GROSSDEUTSCHLAND DIVISION

by Simon Jennings

3 Infantry Abts each with:

Abt Headquarters:  1 HQ Platoon in Truck
3 Rifle Companies each with: 3 Rifle Platoons in Trucks
1 MG company with: 2 HMG Platoons in Trucks, 1 81mm Mortar Platoon in Truck
 
Attached:
Sturm-Pionier Abt 43

Abt Headquarters: 1 HQ Platoon in Truck
3 Pionier Companies each with: 3 Pionier Platoons (Rifles/flame-throwers) in Trucks
1 Light Bridging Column: 1 Pionier Platoon, Assault Boats in Truck

10/5/40 – 12/5/40: Advance through Luxembourg. Penetration of southern Belgium fortifications and the Ardennes. Battle on the approaches to the Semois.
13/5/40 – 14/5/40: Forcing of the Meuse crossings near Sedan and penetration of the extended Maginot Line. Main line of resistance between Frenois & Wadelin breached. Enemy armour repulsed near Chemery & Bulson.
15/5/40 – 17/5/40: Battle for the Stonne heights.
18/5/40 – 21/5/40: Breakthrough to the sea and creation of defensive front on the Somme.

August/December 1940

The following units were added to the Regiment

17th Reconnaissance Company: 1 Sdkfz 221, 1 Motorcycle Platoon (Rifles), 1 Motorcycle Platoon (HMG)
18th Pionier Company: 3 Pionier Platoons (Rifles/flame-throwers) in Trucks
(19th Signal Company)
20th FLAK Company: 2 37mm FLAK (self propelled)

400th (mot) Artillery Abt
2 105/28mm Howitzers & Tractors, 1 150/20mm Howitzer & Tractor, 1 FOO
 
Also
14th (PanzerJager) Company had 1 platoon re-equipped with PAK38.
Each Infantry Abt was reinforced by a 5th (Heavy) company comprising 1 PAK35 and 1 7.5cm IG.
 
June 1941

22/6/41 – 24/6/41: Penetration of the frontier positions.
24/6/41 – 2/7/41: Battle of Bialystock-Slonim.
2/7/41 – 5/7/41: Advance towards and through Swislotsch and the Beresina.
5/7/41 – 9/7/41: Battle on the Dniepr.
9/7/41 – 14/7/41: Breakthrough of the Dniepr position.
15/7/41 – 17/7/41: Battles in the Dniepr bridgehead.
18/7/41 – 23/7/41: Break into the Desna position near Jelnja.
24/7/41 – 30/841: Defensive battles on the Chomare, near Jeljna and on the Desna.
30/8/41 – 5/9/41: Pursuit as far as the Desna. Break into the Desna position. Enemy forces encircled around Gomel.
6/9/41 – 9/9/41: Battles of pursuit in the fighting near Kiev. Battle near Konotop, Romny and Lochwiza. Closing of Kiev pocket.
10/9/41 – 20/10/41: Battles for Putiwl.
26/9/41 – 3/10/41: Battles east of Romny.
7/10/41 – 10/10/41: Preparation in the Roslavl area for the advance on Moscow.
11/10/41 – 20/10/41: Battle near Bryansk.
20/10/41 – 24/10/41: Battles in the area around Jefremov and Tula.
24/10/41 – 31/10/41: Advance on Tula.
1/11/41 – 17/11/41: Battle for Jefremov and Tula.
18/11/41 – 5/12/41: Battle for Tula and advance on Rjasan and Kashira.
6/12/41 – 26/12/41: Defensive battle in the area of Jefremov and Tula.
27/12/41 – 10/4/42: Defensive battle NE of Orel.
1/4/42 Regiment expanded to Infantry Division (mot) GROSSDEUTSCHLAND
 
 

 
 

Division HQ
    1 HQ Platoon in Staff Car

Panzer Abt GD - Regular
 
Abt HQ: 1 HQ Pz IVF2
Recon: 1 Pz IIF
1 Company: 2 Pz IVF2
2 Companies: 2 Pz IVF1

1^st Infantry Reg’t GD - Veteran
 
Regimental HQ: 1 HQ in Truck
1 FLAK Company: 3 20mm (Self Propelled)
1 Infantry Gun Company: 1 150/11 IG & Tractor
1 PanzerJager Company: 1 Marder III, 2 PAK 38 & Trucks

3 Abts each with:

Abt HQ: 1 HQ in Truck
3 Infantry Companies each with: 3 Rifle Platoons in Trucks
1 Machinegun Company: 2 HMG Platoons in Trucks, 1 81mm Mortar Platoon in Truck
1 Heavy Weapons Company: 1 75/12 IG & Truck, 1 PAK 38 & Truck, 1 Pionier Platoon (Rifles/Flame-throwers) in Trucks

2^nd Infantry Reg’t GD – Regular

As above

Artillerie Reg’t GD

Regimental HQ: HQ Platoon in Command Truck
2 Mixed Abt each with: 2 105/28mm Howitzers & Tractors, 1 150/20mm Howitzer & Tractor
1 Abt with: 2 150/30mm Howitzers & Tractors, 1 100mm Field Gun & Tractor

Pionier Abt GD - Veteran

Abt HQ: 1 HQ in Truck
3 Motorised Companies each with: 3 Pionier Platoons (Rifles/Flame-throwers) in Trucks
Bridging Column: 1 Large Bridge/Trailer, Pionier Platoon & Truck, Assault Boats in Truck, Pionier Platoon & Truck

FLAK Abt GD - Regular

Abt HQ: 1 HQ in Truck
3 Heavy Batteries each with: 1 88/56mm & Tractor
1 Medium Battery with: 3 37mm FLAK (self propelled)
1 Light Battery with: 3 Quad 20mm FLAK (self propelled)

PanzerJager Abt GD - Regular

Abt HQ: 1 HQ Marder III
1 SP Company with: 3 Marder III
2 Towed Gun Companies each with: 3 PAK 38 & Trucks

Aufklärung Abt GD - Veteran

Abt Staff Company: 1 HQ 231 Armoured Car, 3 222 Armoured Cars
2nd Company: 3 Rifle Platoons in Sd250/1
3rd Company: 3 Rifle Platoons in Volkswagen
4th Company: 3 HMG in Volkswagen
Heavy Weapons Company: 1 75/12 IG & Truck, 1 PAK 38 & Truck, 1 Pionier Platoon (Rifles/Flame-throwers) in Trucks

Sturmgeschütz Abt GD - Veteran

Abt HQ: 1 HQ Platoon in Sd250/1
3 Batteries with: 4 StuG IIIF (in total)

1/6/42 – 27/6/42: Assembly within Army Group South.
28/6/42 – 20/7/42: Breakthrough and pursuit to the upper Don. Capture of Voronezh. Breakthrough and pursuit to the middle Don.
21/7/41 – 3/8/42: Breakthrough and pursuit in the Donets basin and towards the lower Don.
3/8/42 – 17/8/42: OKH reserve.
18/8/42 – 25/8/42: Army Group Reserve with Army Group Centre.
26/8/42 – 9/9/42: 9th Army Reserve.
10/9/42 – 8/10/42: Defensive battle in the Rzhev area.
9/10/42 – 26/10/42: OKH Reserve.
25/10/42 – 10/1/43: Winter defensive battles with 9th Army. - In this fighting the division was split into a number of Kampfgruppe and never operated as a single entity. Examples of Kampfgruppe formed include:

Ski Abt GD
3 Rifle companies
Pionier Platoon
Light IG Platoon.

Kampfgruppe Kassnitz
Sturmgeschuetz Abt GD
Aufklaerung Abt GD (less 1 rifle co)
1 88mm FLAK Battery
2nd Coy PanzerJager Abt
Fusilier Reg’t GD
Placed under XXXXI PanzerKorps

Other detachments left the division with:
Grenadier Reg’t GD (2 Abt + heavy weapons)
3rd Co PanzerJager Abt
III Battery Artillery Reg’t GD
1/4/5 Batteries FLAK Reg’t GD
Staff, 1 & 2 Coy Sturm Pionier Abt GD
and the following attachments:
From 86th Infantry Dvn
216th Grenadier Reg’t (2 Abt & Heavy weapons)
2 & 3 Coy 186th Pionier Abt
12th Battery 186th Artillery Reg’t
From 110th Infantry Dvn
Reinforced Rifle Coy (from 252nd Grenadiers)
II Abt 120th Artillery Reg’t
Kampfgruppe Schmittborn (2 rifle coys)

11/1/43 – 18/1/43: Withdrawn to Smolensk for rest and refit.
19/1/43 – 4/3/43: Defensive battle in Kharkov area.
5/3/43 – 31/3/43: Attack in the Kharkov area.
1/4/43 – 3/7/43 – Army reserve with Army Abeitlung Kempf.

NOTE: Typical Rifle company strengths by January 1943 would be 1 Rifle platoon only!
 

24/02/43 – Division placed in rest status and re-equipped. The following units were added:

 
Panzer Regiment Headquarters GD
 
    Reg’t HQ: 1 HQ Pz IVG
    Recon: 1 Pz IIF

I Panzer Abt:

Abt Headquarters: 1 HQ Pz IVF1, 1 Recon Pz IIIL or M
3 Panzer Companies each with: 2 Pz IVG or H
1 Panzer Company: 3 Flammpanzer III

II Panzer Abt:

Abt Headquarters: 1 HQ Pz IVF1, 1 Recon Pz IIIL or M
3 Panzer Companies each with: 3 Pz IVG or H
1 Panzer Company: 3 Flammpanzer III

1 Tiger Company with:

2 Tiger I, 2 Pz IIIL or M
 
 
Also
At the same time the PAK 38’s were replaced with PAK 40’s.
A fourth Abt was added to the Artillery Reg’t (as per 1943 organisation)
A 6th Battery (37mm self-propelled) was added to the FLAK Abt

Division HQ
    HQ: 1 HQ Platoon in Sdkfz 250/1
    Recon: 1 SMG Motorcycle Platoon
    Division Begleit Company: 2 SMG Platoons in Sdkfz 251/1, 1 PAK40 & Tractor, 1 Quad 20mm FLAK (self propelled)

 
Panzer Reg’t GD

Reg’t HQ: 1 HQ Pz IIIM, 1 Recon Pz IIIM, 1 Recon Pz IIF
Tiger Coy: 3 Tiger I

2 Panzer Abts, each with:

Abt HQ: 1 HQ Pz IVG, 1 Pz III Flammpanzer, 1 Recon Pz IIIM
3 Companies, each: 2 Pz IVG or H
 

Panzer Grenadier Reg’t GD - Veteran

Regimental HQ: 1 HQ in Sdkfz 251/1
1 FLAK Company:  3 20mm (Self Propelled)
1 Infantry Gun Company:  1 150/11 IG & Tractor
1 PanzerJager Company: 1 Marder III, 2 PAK 40 & Trucks

1 Gepanzert Abt with:

Abt HQ: 1 HQ Platoon in Sdkfz 251/1
3 Infantry Companies each with: 3 Rifle Platoons in Sdkfz 251/1
1 Heavy Weapons Company with: 2 Sdkfz 251/9, 1 PAK 40 & Tractor

2 Motorised Abts each with:

Abt HQ: 1 HQ in Truck
3 Infantry Companies each with: 3 Rifle Platoons in Trucks
1 Machinegun Company: 2 HMG Platoons in Trucks, 1 81mm Mortar Platoon in Truck
1 Heavy Weapons Company: 1 75/12 IG & Truck, 1 PAK 40 & Truck, 1 Pionier Platoon (Rifles/Flame-throwers) in Trucks
 
 
Panzer-Fusilier Reg’t (mot) GD – Regular
 
Regimental HQ and assets as Grenadier Regiment

3 Motorised Abts
 
Organised as motorised Grenadiers
 
 
Sturmgeschütz Abt GD - Veteran

Abt HQ: 1 HQ StuG IIIG
3 Batteries each with: 2 StuG IIIG
 
 
Artillerie Reg’t GD

Regimental HQ: 1 HQ Platoon in Command Truck
2 Mixed Abt each with: 2 105/28mm Howitzers & Tractors, 1 150/20mm Howitzer & Tractor
1 Abt with: 2 150/30mm Howitzers & Tractors, 1 100mm Field Gun & Tractor
1 Abt with: 2 105/28mm Howitzers & Tractors, 1 Nerbelwerfer & Tractor
 

FLAK Abt GD - Regular

Abt HQ: 1 HQ in Truck
3 Heavy Batteries each with: 1 88/56mm & Tractor
2 Medium Batteries each with: 3 37mm FLAK (self propelled)
1 Light Battery with: 3 Quad 20mm FLAK (self propelled)
 

PanzerJager Abt GD - Regular

Abt HQ: 1 HQ Marder III
1 SP Company with: 3 Marder III
2 Towed Gun Companies each with: 3 PAK 40 & Trucks
 

Aufklärung Abt GD - Veteran

Abt Staff Company: 1 HQ Sdkfz 231 Armoured Car, 3 Sdkfz 222 Armoured Cars
2nd Company: 3 Rifle Platoons in Sdkfz 250/1
3rd Company: 3 Rifle Platoons in Volkswagen
4th Company: 3 (HMG) Volkswagen 
Heavy Weapons Company: 1 75/12 IG & Truck, 1 PAK 40 & Truck, 1 Pionier Platoon (Rifles/Flame-throwers) in Trucks
 

Pionier Abt GD - Veteran

Abt HQ: 1 HQ in Truck
1 Armoured Assault Company: 3 Pionier Platoons (Rifles/Flame-throwers) in 251/1
3 Motorised Companies each with: 3 Pionier Platoons (Rifles/Flame-throwers) in Trucks
Bridging Column:
    1 Large Bridge/Trailer, Pionier Platoon & Truck
    1 Small Bridge, Pionier Platoon & Truck
 

Attached (at Kursk)

10th Panzer Brigade HQ

Theoretically controlled the Panther Reg’t and Panzer Reg’t GD – however, CO of Panzer Reg’t GD usually ignored Brigade HQ and operated independently – even issuing orders to the Panther Reg’t when the opportunity arose (interesting possibilities?)

Panther Regiment von Lauchert

Regiment Headquarters
    HQ: 1 HQ Panther
    Recon: 1 Panther

2 Panther Abt (#51 & #52) each with:

Abt Headquarters: 1 HQ Panther, 1 Recon Panther
4 Companies each with: 4 Panthers

Surviving Panthers consolidated into I Abt, Panzer Reg’t GD

 
By mid August ’43 the Tiger company was expanded to a full Abt:

HQ Coy: 1 HQ Tiger I, 1 Recon SMG Motorcycle Platoon, 1 Recon SMG Platoon in Sdkfz 250/1, 1 Pionier Platoon (Rifles/flame-throwers) in Sdkfz 251, 1 Quad 20mm FLAK (self Propelled)
3 Companies each with: 3 Tiger I 
Workshop Company: 2 Sdkfz 9

This was the theoretical organisation – in reality the original company had lost all it’s vehicles, leaving 2 combat companies and one of these had lost 1 Tiger (4 actual Tigers) in transit. This leaves the Abt with 5 Tiger I in 2 Companies.

The Workshop Company had also been destroyed in transit which resulted in a rapid diminution of the Abt strength.
 

5/1/44 – 18/1/44: Defensive battle for Kirovograd.
16/1/44 reinforced by I/26 Panzer Reg’t (Panthers)
19/1/44 – 6/3/44: Static fighting on Lower Dnieper.
27/1/44 – 8/2/44: Majority of Panzer Reg’t GD (including I/26) attached to 11th Panzer Division in combat around Cherkassy
7/3/44 – 15/3/44: Defensive battle north of Nikolayev and fighting withdrawal toward the Bug.
16/3/44 – 26/3/44: Employment in rear area of Army Group South during the fighting withdrawal across the Bug & Dnestr.
27/3/44 – 25/4/44: defensive battles in Northern Bessarabia and in the foothills of the Carpathians.
26/4/44 – 12/5/44: Defensive battle on the Upper Moldau.
2/5/44 At Targul Frumos (Rumania):

• Each Infantry Regiment fielded only 2 Abt (each of 6 rifle platoons + heavy weapons) + Regimental weapons companies.
• The Sturmgeschütz Abt had 8-10 (40 actual) StuG III/IV
• The Panzer Reg’t had approximately 8-10 (40 actual) each of Pz IV & Tiger Is & 16-20 (80 actual) Panthers.
• The Panzer Aufklaerung Abt was at 2/3rds strength
• The FLAK Abt included 3 batteries of 88mm and 1 battery of 37mm (self propelled)

• The Panzer Regiment’s strength at 31/5/97 Available [& operational]: 3[2] (14[8] actual) Pz IV, 11-13[6-7] (55[30] actual) Panther & 4-5[2-3] (20[12] actual) Tigers.
• Replacements received by 30 June: 7-9 (35 actual) Panthers, 4-5 (20 actual) Tigers.

Division HQ
    HQ: 1 HQ Platoon in Sdkfz 250/1
    Division Begleit Company: 1 Rifle Platoon in Sdkfz 251/1, 1 Sdkfz 251/2, 1 PaK40 & tractor, 1 Quad 20mm FLAK (self propelled), 1 Recon SMG Motorcycle Platoon

 
HQ Panzer Reg’t GD
    HQ: 1 HQ Panther
    Recon: 1 Pz IVH or J
    FLAK: 2 Ostwind
 

1 Panther Abt* with:

Abt HQ: 1 HQ Panther, 1 Recon Panther
4 Companies each: 3 Panthers 

1 Pz IV Abt** with:

Abt HQ: 1 HQ Pz IVH or J, 1 Recon Pz IVH or J
4 Companies each: 3 Pz IVH or J

1 Tiger Abt with:

Abt HQ: 1 HQ Tiger I, 1 Recon Motorcycle Platoon in Sdkfz 250/1, 1 Quad 20mm FLAK (self Propelled)
3 Companies each: 3 Tiger I

Sturmgeschütz Brigade GD

Abt HQ: 1 HQ StuG IIIG, 1 Quad 20mm FLAK (self Propelled), 1 Recon SMG Motorcycle Platoon
3 Batteries each with: 3 StuG IIIG or StuG IV

 
Pionier Abt GD - Veteran

Abt HQ:  1 HQ in Truck, 1 PAK40 & Truck
1 Armoured Assault Company: 3 Pionier Platoons (Rifles/Flame-throwers) in Sdkfz 251/1
3 Motorised Companies each with: 3 Pionier Platoons (Rifles/Flame-throwers) in Trucks
Bridging Column:
    1 Large Bridge/Trailer, Pionier Platoon & Truck
    1 Small Bridge, Pionier Platoon & Truck

 
Panzer Grenadier Reg’t GD

Regimental HQ:  1 HQ in Sdkfz 251/1
13th (Infantry Gun) Company: 1 SP 150/11 IG
14th (Pioneer) Company: 3 Pionier Platoons (Rifles/Flame-throwers) in Trucks
15th (PanzerJager) Company: 2 PAK 40 & Trucks
16th (FLAK) Company: 3 37mm (Self Propelled)

1 Gepanzert Abt with:

Abt HQ: 1 HQ Platoon in Sdkfz 251/1
3 Infantry Companies each with: 3 Rifle Platoons in Sdkfz 251/1
Support Platoons for Rifle Companies: 1 Sdkfz 251/2, 1 Sdkfz 251/9, 2 Sdkfz 251/17
1 Heavy Weapons Company with: 1 Sdkfz 251/9, 1 120mm Mortar & Sdkfz 251/1

2 Motorised Abts each with:

Abt HQ:  1 HQ in Truck
3 Infantry Companies each with: 3 Rifle Platoons in Trucks
1 Heavy Weapons Company: 2 HMG Platoons in Trucks, 1 81mm Mortar Platoon in Truck, 1 75/12 IG & Truck

 
Panzer Fusilier Reg’t GD

Organised as Panzer Grenadier Reg’t GD

 
Artillerie Reg’t GD

Regimental HQ: 1 HQ Platoon in Command Truck
1 Self Propelled Abt with: 2 Wespe, 1 Hummel
2 Mixed Abt each with: 2 105/28mm Howitzers & Tractors, 1 150/30mm Howitzer & Tractor
1 Abt with: 2 105/28mm Howitzers & Tractors, 1 100mm Field Gun & Tractor

 
FLAK Abt GD - Regular

Abt HQ:  1 HQ Platoon in Truck
3 Heavy Batteries each with: 1 88/56mm & Tractor
2 Medium Battery each with: 3 37mm FLAK (self propelled)
1 Light Battery with: 3 Quad 20mm FLAK (self propelled)

Panzer Aufklaerung Abt GD - Veteran

Abt Staff Company: 1 HQ Platoon in Sdkfz 251/1
1st Company: 3 Hetzers
2nd Company: 3 Rifle Platoons in Sdkfz 250/1
3rd Company: 3 Rifle Platoons in Sdkfz 250/1
Heavy Weapons Company: 1 Sdkfz 251/9, 1 Sdkfz 251/22, 1 Pionier Platoon (Rifles/Flame-throwers) in Sdkfz 251/1

 
*I Abt (Panthers) of the Panzer Reg’t was attached first to 116th Panzer Division in May ’44 and later to 6th Panzer Division in mid June ’44 – rejoined GD mid November '44. I Abt Pzr Reg’t 26 (Panthers) were attached as a replacement unit from 16/1/44 until I/GD rejoined.

**II Abt (Pz IV) became part of the Fuhrer Begleit Brigade as of August '44.

 
6/8/44 – 4/10/44: Offensive and defensive operations in East Prussia, Lithuania & Latvia; breakthrough to Army Group North.
5/10/44 – 9/10/44: Defence of Tryskiai and fighting withdrawal to Memel.
10/10/44 – 28/11/44: Static defensive operations in the Memel bridgeheead.

July 1944
 

Brigade Headquarters FGB
    1 HQ Platoon in Sdkfz 251/1

 
Panzer Fusilier Abt FGB

Abt Headquarters with: 1 HQ Platoon in Sdkfz 251/1
3 Rifle Companies each with: 3 Rifle Platoons in Sdkfz 251/1, 1 Sdkfz 251/17 (20mm FLAK)
1 Heavy Company with: 6 Sdkfz 251 with Wurfrahmen 40 Rockets

 
Panzer Grenadier Abt FGB

Abt Headquarters: 1 HQ Platoon in Truck
3 Rifle companies each with: 3 Rifle Platoons in Trucks
1 MG Company with: 2 HMG Platoons in Trucks, 1 81mm Mortar Platoon in Truck
1 Heavy Company with: ?

 
Panzer Abt FGB

Abt Headquarters: 1 HQ Panther
3 Panther Companies each with: 2 Panthers
1 PanzerJager Company with: 2 Jagdpanzer IV (L/48)
1 Sturmgeschutz Company with: 2 Stug IV

December 1944

As July with the following extra units:

 
Panzer Grenadier Reg’t HQ
controls Panzer-Fusiliers, Panzer Grenadiers & Infantry Abt 829

Regiment Headquarters Coy with: 1 HQ Platoon in Sdkfz 251/1

 
Infantry Abt 829 - Green

Abt Headquarters: 1 HQ Platoon in Truck
3 Rifle Companies each with: 3 Rifle Platoons with Bicycles
1 Heavy Company: 1 PAK40 & Tractor, 1 120mm Mortar & Truck
 

Panzer Abt FGB

Add to Abt Headquarters: 1 FLAK Platoon (Ostwind)
PanzerJager Coy: re-equipped with Jagdpanzer IV (L/70)
Sturmgeschutz Company: now had 1 Pz IVH & 2 StuG IV
 

Artillerie Abt FGB
    2 105/28mm Howitzers & Tractors, 1 150/30mm Howitzer & Tractor
 

FLAK Abt FGB
    1 88/56mm & Tractor, 2 37mm FLAK (self propelled)

September 1941

Formed Kampfgruppe ‘Nehring’
 
Kampfgruppe HQ: 1 HQ Platoon in Truck
FLAK: 1 20mm (self propelled)
PanzerJager: 1 PAK38 & Tractor
Recon: 1 Sdkfz 222 A/c, 1 SMG Motorcycle Platoon
Panzer Company: 3 Pz 38(t)

 
Employed on security duties in the rear areas of Army Group North until December '41.
 
Then split up and attached to a number of different formations around the Volkhov swamps and the Tichwin–Grusino log road.
 
Remaining units returned to Germany end March '42

January 1943
 

Formed Kampfgruppe ‘Pohlmann’

Kampfgruppe HQ: 1 HQ Platoon in Sdkfz 250/1
1 Rifle Company with: 1 Rifle Platoon in Sdkfz 251/1, 2 Rifle Platoons in Trucks
1 Heavy Company with: 2 PAK40 & Tractors, 1 20mm FLAK (self propelled)
1 Panzer Company with: 1 Pz IIIL or M, 1 Pz IVG or H
 

Split up in transit, the Panzers & FLAK platoon joined Kampfgruppe ‘Schulte’ – a regiment sized formation from 298^th Infantry Division – and spearheaded the breakout of the 298^th from Chertkovo on 15/1/43.

KG Pohlmann reunited on 19/1/43. Subsequently served with the main body of GD until mid March '43 there are some references to a second (motorised) rifle company and some StuG joining the Kampfgruppe in February '43

 
February 1944

 
Abt HQ: 1 HQ Platoon in Sdkfz 251/1
2 Rifle companies each with: 3 Rifle Platoons in Sdkfz 251/1
1 Heavy Weapons Company: ?
1 Panzer Company: 3 Pz IVH, 1 StuG IV
1 FLAK Company: 1 88/56mm & Tractor, 1 37mm & Tractor, 2 20mm (self propelled)

 
Assigned to Army Group North between February and May 1944 initially as "Kampfgruppe Bohrend" and later as "Kampfgruppe Strachwitz" (including elements of the Feldherrnhalle Division & 61st Infantry Division.

In June/July 1944 a third (motorised) Rifle Company and a ‘fast’ company (3 SMG Platoons in VW) were added.
 
A second Kampfgruppe – Kampfgruppe von Werthern saw action near Vilnya from June to August ’44. Composition was two Panzer Grenadier Companies, 1 Panzer Company and an 88 FLAK battery. Total strength around 1000 men.
 
 
 
December 1944

For the Ardennes offensive expanded to:

Brigade Headquarters
    HQ: 1 HQ Platoon in Sdkfz 251/1
    Recon: 1 SMG Platoon in Sdkfz 250/1
    Recon: 1 SMG Platoon in VW
    FLAK: 1 37mm (self propelled)

 
Gepanzert Abt FBB

Headquarters: 1 HQ Platoon in Sdkfz 251/1
3 Rifle Companies each with: 3 Rifle Platoons in Sdkfz 251/1*, 1 Sd251/17 (20mm FLAK)
1 Heavy Company with: 2 Sdkfz 251/9, 1 Sdkfz 251/22, 1 120mm Mortar & Sdkfz 251/1
1 FLAK Company with: 3 Sdkfz 251/17(20mm FLAK), 1 37mm (self propelled)
1 Armoured Assault Company: 4 Assault Pionier Platoons (SMG/Flame-thrower) in Sdkfz 251/16

*3rd Rifle Company from LSSAH

 
Schnelle Abt FBB

Abt Headquarters: HQ: 1 HQ Platoon in VW
3 Rifle Companies each with: 3 Rifle Platoons in VW
1 HMG Company with: 3 HMG Platoons in VW
1 FLAK Company with: 3 Quad 20mm (self propelled)
1 Armoured Assault Company: 3 Assault Pionier Platoons (SMG/flame-throwers) in Sdkfz 251/7, 1 Sd251/16

 
Infantry Abt 828 - Green

Abt Headquarters: 1 HQ Platoon in Truck
3 Mot Rifle Companies each with: 3 Rifle Platoons in trucks
1 Heavy Company with: 1 PAK40 & Truck, 1 120mm Mortar & Truck
 
 

Panzer Regiment FBB

No Reg’t Headquarters
 

1 Panzer Abt:

Attached from GD Division - see above.
 

Regiment Headquarters
    HQ: 1 HQ Platoon in Truck
    Recon: 1 SMG Motorcycle Platoon
    PzJgr: 1 PAK38 & Tractor

 
7th Infantry Gun Company: 1 150/11 IG & Tractor, 1 75/12 IG & Tractor
8th PanzerJager Company: 2 PAK40 & Tractors
9th Pioneer Company: 3 Pionier Platoons (Rifles/flame-throwers) in Trucks

 
2 Motorised Infantry Abts each with:

Abt Headquarters: 1 HQ Platoon in Truck
2 Rifle Companies each with: 3 Rifle Platoons in Trucks
1 Heavy Company with: 1 HMG Platoon in Truck, 1 PAK 40 with Truck

 
1 Artillery Abt with:
    1 105/28mm Howitzer & Tractor, 1 150/30mm Howitzer & Tractor, 1 Quad 20mm FLAK (self propelled)

 
Regiment formed March '44, disbanded May 1944 and distributed throughout the Grossdeutschland division after seeing service in Hungary. Whilst in Hungary, the regiment was augmented by the Kuehn Carpathian Abt – 4 rifle companies of dubious quality (definitely green). No standardisation of vehicles in the Reg’t – apparently over 156 different types!