48 / 56/ 189 Inf.Divisions

[duncan]

Can anyone help me locate information on these Infantry divisions, who were predominantly involved on the Western Front?
Thanks
Duncan

[sid guttridge]

Off the top of my head:

The 189th was originally a Reserve Division belonging to the Ersatzheer. I think it was stationed in the Massif Central in central/southern France. During the German retreat from France it became involved in front line fighting in Lorraine and was absorbed into the Feldheer as 189th Infantry Division.

The 48th had been the 171st Reserve Division until it was taken into the Feldheer in April or May 1944. Even as a reserve division it had been part of the defences of the Pas-de-Calais and does not seem to have moved after it was taken into the Feldheer as the 48th Infantry Division.

I know nothing of 56th Infantry Division.

[ericv]

the 56th fougth on the eastern front.

Perhaps you mean the 59th?

[Jerry]

The 56 Inf. Div. was part of the IX A.K. and swept accross Belgium in May 1940, but from June 1941 it served exclusively on the eastern front. It was among the many divisions of Heeresgruppe Mitte that were destroyed in the Soviet Bagration offensive in June 1944. The remnants were then assembled into Korps Abteilung D and committed in East Prussia until the end.

Jerry

[duncan]

thanks for info so far.
Any sources for further research would be very appreciated (Anyone!)
Thanks
Duncan

[duncan]

Hi
have added the 106 Inf Div. in my search for information. I am trying to compile a career history of a Major (EKI). Sites, books, OOB on any of these divisions would be very helpful.
Thanks
Duncan