World War Photos

Panzer 35(t) of the 3rd Panzer Division France 1940

The 3rd Panzer Division of the Wehrmacht, formed in October 1935 in Berlin, was a key mechanized unit during World War II. It participated in multiple campaigns, including the invasions of Poland and France, as well as extensive fighting on the Eastern Front.

Formation & Structure (1935)

The original structure of the division included:

• Panzer Brigade 3 “Berlin”: Comprised of two regiments, Panzer Regiment 5 “Wünsdorf” and Panzer Regiment 6 “Neuruppin,” each with two battalions.
• Motorised Rifle Brigade 3 “Eberswalde”: Consisted of Rifle Regiment 3 “Eberswalde” (with two battalions) and Motorcycle Battalion 3 “Freienwalde.”
• Artillery Regiment 75 “Eberswalde”: Initially two battalions, alongside other divisional units.

Early Campaigns

• Poland (1939): The division took part in the invasion, showcasing its mobile warfare capabilities.
• Flanders and France (1940): It fought during the Battle of France, securing critical victories.

After these early successes, Panzer Regiment 5 was transferred to form the 21st Panzer Division in North Africa, while the rest of the division continued in other theaters of war.

Eastern Front (1941-1944)

From June 1941 onwards, the 3rd Panzer Division was deeply involved in the Russian Campaign:

• Central Russia (1941-1942): It fought on the central front, taking part in key battles before being transferred to the southern front in February 1942.
• Battle of Kharkov and Dnepr Bend (1943): The division played a significant role in these engagements, especially during the summer of 1943.
• Ukraine & Poland (1944): Throughout 1944, the division was engaged in defensive operations across Ukraine and Poland.

Final Stages of the War (1945)

• Hungary (1945): In January, the division moved to Hungary and fought there until April.
• Austria (1945): It was eventually relocated to Austria, where it surrendered to American forces in Styria at the war’s end.

Final Structure

The division’s final configuration included:

• Panzer Aufklärung Abteilung 3 (Reconnaissance)
• Panzer Regiment 6 (Two battalions)
• Panzergrenadier Regiment 3 (Two battalions)
• Panzergrenadier Regiment 394 (Two battalions)
• Artillery Regiment 75 (Three battalions)
• Heeres Flak Abteilung 314 (Anti-aircraft)
• Panzerjäger Abteilung 39 (Tank destroyers)
• Nachrichten Abteilung 39 (Signals)
• Panzer Pioniere Bataillon 39 (Pioneers)

Campaign History Highlights

1. 1939-1940: Invasion of Poland and France.
2. 1941-1942: Operations on the Eastern Front (central and southern Russia).
3. 1943-1944: Battles of Kharkov, Dnepr, and defensive actions in Ukraine and Poland.
4. 1945: Final engagements in Hungary and Austria, ending with surrender in Styria.