German Army facing the East May 1940
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christopher nelson
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German Army facing the East May 1940
What German army divisions were assigned to the defence of occuppied Poland,East prussia and West Prussia in May of 1940? Were these divisions fully equipped or were they understrength in manpower and equipment? Did Divisions that were assigned to occupation duties incorporate captured Polish equipment -ie tanks, trucks, artillery pieces and tankettes to replace or strengthen themselves for the task of defending the borders?
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Leo Niehorster
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Re: German Army facing the East May 1940
Hi,
See Oberost for the order of battle.
The divisions were not front line units:
3. Welle those divisions in the 200 numbering + 311 = Landwehr + 2nd Reserve personnel, equipment included antiquated (WWI) or booty arms.
9. Welle those divisions in the 300 numbering = Landesschützen + guard + static unit + border guard personnel; equipment as above, probably even of even lesser quality.
German units did not normally incorporate booty equipment without specific orders in non-combat situations. Normally, booty/captured equipment was only authorized by means of specific KStN (tables of organization and equipment), or by published General Orders indicating, for example, substitute equipment.
Cheers
Leo
See Oberost for the order of battle.
The divisions were not front line units:
3. Welle those divisions in the 200 numbering + 311 = Landwehr + 2nd Reserve personnel, equipment included antiquated (WWI) or booty arms.
9. Welle those divisions in the 300 numbering = Landesschützen + guard + static unit + border guard personnel; equipment as above, probably even of even lesser quality.
German units did not normally incorporate booty equipment without specific orders in non-combat situations. Normally, booty/captured equipment was only authorized by means of specific KStN (tables of organization and equipment), or by published General Orders indicating, for example, substitute equipment.
Cheers
Leo