Panzer III of the 10th Panzer Division on a march through France, 1940
The 10th Panzer Division was a highly active German armored division, formed in April 1939 in Prague. Throughout its service in World War II, it participated in major campaigns on several fronts, including Poland, France, Russia, and North Africa, before being destroyed in Tunisia in May 1943.
Formation and Structure
Upon its formation, the division initially consisted of:
- Panzer Brigade 4, which included:
- Panzer Regiment 7 (two battalions)
- Panzer Regiment 8 (two battalions)
- Rifle Brigade 10, consisting of:
- Rifle Regiment 69 (two battalions)
- Rifle Regiment 86 (two battalions)
- Aufklärungs Abteilung 90 (reconnaissance)
- Artillerie Regiment 90 (two battalions)
- Pioniere Bataillon 49 (engineers)
Combat History
Poland (1939)
The 10th Panzer Division participated in the Invasion of Poland in September 1939, as part of the German campaign to subdue the country quickly. This early action helped cement the division’s role in the Blitzkrieg tactics that became central to German strategy.
France (May-June 1940)
During the Flanders-France campaign, the 10th Panzer Division played a key role in the Battle of Calais, capturing the strategically important port city. This victory contributed to the isolation of Allied forces at Dunkirk, forcing their eventual evacuation.
In late 1940, Panzer Regiment 8 and some division cadres were transferred to the newly formed 15th Panzer Division, which later fought in North Africa.
Eastern Front (July 1941-April 1942)
In July 1941, the division was deployed to the Eastern Front, where it fought in Operation Barbarossa, the invasion of the Soviet Union. Assigned to Army Group Centre, the 10th Panzer Division participated in the early stages of the campaign, advancing deep into Soviet territory. However, by April 1942, after months of grueling combat, the division was pulled back to France for refitting.
Dieppe Raid (August 1942)
In August 1942, the 10th Panzer Division was involved in the defense of France during the Dieppe Raid, a failed Canadian and Allied amphibious assault on the French coast. The division repelled the attack, contributing to the raid’s failure.
North Africa: Tunisia (December 1942-May 1943)
In December 1942, the division was sent to Tunisia as part of the German effort to halt the Allied advance into North Africa following their landings in Operation Torch. The division was heavily engaged in the battles around Tunis and Kasserine Pass, where it put up stiff resistance against the Allies.
However, by May 1943, after months of intense fighting, the 10th Panzer Division was encircled and destroyed in Tunisia, alongside other Axis forces. The division formally ceased to exist on June 30, 1943, and was never reformed.
Final Structure (by 1943)
At its full establishment, the division consisted of:
- Panzer Aufklärungs Abteilung 10 (reconnaissance)
- Panzer Regiment 7 (two battalions)
- Panzergrenadier Brigade 10, which included:
- Panzergrenadier Regiment 69 (two battalions)
- Panzergrenadier Regiment 86 (two battalions)
- Artillerie Regiment 90 (three battalions)
- Heeres Flak Abteilung 302 (anti-aircraft)
- Panzerjäger Abteilung 90 (anti-tank)
- Nachrichten Abteilung 90 (signals)
- Panzer Pioniere Bataillon 49 (engineers)