Marcus kindly agreed to turn this (now renamed) thread into a sticky. The idea is to expand its scope somewhat, into an attempt to gather as complete a picture as possible of the general outlook and state of the German Army in 1943 and 1944, and perhaps more specifically from the summer of 1943 until september of 1944. For this, the posted OOBs are of course little more than a starting point. Things to add would be, f.e.:
* Strength figures at various points, both for personnel and equipment
* Further OOB info for other points in time, perhaps especially for June/July of both years
* More detailed information on deployment for specific fronts or parts of fronts
* Changes in unit structure in the period
* Casualty figures
* Clarification of terminology, enabling us to read the OOBs more accurately
* Any other points of interest you could think of.
This might also be a good reference tool for other discussions. Both views, opinions, ananlysis and data would be very welcome.
--------------------------------------------
Since for once I've got plenty of nettime due to being home alone with a cold, I though it might be interesting to write out a comparison of the OOBs of the German army as of 4 October 1943 and 16 September 1944 respectively, and see what conclusions can be drawn from them. I'll be proceeding on an army group for army group basis. The source is the OKW war diaries.
TERMINOLOGY AND DEFINITIONS: Hopefully mostly self-explanatory. Divisions listed as "Kampfgruppe" (Kgr) and Brigades are counted as half divisions, those listed as "Reste" and Regiments as 1/4 divisions. A note of caution: In the 1944 OOBs the "Kampfgruppe" specification generally no longer appears, although "Reste" does. This may distort the divisional count, which should thus be taken as strictly approximate. Notice, f.e., the Panzer divisions of HG Mitte. The divisions rated as Kgr in October 1943 are no longer done so in September 1944. It seems unlikely that the reason is that they were considerably stronger in the latter period than in the former.
What counts as Armies or Corps has been determined hierarchically - ie, a "Heeresgruppe" subordinated to another Heeresgruppe is considered an Army, and an "Armee" subordinated to an Army is considered a Corps, ad-hoc HQs (as opposed to ad-hoc units) subordinate to Corps are not counted at all. Korpsabteilungen, being composed of the remains of several divisions, are counted as full infantry divisions. Kavallerie Abteilungen is counted as brigades. No distinction is made between Grenadier-divisionen (mostly the 500-series in 1944) and Infanterie-divisionen.
I THE EASTERN FRONT
1
Heeresgruppe A 1943
2 Armies: 17., 6.
7 Corps: Bef.d.Krim, rum. Geb-Korps, V., XXXXIX, XXXXIV, XXIX, IV
Divisions
2 Pz: 13., 17.
2 Geb.: 4., 3.
2 Jäger: 97., 101.
7 1/2 Inf.: 98., 370., 50., 336., 111., 9., 302. 258 (Kgr)
2 LW Field: 15., 5.
8 Rum.: 1.geb., 2.geb., 3.Geb., 6.Kav., 10., 19., 4.geb., 24.
1 Slovak: 1.
1 Flak: 153.
1/2 Sicherung:Kav.Rgt. Süd, Radfahrende Sich.Rgt. 4
1 ad hoc: Gruppe Oberst Krieger
Heeresgruppe Südukraine September 1944
3 Armies: Korpsgruppe XXIX, Armeegruppe Fretter-Pico, 8.
7 Corps: IV. Hung., VII Hung., II Hung., Gruppe Siebenbürgen, LVII Pz, Gruppe Gen. Abraham, XVII
Divisions
1 Pz: 20.
1 Pz.Gren.: 4.SS
2 Geb.: 4., 3.
1 Jäger: 8.
1 1/4 Inf: 76. (reste), 46.
1 Cavalry: 8.SS
14 1/2 Hungarian: 4.Res., 8.Res., 20., 1.Pz, 4.Res., 12.Res., Brigade Lakatos, 27.Leichte, 1.Res.Geb., 2.Res.Geb., 25., 2.Pz., 7.Res., 9.Res., 2.Res.
2 ad hoc: Gruppe Winkler, Gruppe Welker
-----------------------------------------
2
Heeresgruppe Süd October 1943
3 Armies: 1.Pz, 8., 4.Pz
13 Corps: XXXX pz, XVII, XXX, LII, LVII Pz, XI, XXXXVII Pz, III Pz, XXXXVIII Pz, XXIV Pz, VII, XIII, XXXXII
Divisions
9 1/2 Pz: Gr.D., 23., 9. (Kgr), 3.SS, 6. (Kgr), 11. (Kgr), 5.SS, 3. (Kgr), 19., 8. (Kgr), 7., 2.SS
3 Pz.Gren: 16., 20., 10.
34 Inf: 335., 333., 294. (reste Kgr), 123., 125., 304., 257., 387., 46., 15., 62., 38. (Kgr), 328. (Kgr), 255., 161. (Kgr), 293. (Kgr), 306. (Kgr), 106. (Kgr), 39. (Kgr), 282. (Kgr), 198. (Kgr), 320. (Kgr), 389., 167. (Kgr), 57., 168. (Kgr), 223., 112. (Kgr), 255. (Kgr), 72., 34., 88., 75., 68., 82., 327. (Kgr), 208. (Kgr), 340., 183., 217., 339., 291., 332. (Reste Kgr)
1 Cavalry: 8.SS
3 Sicherung: 213., 454., 444.
Heeresgruppe Nordukraine September 1944
3 Armies: Armeegruppe Heinrici (1.Pz)(inc. 1.Hungarian Army), 17., 4.Pz
10 Corps: Hung. VI, Hung. III, XXXXIX Geb., XI, XXIV Pz, XI SS, LIX, XXXXVIII Pz, XXXXII, LVI Pz
Divisions
5 Pz: 24., 1., 8., 16., 17.
1 Pz.Gren: 20.
4 1/2 Jäger: 100., 101., 97., 1.Ski-Brig.
19 Inf: 168., 254., 96., 68., 75., 208., 357., 545., 78., 544., 359., 371., 304., 88., 72., 291., 342., 253., 214.
1 Reserve: 154.
5 1/2 Hungarian: 1.Geb.Brig., 10., 24., 16., 13., 6.
---------------------
3
Heeresgruppe Mitte October 1943
4 Armies: 2., 9., 4., 3.Pz
14 Corps: LVI Pz, XXXXVI Pz, XX, XXXV, XXIII, LV, XXXXI Pz, XII, IX, XXXIX Pz, XXVII, VI, II LW, Hung. VIII
Divisions
4 Pz: 2., 12. (Kgr), 5., 4. (Kgr), 20. (Kgr), 18. (Kgr)
2 1/2 Pz.Gren: 25., 1.SS-Brig., 18.
31 Inf: 86. (Kgr), 251. (Kgr), 7. (Reste), 137. (Kgr), 102. (Kgr), 31. (Kgr), 6. (Kgr), 45., 299., 292., 216., 707., 129., 253., 134., 296., 383., 110., 321., 268. (Kgr), 36. (Reste), 267., 260., 131., 56. (Kgr), 26., 262. (Reste), 35., 330. (Kgr), 78.Sturm, 342., 252., 95., 337., 197., 52. (Kgr), 256., 246. (Kgr), 206., 14., 87.
4 Luftwaffe: 2., 3., 4., 6.
6 Hungarian: 1., 12., 5., 23., 9., 18.
1 Slovak: 2.
4 1/4 Sicherung: 221., Kav.Rgt. Mitte, 286., 203., 201.
2 FLAK: 390., 391.
1 ad-hoc: Gruppe Oberst Wesche
Heeresgruppe Mitte September 1944
4 armies: 9., 2., 4., 3.Pz
16 Corps: II Hung. Res., VIII, Gruppe Sikenius, IV SS Pz, XX, XXIII, Kav., LV, VI, XXXXI Pz, XXVII, XXVI, IX, XII SS, XXXX Pz, XXXXIX Pz
Divisions
13 1/2 Pz: 25., 102.Brig., 3., 103.Brig., HG, 19., 3.SS, 5.SS, 104.Brig., 5., 6., 4., 7., 12. Gr.D.
1 Jäger: 28.
1/2 Pz.Gren: Brig. von Werthern
1/2 FJ: 16.Rgt., Begl.Rgt. HG
30 1/4 Inf: 17., 45., 6., Korpsabt. E, 1132.Brig., 73. (reste), 35., 542., 1131. Brig., 14., 129., 102., 367., 212., 7., 211., 541., 292., 562., 50., 299., 558., 170., 131., 547., 561., 549., 1., 69., 252., 548., 551.
2 Cavalry: 3.Brig., 4.Brig. Abt. D, Abt. H
5 Sicherung: 391., 390., 203., 286., 201.
2 Hungarian: 5.Res., 1.Kav.
3 ad-hoc: Gruppe von Rothkirch, Gruppe von dem Bach, Gruppe Danz
-----------------------------------
4
Heeresgruppe Nord October 1943
2 Armies: 16., 18.
9 Corps: XXXXIII, II, VIII, XXXVIII, XXVIII, XXVI, LIV, L, III LW
Divisions
1 Pz.Gren.: 4.SS
1 Geb.: 5.
2 Jäger: 5., 8.
30 Inf: 58., 263., 83., 205., 331., 93., 12., 218., 32., 30., 122. 329., 96., 132., 1., 81., 121. 212., 69., 254., 290., 61., 227., 215., 225., 24., 11., 250. (Spanish), 170., 126.
4 LW: 21., 12., 9., 10.
3 Sicherung: 207., 281., 285.
Heeresgruppe Nord September 1944
3 Armies: 16., 18., Armeeabteilung Narwa
10 Corps: Gruppe von Keffel, I, XXXXIII, X, L, VI SS, XXXVIII, XXVIII, II, III SS Pz
1 1/2 Pz: 101.Brig., 14.
2 1/2 Pz.Gren: 11.SS, 4.SS-Brig., 5.SS-Brig., 6.SS-Brig.
28 Inf: 81., 93., 263., 290., 215., 205., 58., 225., 389., 24., 132., 121., 329., 126., 122., 32., 19.SS, 218., 83., 227, 31., 21., 30., 61., 563., 87., 23., 20.SS
2 LW: 21., 12.
1 1/2 Sicherung: 281., 207. (Kgr)
1 FLAK: F.A.D. "Nord"
1 ad-hoc: Div. z.b.v. 300
1 FLAK: 388.
To follow: Other fronts
cheers
Let's Build: The Heer/Waffen-SS 1943-44
Let's Build: The Heer/Waffen-SS 1943-44
Last edited by Qvist on 25 Jan 2006, 10:59, edited 2 times in total.
Continued...
TERMINOLOGY: Bs = Bodenständige, ie, Static.
5
ARMIES SUBORDINATED DIRECTLY TO OKW
20. Gebirgsarmee (on the Finnish and arctic front) October 1943
3 Corps: XVIII Geb., XXXVI Geb., XIX Geb.
Divisions:
4 1/4 Geb: 6.SS, 7., 2., 6., 139.Rgt
3 1/2 Inf: 169., 163., 388.Rgt., 210., 193.Rgt.
1/4 LW: 503.Rgt.
20. Gebirgsarmee September 1944
Same 3 Corps
Divisions:
4 Geb.: 7., 6.SS, 6., 2.
5 1/2 Inf: 140. z.b.v., 163., 169., 388.Brig., Div. "Rossi", 210. (Bs)
AOK NORWEGEN OCTOBER 1943
3 Corps: LXXI, XXXIII, LXX
Divisions
10 Inf: 196., 214., 280., 230., 270., 199., 702., 295. (forming), 269., 710.
1 Bs Inf: 274.
1 Reserve Pz: PzD "Norwegen"
1 LW: 14.
AOK NORWEGEN SEPTEMBER 1944
Same 3 Corps
Divisions
5 Inf: 560. (forming), 299., 702., 269., 710.
5 Bs Inf: 230., 270., 295., 280., 274.
1 LW: 14
WB DÄNEMARK OCTOBER 1943
1 Inf: 416.
1 LW: 20. (forming)
1 Res Pz: 233. Res.
2 Reserve: 154., 174.
WB DÄNEMARK SEPTEMBER 1944
1 Inf: 416.
1 Res Pz: 233. Res.
2 Reserve: 166., 160.
---------------------------------------------------
6
OB WEST OCTOBER 1943
5 Armies: WB Niederlande, 15., 7., 1., 19.
16 Corps: LXVII Reserve, LXVI, LXIV, LVIII Res. PZ., LXXXVIII, LXXXIX, LXXXII, LXXXI, LXXXIV, LXXIV, XXV, LXXX, LXXXVI, IV LW, Gruppe Faulenbach, Gruppe Kniess.
6 Pz (forming): 25., 9.SS, 10.SS, 12.SS, 14., 21. (all forming)
1 Pz.Gren. (forming): "Feldherrnhalle"
8 Inf: 13.SS (forming), 376., 384., 371., 334. (forming), 356., 715., 20.Brig., 30.Brig.
20 Bs Inf: 244. (forming), 245. (forming), 347., 719., 712., 264. (forming), 348., 711., 716., 709., 319., 346., 266., 343., 265., 243., 708., 344., 326., 338.
4 Bs LW: 16., 19., 18., 17.
1 1/2 Sicherung: 325., 5.Rgt., 195.Rgt.
10 Reserve: 182., 158., 189., 159., 157., 165., 171., 156. 191., 158.
OB WEST SEPTEMBER 1944
2 Army Groups: B, G
6 Armies: 15., 1.FJ, 7., 1., 19., 5.Pz
19 Corps: II FJ, LXXXIV (interestingly, both classified as "verbleibt unbekannt"), LXXXIX, LXXXVI, LXVII, LXXXVIII, LXXXI, LXXIV, I SS Pz, XXV, LXXX, LXXXII, XIII SS, XXXXVII Pz, LXVI, LXIV, IV LW, LXXXV z.b.V., II SS Pz
Divisions
11 Pz: 107.Brig., 108.Brig., 9.SS, 10.SS, 116. (Kgr), 105. Brig., 9. (Kgr), 1 SS (Kgr), 2.SS (Kgr), 12.SS (Kgr), 2. (Kgr), Lehr (Kgr), 106. Brig., 21., 111.Brig., 112. Brig., 113. Brig., 11.
3 Pz.Gren: 17.SS, 3., 15.
3 1/4 FJ: 6., 3., 2. (reste), 5.
11 Inf: 12., 331. (reste), 85., 84. (reste), 89. (reste), 353. (reste), 275., 19., 36., 559., 553., 16., 198., 30.SS
12 1/2 Bs Inf: 226. (Kgr), 70., 245., 64., 59., 712., 711., 346. (Kgr), 344. (Reste), 719., 49. (reste), 347. (Kgr), 265., 343. (Reste), 266. (Reste), 338., 716.
1/4 Bs LW: 17. (Reste)
1 1/4 Reserve: 189. (reste), 159.
4 Various: Div nr. 176, Div nr. 526, Div nr. 172, Div nr. 462
----------------------------------
7
OB Süd October 1943 (incorporating HG B)
1 Army: 10.
5 Corps: LXXXVII, II SS Pz, LI Geb., XIV Pz, LXXVI Pz
5 Pz: 1. SS, 24., HG, 16., 26.
4 1/2 Pz Gren: Brig. "RF-SS", 3., 15., 90., 29.
2 FJ: 1., 2.
7 Inf: 76., 94., 44. "H.u.D.", 162. (turk.), 71., 65., 305.
1/2 Reserve: Brig. "Doehla"
OB Süd September 1944
3 Armies: Armee Ligurien, 14., 10.
9 Corps: LXXV, Korps "Sieb", Korps "Lombardia", Bef.hb. d. Op.zone Adriatisches Küstenland, XIV Pz, I FJ, LI Geb, LXXVI Pz, Op.zone Venetianisches Küstenland
Divisions
1 Pz: 26.
3 Pz Gren: 90., 16.SS, 29.
2 FJ: 4., 1.
1 Geb.: 5.
2 Jäger: 42., 114.
13 Inf: 34., 94., 65., 362., 334., 715., 305., 44. "H.u.D.", 278., 71., 98., 356., 162. turk.
1 LW: 20.
2 Bs Inf: 232., 237.
3 Reserve: 157., 148., 188. Geb.
2 Italian: 3., 4.geb.
--------------------------------------------
8
SüDOSTEN (Heeresgruppe F) (BALKANS) OCTOBER 1943
2 Armies: 2.Pz, Heeresgruppe E
9 Corps: I Bulg., III SS Pz, XV Geb., XXI Geb., LXIX Res., XXII Geb., LXVIII, OFK Saloniki, Der Kommand. d. Festung Kreta
Divisions
1 Pz: 1.
1 1/4 Pz Gren: 11.SS (forming), 92. Mot. Rgt.
1 Special forces: Div Brandenburg
2 Geb.: 7.SS, 1.
5 Jäger: 114., 118., 100., 104., 117.
4 1/2 Inf: Sturm-div "Rhodos" (forming), 297. (forming), 181., 22. Festungsbrigade Kreta
1 LW: 11.
1 Sicherung: SS Pol.Rgt. 18, SS Pol.Pz.GrenRgt. 1 & 2, SS Pol.Rgt. 14
5 Bulgarian: 22., 24., 25., 27., 7.
2 Croatian: 373., 369.
1 Cossack: 1. (forming)
2 1/4 Reserve: Jg.Ers.Rgt. 1, 173., 187.
OB SÜDOST (Heeresgruppe F) SEPTEMBER 1944
2 armies: 2.Pz, Heeresgruppe E
11 Corps: LXIX z.b.V., XV Geb., V SS Geb., WB Mazedonien, XXI Geb., LXXXXI z.b.V., XXII Geb., LXVIII, Kdt. der Festung Kreta, Kdt. Ost-Ägäis, Führungsstab Schneckenburger
Divisions
1/2 Pz Gren: 92. Mot.Brigade
1/4 Special Forces: 2.Rgt. "Brandenburg"
3 Geb.: 7.SS, 13.SS, 1.
3 Jäger: 118., 104., 117.
5 Inf: 297., 181., 21.SS (forming), 22., Sturmdivision "Rhodos"
1 LW: 11.
6 Bs Inf: 264., Festungsbrigade 986, Festungsbrigade 966, Festungsbrigade 1017, Festungsdivision 133, Festungsdivision 41, Festungsbrigade 939, Festungsbrigade 967, Festungsbrigade 938
3 Croatian: 373., 392., 369.
1 Cossack: 1.
1/2 Sicherung: SS Geb.Pol.Rgt. 18, SS-Pol.Rgt.5
1/4 Reserve: Jg.Ers.Rgt.1
2 Ad hoc: KG Fischer, KG Weyel
This, in fact, completes the whole picture.
cheers
TERMINOLOGY: Bs = Bodenständige, ie, Static.
5
ARMIES SUBORDINATED DIRECTLY TO OKW
20. Gebirgsarmee (on the Finnish and arctic front) October 1943
3 Corps: XVIII Geb., XXXVI Geb., XIX Geb.
Divisions:
4 1/4 Geb: 6.SS, 7., 2., 6., 139.Rgt
3 1/2 Inf: 169., 163., 388.Rgt., 210., 193.Rgt.
1/4 LW: 503.Rgt.
20. Gebirgsarmee September 1944
Same 3 Corps
Divisions:
4 Geb.: 7., 6.SS, 6., 2.
5 1/2 Inf: 140. z.b.v., 163., 169., 388.Brig., Div. "Rossi", 210. (Bs)
AOK NORWEGEN OCTOBER 1943
3 Corps: LXXI, XXXIII, LXX
Divisions
10 Inf: 196., 214., 280., 230., 270., 199., 702., 295. (forming), 269., 710.
1 Bs Inf: 274.
1 Reserve Pz: PzD "Norwegen"
1 LW: 14.
AOK NORWEGEN SEPTEMBER 1944
Same 3 Corps
Divisions
5 Inf: 560. (forming), 299., 702., 269., 710.
5 Bs Inf: 230., 270., 295., 280., 274.
1 LW: 14
WB DÄNEMARK OCTOBER 1943
1 Inf: 416.
1 LW: 20. (forming)
1 Res Pz: 233. Res.
2 Reserve: 154., 174.
WB DÄNEMARK SEPTEMBER 1944
1 Inf: 416.
1 Res Pz: 233. Res.
2 Reserve: 166., 160.
---------------------------------------------------
6
OB WEST OCTOBER 1943
5 Armies: WB Niederlande, 15., 7., 1., 19.
16 Corps: LXVII Reserve, LXVI, LXIV, LVIII Res. PZ., LXXXVIII, LXXXIX, LXXXII, LXXXI, LXXXIV, LXXIV, XXV, LXXX, LXXXVI, IV LW, Gruppe Faulenbach, Gruppe Kniess.
6 Pz (forming): 25., 9.SS, 10.SS, 12.SS, 14., 21. (all forming)
1 Pz.Gren. (forming): "Feldherrnhalle"
8 Inf: 13.SS (forming), 376., 384., 371., 334. (forming), 356., 715., 20.Brig., 30.Brig.
20 Bs Inf: 244. (forming), 245. (forming), 347., 719., 712., 264. (forming), 348., 711., 716., 709., 319., 346., 266., 343., 265., 243., 708., 344., 326., 338.
4 Bs LW: 16., 19., 18., 17.
1 1/2 Sicherung: 325., 5.Rgt., 195.Rgt.
10 Reserve: 182., 158., 189., 159., 157., 165., 171., 156. 191., 158.
OB WEST SEPTEMBER 1944
2 Army Groups: B, G
6 Armies: 15., 1.FJ, 7., 1., 19., 5.Pz
19 Corps: II FJ, LXXXIV (interestingly, both classified as "verbleibt unbekannt"), LXXXIX, LXXXVI, LXVII, LXXXVIII, LXXXI, LXXIV, I SS Pz, XXV, LXXX, LXXXII, XIII SS, XXXXVII Pz, LXVI, LXIV, IV LW, LXXXV z.b.V., II SS Pz
Divisions
11 Pz: 107.Brig., 108.Brig., 9.SS, 10.SS, 116. (Kgr), 105. Brig., 9. (Kgr), 1 SS (Kgr), 2.SS (Kgr), 12.SS (Kgr), 2. (Kgr), Lehr (Kgr), 106. Brig., 21., 111.Brig., 112. Brig., 113. Brig., 11.
3 Pz.Gren: 17.SS, 3., 15.
3 1/4 FJ: 6., 3., 2. (reste), 5.
11 Inf: 12., 331. (reste), 85., 84. (reste), 89. (reste), 353. (reste), 275., 19., 36., 559., 553., 16., 198., 30.SS
12 1/2 Bs Inf: 226. (Kgr), 70., 245., 64., 59., 712., 711., 346. (Kgr), 344. (Reste), 719., 49. (reste), 347. (Kgr), 265., 343. (Reste), 266. (Reste), 338., 716.
1/4 Bs LW: 17. (Reste)
1 1/4 Reserve: 189. (reste), 159.
4 Various: Div nr. 176, Div nr. 526, Div nr. 172, Div nr. 462
----------------------------------
7
OB Süd October 1943 (incorporating HG B)
1 Army: 10.
5 Corps: LXXXVII, II SS Pz, LI Geb., XIV Pz, LXXVI Pz
5 Pz: 1. SS, 24., HG, 16., 26.
4 1/2 Pz Gren: Brig. "RF-SS", 3., 15., 90., 29.
2 FJ: 1., 2.
7 Inf: 76., 94., 44. "H.u.D.", 162. (turk.), 71., 65., 305.
1/2 Reserve: Brig. "Doehla"
OB Süd September 1944
3 Armies: Armee Ligurien, 14., 10.
9 Corps: LXXV, Korps "Sieb", Korps "Lombardia", Bef.hb. d. Op.zone Adriatisches Küstenland, XIV Pz, I FJ, LI Geb, LXXVI Pz, Op.zone Venetianisches Küstenland
Divisions
1 Pz: 26.
3 Pz Gren: 90., 16.SS, 29.
2 FJ: 4., 1.
1 Geb.: 5.
2 Jäger: 42., 114.
13 Inf: 34., 94., 65., 362., 334., 715., 305., 44. "H.u.D.", 278., 71., 98., 356., 162. turk.
1 LW: 20.
2 Bs Inf: 232., 237.
3 Reserve: 157., 148., 188. Geb.
2 Italian: 3., 4.geb.
--------------------------------------------
8
SüDOSTEN (Heeresgruppe F) (BALKANS) OCTOBER 1943
2 Armies: 2.Pz, Heeresgruppe E
9 Corps: I Bulg., III SS Pz, XV Geb., XXI Geb., LXIX Res., XXII Geb., LXVIII, OFK Saloniki, Der Kommand. d. Festung Kreta
Divisions
1 Pz: 1.
1 1/4 Pz Gren: 11.SS (forming), 92. Mot. Rgt.
1 Special forces: Div Brandenburg
2 Geb.: 7.SS, 1.
5 Jäger: 114., 118., 100., 104., 117.
4 1/2 Inf: Sturm-div "Rhodos" (forming), 297. (forming), 181., 22. Festungsbrigade Kreta
1 LW: 11.
1 Sicherung: SS Pol.Rgt. 18, SS Pol.Pz.GrenRgt. 1 & 2, SS Pol.Rgt. 14
5 Bulgarian: 22., 24., 25., 27., 7.
2 Croatian: 373., 369.
1 Cossack: 1. (forming)
2 1/4 Reserve: Jg.Ers.Rgt. 1, 173., 187.
OB SÜDOST (Heeresgruppe F) SEPTEMBER 1944
2 armies: 2.Pz, Heeresgruppe E
11 Corps: LXIX z.b.V., XV Geb., V SS Geb., WB Mazedonien, XXI Geb., LXXXXI z.b.V., XXII Geb., LXVIII, Kdt. der Festung Kreta, Kdt. Ost-Ägäis, Führungsstab Schneckenburger
Divisions
1/2 Pz Gren: 92. Mot.Brigade
1/4 Special Forces: 2.Rgt. "Brandenburg"
3 Geb.: 7.SS, 13.SS, 1.
3 Jäger: 118., 104., 117.
5 Inf: 297., 181., 21.SS (forming), 22., Sturmdivision "Rhodos"
1 LW: 11.
6 Bs Inf: 264., Festungsbrigade 986, Festungsbrigade 966, Festungsbrigade 1017, Festungsdivision 133, Festungsdivision 41, Festungsbrigade 939, Festungsbrigade 967, Festungsbrigade 938
3 Croatian: 373., 392., 369.
1 Cossack: 1.
1/2 Sicherung: SS Geb.Pol.Rgt. 18, SS-Pol.Rgt.5
1/4 Reserve: Jg.Ers.Rgt.1
2 Ad hoc: KG Fischer, KG Weyel
This, in fact, completes the whole picture.
cheers
Last edited by Qvist on 23 Sep 2003, 21:40, edited 1 time in total.
-
Christoph Awender
- Forum Staff
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Hm, perhaps I haven't been that clear. I do not have in mind any specific grand conclusions on the basis of these OOBs. I was just thinking that posting a complete overview would make a good starting point for all sorts of discussion on the German army in 1943 and 1944, and also be a good general reference - I can't recall having seen something like it on this forum or elsewhere.Hello Quist!
But of which conclusions out of that comparison do you think?
\Christoph
Also, they raise at least as many questions as they answer. For instance, why is it that a number of divisions in Norway becomes downgraded to static divisions betwen 1943 and 1944? Does anybody know if this reflects f.e. that their transport assets were taken away from them, or whether it is simply a technicality?
On larger issues it is, f.e., interesting to note the exceptional turnover in Infantry Divisions in Heeresgruppe Mitte, which rather graphically illustrates the scale of the influx of new units taking place after the Bagration disaster. Similarly, a comparison of units in OB West in 1943 and 1944 illustrates the great extent of resources committed to the Western front after the autumn of 1943. Wonder where Jäger units tended to be deployed, or the extent and nature of military power dedicated to policing and guarding the Balkans? This gives a quick answer to those questions.
In short - a close look at an overview of this type answers and raises all sorts of minor and major questions, and often both at the same time. That was, more or less, the idea.
cheers
This is a tally of where Panzer divisions were deployed on the two dates (those forming not included). Here, no account has been taken of whether or not units are listed as "Kgr". Panzer Brigades are counted as half-divisions.
1943 1944
HG Nord none 1 1/12
HG Mitte 6 13 1/2
HG Süd/Nordukraine 12 5
HG A/Südukraine 2 1
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal EF 20 21
OB Südost 1 none
OB Süd 5 1
OB West none 13 1/2
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal other fronts 6 14 1/2
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Total 26 35 1/2
There are some notable points here.
1. The increase in the number of Panzer Division equivalents from 26 to 35 1/2 - an increase of about 40% in less than a year.
2. This increase seems in practice to have been swallowed entirely by the increased demands of the Western Front - the number of Panzer units in the East remains constant, while those on other fronts increase by a factor of approximately 2.5.
3. Panzer formations constitutes a greater share of forces in the West than in the East - The latter theater had only 50% more Panzer units than other fronts in September 1944. OB West had a number of Panzer formations equal to the most Panzer-heavy army group on the EF.
4. The theatre most affected by the drain of the new major front in the West, as far as Panzer Division availability is concerned, appears to be Italy.
5. It appears that the increased threat and eventual actuality of an allied landing in France had a most profound effect on the Eastern Front - if the Germans had been able to maintain a similar number of operational Panzer divisions in France from the summer of 1944 as they had in October 1943 (that is, none), this would have enabled an increase in the number of Panzer Divisions in the East of at least 50% compared to October 1943.
6. Two notable questions of fact with regard to the above: 1. Does anybody possess an overview of the number of German Panzer Divisions in France in the summer of 1943, as opposed to in October, when weather conditions effectively ruled out any landing? 2. Do anybody possess figures indicating level of strength in tanks or personnell in the Panzer Divisions in the East shortly before Bagration? I have figures for 1943 and will look them up tonight.
cheers
1943 1944
HG Nord none 1 1/12
HG Mitte 6 13 1/2
HG Süd/Nordukraine 12 5
HG A/Südukraine 2 1
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Subtotal EF 20 21
OB Südost 1 none
OB Süd 5 1
OB West none 13 1/2
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Subtotal other fronts 6 14 1/2
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Total 26 35 1/2
There are some notable points here.
1. The increase in the number of Panzer Division equivalents from 26 to 35 1/2 - an increase of about 40% in less than a year.
2. This increase seems in practice to have been swallowed entirely by the increased demands of the Western Front - the number of Panzer units in the East remains constant, while those on other fronts increase by a factor of approximately 2.5.
3. Panzer formations constitutes a greater share of forces in the West than in the East - The latter theater had only 50% more Panzer units than other fronts in September 1944. OB West had a number of Panzer formations equal to the most Panzer-heavy army group on the EF.
4. The theatre most affected by the drain of the new major front in the West, as far as Panzer Division availability is concerned, appears to be Italy.
5. It appears that the increased threat and eventual actuality of an allied landing in France had a most profound effect on the Eastern Front - if the Germans had been able to maintain a similar number of operational Panzer divisions in France from the summer of 1944 as they had in October 1943 (that is, none), this would have enabled an increase in the number of Panzer Divisions in the East of at least 50% compared to October 1943.
6. Two notable questions of fact with regard to the above: 1. Does anybody possess an overview of the number of German Panzer Divisions in France in the summer of 1943, as opposed to in October, when weather conditions effectively ruled out any landing? 2. Do anybody possess figures indicating level of strength in tanks or personnell in the Panzer Divisions in the East shortly before Bagration? I have figures for 1943 and will look them up tonight.
cheers
-
Roger Griffiths
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As to panzer divisions in France in mid 1943, there were 1(Refitting), 14, 16, 24, being re-built after Stalingrad, 26 (New) and HG. 16, 26 and HG were sent to Italy. 1, 14 and 24 were intended for the Eastern Front and returned by the end of the year. 1 spent some time in Greece in summer and autumn of 43 before returning to East. 21PD was also being rebuilt with French vehicles and was intended to stay in France. I don't think the Germans anticipated a second front being opened up in the West in 1943. It was towards the end of the year that Adolf started accumulating panzer divisions, and also field infantry divisions. Also forming were the 9, 10 and 12 SS PD's. These were allocated to the forces to defend France. 9 and 10SS were 'lent' to the East in March/April 44 but were returned as they were meant to be.
Army Group Centre before Bagration had only PGD's (FHH, 18 and 25) and Stug Bdes and a Tiger Detachment (501). 20PD was in transit to the Army Group. On 1st June, it had 1 Cmd III, 5 IIIL, 8III7,5, 4 IVKz, and 52 IVL. PzJgAbt had 28 Marder. PzAbt. 21 may well have been reinforced with more IVL by 22nd June.
Roger
Army Group Centre before Bagration had only PGD's (FHH, 18 and 25) and Stug Bdes and a Tiger Detachment (501). 20PD was in transit to the Army Group. On 1st June, it had 1 Cmd III, 5 IIIL, 8III7,5, 4 IVKz, and 52 IVL. PzJgAbt had 28 Marder. PzAbt. 21 may well have been reinforced with more IVL by 22nd June.
Roger
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Roger Griffiths
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Hi Qvist,
You could say that. The point is that prior to the end of 1943, only new or refitting PD's were stationed in France as armoured reserves, and when ready were sent East. From then until Normandy, a buildup was consciously undertaken.
I will have a look, but a quick thought would suggest that of the field ID's in France in mid 1943, many were sent East before the end of 43. It is not generally realized that the Germans were short of infantry in Normandy. New field ID's were raised in early 44. After the Invasion, battle groups from Static ID's were sent to Normandy from elsewhere in France to bolster the defence. Even so, they were not strong enough to withstand the Allied armies which were tank heavy armies. This meant that German PD's had to be put in the line where they were ground down and also were unable to form armoured counter-attack.
Roger
You could say that. The point is that prior to the end of 1943, only new or refitting PD's were stationed in France as armoured reserves, and when ready were sent East. From then until Normandy, a buildup was consciously undertaken.
I will have a look, but a quick thought would suggest that of the field ID's in France in mid 1943, many were sent East before the end of 43. It is not generally realized that the Germans were short of infantry in Normandy. New field ID's were raised in early 44. After the Invasion, battle groups from Static ID's were sent to Normandy from elsewhere in France to bolster the defence. Even so, they were not strong enough to withstand the Allied armies which were tank heavy armies. This meant that German PD's had to be put in the line where they were ground down and also were unable to form armoured counter-attack.
Roger
These were the infantry formations in the OB West area in October 43.8 Inf: 13.SS (forming), 376., 384., 371., 334. (forming), 356., 715., 20.Brig., 30.Brig.
20 Bs Inf: 244. (forming), 245. (forming), 347., 719., 712., 264. (forming), 348., 711., 716., 709., 319., 346., 266., 343., 265., 243., 708., 344., 326., 338.
4 Bs LW: 16., 19., 18., 17.
Of the 8 infantry divisions, just 2 (715., 20. & 30.brig.) were still in the West as of June 1, 1944. Of the 20 Bs Divisions, all except the 264. were still in the OB West area on that date, as were all the LW divisions.
However, it is noteworthy that the number of infantry divisions (incl LW, excluding FJ) had risen to 40, from 32 in October 1943. Since 7 divisions had left OB West, 15 new ones must have arrived between October 43 and June 1944.
This would appear to support your point that several infantry divisions, almost exclusively in the non-static category, were sent elsewhere after October 1943. However, the addition of infantry divisions in the West up until June seems to have been approximately twice as large as this figure, thus resulting in a net increase of exactly 20%.
cheers
Another Tally: Infantry Division (LW, Jäger, Geb., FJ included)
Oct43/Sept44
HG Nord:..... 37 /...30
HG Mitte:......35 /...30 3/4
HG Süd/NU:..34 /...23 1/2
HG A/SU:.....13 1/2 /..4 1/4
20.Geb..........8../...9 1/2
------------------------------------
Subtotal EF....127.5 /..98
Percentage...64,6%../..56%
OB Südost....13 1/2../..18
OB Süd........11.../...21
OB West.......32../....26
Denmark.......2../..1
AOK Norw.....12../..11
-----------------------------------
Subtotal.......70../...77
Percentage..35,4%../..44%
--------------------------------------
Total..........197.5../..175
Noteworthy points:
1. Unlike with Panzer divisions, there is a significant drop in the number of formations, of about 25%. The intuitive reason would be the large scale loss of whole formations in the various disasters inflictied on HG Mitte, HG Südukraine and OB West during the summer's fighting. It is obvious, and also intuitive, that infantry divisions became complete losses under such circumstances to a much greater degree than motorised formations.
2. Somewhat surprisingly, even considering the recent large scale infantry losses in two of the HGen in the East, the number of infantry formations on the Eastern Front and elsewhere are quite close in the fall of 1944.
3. The number of infantry formations in the East has decreased by 29 1/2, or almost a quarter, in the 11 months separating the two dates, in spite the injection of a relatively large number of units over the same period of time.
4. The number of infantry formations in OB West has decreased by 6, or 18.8%, despite the addition of 15 new formations betwen October 1943 and June 1944.
5.Heeresgrupe Mitte is remarkably strong in infantry formations considering its recent catastrophic losses, illustrating the extent and speed of reinforcement (also illustrated by the high number of newly raised units within its ranks).
6. Both OB Süd and OB Südost display marked increases in infantry strength. In the first case, this is partly offset by a much lower number of motorised formations than before. It seems likely that in the latter case, this reflects the neccessity to replace Italian forces on the peninsula after the Italian capitulation.
7. One is left with an impression that the picture a comparison between these two dates provide is somewhat transitory and anomalous. Except Italy, all theatres with recent heavy fighting display a very marked drop in infantry formation strength, unlike more quiet sectors. The redistribution of forces would consequently seem to reflect large and swift losses in the main sectors more than conscious reprioritisation between them.
cheers
Oct43/Sept44
HG Nord:..... 37 /...30
HG Mitte:......35 /...30 3/4
HG Süd/NU:..34 /...23 1/2
HG A/SU:.....13 1/2 /..4 1/4
20.Geb..........8../...9 1/2
------------------------------------
Subtotal EF....127.5 /..98
Percentage...64,6%../..56%
OB Südost....13 1/2../..18
OB Süd........11.../...21
OB West.......32../....26
Denmark.......2../..1
AOK Norw.....12../..11
-----------------------------------
Subtotal.......70../...77
Percentage..35,4%../..44%
--------------------------------------
Total..........197.5../..175
Noteworthy points:
1. Unlike with Panzer divisions, there is a significant drop in the number of formations, of about 25%. The intuitive reason would be the large scale loss of whole formations in the various disasters inflictied on HG Mitte, HG Südukraine and OB West during the summer's fighting. It is obvious, and also intuitive, that infantry divisions became complete losses under such circumstances to a much greater degree than motorised formations.
2. Somewhat surprisingly, even considering the recent large scale infantry losses in two of the HGen in the East, the number of infantry formations on the Eastern Front and elsewhere are quite close in the fall of 1944.
3. The number of infantry formations in the East has decreased by 29 1/2, or almost a quarter, in the 11 months separating the two dates, in spite the injection of a relatively large number of units over the same period of time.
4. The number of infantry formations in OB West has decreased by 6, or 18.8%, despite the addition of 15 new formations betwen October 1943 and June 1944.
5.Heeresgrupe Mitte is remarkably strong in infantry formations considering its recent catastrophic losses, illustrating the extent and speed of reinforcement (also illustrated by the high number of newly raised units within its ranks).
6. Both OB Süd and OB Südost display marked increases in infantry strength. In the first case, this is partly offset by a much lower number of motorised formations than before. It seems likely that in the latter case, this reflects the neccessity to replace Italian forces on the peninsula after the Italian capitulation.
7. One is left with an impression that the picture a comparison between these two dates provide is somewhat transitory and anomalous. Except Italy, all theatres with recent heavy fighting display a very marked drop in infantry formation strength, unlike more quiet sectors. The redistribution of forces would consequently seem to reflect large and swift losses in the main sectors more than conscious reprioritisation between them.
cheers
Last edited by Qvist on 17 Sep 2003, 09:20, edited 1 time in total.
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Roger Griffiths
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Based on the OKW OOB's I have done a little exercise. It may not be perfect but will give an idea of divisional deployments in West between mid 1943 and September 1944.
7July43
Field ID's 13 (376, 44HuD, 65, 305, 384, 76, 94, 113, 371, 389, 334, 356, 715), Static ID's 19 (347, 16Lw, 719, 19Lw, 712, 18Lw, 348, 17Lw, 711, 716, 709, 319, 346, 343, 708, 344, 326, 338, 264), Reserve ID's 10 (171, 156, 191, 158, 148, 189, 159, 157, 165, 182), Para D's 2 (1 and 2), PGD's 1 (FHH), PD's 6 (24, 9SS, 14, 10SS, 21, 26), total 51 (Excl 325 Sich D.)
Changes until 12June44.
Field ID's 4 (376, 113, 384, 389) to East, 9 (44, 65, 305, 76, 94, 371, 334, 356, 715) to Italy, 1 (331) from East and 11 (85, 84, 91, 77, 352, 275, 353, 276, 272, 277, 271) new = -1
Static ID's 1 (19Lw) to Italy, 1 (264) to Balkans. 6 (245, 243, 266, 265, 244, 242) new and 3 (48, 47, 49) retititled from Res. ID's = +7
Reserve ID's 3 (171 as 48, 156 as 47, 191 as 49)retitled as Static ID's = -3
Para D's 1 (1) to Italy and 2 (3 and 5) new = +1
PGD's 1 (FHH) to East and 1 (17SS) new = -
PD's 1 (14) to East, 2 (24 and 26) to Italy, 2 (9SS and 10SS) lent to East but returned by end June 44 plus 8 (2, 116, 1SS, 12SS, PzL, 2SS, 11, 9)new or refitted = +3
12June44
Field ID's 12 (331, 85, 84, 91LL, 77, 352, 275, 353, 276, 272, 277, 271), Static ID's 26 (347, 16Lw, 719, 712, 18Lw, 348, 17Lw, 711, 716, 709, 319, 346, 343, 708, 344, 326, 48, 47, 49, 245, 243, 266, 265, 338, 244, 242), Reserve ID's 7 (158, 148, 189, 159, 157, 165, 182), Para D's 3 (2, 3, 5), PGD's 1 (17SS), PD's 9 (21, 2, 116, 1SS, 12SS, PzL, 2SS, 11, 9), total 58.
Roger
7July43
Field ID's 13 (376, 44HuD, 65, 305, 384, 76, 94, 113, 371, 389, 334, 356, 715), Static ID's 19 (347, 16Lw, 719, 19Lw, 712, 18Lw, 348, 17Lw, 711, 716, 709, 319, 346, 343, 708, 344, 326, 338, 264), Reserve ID's 10 (171, 156, 191, 158, 148, 189, 159, 157, 165, 182), Para D's 2 (1 and 2), PGD's 1 (FHH), PD's 6 (24, 9SS, 14, 10SS, 21, 26), total 51 (Excl 325 Sich D.)
Changes until 12June44.
Field ID's 4 (376, 113, 384, 389) to East, 9 (44, 65, 305, 76, 94, 371, 334, 356, 715) to Italy, 1 (331) from East and 11 (85, 84, 91, 77, 352, 275, 353, 276, 272, 277, 271) new = -1
Static ID's 1 (19Lw) to Italy, 1 (264) to Balkans. 6 (245, 243, 266, 265, 244, 242) new and 3 (48, 47, 49) retititled from Res. ID's = +7
Reserve ID's 3 (171 as 48, 156 as 47, 191 as 49)retitled as Static ID's = -3
Para D's 1 (1) to Italy and 2 (3 and 5) new = +1
PGD's 1 (FHH) to East and 1 (17SS) new = -
PD's 1 (14) to East, 2 (24 and 26) to Italy, 2 (9SS and 10SS) lent to East but returned by end June 44 plus 8 (2, 116, 1SS, 12SS, PzL, 2SS, 11, 9)new or refitted = +3
12June44
Field ID's 12 (331, 85, 84, 91LL, 77, 352, 275, 353, 276, 272, 277, 271), Static ID's 26 (347, 16Lw, 719, 712, 18Lw, 348, 17Lw, 711, 716, 709, 319, 346, 343, 708, 344, 326, 48, 47, 49, 245, 243, 266, 265, 338, 244, 242), Reserve ID's 7 (158, 148, 189, 159, 157, 165, 182), Para D's 3 (2, 3, 5), PGD's 1 (17SS), PD's 9 (21, 2, 116, 1SS, 12SS, PzL, 2SS, 11, 9), total 58.
Roger
Last edited by Roger Griffiths on 17 Sep 2003, 13:05, edited 3 times in total.