Gentlemen,
I have been trying to find the organisation of the unit that became the 90th division in November 1941, but so far I'm out of luck. I would very much appreciate if I could get some help with the components of this division-to-be and, if possible, the equipment of the components.
Many thanks in advance,
Politruk
TOE of Division zbV Afrika
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Re: TOE of Division zbV Afrika
Are you referring to the 90. leichte Afrika-Division / 90. leichte Infanterie-Division?Politruk wrote:Gentlemen,
I have been trying to find the organisation of the unit that became the 90th division in November 1941, but so far I'm out of luck. I would very much appreciate if I could get some help with the components of this division-to-be and, if possible, the equipment of the components.
Many thanks in advance,
Politruk
Set up at 26. November 1941 in Afrika from the Stab Divisions-Kommando z.b.V. Afrika (zur besonderer Verwendung >> for special duties, purposes or assignments).
C L I C K - H E R E - f o r - m o r e - i n f o
Richard
Hi Politruk,
Here is what I found when I made some researches about this unit a couple of months ago :
Division zur besonderen Verwendung "Afrika"
Raised as a divisional staff to control some independent units under Deutsches Afrikakorps command on June 26th 1941 :
- verstärktes Afrika Regiment 361 (I.-II., Afrika Artillerie Abteilung 361)
- stab Schützen Regiment 155
- III./Infanterie Regiment 241
- III./Infanterie Regiment 255
- III./Infanterie Regiment 258
- III./Infanterie Regiment 268
- III./Infanterie Regiment 347
On November 18th 1941, Division zbV "Afrika" controlled the following units :
- Schützen Regiment 155 (I.-III.)
- Afrika Regiment 361 (I.-II.)
- Sonderverband 288
- gemischte Aufklärungs Kompanie 580
- Afrika Artillerie Abteilung 361
- elements from Fla-Bataillon 613 and Panzerjäger Abteilung 605
It became 90. Leichte Division on November 26th 1941, with the addition of other units than those previously mentionned :
- Pionier Bataillon (motorisiert) 900
- Nachrichten Kompanie 190
NB : verstärktes Afrika Regiment 361 was built with former German Foreign Legionaries who served France before 1940 ; the third battalions of the infantry regiments came from 12. Welle divisions (respectively 106., 110., 112. and 113. Infanterie Divisionen) and from 197. Infanterie Division (7. Welle) for the last one (III./Inf. Rgt. 347). Two of them were disbanded late 1941 or early 1942, the other ones became I., II. and III./Schützen Regiment 155 in September 1941 --> III./Inf. Rgt. 241 : I./Sch. Rgt. 155, III./Inf. Rgt. 258 : II./Sch. Rgt. 155 and III./Inf. Rgt. 268 : III./Sch. Rgt. 155.
This division has a dark history, so information available are difficult to find and to check. There are probably some mistakes in what I wrote (for instance, someone in this forum told me that there wasn't a third battalion in Schützen Regiment 155...), so be careful, but I guess that it would be helpful to you anyway. Please feel free to correct my post if needed.
All the best,
Loïc
Here is what I found when I made some researches about this unit a couple of months ago :
Division zur besonderen Verwendung "Afrika"
Raised as a divisional staff to control some independent units under Deutsches Afrikakorps command on June 26th 1941 :
- verstärktes Afrika Regiment 361 (I.-II., Afrika Artillerie Abteilung 361)
- stab Schützen Regiment 155
- III./Infanterie Regiment 241
- III./Infanterie Regiment 255
- III./Infanterie Regiment 258
- III./Infanterie Regiment 268
- III./Infanterie Regiment 347
On November 18th 1941, Division zbV "Afrika" controlled the following units :
- Schützen Regiment 155 (I.-III.)
- Afrika Regiment 361 (I.-II.)
- Sonderverband 288
- gemischte Aufklärungs Kompanie 580
- Afrika Artillerie Abteilung 361
- elements from Fla-Bataillon 613 and Panzerjäger Abteilung 605
It became 90. Leichte Division on November 26th 1941, with the addition of other units than those previously mentionned :
- Pionier Bataillon (motorisiert) 900
- Nachrichten Kompanie 190
NB : verstärktes Afrika Regiment 361 was built with former German Foreign Legionaries who served France before 1940 ; the third battalions of the infantry regiments came from 12. Welle divisions (respectively 106., 110., 112. and 113. Infanterie Divisionen) and from 197. Infanterie Division (7. Welle) for the last one (III./Inf. Rgt. 347). Two of them were disbanded late 1941 or early 1942, the other ones became I., II. and III./Schützen Regiment 155 in September 1941 --> III./Inf. Rgt. 241 : I./Sch. Rgt. 155, III./Inf. Rgt. 258 : II./Sch. Rgt. 155 and III./Inf. Rgt. 268 : III./Sch. Rgt. 155.
This division has a dark history, so information available are difficult to find and to check. There are probably some mistakes in what I wrote (for instance, someone in this forum told me that there wasn't a third battalion in Schützen Regiment 155...), so be careful, but I guess that it would be helpful to you anyway. Please feel free to correct my post if needed.
All the best,
Loïc
"On ne relève pas Picardie !" (Picardie Regiment is not relieved !)
I have several questions about 90. Leichte Division that I think I could ask in this related topic.
When the 90. Leichte Division was reorganized in March 1942, its first organization evolved a lot. On March 24th 1942, it commanded :
- Schützen Regiment 155 (I.-II.)
- Infanterie Regiment (motorisiert) 200 (I.-II.)
- Afrika Regiment 361 (I.-II.)
- Artillerie Abteilung 361
- Panzerjäger Abteilung 190 (1.-3.)
- Aufklärungs Kompanie (motorisiert) 580
- Nachrichten Kompanie (motorisiert) 190
- schweren Infanteriegeschütz Kompanien 707 and 708
- support units (Bäckerei Kompanie 535, Schlächterei Kompanie 517, Feldpostamt 190, etc)
Schützen Regiment 155 lost its III./Sch. Rgt. 155 at the end of the winter 1941-1942, when it became I./Inf. Rgt. (mot.) 200, the III./Inf. Rgt. 347 becoming II./Inf. Rgt. (mot.) 200.
But when did this happen exactly ?
Infanterie Regiment (motorisiert) 200 was raised as early as January 27th 1941 as Infanterie Regimentsstab zbV 200, to control Maschinengewehr Bataillone (motorisierte) 2 and 8 under 5. Leichte Division (motorisiert) command. It was detached to 90. Leichte Division during the winter 1941-1941, became Infanterie Regiment (motorisiert) 200 on March 24th 1942 after receiving III./Sch. Rgt. 155 and III./Inf. Rgt. 347, which became I. and II./Inf. Rgt. (mot.) 200.
What was the actual name of the regiment (Schützen Regiment, Infanterie Regiment (motorisiert) 200 ?) and when did the transfer of the two infantry battalions under its command intervene ?
Concerning the divisional artillery, it is very confused : sources tell that at this time the Artillerie Regiment 190 was raised yet from Artillerie Abteilung 361 and other units. Others that it was not created until May 27th 1942, but that the Artillerie Abteilung 361 was increased to the strenght of a regiment, Artillerie Regiment 361 between February and May 1942. Others tell that the formation of a divisional artillery regiment intervened only on August 1st 1942, when Art. Abt. 361 became II./Art. Rgt. 190, the I./Art. Rgt. 190 and the staff being raised from Heerestruppen.
Could someone able to help me concerning this very hard one ?
Sources are conflicting about a Panzer Abteilung 190 under 90. Leichte Division command, but it seems that this unit was not formed until August 1st 1942.
Thanks for any help provided,
Very best regards,
Loïc
When the 90. Leichte Division was reorganized in March 1942, its first organization evolved a lot. On March 24th 1942, it commanded :
- Schützen Regiment 155 (I.-II.)
- Infanterie Regiment (motorisiert) 200 (I.-II.)
- Afrika Regiment 361 (I.-II.)
- Artillerie Abteilung 361
- Panzerjäger Abteilung 190 (1.-3.)
- Aufklärungs Kompanie (motorisiert) 580
- Nachrichten Kompanie (motorisiert) 190
- schweren Infanteriegeschütz Kompanien 707 and 708
- support units (Bäckerei Kompanie 535, Schlächterei Kompanie 517, Feldpostamt 190, etc)
Schützen Regiment 155 lost its III./Sch. Rgt. 155 at the end of the winter 1941-1942, when it became I./Inf. Rgt. (mot.) 200, the III./Inf. Rgt. 347 becoming II./Inf. Rgt. (mot.) 200.
But when did this happen exactly ?
Infanterie Regiment (motorisiert) 200 was raised as early as January 27th 1941 as Infanterie Regimentsstab zbV 200, to control Maschinengewehr Bataillone (motorisierte) 2 and 8 under 5. Leichte Division (motorisiert) command. It was detached to 90. Leichte Division during the winter 1941-1941, became Infanterie Regiment (motorisiert) 200 on March 24th 1942 after receiving III./Sch. Rgt. 155 and III./Inf. Rgt. 347, which became I. and II./Inf. Rgt. (mot.) 200.
What was the actual name of the regiment (Schützen Regiment, Infanterie Regiment (motorisiert) 200 ?) and when did the transfer of the two infantry battalions under its command intervene ?
Concerning the divisional artillery, it is very confused : sources tell that at this time the Artillerie Regiment 190 was raised yet from Artillerie Abteilung 361 and other units. Others that it was not created until May 27th 1942, but that the Artillerie Abteilung 361 was increased to the strenght of a regiment, Artillerie Regiment 361 between February and May 1942. Others tell that the formation of a divisional artillery regiment intervened only on August 1st 1942, when Art. Abt. 361 became II./Art. Rgt. 190, the I./Art. Rgt. 190 and the staff being raised from Heerestruppen.
Could someone able to help me concerning this very hard one ?
Sources are conflicting about a Panzer Abteilung 190 under 90. Leichte Division command, but it seems that this unit was not formed until August 1st 1942.
Thanks for any help provided,
Very best regards,
Loïc
"On ne relève pas Picardie !" (Picardie Regiment is not relieved !)
It's true, there wasn't. At least not when it served in N. Africa from Sep 1941.(for instance, someone in this forum told me that there wasn't a third battalion in Schützen Regiment 155...),
When it was detatched & changed it's name, it lost the 2 M/G Battalions, and gained the two Schutzen Battalions III/347 & III/255 (not III/155 which I suspect ia a typo). III/255 became I/200 & III/347 became II/200.Infanterie Regiment (motorisiert) 200 was raised as early as January 27th 1941 as Infanterie Regimentsstab zbV 200, to control Maschinengewehr Bataillone (motorisierte) 2 and 8 under 5. Leichte Division (motorisiert) command. It was detached to 90. Leichte Division during the winter 1941-1941, became Infanterie Regiment (motorisiert) 200 on March 24th 1942 after receiving III./Sch. Rgt. 155 and III./Inf. Rgt. 347, which became I. and II./Inf. Rgt. (mot.) 200.
What was the actual name of the regiment (Schützen Regiment, Infanterie Regiment (motorisiert) 200 ?) and when did the transfer of the two infantry battalions under its command intervene ?
As far as I know, it was just called 200th Schutzen Regiment (I & II Bataillon) The dates I have (possibly not 100%) are I/200 :26/11/41. II/200: 26/10/41.
Hope that clears it up a little, and hasn't muddied the waters, so to speak.
Thanks. Dave.
My problem concerning this regiment is that Nafziger tells the following in Organizational History of German motorized and Panzergrenadier Divisions, p. 287 : "formed on 26 november 1941 from the Division z.b.V. Afrika, the division had :David W wrote:It's true, there wasn't. At least not when it served in N. Africa from Sep 1941.
1/, 2/, 3/155th Schützen Regiment
1/, 2/361st (Afrika Regiment) Infantry Regiment
(...)"
In February 1942, the same states that the Schützen Regiment 155 had only two battalions, nevertheless.
Tessin, in the part linked to the 90. Leichte Division, says the same : in his gliederung of the unit, he states : "Schützen Regiment 155 I.-III. (*7.6.1941)" and later "Die Division wurde am 1.4.1942 in 90. Leichte Infanterie Division umbennant, das Schützen Regiment 155 in leichtes Infanterie Regiment 155 ; es gab das III. zur Aufstellung des aus dem Regimentsstab z.b.V. 200 gebildeten leichten Infanterie Regiment 200 ab."
Bender and Law (Uniforms, Organisation and History of the Afrikakorps, p. 76) :
"Inf. Rgt. (mot.) 155
Inf. Rgt. (mot.) 200 (Formed by combining one btn. from Inf. Rgt. 155 and III/Inf. Rgt. 347 on March 24th 1942)
(...)"
Quite confusing, isn't it ? Maybe you have some particular elements which suggest that there was no third battalion in the Schützen Regiment 155 ?
Concerning the Infanterie Regiment (motorisiert) 200, I appreciated your help. Maybe it was a typo between 155 and 255, you're right. Anyway, could you tell me please what is your source concerning the integration of the III./Inf. Rgt. 255 as I./Inf. Rgt. (mot.) 200 ?
Nafziger tells "3/255th Infantry Regiment (nearly totally destroyed)" and later "when the 3/255th Infantry Regiment was destroyed, its remnants were sent to the 288th Infantry Regiment - I suggest that this is the Sonderverband 288 - later becoming the I/200th Infantry Regiment."
So you could be right, but this whole story is unclear to me...
Thanks for the dates you gave, they are precious.
Another question : could someone help me to know what were the correct designation for the following regiments in 1941-1942 :
- Schützen Regiment 155
- Infanterie Regiment (motorisiert) 200
- Afrika Regiment 361
They seemed to have evolved a lot during this year, so if someone could make it clearer...
For the moment, I have the following information :
- Schützen Regiment 155 : from June 7th 1941 to April 1st 1942, then leichte Infanterie Regiment 155 from April 1st 1942 to July 26th 1942, then Panzergrenadier Regiment 155 from July 26th 1942 to its destruction in May 1943.
- Infanterie Regiment (motorisiert) 200 : from March 24th 1942 to July 25th 1942, then Panzergrenadier Regiment 200 from July 25th 1942 to its destruction in May 1943.
- Afrika Regiment 361 : from June 15th 1941 to April 1st 1942, then leichte Infanterie Regiment 361 from April 1st 1942 to July 22nd 1942, then Schützen Regiment 361 from July 22nd to 27th 1942, then Panzergrenadier Regiment 361 from July 27th 1942 to its destruction in May 1943.
Thanks again for your help,
Very best regards,
Loïc
"On ne relève pas Picardie !" (Picardie Regiment is not relieved !)
Skarn.
The quote in Tessin about III/155 adds a weight to your arguement, that I had not bargained for. The only previous source I have ever seen that claimed a third Battailon was Nafziger; & with respect to George, his works are flawed, brilliant but flawed.
If either Ron or Leo is reading this, I'm sure that either one could shed some invaluable light on the matter. I would only be too pleased to be proven wrong, and given evidence of III/115 in N.Africa.
I can't help you with the correct designations. Yours look O.K to me as they are.
The quote in Tessin about III/155 adds a weight to your arguement, that I had not bargained for. The only previous source I have ever seen that claimed a third Battailon was Nafziger; & with respect to George, his works are flawed, brilliant but flawed.
If either Ron or Leo is reading this, I'm sure that either one could shed some invaluable light on the matter. I would only be too pleased to be proven wrong, and given evidence of III/115 in N.Africa.
I can't place the source, I just have it written in my notes. If I come across it, I'll certainly let you know.Anyway, could you tell me please what is your source concerning the integration of the III./Inf. Rgt. 255 as I./Inf. Rgt. (mot.) 200 ?
I can't help you with the correct designations. Yours look O.K to me as they are.
Thanks. Dave.
David,
Thanks for your help. It would be great to have Leo's or Ron's help, anyway you seemed to me like a kind of North African Theatre specialist here
90. Leichte Division organizational history seems so dark that I fear it won't be easy to find an answer to this...
Thanks again.
Best regards from France,
Loïc
Thanks for your help. It would be great to have Leo's or Ron's help, anyway you seemed to me like a kind of North African Theatre specialist here
90. Leichte Division organizational history seems so dark that I fear it won't be easy to find an answer to this...
Thanks again.
Best regards from France,
Loïc
"On ne relève pas Picardie !" (Picardie Regiment is not relieved !)
A very interesting topic!
I have a copy of the original Panzergruppe Afrika in November 1941 (1)and it also showed the TOE of Kdo. Afrika Div. z.b.V. with
Schtz.-R. 155 with three battalions
3rd battalion of Inf.-R. 255
3rd battalion of Inf.-R. 347
Reinforced Afrika-R. 361 with two battalions and 1st battalion of Artillerie-R. 619
The Inf.-R. Stab z.b.V. 200 with MGB 2 was transferred to 15. Pz.-Div. from 5. le. Div in late 1941 and 15. Pz.-Div. released Schtz.-R. 104 to 5. le. Div. The MGB2 became the 3rd battalion of Schtz.-R. 115 in 15. Pz.-Div. in 1942. The Inf.-R. Stab z.b.V. 200 was transferred to 90. le. Div. and renamed Inf.-R. 200 in April 1942.
The source indicates the 3rd battalion of Inf.-R. 347 became the 1st battalion of Inf.-R. 200 on 1st April 1942. According to another source the 3rd battalion of Schtz.-R. 155 became the 2nd battalion of Inf.-R. 200. in April 1942 (2). The third source indicates the 3rd battalion of Inf.-R. 255 was disbanded in 1942 (3).
The Artillerie-Abteilung 361 (Afrika) could be renamed from 1st battalion of Artillerie-R. 619 which was attached under the Afrika-R. 361. But I can not find the date when it was transformed.
Reference:
1.Panzer Voran No.15
2.Die Gepanzerten und Motorisierten Deutschen Grossverbaende 1935-1945
3.http://www.lexikon-der-wehrmacht.de/Gli ... /IR255.htm
I have a copy of the original Panzergruppe Afrika in November 1941 (1)and it also showed the TOE of Kdo. Afrika Div. z.b.V. with
Schtz.-R. 155 with three battalions
3rd battalion of Inf.-R. 255
3rd battalion of Inf.-R. 347
Reinforced Afrika-R. 361 with two battalions and 1st battalion of Artillerie-R. 619
The Inf.-R. Stab z.b.V. 200 with MGB 2 was transferred to 15. Pz.-Div. from 5. le. Div in late 1941 and 15. Pz.-Div. released Schtz.-R. 104 to 5. le. Div. The MGB2 became the 3rd battalion of Schtz.-R. 115 in 15. Pz.-Div. in 1942. The Inf.-R. Stab z.b.V. 200 was transferred to 90. le. Div. and renamed Inf.-R. 200 in April 1942.
The source indicates the 3rd battalion of Inf.-R. 347 became the 1st battalion of Inf.-R. 200 on 1st April 1942. According to another source the 3rd battalion of Schtz.-R. 155 became the 2nd battalion of Inf.-R. 200. in April 1942 (2). The third source indicates the 3rd battalion of Inf.-R. 255 was disbanded in 1942 (3).
The Artillerie-Abteilung 361 (Afrika) could be renamed from 1st battalion of Artillerie-R. 619 which was attached under the Afrika-R. 361. But I can not find the date when it was transformed.
Reference:
1.Panzer Voran No.15
2.Die Gepanzerten und Motorisierten Deutschen Grossverbaende 1935-1945
3.http://www.lexikon-der-wehrmacht.de/Gli ... /IR255.htm