Panther Ausf G tanks of 10th SS Panzer Division Frundsberg winter camo Alsace December 1944

The 10th SS Panzer Division “Frundsberg” was a Waffen-SS armored division formed during World War II. Initially created in the winter of 1942-43 in the south of France, it underwent several renamings before adopting its final designation. It was part of the elite forces of the Waffen-SS and saw action on both the Eastern and Western Fronts.

Formation and Renaming

Initially formed as the 10th SS Panzer Grenadier Division in early 1943.
In June 1943, its name was changed to 10th SS Division “Karl der Große”, but this was temporary.
On October 3, 1943, by order of Adolf Hitler, it was renamed the SS Panzer Division Frundsberg.
Finally, on October 22, 1943, it received its final designation: 10th SS Panzer Division “Frundsberg”.

Division Structure

The division’s structure by 1943 included:

SS Panzer Grenadier Regiment 21 (three battalions)
SS Panzer Grenadier Regiment 22 (three battalions)
SS Kradschützen Regiment 10 (motorcycle unit, two battalions)
SS Panzer Regiment 10 “Langemark” (two battalions)
SS Panzer Artillerie Regiment 10 (four battalions)
SS Flak Abteilung 10 (anti-aircraft)
SS Sturmgeschütz Abteilung 10 (assault gun unit)
SS Panzerjäger Abteilung 10 (anti-tank)
SS Nachrichten Abteilung 10 (signals)
SS Pioniere Bataillon 10 (engineers)
Divisional HQ and support services.

Combat History

Eastern Front (March-June 1944)

After completing its formation in early 1944, the Frundsberg Division was transferred to the Eastern Front in March, where it fought alongside the 9th SS Panzer Division “Hohenstaufen” in the Tarnopol and Lvov sectors of Ukraine. The division was involved in the efforts to stem the Soviet advance, engaging in heavy combat during these operations.

Normandy (June-September 1944)

On June 12, 1944, the division was urgently transferred to France to assist in the defense against the Allied invasion of Normandy. It entered combat on June 29, 1944, fighting against British forces during the Battle of the Odon. The division was heavily involved in the fierce fighting around Caen and other key areas in Normandy, but like many German units, it suffered heavy losses during the retreat after the Allied breakout.

Operation Market Garden (September 1944)

Following the defeat in Normandy, the Frundsberg Division was re-fitted in the Netherlands. It played a critical role during Operation Market Garden in September 1944, the Allied airborne operation aimed at capturing key bridges in the Netherlands. The division was positioned near Arnhem and sent to defend the area around Nijmegen, playing a major role in repelling the Allies.

Ardennes Offensive (December 1944)

In December 1944, the division participated in the Ardennes Offensive, also known as the Battle of the Bulge, as part of the final German attempt to push back the advancing Allied forces. After the failure of this offensive, the division was redeployed to the Eastern Front.

Eastern Front (1945)

In early 1945, the division was moved to Pomerania, where it fought in the desperate defensive battles against the advancing Soviet forces. It saw further heavy fighting along the Oder River and in the Lausitz region. By the end of the war, the division was battered and depleted.

Surrender

In the final days of the war, the 10th SS Panzer Division “Frundsberg” retreated into Saxony, where it eventually surrendered to the Soviet forces. Many of its surviving personnel were taken into Soviet captivity.