Panzer 38(t) Ausf B 7th Panzer Division France 1940

The 7th Panzer Division of the German Wehrmacht, known for its rapid and successful operations during World War II, was formed in October 1939 by reorganizing the 2nd Light Division. This division was part of the elite panzer (armored) units of the German Army and saw significant combat across Europe and the Soviet Union.

Early Formation and Structure

Upon its formation, the division included:

Panzer Regiment 25 (two battalions)
Panzer Abteilung 66 (tank battalion)
Rifle Brigade 7, consisting of:
- Rifle Regiment 6 (two battalions)
- Rifle Regiment 7 (two battalions)
- Motorcycle Battalion 7
Aufklärung Abteilung 58 (reconnaissance)
Artillerie Regiment 78 (two battalions)
Divisional units numbered 58, with the exception of Panzer Abwehr Abteilung 42 (later Panzerjäger Abteilung 42) and Nachrichten Abteilung 83 (signals).

The Western Campaign: France and Flanders (1940)

The division first saw action during the Battle of France in May-June 1940, where it gained fame for its remarkable speed and effectiveness, particularly under the command of General Erwin Rommel, earning the nickname “Ghost Division” (Gespensterdivision) because of its ability to appear unexpectedly and strike rapidly. The division played a crucial role in the blitzkrieg strategy that overwhelmed French and Allied forces.

Eastern Front and Operation Barbarossa (1941)

After its campaign in France, the 7th Panzer Division returned to Germany in February 1941 for refitting. By July 1941, the division was sent to the Eastern Front as part of Operation Barbarossa, the invasion of the Soviet Union. It operated in the central sector, engaging in heavy fighting throughout the Russian campaign.

Kursk and the Southern Front (1942-1943)

In June 1942, the division returned to France for rest but was quickly redeployed to southern Russia by December 1942, where it took part in major operations such as the Belgorod offensive, the Battle of Kursk (southern pincer), and the subsequent fighting at Kharkov in August 1943.

Operations in the Baltic and Kurland (1944-1945)

In August 1944, the 7th Panzer Division was transferred to the Baltic States, where it fought in Kurland and Memel. As the Soviet forces advanced in late 1944, the division conducted a fighting withdrawal, gradually moving westward. It played a crucial role in defensive actions in these areas as the German army was increasingly pressed by Soviet offensives.

Final Days and Surrender (1945)

In early 1945, the division continued its retreat towards Germany. By April 19, 1945, orders were issued for a rapid replenishment of the division near Waren, using personnel from the Panzer-Auffrischungsverband Krampnitz. However, by May 1945, the division was forced to surrender to British forces at Schwerin and Hagenow, marking the end of its participation in the war.

Final Organization (1945)

By the end of the war, the division’s structure was as follows:

Panzer Aufklärung Abteilung 7 (reconnaissance)
Panzer Regiment 25 (two battalions)
Panzergrenadier Regiment 6 (two battalions)
Panzergrenadier Regiment 7 (two battalions)
Artillerie Regiment 78 (three battalions)
Heeres Flak Abteilung 296 (anti-aircraft)
Panzerjäger Abteilung 42 (tank destroyers)
Nachrichten Abteilung 83 (signals)
Panzer Pioniere Bataillon 58 (engineers)

Key Reorganizations

In March 1940, the Cavalry Rifle Regiments 6 and 7 were redesignated as Rifle Regiments. The division’s reconnaissance regiment was split into Motorcycle Battalion 7 and Aufklärung Abteilung 37, with the latter later merged back into Motorcycle Battalion 7.
In February 1941, Panzer Abteilung 66 was merged into Panzer Regiment 25.
In 1943, the division absorbed remnants of the 27th Panzer Division, which had been destroyed during the operations of Army Group Don.

Despite suffering heavy losses, the 7th Panzer Division was consistently rebuilt and reorganized, maintaining its status as a highly mobile and effective combat unit until the end of the war. Its participation in key operations on both the Western and Eastern Fronts, particularly during the Battle of France and Operation Barbarossa, made it one of the most notable panzer divisions of the Wehrmacht.