Volksgrenadier Divisions ?

[krichter33]

I unfortunately am not that familiar with the fighting performance of the VG divisions. I do know about their general OOB and the history surrounding these units, as well as their relatively poor reputation. However, there had to have been some VG units that did perform well, at least is some cases. I was just wondering if someone with more knowledge on this subject can provide me with information about different VG units and the battles that they might have performed more effectively in. Also any book source would be helpful too. Thank you very much.

[Ronald Lameck]

The VG divisions were among the last units raised by the Wehrmacht, when the bottom of the barrel was being scraped. Many of the troops were young and poorly trained, and often had to be thrown into the line to fill holes before they were combat-ready. Several of the divisions were formed from previously shattered divisions. Generally, these units still tended to perform relatively well. However, all the VG's were short of transport and artillery. This severely limited their abilities in offensive action. Again, the question to be asked is: Would the overall Wehrmacht performance have been better had these new units not been created at all? Had the men been used as replacements to re-build existing divisions, they would have been more effective.

[B Hellqvist]

Victory Was Beyond Their Grasp by forum member Doug Nash has received favourable reviews.

[Tom Houlihan]

Doug's book was a good look into a VGD, and a good record of its performance. Damned good, actually...

[RandJS]

Hi,

1) Several divisions were raised/rebuilt as larger Typ 1944 Infantry Divisions, then re-christened VGD.

2) Manpower sources for the VGD were: "experienced troops" from shattered divisions. These were often support personel, not front line troops; new men, age 16-60, some with only 5-6 weeks of the shortened 8 week training period; Luftwaffe and K-marine personel, some receiving only 2 weeks infantry training; conscripts: Hungarian, Austrian, Poles, Alsacians etc, who may be suspect or untrustworthy, and Hiwi: former Russian and Ukranian POW's who switched sides to receive better treatment, and were likely to flee as soon as shots were fired.
3) Equipment: 74 divisions were formed from 6/1944 to 10/1944. Not enough equipment for all. Several divisions were formed, and sent into combat without their PzJgrAbt.

Rand