Afrika Korps Unit "Division Bardia"?

[Doug Nash]

Has anyone ever heard of a short-lived Afrika Korps unit named "Division Bardia"? It existed between Nov 41 and Jan 42 and was commanded by Gen.Lt. Arthur Schmitt and was apparently based on a Corps Supply Command that was hastily upgraded to division status. Tessin does not mention it, though Mehnert does in his book "Fuehrung und Truppe". Thanks!

[Christoph Awender]

Hello Doug!

The O.K.H.Gliederungen mention a "Festungs Besatzung Bardia" not a division.
So I guess these were the defense forces for the city of Bardia.

\Christoph

[David W]

In Nov/Dec 1941 there were 2 Italian Infantry Battalions garrisoned at Bardia, they were 2/15 & 2/16 from the 55th Division "Savona". Hope this is of some use, & not too late!

[Abel Ravasz]

Additional info.

Composition of the Bardia fortress 12/41:

Bardia (col. Carlo Petrucci)
- 2 x bns of Savona
- 1 x bn of Bologna
- 4. arm.car coy / Genova
- 282 and 342. bns of 28. GAF (Guardia all Frontiera)
- 2 x coa. art. batt. of Regia Marina
- III. bn / 255. German Regiment
- III. bn / 347. German Regiment
- artillery: 26 x 75 mm, 2 x 120 mm, 22 x 47 mm and 55 x 65 mm guns of the Savona division.


Another thing. General Arthur Schmidt was the commander of the northern part of the Sollum fortress line. He surrendered to british forces 17/1/42 as the first German general to do so.


Hope this helps,
Best,

Abel

[mk2]

Few precisations:

1) the 3 italian infantry batalions in Bardia were II/15,II/16 (Savona) and III/40(Bologna);
2) IV/"Genova" was a Mg-Btn, never had armoured cars;
3) Bardia (gen.Schmndt) surrendered on 2.1.1941, division "Savona" (gen.De Giorgis) on 17.1.1943.
4) Artillery was not all of Savona division, many guns were G.a.F., many other were just recovered guns (from ... the defeat of 10th army during operation Compass) manned by men of such division, 120mm guns were navy.