Romanian machineguns battalions, 1941

Discussions on all aspects of the smaller Axis nations in Europe and Asia. Hosted by G. Trifkovic.
CNE503
Member
Posts: 2395
Joined: 23 Aug 2010 12:01
Location: Dijon, Bourgogne, France

Romanian machineguns battalions, 1941

Post by CNE503 » 05 Sep 2021 16:30

Hello,

Has anyone some information about these battalions in June or July 1941?
What was their organization and strength? What was their tasks? What was their overall combat performance?

Thank you for any hint!
Regards,
CNE503
"Sicut Aquila" / "Ils s'instruisent pour vaincre" / "par l'exemple, le coeur et la raison" / "Labor Omnia Vincit"

CNE503
Member
Posts: 2395
Joined: 23 Aug 2010 12:01
Location: Dijon, Bourgogne, France

Re: Romanian machineguns battalions, 1941

Post by CNE503 » 06 Sep 2021 19:40

According to Leo Niehorster, at least sixteen of these battalions were supporting the Romanian units along the Pruth and the Danube in June 1941 (Batalioane 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 13, 14, 15, 21, 25, 31, 35, 36 and 40 mitraliere) - but some of them are indicated twice.

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

CNE503
Member
Posts: 2395
Joined: 23 Aug 2010 12:01
Location: Dijon, Bourgogne, France

Re: Romanian machineguns battalions, 1941

Post by CNE503 » 06 Sep 2021 19:45

Otherwise I found this, which seems quite correct: https://www.feldgrau.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=33568
25 MG battalions did exist in June 1941, being derivated from infantry divisions (the numbers corresponded: there were no 12, 16, 17, these three divisions being disbanded in 1940, for instance).
CNE503
"Sicut Aquila" / "Ils s'instruisent pour vaincre" / "par l'exemple, le coeur et la raison" / "Labor Omnia Vincit"

CNE503
Member
Posts: 2395
Joined: 23 Aug 2010 12:01
Location: Dijon, Bourgogne, France

Re: Romanian machineguns battalions, 1941

Post by CNE503 » 11 Sep 2021 18:14

According to Leo Niehorster's website, these machinegun battalions were organized with three companies, each of these 16-machinegun strong (total: 48).
Does anyone know what kind of machineguns were they? Czech ZB-30? Czech ZB-53? Austrian Schwarzlose 1907/12?

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

Return to “Minor Axis Nations”