., 395. and 399. Landesschützen Divisionen), with Divisionen Nr. 141 and Nr. 151 in East-Prussia.

When it was decided to send the units home, especially after the cancellation of operation "Seelöwe", a lot more units were deployed along the Eastern borders, from Baltic Sea to Carpathian Mounts. It accelerated when the decision to attack the USSR was officially taken (December, 18th 1940).

Cheers,

CNE503
"Sicut Aquila" / "Ils s'instruisent pour vaincre" / "par l'exemple, le coeur et la raison" / "Labor Omnia Vincit"

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