Kommandant Libau = 301.ID in Kurland Pocket?

[Jason Pipes]

I've come across reference to a 301.Infanterie-Division in a few resoures on unit histories (not in Tessin or Schmitz/Thies though). I've tracked down a reference to Kommandant Libau/Festung Kommandant Libau that suggest it may have been transformed into the 301.ID at some point during the battles for the Kurland Pocket in late 1944-45.

Does anyone have any additional information to shed on this issue regarding Kommandant Libau and the possible formation of the 301.ID?

The commander of Kommandant Libau (and supposedly of the 301.ID later) was Gunther Rohr.

As an FYI, I'm aware that a 301.ID was formed in August of 1939 from Brigade Netze and shortly after disbanded in October of the same year. It was commanded by Eccard Gablenz.

[Roger Griffiths]

Keilig says Rohr appointed Kdt. Libau 1Dec44, and at the same time of 301ID. Only trouble is no sign of 301ID in Keilig or Burkhardt Mueller-Hillebrand, or on situation maps in Russo-German War (Madeja).

Roger

[Piet Duits]

Hi,

With no other references at hand than what I have in my head , I believe the 301. ID was the former 301. Ausbildungsdivision which was on duty in the north of Kurland, earlier in the "Kurland-campaign".

Also, since Libau was a much fought, and very important place (one of the remaining few harbors), it could very well be that the 301. Division was transfered to the town.
I have a microfilm from the 18. Armee, I will try to find more information on that about this division.


Piet

[WBW]

Hello Jason --

A couple of things I noted wrt this situation (from Tessin).

1-- 52. Sicherungs-Division z.b.V.

1945 Januar z.Vfg. 18. Armee Nord Osten Kurland
Februar/März z.Vfg. 18. Armee Kurland Osten Kurland
April = Festungs-Kommandantur Libau

2-- There was an Ortskommandantur 301 in Kurland; however, it was not the OK of Libau:

Ortskommandantur 301

1. Aufstellung:

* 12.5.1941 im Wehrkreis XI.

2. Unterstellung:

Heeresgebiet Nord; 1944 18. Armee, zuletzt Kurland

3. Ersatz:

398 Goslar, Wehrkreis XI

3-- Perhaps a typo? The 201. Sicherungs-Division was in Kurland. By the time of the formation of Festung Libau, it was merely a staff z.b.V. for use by HGr Kurland:

1945 Januar (Stab) - 16. Armee Nord Osten Kurland
Februar /April z.Vfg. - Kurland Osten Kurland

=============

Cheers

WBW

[forrest opper]

From K.Mehner, "Die dtsch.Wehrm., 1939-45," Militair-Verlag Klaus D. Patawall, Norderstedt, 1993:

p.67:
Fest.Libau
Kdt.:
--1.10.44 - 1.12.44, Genlt. Digeon von Monteton, Albrecht Baron
--1.12.44 - ?, Genmaj. Rohr, Günter [zugl. Kdr. 301. I.D.]

p.96:
301. Div.
[1945 unter H.Gr. Kurland, zugl. Fest.Kdt. Libau.]
Kdr.:
--1.12.44 - 5.5.45, Genmaj. Rohr, Günther

[Roger Griffiths]

Yes, what I guess is that a div. HQ (Rohr) existed which temporarily included local and passing through troops to defend the port of Libau. Maps showed 300, yes 300 Special HQ on maps dated 25Oct44 to 2Jan45. Thereafter 52 Security Bde., 52 'Libau' and 1Apr45 52Staff. 52 had been a Security Division.

Roger