The crossing of the Meuse in Givet - May 1940.

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The crossing of the Meuse in Givet - May 1940.

A French regiment in the West Campaign - May 1940.

The 62 th Infantry Regiment (Lorient) was part of the 22 DI under General Joseph Hassler (1881-1966). The division was not an active unit composed of professional soldiers but was classified as A between the reserve divisions, ie of better quality with a strong core of the active divisions and equipment comparable to them. The 19 th Infantry Regiment (Brest) and the 116 th Infantry Regiment (Vannes) were also part of the division, which joined the XI Army Corps of General Julio Martin (1881-1973) who was framed in the 9 th Army unde General André Corap (1878 to 1953).

The 62nd Infantry Regiment was organized from 23 August to 8 September 1939. From 8 to 16 September 1939, was transported by train to Saint-Mihiel in the department of Meuse in Lorraine, then headed toward the border with Luxembourg. In December 1939, is located in the Stromberg by Sierck on the Moselle, the land of three frontiers where the loop of the Moselle is in three countries: France, Germany and Luxembourg. On December 28, 1939, is at Bouzanville in Meurthe and Moselle. In March 1940, in St. Jean de Montmeillant and the region of Rethel in the Ardennes. In April, it set out for the Belgium maneuver by Givet, ie part of the troops defending the Meuse River on the border with Belgium.

Sources: http://www.leslufteaux.com/pages/FCE_historique.php
Die Geschichte der pommerschen 32. Infanterie-Division 1935 - 1945 - Jürgen Schröder/Joachim Schultz-Naumann, Podzun-Verlag, Bad Nauheim 1962.
http://stalag3b.free.fr/la_guerre_au_62_ri.htm
Ejemplos de Historia de Guerra. Coronel M. Suarez. Círculo Militar.

Cheers. Raúl M .

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The crossing of the Meuse in Givet - May 1940.

The German side.

While on May 09, 1940 the 32 ID (Generalleutnant Böhme), established on October 01, 1936 at Köslin in Wehrkreis II, was ordered to begin operations at 05:35 hours the following day, the task of the division (4 AOK left wing) was: to cross the border and to break the obstacles line east of Lamerscher, winning the road Dinez - Houffalize with its advanced echelons.

On May 10, 1940, the Germans attacked to the west invading Luxembourg, the Netherlands and Belgium. The 32 ID crossed the frontier in the sector Burg Reulan - Ouren. The crossing points on the river Our fell intact in German hands and the soldiers of Pi Btl 2 and Pi Bau Btl 622 cleared the obstacles in the field. The first hostile contact had a patrol of the AA 32 in Sommerain at 11:30 hours. On the evening of this day the 32 ID was deployed with its IR 4 (Oberstleutnant Thomas-Emil von Wickede) on the road Dinez - Houffalize, the AA 32 in Mont, the IR 94 (Oberst Franz Seuffert) in Weisswampach, the IR 96 (Oberst Max Ilgen) near Houffalize and the CP in Rettigny.

Sources: http://www.leslufteaux.com/pages/FCE_historique.php
Die Geschichte der pommerschen 32. Infanterie-Division 1935 - 1945 - Jürgen Schröder/Joachim Schultz-Naumann, Podzun-Verlag, Bad Nauheim 1962.
http://stalag3b.free.fr/la_guerre_au_62_ri.htm
Ejemplos de Historia de Guerra. Coronel M. Suarez. Círculo Militar.

Cheers. Raúl M .

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The crossing of the Meuse in Givet - May 1940.

Dyle maneuver.

The regiment (62 RI) had 60% of its fighting force, less than 2,000 men, the rest were mostly under license. On may 10 1940 at 7:02 hours, the Regimental CP received the warning order to execute the maneuver of Belgium which were trained for in April. The vanguards crossed the line Hirzon - Mézières at 13:00 (Vanguard A Cap. Cothereau to mon Idée and B Cdt. Blanloeil to Maubert-Fontaine). The movement was executed by order of the division and the passage was completed at 18:00 hours. Vanguards camped overnight in Belgium (A in the northern region of Cul-des-Sarts and B in the wooded region East of Bruly -de-Pershes).

On May 11, 1940 at 06: 00 hours the vanguards resumed its march; the A by Couvin, Nismes and Dourbes, where it bivouacked since 17:00 hours and the B by Couvin, Pettigny, Olloy and Vierves (bivouacking in the latter location). The bulk of the troops began to move up, under attack by enemy aircraft from May 11, 1940.

Sources: http://www.leslufteaux.com/pages/FCE_historique.php
Die Geschichte der pommerschen 32. Infanterie-Division 1935 - 1945 - Jürgen Schröder/Joachim Schultz-Naumann, Podzun-Verlag, Bad Nauheim 1962.
http://stalag3b.free.fr/la_guerre_au_62_ri.htm
Ejemplos de Historia de Guerra. Coronel M. Suarez. Círculo Militar.

Cheers. Raúl M .

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The crossing of the Meuse in Givet - May 1940.

The German side.

While the 32 ID had the task of proceeding the advance towards the west and win the dominant grounds on the river Ourthe. At 09:30 hours the AA 32 reported that the Ourthe margins were free of enemy. The progress of the division was blocked by barricades and demolitions. At dusk, the AA 32 found hostile motorized elements at Amby and took three prisoners, they belonged to the 1 DLC with the task of recognizing beyond the Meuse, while covering the advance of the 9th French Army.

On the evening of May 11, 1940 the IR 96 was at Champlon, the IR 4 on the Ourthe, the AA 32 in Ambly - Nassogne, the IR 94 after a night march reached around Wibrin - Mont - Fontenailles. The Pz Jäg Abt 32 assumed the protection of the exposed southern flank. The CP of the 32 ID at Nisramont. For the crossing of the Meuse the Pi Btl 45 was attached to the division.

Sources: http://www.leslufteaux.com/pages/FCE_historique.php
Die Geschichte der pommerschen 32. Infanterie-Division 1935 - 1945 - Jürgen Schröder/Joachim Schultz-Naumann, Podzun-Verlag, Bad Nauheim 1962.
http://stalag3b.free.fr/la_guerre_au_62_ri.htm
Ejemplos de Historia de Guerra. Coronel M. Suarez. Círculo Militar.

Cheers. Raúl M .

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The crossing of the Meuse in Givet - May 1940.

12 May 1940.

French side.

On Sunday, May 12, 1940, the day of Pentecost, under a radiant sun, the bulk of the 22 DI reached as planned the sector of the river Meuse, between Hastière and the south of the loop at Chooz. South of the deployment was assigned to the regiment (62 RI), between Ham and Vireux. At 07:00 hours, the Colonel came to CP of the 22 DI and knew that German armored vehicles of reconnaissance were at Wenenne (6 km east of the Meuse). The General decided to reach the river in a single jump during the night from 12 to 13 May 1940. Exhausted after the march, the 62 Infantry Regiment took its places at 03:00 hours on the morning of May 13, 1940. The CP was at Vaucelles. The 116 Infantry Regiment was on the north and the 265 Infantry Regiment of the 61 DI to the south. The 2nd Battalion under Commander Dardant occupied the Northern District and set its CP at Hierges. The seventh company established the liaison with the 116 Infantry Regiment. The bridges at Ham and Vireux were destroyed at 16:00 hours.

German side.

Meanwhile, the 32 ID continued its advance avoiding obstacles, barricades, air strikes: According to reports, the enemy occupied the line Rochefort - Wavreille to the west so the AA 32 pressed seeking contact in Genimont; the anti-tank elements of the AA 32 and the guns attached from the Pz Jäg Abt. 32 fought against motorized hostile elements due west of the town. From the prisoners taken was learned that they belonged to the Motorcyclists Rifle Regiment 25. By nightfall the positions reached were: IR 96 Lavaux-St Anne, IR 4 Lomprez; AA 32 Beauraing and the divisional CP in Resteigne.

Sources: http://www.leslufteaux.com/pages/FCE_historique.php
Die Geschichte der pommerschen 32. Infanterie-Division 1935 - 1945 - Jürgen Schröder/Joachim Schultz-Naumann, Podzun-Verlag, Bad Nauheim 1962.
http://stalag3b.free.fr/la_guerre_au_62_ri.htm
Ejemplos de Historia de Guerra. Coronel M. Suarez. Círculo Militar.

Cheers. Raúl M .

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The crossing of the Meuse in Givet - May 1940.

13 May 1940.

On May 13, 1940, were intensified the airstrikes and had taken place the first contact with the enemy who had reached the banks of the Meuse by evening the previous day. The deployment of the 62° RI had the following array: 1º Battalion as divisional reserve in the bois de Fagnes, 2º Battalion deployed to the north (CP in Hierges having as limit due north Ham and due south the east-west line which ran by the brick factory), the 3º Battalion had relieved a battalion of the 19º RI, by the night of 12 May it occupied the southern sector (CP at the west entrance of the railway tunnel Vireux-Molhain) the Regimental CP was at Vaucelles and logistics train at Treignes. Three anti-tank guns of 25 mm would be placed in each sector. During the night the regiment was ordered to fall back on the line Vierves-Matignolles (Matignolles would be occupy by the north battalion, ensuring liaison with the 116º RI).

On May 13, 1940 the 32 ID received the task of reaching the Meuse River along the sector Hastière - Givet - Chooz, clearing the east bank of hostile troops and preparing the crossing of the watercourse.

Sources: http://www.leslufteaux.com/pages/FCE_historique.php
Die Geschichte der pommerschen 32. Infanterie-Division 1935 - 1945 - Jürgen Schröder/Joachim Schultz-Naumann, Podzun-Verlag, Bad Nauheim 1962.
http://stalag3b.free.fr/la_guerre_au_62_ri.htm
Ejemplos de Historia de Guerra. Coronel M. Suarez. Círculo Militar.

Cheers. Raúl M .

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The crossing of the Meuse in Givet - May 1940.

13 May 1940.

On the morning of May 13, 1940, the AA 32 reported that the river bank in Heer (2 kms north of Givet) was free of enemies, but the western side by Givet was defended, however in Chooz both margins were free, therefore the AA 32 was assigned the task of pushing towards Foische (2.5 kms southwest of Givet) for that it was reinforced with a company of the Pi Btl 2. Between 10:00 and 11:00 hours the Luftwaffe unleashed aerial fire support on the West Bank in preparation for the crossing. East of Givet were approaching the vanguards of the IR 4 and found the bridge over the river destroyed.

13:00 hours harassment fire of French artillery in the direction of Mesnil-St Blaise. During the night from 13 to 14 May the AA 32 reinforced with the HQ of Pz Jäg Abt 32 and the 2. / Pz Jäg Abt 32 crossed the river without resistance exploring to Foische. For the attack were deployed the IR 96 to the right to cross north of Heer and the IR 4 by Fme Aviette and Chooz. As reinforcements were the Arko 2 with II. / AR 39, s.Art. Abt 436, Bb Abt 32 and HQ AR 501; also would give support the Brüko B 656.

Sources: http://www.leslufteaux.com/pages/FCE_historique.php
Die Geschichte der pommerschen 32. Infanterie-Division 1935 - 1945 - Jürgen Schröder/Joachim Schultz-Naumann, Podzun-Verlag, Bad Nauheim 1962.
http://stalag3b.free.fr/la_guerre_au_62_ri.htm
Ejemplos de Historia de Guerra. Coronel M. Suarez. Círculo Militar.

Cheers. Raúl M .

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The crossing of the Meuse in Givet - May 1940.

14 May 1940.

The enemy had crossed the Meuse River early this May 14, 1940 pushing against the boundary between the 116 RI and the 19 RI, which was violently attacked from the north flank and the French division pressed by the German 32 ID must withdraw. The 2nd Battalion by Maze at 03:00 hours on May 15, 1940. The regiment (62 RI) suffered losses as that of Captain Yves Queignec, head of the 7. Company, a teacher in Scaër, who died in the field of honor by a burst of machine gun at the end of the day on May 14, 1940 at the age of 39.

Both German regiments (IR 4 and IR 96) had crossed the river at 05:00 hours on May 14, 1940 after a short artillery preparation and established bridgeheads on the general line- Cochenée-Vaucelles. The attack progressed along the axis Doische-Gimnée, Dourbes due southwest. The AA 32 covered the left flank. To support the attack were two artillery groups commanded by Arko 2, with the IR 96 (II. / AR 32, II. / AR 68, II. / AR 39 and part of the Schw. Pz Jäg Abt 525) with the IR 4 (AR 32 less its II. Group). The IR 94 remained as reserve at Ferchaux. After noon the IR 94 crossed as well and moved to the left of the IR 96 on the crossroads Petit Doische. At dusk the 32 ID occupied the line Hermeton-Cochenée-Height 242-Agimont-Foische. During the night the engineers built two bridges over the Meuse.

Sources: http://www.leslufteaux.com/pages/FCE_historique.php
Die Geschichte der pommerschen 32. Infanterie-Division 1935 - 1945 - Jürgen Schröder/Joachim Schultz-Naumann, Podzun-Verlag, Bad Nauheim 1962.
http://stalag3b.free.fr/la_guerre_au_62_ri.htm
Ejemplos de Historia de Guerra. Coronel M. Suarez. Círculo Militar.

Cheers. Raúl M .

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The crossing of the Meuse in Givet - May 1940.

15 May 1940.

On May 15, 1940 at 07:30 hours, the Germans appeared in the region of Matignolles where they engaged in battle with units of the 2nd Battalion, which about 08:30 hours, was threatened with encirclement. The battalion had to retreat and it was disturbed by armored attacks reaching Olloy around 11:30 hours, there Captain Collin, battalion commander was wounded and taken prisoner. In this chaos, all that remains of the division will proceed to the forest of Saint-Michel.

The III. / 116 RI which occupied a defensive position on the west bank of the Meuse and was now withdrawing, followed closely by the enemy, entered on May 15, 1940 at 07:00 hours in the small town of Doische, where it thought to find the Regimental CP and expected to get orders there to take a new line of defense.

Sources: http://www.leslufteaux.com/pages/FCE_historique.php
Die Geschichte der pommerschen 32. Infanterie-Division 1935 - 1945 - Jürgen Schröder/Joachim Schultz-Naumann, Podzun-Verlag, Bad Nauheim 1962.
http://stalag3b.free.fr/la_guerre_au_62_ri.htm
Ejemplos de Historia de Guerra. Coronel M. Suarez. Círculo Militar.

Cheers. Raúl M .

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The crossing of the Meuse in Givet - May 1940.

15 May 1940.

Two cannon shots, fired with direct aim, however, indicated that the enemy had occupied the place. The battalion was then directed towards Gimnèe-Romerèe, which also was confirmed the presence of German tanks (7 Pz?).

The unit then continues to Montagne le Grande, place than it seemed to be also occupied by German tanks. It was already 14:00 hours. The battalion commander decided to remain hidden in the woods waiting for the night to try to continue with the withdrawal, but around 16:00 hours the enemy started raking the area and the battalion was captured, as was the most of the regiment.

Sources: http://www.leslufteaux.com/pages/FCE_historique.php
Die Geschichte der pommerschen 32. Infanterie-Division 1935 - 1945 - Jürgen Schröder/Joachim Schultz-Naumann, Podzun-Verlag, Bad Nauheim 1962.
http://stalag3b.free.fr/la_guerre_au_62_ri.htm
Ejemplos de Historia de Guerra. Coronel M. Suarez. Círculo Militar.

Cheers. Raúl M .

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The crossing of the Meuse in Givet - May 1940.

15 May 1940.

On the morning of May 15, 1940 the Fortress of Givet was captured by the IR 94, already during the night the IR 4 had been directed to Vaucelles. On this day the 32 ID captured about 2000 French prisoners belonging to the 19 RI, 62 RI and 116 RI as well as some North Africans. Orders for the 32 ID said for May 15, 1940 that it was to conquer and clear Givet. Building bridges. Moving southwest in the Army Corps’ sector to Virton. The division continued southwest with the following deployment: vanguard the AA 32, to the right IR 94 and to the left IR 4, the IR 96 followed once relieved by the IR 89 in Cochenée. At dusk, the AA 32 seized Couvin capturing 120 prisoners. At nightfall the positions reached were: AA 32 heights east of Chimay; IR 4 around Couvin; IR 94 around Nismes, IR 96 around and at Dourbes, the CP was also in Dourbes.

That very day due to the disaster occurred, General Giraud replaced General Corap in the command of the 9th French Army. But it was too late, the Germans succeeded in its breakthrough which would end in the sea and Dunkerque. The German troops that had crossed in Sedan on May 13, 1940 were advancing from the east and the 8 Pz would enter in Hirson since May 16, 1940.

Sources: http://www.leslufteaux.com/pages/FCE_historique.php
Die Geschichte der pommerschen 32. Infanterie-Division 1935 - 1945 - Jürgen Schröder/Joachim Schultz-Naumann, Podzun-Verlag, Bad Nauheim 1962.
http://stalag3b.free.fr/la_guerre_au_62_ri.htm
Ejemplos de Historia de Guerra. Coronel M. Suarez. Círculo Militar.

Cheers. Raúl M .

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The crossing of the Meuse in Givet - May 1940.

16 May 1940.

On May 16, 1940 at 8:30 hours, only about 500 men of the 22 DI assembled in St. Michel, the 19 RI and the 62 RI provided the largest number of soldiers. Six armored vehicles R-35 of 32 tank battalion reinforced the deployment relied on the fortifications, often incomplete, arranged in the woods. At 14:00 hours General Beziers of Lafosse (1880-1964), commander of the divisional infantry and the Colonel commanding the 18 Field Artillery Regiment of the 22 DI left the CP at St. Michel to join with the 62 RI.

The task ordered the 32 ID on May 16, 1940 stated: continue the advance to the west and break through the French border line positions. At 07:35 hours the AA 32 (Reinforced) seized Chimay unopposed; the 2./ Pz Jag Abt 32, subordinated to AA 32 knocked out 3 enemy tanks. The AA 263 linked to the left with the 1 GD.

By midmorning the AA 32 reported enemy troops on the positions of the Maginot Line and was halted; the IR 94 to the right and the IR 4 to the left attacked the positions in the sector Trélon - La Lobietta. On the evening of that day both regiments managed to penetrate the defensive system. The assault on the second line of defense was scheduled for next day. Troops of the 1. North African Division occupied Macquenoise and the 101 Fortress Division was deployed in strength on the line Ohain - Trélon.

Sources: http://www.leslufteaux.com/pages/FCE_historique.php
Die Geschichte der pommerschen 32. Infanterie-Division 1935 - 1945 - Jürgen Schröder/Joachim Schultz-Naumann, Podzun-Verlag, Bad Nauheim 1962.
http://stalag3b.free.fr/la_guerre_au_62_ri.htm
Ejemplos de Historia de Guerra. Coronel M. Suarez. Círculo Militar.

Cheers. Raúl M .

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The crossing of the Meuse in Givet - May 1940.

17 May 1940.

On May 17, 1940 it was expected (by the French side) an enemy penetration on Mondrepuis, however this does not happen. At 15:00 hours the enemy progressed from St. Michel to the north and made contact with the blocking line. Many soldiers were killed here especially in the crossroads of l'étoile. The fighting ceased with nightfall.

On the morning of May 17, 1940 the IR 94 seized Ohain and continued to move westward. Meanwhile, the IR 4 launched a methodic attack in order to break the enemy fortifications and then captured Anor. There followed some hard struggles and in some forts perished its entire crew. After breaking by Anor, the regiment continued to La Capelle. The AA 32 was given the task of exploring to the south. The IR 94 pursued towards Fourmies. The mass of the captured enemies belonged to the 1 DINA (North African Division). The AA 32 moved south and engaged in combat with elements of 1 DINA at Mondrepuis, the town was conquered and there were taken 200 prisoners.

Sources: http://www.leslufteaux.com/pages/FCE_historique.php
Die Geschichte der pommerschen 32. Infanterie-Division 1935 - 1945 - Jürgen Schröder/Joachim Schultz-Naumann, Podzun-Verlag, Bad Nauheim 1962.
http://stalag3b.free.fr/la_guerre_au_62_ri.htm
Ejemplos de Historia de Guerra. Coronel M. Suarez. Círculo Militar.

Cheers. Raúl M .

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The crossing of the Meuse in Givet - May 1940.

On the night of 17 to 18 of May, 1940 the AA 32 and IR 4 advanced toward Clairfontaine. That very night La Capelle was conquered by the 8 Pz.

On Saturday May 18, 1940 the German attack was resumed at dawn and gradually the last strongpoint formed in the CP of the 62 RI was surrounded from all sides and ceased the fight. General Beziers de Lafosse (1880-1964), commander of infantry within the division, had surrendered to prevent a slaughter. It was the end of 62 RI, it was around 11:30 hours. All other French strongholds had fallen. The German battalion was commanded by Hauptmann Bauer (man of the Himalayas) and was composed of soldiers from 20 to 22 years old on average. After the lunch that the French gave the Germans, the officers of the German unit departed saying they had faced a gallant fighters.

Sources: http://www.leslufteaux.com/pages/FCE_historique.php
Die Geschichte der pommerschen 32. Infanterie-Division 1935 - 1945 - Jürgen Schröder/Joachim Schultz-Naumann, Podzun-Verlag, Bad Nauheim 1962.
http://stalag3b.free.fr/la_guerre_au_62_ri.htm
Ejemplos de Historia de Guerra. Coronel M. Suarez. Círculo Militar.

Cheers. Raúl M .

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The crossing of the Meuse in Givet - May 1940.

Hauptmann Paul Bauer, a climber who had distinguished himself before the war for his expeditions to the Himalayas belonged to the Third Battalion of Hunters Mountain Regiment 99 (III. / GJR 99) of the 1st Mountain Division, 1. Gebirgs-Division, commanded by General Ludwig Kübler.

On May 15, 1940 the 1 GD had crossed the Meuse River by Revin and Fumay about twenty miles east of Hirson and on May 18, 1940 attacked the line of forts in St. Michel. Four tanks (6 had been available to the RI 62), 4 vehicles, 30 horses, 1 general (probably General Beziers de Lafosse), 19 officers (including four colonels) and 161 NCOs and soldiers were captured by Bauer, who received the clasp to his Iron Cross 1st class. Leutnant Munske and NCOs and soldiers of the 13. / GJR 99 were decorated with the Iron Cross 2nd Class.

Sources: http://www.leslufteaux.com/pages/FCE_historique.php
Die Geschichte der pommerschen 32. Infanterie-Division 1935 - 1945 - Jürgen Schröder/Joachim Schultz-Naumann, Podzun-Verlag, Bad Nauheim 1962.
http://stalag3b.free.fr/la_guerre_au_62_ri.htm
Ejemplos de Historia de Guerra. Coronel M. Suarez. Círculo Militar.

It's all folks. Cheers. Raúl M .