Panzer III code 534 of the 2nd Panzer Division
The 2nd Panzer Division was formed in October 1935 in Würzburg, Germany, and later relocated to Vienna after the Anschluss in 1938. Initially, its composition included Panzer Brigade 2, with Panzer Regiments 3 and 4, each consisting of two battalions. Additionally, it comprised Motorised Rifle Brigade 2, featuring Rifle Regiment 2 and Motorcycle Battalion 2, as well as Aufklärungs Abteilung 5, Artillerie Regiment 74, and divisional units numbered 38.
Key Operations and Deployment:
- 1939 – Poland Campaign: The division took part in the invasion of Poland.
- 1940 – Flanders and France Campaign: Fought in the Battle of France, leading to the fall of France.
- 1941 – Balkans Campaign: The 2nd Panzer Division participated in the invasion of Greece.
- 1941-42 – Operation Barbarossa: After the invasion of the Soviet Union, the division was part of Army Group Centre, advancing towards Moscow, where its forces glimpsed the distant Kremlin.
- 1942-43 – Eastern Front: The division continued to fight on the central front in battles around Smolensk, Orel, and Kiev.
- 1944 – Normandy and Retreat Across France: It was transferred to Amiens, France, for refitting and participated in the Battle of Normandy and the subsequent retreat.
- 1944 – Ardennes Offensive: Played a role in the Battle of the Bulge.
- 1945 – Final Battles: Involved in battles on the Rhine and Plauen until the end of the war.
Final Structure (1945):
- Panzer Aufklärungs Abteilung 2
- Panzer Regiment 3 (two battalions)
- Panzergrenadier Regiment 2 (two battalions)
- Panzergrenadier Regiment 304 (two battalions)
- Artillerie Regiment 74 (three battalions)
- Heeres Flak Abteilung 273
- Panzerjäger Abteilung 38
- Nachrichten Abteilung 38
- Panzer Pioniere Bataillon 38
The division ended the war at Plauen in May 1945.