Panzer IV Ausf D 60 and 38(t) of the 20. Panzer Division
The 20th Panzer Division was formed in October 1940, as part of the German Army’s expanding Panzer force during World War II. Initially created in Wehrkreis IX (Jena), it took part in significant battles on the Eastern Front, playing a key role in Germany’s push into the Soviet Union and later in defensive actions during Soviet counteroffensives.
Initial Formation and Structure (1940-1941)
The division’s original structure included:
- Panzer Regiment 21 (two battalions).
- Rifle Brigade 20, consisting of:
- Rifle Regiment 59 (two battalions).
- Rifle Regiment 112 (two battalions).
- Motorcycle Battalion 20.
- Aufklärungs Abteilung 92 (Reconnaissance).
- Artillerie Regiment 92 (three battalions).
- Support units, all numbered 92, such as:
- Panzerjäger Abteilung 92 (Anti-Tank).
- Nachrichten Abteilung 92 (Signals).
- Panzer Pioniere Battalion 92 (Engineers).
Campaign in Russia (1941-1943)
The 20th Panzer Division took part in Operation Barbarossa, the invasion of the Soviet Union, beginning in June 1941. It was heavily involved in the central sector of the Eastern Front, participating in the drive towards Moscow. However, like many other German units, it became bogged down in the harsh winter of 1941-42 during the failed assault on the Soviet capital.
In July 1943, the division was part of the Orel offensive, which was the northern pincer of the Battle of Kursk, the largest tank battle of the war. This campaign ended in heavy losses for the German forces, including the 20th Panzer Division.
Retreat and Reorganization (1944)
The division faced severe setbacks during the Soviet summer offensive of 1944, which was part of a broader collapse of German forces in the East. The division was involved in defensive actions against the advancing Soviet forces and suffered heavy losses during the retreat. By August 1944, the 20th Panzer Division was transferred to Romania, where it faced fierce combat. However, the collapse of the Romanian front further exacerbated the division’s difficulties.
By November 1944, the division had been moved to East Prussia to regroup, and in December, it was sent south to Hungary as part of the German effort to stabilize the crumbling Eastern Front.
Final Actions and Disbandment (1945)
In early 1945, the division continued fighting in Hungary and was later overrun in the final collapse of German forces on the Eastern Front. By May 1945, the 20th Panzer Division was effectively destroyed in the central sector of the Eastern Front.
Final Full Establishment (1943-1945):
During its later years, the division’s structure had changed somewhat, but by its final reorganization, it consisted of:
- Panzer Aufklärungs Abteilung 20 (Reconnaissance).
- Panzer Regiment 21 (two battalions).
- Panzergrenadier Regiment 59 (two battalions).
- Panzergrenadier Regiment 112 (two battalions).
- Panzer Artillerie Regiment 92 (three battalions).
- Panzerjäger Abteilung 92 (Anti-Tank).
- Nachrichten Abteilung 92 (Signals).
- Panzer Pioniere Battalion 92 (Engineers).
Notable Changes and Reorganizations:
- 1942: The I and II Battalions of Panzer Regiment 21, II Battalion of Rifle Regiment 112, and Aufklärungs Abteilung 92 were dissolved. The division’s Panzer regiment was reduced to a single battalion (III/21, renamed Panzer Abteilung 21).
- 1944: After being heavily damaged during the fighting in Belarus, the division was reformed in Romania and then moved to East Prussia for further reorganization. A new II Battalion was formed in October 1944 from Panzer Abteilung 2101, while the Panzer Regiment 21’s staff was also reconstituted.
By the war’s end, the 20th Panzer Division, like many other German units, was shattered in the final Soviet offensives and ceased to exist as an organized fighting force.