5 th Panzer Division in the French Campaign

[tigre]

Hello Gajabhau ; you're welcome.

Feliz Navidad - Feliz Natal - Frohe Weihnachten - Joyeux Noël - Merry Christmas.

Cheers. Raúl M .

[tigre]

Hello to all ; another part of it..............

In the shade of Rommel (Im schatten Rommel) – 5 Pz Div. in the French Campaign 1940.

The 1 DCR – France 1940.

The French High Command had resolved the employment of the 1 DCR to the north of the river Sambre in order to match the German forces which were advancing on Belgian soil. On May 13 1940, while the division was moving to Charleroi and beyond to the north, its Commanding Officer went ahead in order to join the allied forces operating in the area.

That very day, May 13, at 23:30 hours it was received the order which instructed the employment not along the north bank but south of the river Sambre for carrying out a counterattack against Dinant on May 14 1940.

Whereas the 129 RI had marched on May 10 of 1940 and with its first elements reached the Mosa River at dusk. The front was extensive and was occupied by two battalions, the I. Battalion to the left facing Yvoir and the III. Battalion to the right, in front of the Island of Houx. The existing cliffs and the rocky ground made difficult the organization of a defensive position. The II. Battalion was reserve of the division. During the Sunday night, on May 12 of 1940, the unit already got in contact with the enemy and Colonel Taschet Descombes (Commander of the Regiment) was one of first in falling; the control was taken by Commander (Major) Marescot. To the right the 39 RI was delayed in occupying the assigned sector and when arriving already it found the Germans there.

With the 5 Pz.

On May 14 of 1940, the Pz Division had to fulfill the following order issued by the XV AK (Mot): to enlarge the bridgehead along the main line Sosoye - Faläen - Anthée; the 5 Pz to the right boundary with the 7 Pz: Grange - Sommiere - Weillen. Objective: towards Philippeville. Meanwhile in Haut Le Wastia with the II. /SR 14, around 05:30 hours French troops of the 129 RI (its II. Batallon acting as reserva so far) supported by 8 tanks mounted an attack against the western edge of the town; the 5. and 6. Companies, which had not antitank guns, were overwhelmed. In the east, the 7. /SR 14 in spite of the attacks against flank and rear had held its position. At 08:00 hours a new infantry and tank attack took place. Between 10:00 and 11:00 hours the first 8 light tanks of PR 31 under orders of Oberstleutnant v. Bodenhausen, reached the positions of the 7. /SR 14. The remnants of the 5. and 6. Companies had taken refuge in the northeast corner of the town. Hauptmann Witzel had fallen in action and along with him several of his comrades.

Sources: Historia de la 5 Pz. Anton Detlev v. Plato.
Die Roten Teufel Sind die Hölle.
15 Fotoalben mit über 1200 originalen Fotos ! bei eBay_de 1918-1945 (endet 16_08_09 185430 MESZ). Martes, 11 de Agosto de 2009, 19:04:52
El Tercer Reich. Tomo 4. ANESA 1975.
Die 62. Infanterie-Division 1938 - 1944, die 62. Volks-Grenadier-Division 1944 - 1945 - A. Reinicke/H.G. Hermann/Friedrich Kittel, Kameradenhilfswerk der ehem. 62. Division, Fulda 1968
Fuente: Private Sales List-Pz Rgt 15 - 5 Panzer Division. 19 de Diciembre de 2009, 00:10:34
http://pagesperso-orange.fr/regiments.h ... re_129.htm

Feliz Año Nuevo - Happy New Year - feliz Ano Novo - gluckliches Neues Jahr - Bonne Année - Felice Anno Nuovo!!!

Cheers. Raúl M .

[tigre]

Hello to all ; another part of it..............

14 May of 1940.

In the shade of Rommel (Im schatten Rommel) – 5 Pz Div. in the French Campaign 1940.

The I./SR 14 held their positions due south of the Molignée stream with its front looking northwest, thanks to an intense support of artillery. At 06:00 hours it received the task of covering the north flank of the Army Corps until the arrival of the troops of the VIII AK; the II. /SR 13 with the II. /PR 31 had been displaced from Yvoir towards Houx, receiving as reinforcement two companies of the Pz Jäg Abt 53, some light tanks and a battery of the AR 116. Towards mid-morning the bridgehead had been stabilized.

At 09:00 hours according to an order of the Army Corps, the II. /SR 13 and elements from the PR 31, subordinated to the 7 Pz together with the SR 6 attacked towards the line Hontoir - Rostenne. At 15:00 hours the PR 31 with the SR 6 attacked to Sommiere taking the town at 17:30 hours. The Pz Kw III and Pz Kw IV of the I./PR 31 Pz crossed the Meuse River by the pontoon bridge of the 7 Pz.

The II. /PR 31 was assembled in the Chateau de Senenne, the reconnaissance elements received the task of maintaining the contact with the enemy. The divisional CP was in the Chateau de Bloqumont at 22:45 hours. The Detachment Werner was dissolved and their formation reverted under the control of their parents units. The HQ of the 8 Pz Brigade and its PR 15 were still at Ciney without its bridging columns (which had been taken by the 7 Pz Div). Casualties of the day: 41 KIA, 131 WIA and 22 MIA (most parts of them were released on the following day). Only the 6. /SR. 14 had 11 KIA and 25 WIA.



Sources: Historia de la 5 Pz. Anton Detlev v. Plato.
Die Roten Teufel Sind die Hölle.
15 Fotoalben mit über 1200 originalen Fotos ! bei eBay_de 1918-1945 (endet 16_08_09 185430 MESZ). Martes, 11 de Agosto de 2009, 19:04:52
El Tercer Reich. Tomo 4. ANESA 1975.
Die 62. Infanterie-Division 1938 - 1944, die 62. Volks-Grenadier-Division 1944 - 1945 - A. Reinicke/H.G. Hermann/Friedrich Kittel, Kameradenhilfswerk der ehem. 62. Division, Fulda 1968
Fuente: Private Sales List-Pz Rgt 15 - 5 Panzer Division. 19 de Diciembre de 2009, 00:10:34
http://pagesperso-orange.fr/regiments.h ... re_129.htm

Feliz Año Nuevo - Happy New Year - feliz Ano Novo - gluckliches Neues Jahr - Bonne Année - Felice Anno Nuovo!!!

Cheers. Raúl M .

[tigre]

Hello to all ; another part of it..............

In the shade of Rommel (Im schatten Rommel) – 5 Pz Div. in the French Campaign 1940.

14 May of 1940.

1 DCR.

On may 14 1940, at 13:00 hours after going through the roads full of Belgians, refugees and soldiers, which were marching westwards in disorder, the 1 DCR could reach the locations showed in the adjoined diagram.

At 13:30 hours, the Divisional Commanding Officer, General Bruneau, did receive an order stating the following:

He would be subordinate to the 9 French Army with his Unit ready for carrying out a counterattack to Dinant that very afternoon in order to reject back to the east those German forces which could ford the Meuse river.

He was to shift the 1 DCR to the south of the Sambre at once.

He was to move ahead to Florennes in order to receive in person the instructions issued by the French XI CA.

While the Division was marching in three columns heading to St. Gerard, Mette and Biesme as it was ordered, General Bruneau went to the XI CA Command Post located at Florennes. However there was not any order regarding to the employment of the 1 DCR. Due to communications problems with the French 9º Army, the liaison was established through the III CA hence General Corap could confirm the order for the counterattack, it should be carried out that very day.

Sources: Historia de la 5 Pz. Anton Detlev v. Plato.
Die Roten Teufel Sind die Hölle.
15 Fotoalben mit über 1200 originalen Fotos ! bei eBay_de 1918-1945 (endet 16_08_09 185430 MESZ). Martes, 11 de Agosto de 2009, 19:04:52
El Tercer Reich. Tomo 4. ANESA 1975.
Die 62. Infanterie-Division 1938 - 1944, die 62. Volks-Grenadier-Division 1944 - 1945 - A. Reinicke/H.G. Hermann/Friedrich Kittel, Kameradenhilfswerk der ehem. 62. Division, Fulda 1968
Fuente: Private Sales List-Pz Rgt 15 - 5 Panzer Division. 19 de Diciembre de 2009, 00:10:34
http://pagesperso-orange.fr/regiments.h ... re_129.htm

Cheers. Raúl M .

[bf109 emil]

tigre wrote'

In the shade of Rommel (Im schatten Rommel) – 5 Pz Div. in the French Campaign 1940.

unsure what schatten Rommel means, but rather then source work in the shade of Rommel, his actions and own words can be read from his diary on the 5th Panzer Division in France...

A wonderful read and in Rommel's own writings and thoughts is titled "The Rommel Papers edited by B.H.Liddell Hart, with assistance from Lucie-Maria Rommel, Manfred Rommel and Gen. Fritz Bayerlein

New York Harcourt, Brace and Company
---------1953--------

although their is no ISBN number for this, it is listed as Library of Congress catalog card no. 53-5656

my edition happens to be lucky enough to be the first edition printed in 1953...a valuable source into Rommel and his diary and works sent to his wife, etc.
hope if you are lucky enough to find a copy it is well worth the read to any Rommel enthusiast

[tigre]

Hello to all ; another part of it..............

In the shade of Rommel (Im schatten Rommel) – 5 Pz Div. in the French Campaign 1940.

14 May of 1940.

1 DCR (2º part).

While the proper orders were in preparation, General Bruneau instructed the division’s 1. Group to reach the line Ermeton sur Biert – Flavion, ready to carry out an attack to the East or southeast, with the 3. Group deployed behind its right wing (around Corenne) in order to bring support with its front to the south. The rest of the Unit (1. DCR), should stay where they were.

The Commander of the french XI CA had resolved that the 1. Grouping had to attack towards the east as far as the diurnal light and the ground allowed it, while it was protected towards the south by the 3. Grouping, which would go ahead by echelons.

Due to slowness in the displacements by the obstacle along the routes, just at 20:30 hours the advanced elements of the division had arrived to the north of Florennes. Considering the attack already impossible, General Bruneau had retained the order issued by the Army Corps, leaving that his groupings reached its assigned assemblies areas. During the night he arranged the refueling in order to operate with the first lights (next day 15 of May).

Sources: Historia de la 5 Pz. Anton Detlev v. Plato.
Die Roten Teufel Sind die Hölle.
15 Fotoalben mit über 1200 originalen Fotos ! bei eBay_de 1918-1945 (endet 16_08_09 185430 MESZ). Martes, 11 de Agosto de 2009, 19:04:52
El Tercer Reich. Tomo 4. ANESA 1975.
Die 62. Infanterie-Division 1938 - 1944, die 62. Volks-Grenadier-Division 1944 - 1945 - A. Reinicke/H.G. Hermann/Friedrich Kittel, Kameradenhilfswerk der ehem. 62. Division, Fulda 1968
Fuente: Private Sales List-Pz Rgt 15 - 5 Panzer Division. 19 de Diciembre de 2009, 00:10:34
http://pagesperso-orange.fr/regiments.h ... re_129.htm

Cheers. Raúl M .

[gajabhau]

Thanks again Raul M.
Gajabhau

[tigre]

Hello bf109 emil ; thanks for that tip. I've the Rommel's papers, indeed a great work dealing with the 7 Pz. You're welcome Gajabhau. Cheers. Raúl M .

[tigre]

Hello to all ; another part of it..............

In the shade of Rommel (Im schatten Rommel) – 5 Pz Div. in the French Campaign 1940.

15 of May of 1940.

On May 15 of 1940 continued the crossing of the river helped by rafts and pontoons of the Pi Btl 89, the AR 116 could thus be ferried and the II. /AR 48 crossed the river by the bridge built due north of Dinant. Through a thick fog the pontoons were launched at 03:00 hours. At 09:00 hours the bridge (142 meters and 8 ton) was finalized and at 13:30 it was released to the traffic.

The task of the Division for that day was to conquer the heights on either sides of Falaën, to cross the river with the vehicles and to press with the tanks in order to gain the ford on L'Eau d'Eure in Silenrieux. At 08:00 hours the reconnaissance patrols stood out on the line Weillen - Falaën - Sosoye.

At 09:00 hours Oberst Werner, standing with the mass of his regiment in Chateau de Senenne, received the following order: to attack heading to Silenrieux through Sommiere - Faläen - Flavion - Florennes. Oberst Werner issued his order for the attack as follows: the I./PR 31 ahead followed by the II. /31 PR and one battery of the II. /AR 116 (later marched the entire group and a battery of the II. /AR 48).

Sources: Historia de la 5 Pz. Anton Detlev v. Plato.
Die Roten Teufel Sind die Hölle.
15 Fotoalben mit über 1200 originalen Fotos ! bei eBay_de 1918-1945 (endet 16_08_09 185430 MESZ). Martes, 11 de Agosto de 2009, 19:04:52
El Tercer Reich. Tomo 4. ANESA 1975.
Die 62. Infanterie-Division 1938 - 1944, die 62. Volks-Grenadier-Division 1944 - 1945 - A. Reinicke/H.G. Hermann/Friedrich Kittel, Kameradenhilfswerk der ehem. 62. Division, Fulda 1968
Fuente: Private Sales List-Pz Rgt 15 - 5 Panzer Division. 19 de Diciembre de 2009, 00:10:34
http://pagesperso-orange.fr/regiments.h ... re_129.htm
http://users.skynet.be/ermeton1914/passage.html

Cheers. Raúl M .

[tigre]

Hello to all ; another part of it..............

In the shade of Rommel (Im schatten Rommel) – 5 Pz Div. in the French Campaign 1940.

15 of Mayo of 1940.

At 11:00 hours the SR13 could cross the line Weillen – Faläen. When the PR 31 was closing Flavion the spearhead reported enemy tanks in great number; the vorhutkompanie, the 6./ PR 31 under Hptm Höhn (5 Pz IV) turned right covering the road Biert l’Abbé – Flavion; without waiting for the I./ PR 31 the II./ PR 31’s Commanding Officer Maj Hildebrandt charged against the foe (the French 1. DCR). At 14:00 hours several hostile tanks were burning, the Abteilung Commander was severely wounded in his Pz II and the Pz IV ammunitions were ran out.

At this time attacked the I. Abteilung, the situation was critical because the ammunitions Lorries still were on the Meuse River's east bank. However, when the French seizing the initiative knocked against the road Anthée – Philippeville they met there the 7 Pz Div (the PR 25 led by its Divisional Commander). At this moment the happy regiment’s commander (Oberst Werner) riding on a soft-skinned kübelwagen led all his Pz I and II (three shots x gun) to the attack compeled the enemy to retreat towards Fraire and Beaumont, it was at 18:30 hours. One battery of the Schw Art. Abt 48 engaged the last hostile tanks in direct firing, hence the 1 DCR was destroyed by the 5 Pz Div instead of by the 7 Pz as it was written by Alistair Horne on his well known work.

That very night the PR 15 (Oberst Streich) reached the line Yves – Philippeville; the bulk of the AR 116 at Hemptinne; the SR 13 covered the north flank due north of Flavion. At 22:00 hours the Divisional CP was at Flavion. Losses for that day: 10 KIA and 52 WIA.

Sources: Historia de la 5 Pz. Anton Detlev v. Plato.
Die Roten Teufel Sind die Hölle.
15 Fotoalben mit über 1200 originalen Fotos ! bei eBay_de 1918-1945 (endet 16_08_09 185430 MESZ). Martes, 11 de Agosto de 2009, 19:04:52
El Tercer Reich. Tomo 4. ANESA 1975.
Die 62. Infanterie-Division 1938 - 1944, die 62. Volks-Grenadier-Division 1944 - 1945 - A. Reinicke/H.G. Hermann/Friedrich Kittel, Kameradenhilfswerk der ehem. 62. Division, Fulda 1968
Fuente: Private Sales List-Pz Rgt 15 - 5 Panzer Division. 19 de Diciembre de 2009, 00:10:34
http://pagesperso-orange.fr/regiments.h ... re_129.htm
http://users.skynet.be/ermeton1914/passage.html

Cheers. Raúl M .

[tigre]

Hello to all ; another part of it..............

In the shade of Rommel (Im schatten Rommel) – 5 Pz Div. in the French Campaign 1940.

15 of May of 1940.

1 DCR.

At 05:00 hours on May 15 of 1940, the XI CA, which had not been able to hold itself along the Meuse, was moving back towards the west; the Army Corps’ Commander requested that the ordered counterattack should be carried out as soon as possible. But, due to the problems in its refueling the General Bruneau’s division would not be ready during the morning. The division artillery only emplaced a battery and the infantry which was between the 1 DCR and the river seemed to have disappeared.

Around 08:00 hours began to fall the artillery fire on the positions of the 1. Group, at 08:30 hours appeared some thirty German tanks advanced from Anthée. The fight that ensued, in which the French suffered badly from fuel shortage, continued until 17:30 hours, when came the order to fall back towards the line Mettet - Florennes. By then the 28º BCC had altogether only 7 serviceable tanks; the 37 BCC had only 9 tanks.

The 25 BCC deployed in Corenne also had fought an intense combat around 11:00 hours against Germans tanks coming from the south of the locality heading to Florennes. At 14:30 hours it received the order to fall back on the South edge of Stave and at 18:30 hours towards Froidchapelle.

By the time the 26 BCC had received the withdrawal order which had fought due northwest of Flavión it had only 20 tanks. At night the rest of the 1 DCR went back towards Beaumont after fighting with an entire German Pz Corps.

Lastly, in Metais, on Wednesday 15 the 129 RI settled a defensive position to achieve a mission of sacrifice. The flag was returned and the codes burned during the night. The supply trains withdrew to Dunkirk. The information arrived from the Army Corps in the first hours of the morning showed that the movement of the enemy was of great scale. At the moment when the first blows of the German artillery fell on Métais, crushing the CP of the regiment, a new withdrawal was ordered. The Regiment withdrew to Nallines.

Sources: Historia de la 5 Pz. Anton Detlev v. Plato.
Die Roten Teufel Sind die Hölle.
15 Fotoalben mit über 1200 originalen Fotos ! bei eBay_de 1918-1945 (endet 16_08_09 185430 MESZ). Martes, 11 de Agosto de 2009, 19:04:52
El Tercer Reich. Tomo 4. ANESA 1975.
Die 62. Infanterie-Division 1938 - 1944, die 62. Volks-Grenadier-Division 1944 - 1945 - A. Reinicke/H.G. Hermann/Friedrich Kittel, Kameradenhilfswerk der ehem. 62. Division, Fulda 1968
Fuente: Private Sales List-Pz Rgt 15 - 5 Panzer Division. 19 de Diciembre de 2009, 00:10:34
http://pagesperso-orange.fr/regiments.h ... re_129.htm
http://users.skynet.be/ermeton1914/passage.html

Cheers. Raúl M .

[tigre]

Hello to all ; another part of it..............

In the shade of Rommel (Im schatten Rommel) – 5 Pz Div. in the French Campaign 1940.

16 of May of 1940.

Early that morning at 03:35 hours, the AA 8 was directed towards Hemptinne in order to carry out the reconnaissance up to the line Mertet – Gerpinnes – Thuillers. At 05:30 the newly attached Pz Jäg Abt 652 was covering to the north from Hemptinne and the II./ SR 13 was at Florennes. The I./ SR 13 which spent the night facing north at Flavion resumed its march and by 09:20 hours covered the line Yves – Walcourt.

At 04:30 hours the 8 Pz Brig occupied an assembly area west of the road Yves – Philippeville with PR 31 right and PR 15 left, ready to attack towards west or north. The PR 31 had been resupply with ammunition and petrol during the night at Flavion and then marched by Jamiolle – Jamagne. The II./ PR 31 was covering from Jamagne to the north; the Abteilung was led by Maj. Christern instead of the wounded Maj Hildebrand.

At 04:00 hours the SR 14 was marching to Haut Le Wastia and at 09:30 hours proceeded to Silenrieux. At 12:00 hours the Pz Jäg Abt 652 took Boussu establishing a bridgehead there; at 15:00 hours hostile infantry supported by 10 tanks attacked the bridgehead. At 15:30 hours kampfgruppe Haarde (8 Pz Brig) entered Beaumont. At 19:00 hours the kampfgruppe engaged against hostile tanks along the north and west edge of Beaumont. The SR 14 stormed against the French border southwest of Beaumont. At 21:00 hours the II./ SR 13 was relieved by troops belonging to the 8 ID at Florennes. Casualties: 8 KIA and 35 WIA. Divisional CP at Barbençon (17:00 hours).

Sources: Historia de la 5 Pz. Anton Detlev v. Plato.
Die Roten Teufel Sind die Hölle.
15 Fotoalben mit über 1200 originalen Fotos ! bei eBay_de 1918-1945 (endet 16_08_09 185430 MESZ). Martes, 11 de Agosto de 2009, 19:04:52
El Tercer Reich. Tomo 4. ANESA 1975.
Die 62. Infanterie-Division 1938 - 1944, die 62. Volks-Grenadier-Division 1944 - 1945 - A. Reinicke/H.G. Hermann/Friedrich Kittel, Kameradenhilfswerk der ehem. 62. Division, Fulda 1968
Fuente: Private Sales List-Pz Rgt 15 - 5 Panzer Division. 19 de Diciembre de 2009, 00:10:34
http://pagesperso-orange.fr/regiments.h ... re_129.htm
http://users.skynet.be/ermeton1914/passage.html

Cheers. Raúl M .

[tigre]

Hello to all ; another part of it..............

In the shade of Rommel (Im schatten Rommel) – 5 Pz Div. in the French Campaign 1940.

16 of May of 1940.

1 DCR.

On May 16 of 1940, during the morning, the Commander of the 1. French Army Group issued an order that stated the execution of a counterattack in which the 1 DCR had to be engaged; the 9º French Army, the 1. French Army Group and the French High Command ignored the fate suffered by the division.

On May 16 of 1940 during the afternoon, General Delestrait from the inspection of tanks, sent to search for the 1 DCR knew by some isolate officers the destiny undergone by the division.

Sources: Historia de la 5 Pz. Anton Detlev v. Plato.
Die Roten Teufel Sind die Hölle.
15 Fotoalben mit über 1200 originalen Fotos ! bei eBay_de 1918-1945 (endet 16_08_09 185430 MESZ). Martes, 11 de Agosto de 2009, 19:04:52
El Tercer Reich. Tomo 4. ANESA 1975.
Die 62. Infanterie-Division 1938 - 1944, die 62. Volks-Grenadier-Division 1944 - 1945 - A. Reinicke/H.G. Hermann/Friedrich Kittel, Kameradenhilfswerk der ehem. 62. Division, Fulda 1968
Fuente: Private Sales List-Pz Rgt 15 - 5 Panzer Division. 19 de Diciembre de 2009, 00:10:34
http://pagesperso-orange.fr/regiments.h ... re_129.htm
http://users.skynet.be/ermeton1914/passage.html

Cheers. Raúl M .

[tigre]

Hello to all ; another part of it..............

In the shade of Rommel (Im schatten Rommel) – 5 Pz Div. in the French Campaign 1940.

17 of May of 1940.

17 May 1940. At 05:00 hours Corps’ order: “Advance thru Hestrud against Semousies and cover the Corps’ northern flank against enemy attacks to Maubeuge; attack was to begin at 08:00 hours, for this task the 8 MG Btl was to be attached to the division”. As Division’s advance guard marched the PR 15 plus the II./ SR14 under Oberst Streich; at 09:00 the infantry battalion pressed on thru Grandrieux and at 10:00 hours crossed the French international border at Hestrud. At 11:00 hours the spearhead attacked the Maginot Line east of Solre Le Chateau; the fortifications were quickly destroyed by the panzers, the direct fire of the II./ AR 48 and the engineers of the 1./ Pi Btl 89.

At 14:00 hours the vanguard broke through. At 16:00 hours was taken Semousies and at 19:00 hours the regiment reached Berlaimont. At 20:00 the II./ SR 14 established a bridgehead over the Sambre River, together with the 4./ PR 15; 1./ Pz Jäg Abt 53 and a half of one company of engineers (Pi Btl 89). At Point the 5./ PR 15 and a half Company of engineers (Pi Btl 89) established a defensive position on the west bank of the river Sambre. The rest of the advance guard was at Alnoye. The PR 31 took over the flank covering to the north; II./ PR 31 Eclaibes, I./ AR 116 with the 3./ Pi Btl 89 at Ecuélin, Staff and I./ PR 31 at Dourlers; Divisional CP at St Rémy au Chaussée. Casualties on May 17 of 1940: 8 KIA and 21 WIA.

Sources: Historia de la 5 Pz. Anton Detlev v. Plato.
Die Roten Teufel Sind die Hölle.
15 Fotoalben mit über 1200 originalen Fotos ! bei eBay_de 1918-1945 (endet 16_08_09 185430 MESZ). Martes, 11 de Agosto de 2009, 19:04:52
El Tercer Reich. Tomo 4. ANESA 1975.
Die 62. Infanterie-Division 1938 - 1944, die 62. Volks-Grenadier-Division 1944 - 1945 - A. Reinicke/H.G. Hermann/Friedrich Kittel, Kameradenhilfswerk der ehem. 62. Division, Fulda 1968
Fuente: Private Sales List-Pz Rgt 15 - 5 Panzer Division. 19 de Diciembre de 2009, 00:10:34
http://pagesperso-orange.fr/regiments.h ... re_129.htm
http://users.skynet.be/ermeton1914/passage.html

Cheers. Raúl M .

[tigre]

Hello to all ; another part of it..............

In the shade of Rommel (Im schatten Rommel) – 5 Pz Div. in the French Campaign 1940.

18 of May of 1940.

On May 18 of 1940 at 04:00 hours the attack’s order sent by the XV AK (Mot) reached the division. It was stated there to jump out from the Forêt de Mormal and while the MG Btl 8 and the Pz Jäg Abt 652 covered the flank to Le Quesnoy it was to seize the high ground south of Valenciennes.

At 04:15 the Marschgruppe Lübbe (SR 13) arrived from Dompiere after accomplishing its security task. Three new marschgruppen were organized:

North: Oberst Werner with AA 8, PR 31 and I./ AR 116 thru Berliamont to Orsinval.

Center: Generalmajor Haarde with PR 15, II./ SR 14 and II./ AR 48 over Locquignol to Le Quesnoy.

South: Oberst Degener with SR 13 and II./ AR 116 over Maroilles, Fontaine au Bois, Boussies to Solesmes.

Covering the north flank were the I./ SR 14 and the I./ AR 116 marching back from Pont.

Oberst Werner sent Major Christern as parlamentary to Maubege, the first objective of Maj. Christern to seize the town without fighting failed, hence the II. Abteilung with Leutnant Müntz and his recce platoon (Erkunderzug) as vanguard went ahead to the city. They met strong resistance from all houses but the panzern broke through taking the citadel. The outer forts were not taken yet.

The II. Abteilung handed over the city and the fortress to the vanguard of the 28 ID at 13:00 hours, while the I. Abteilung followed to Berlaimont behind the Marschgruppe Haarde. The II. Abteilung went at 15:00 hours over Villereau where the AA 8 was also engaged; the 6. Companie led the attack and soon gained the north outskirt where it rejected a counterattack.

On May 18 of 1940 at 10:00 hours the division was subordinate to the XXXIX AK (Mot) under General Schmidt, who came after fighting in Holland. General Schmidt traveled from the CP of the 4 AOK to the CP of the XV AK in Sivry and then to the CP of the 5 Pz in St. Remy au Chausèe. Once in that place he explained that he was against the movement of the PR 31 towards Maubeuge for being eccentric to the operations in course.

In this day the 5 Pz underwent the greater number of casualties since the crossing of the Mosa River: 36 KIA (among them 4 officers) and 125 WIA (10 officers).

Sources: Historia de la 5 Pz. Anton Detlev v. Plato.
Die Roten Teufel Sind die Hölle.
15 Fotoalben mit über 1200 originalen Fotos ! bei eBay_de 1918-1945 (endet 16_08_09 185430 MESZ). Martes, 11 de Agosto de 2009, 19:04:52
El Tercer Reich. Tomo 4. ANESA 1975.
Die 62. Infanterie-Division 1938 - 1944, die 62. Volks-Grenadier-Division 1944 - 1945 - A. Reinicke/H.G. Hermann/Friedrich Kittel, Kameradenhilfswerk der ehem. 62. Division, Fulda 1968
Fuente: Private Sales List-Pz Rgt 15 - 5 Panzer Division. 19 de Diciembre de 2009, 00:10:34
http://pagesperso-orange.fr/regiments.h ... re_129.htm
http://users.skynet.be/ermeton1914/passage.html

Cheers. Raúl M .