World War Photos

Pz.Kpfw IV Ausf D of the 5th Panzer Division

The 5th Panzer Division was a notable German armored division formed in November 1938 in Oppeln (modern-day Opole, Poland). It participated in several key campaigns throughout World War II, including the invasions of Poland, France, the Balkans, and the Soviet Union. The division fought extensively on the Eastern Front and ultimately surrendered to Soviet forces in 1945.

Formation and Early History

• Formation: The division was formed on November 24, 1938, in Oppeln. It was initially composed of the following units:
  • Panzer Brigade 8 with Panzer Regiments 15 and 31 (each with two battalions).
  • Motorized Rifle Brigade 5, with Rifle Regiments 13 and 14 (each with two battalions), and a Motorcycle Battalion (Kradschützen Battalion 5).
  • Aufklärung Abteilung 8 (Reconnaissance Battalion).
  • Artillerie Regiment 116 (Artillery Regiment with two battalions).
  • Panzer Abwehr Abteilung 53 (Anti-Tank Battalion, later renamed Panzerjäger Abteilung 53).
  • Nachrichten Abteilung 77 (Signals Battalion).
  • Panzer Pioniere Bataillon 89 (Engineer Battalion).

Combat History

Poland (1939)

• The 5th Panzer Division participated in the invasion of Poland in September 1939, part of the larger German offensive that led to the swift defeat of Polish forces. The division’s mobility and armored strength played a crucial role in the Blitzkrieg strategy.

France (1940)

• During the Flanders-France Campaign (May-June 1940), the division was part of the German drive through Belgium and France, contributing to the encirclement of Allied forces and their ultimate defeat. This campaign solidified the reputation of the Panzer divisions as the spearhead of the German army’s Blitzkrieg tactics.

Balkans Campaign (1941)

• In April 1941, the 5th Panzer Division took part in the Balkan campaign, starting with an advance from Bulgaria into Yugoslavia and Greece. The division played a key role in the rapid German victories over Yugoslav and Greek forces.

Eastern Front (1941-1945)

• Operation Barbarossa (June 1941): The division was deployed as part of Army Group Center, participating in the initial German advance towards Moscow. It saw extensive combat during the Battle of Moscow and the subsequent fighting in the Rzhev-Gzhatsk area, where it suffered heavy casualties.

• Kursk (July 1943): During the Battle of Kursk, the division fought in the Orel sector and sustained heavy losses during the Soviet counteroffensive.

• Dnepr and Retreat to Latvia (1944): Early in 1944, the division was engaged in fighting west of the middle Dnepr River. As the Soviet forces continued their advance, the 5th Panzer Division was forced to retreat into Latvia and the Kurland Pocket.

Final Battles and Surrender (1945)

• At the start of 1945, the division was in East Prussia as Soviet forces prepared their final offensives. The 5th Panzer Division engaged in defensive operations but was eventually pushed back to the Hela Peninsula north of Danzig, where it surrendered to Soviet forces.

Organizational Structure

Throughout the war, the division went through several reorganizations and restructurings. By its final configuration in 1945, the division included:

• Panzer Aufklärungs Abteilung 5 (Reconnaissance).
• Panzer Regiment 31 (Two battalions).
• Panzergrenadier Regiment 13 (Two battalions).
• Panzergrenadier Regiment 14 (Two battalions).
• Artillerie Regiment 116 (Three battalions).
• Heeres Flak Abteilung 228 (Anti-Aircraft Battalion).
• Panzerjäger Abteilung 53 (Tank Destroyer Battalion).
• Nachrichten Abteilung 77 (Signals Battalion).
• Panzer Pioniere Bataillon 89 (Engineer Battalion).

Key Changes and Developments

• In September 1940, Panzer Regiment 15 was transferred to form part of the newly established 11th Panzer Division.
• The division received a Kradschützen Battalion 55 (Motorcycle Battalion) in August 1940.
• In September 1941, some companies and Aufklärung Abteilung 8 were transferred to the formation of the 23rd Panzer Division in France.
• In 1942, Heeres Flak Abteilung 228 was created and assigned to the division.
• During the late stages of the war, Panzer Regiment 31 was reinforced with a battalion of Italian tanks from November 1943 to September 1944.

Campaign Highlights

1. 1939: Invasion of Poland – Part of the opening Blitzkrieg strategy.
2. 1940: Battle of France – Key role in the German victory over Allied forces.
3. 1941: Balkans Campaign – Successful advances into Yugoslavia and Greece.
4. 1941-1945: Eastern Front – Major battles including Moscow, Rzhev, Kursk, and the retreats into Latvia and East Prussia.
5. 1945: Final battles in East Prussia and surrender on the Hela Peninsula.