World War Photos

Tiger tank of the Das Reich Division, Kursk 1943

The 2nd SS Panzer Division “Das Reich” was one of the most prominent divisions of the Waffen-SS, playing a significant role in many critical campaigns of World War II.

Formation and Early Operations

The division’s origins trace back to 1939, when the SS-Verfügungstruppen (SS-VT) included three regiments:

• Standarte 1 “Deutschland”
• Standarte 2 “Germania”
• Standarte 3 “Der Führer”

In April 1940, these units formed the SS-VT Division, which was later renamed SS Division Reich and subsequently SS Division “Das Reich” after the regiment “Germania” was transferred to the 5th SS Panzer Division “Wiking”. At this time, the division was motorized.

Key Campaigns:

1. Russia (1941-1942): The division fought on the Eastern Front as part of Army Group Centre, participating in operations around Moscow and the central front.
2. France (1942): After suffering heavy losses, the division was transferred to Normandy for reorganization and re-equipment in November 1942, becoming the SS Panzer Grenadier Division “Das Reich”.
3. Russia (1943): Returning to the Eastern Front, the division fought major battles at Kharkov, Belgorod, and the Dnepr bend.
4. France (1944): In April 1944, the division was stationed in the Toulouse area before being redeployed to Normandy after the Allied landings.
5. Normandy (1944): Engaged in heavy fighting against U.S. forces in July 1944, it retreated to the Eifel region after the defeat in France.
6. Ardennes Offensive (1944): The division played a significant role in the Battle of the Bulge as part of the 6th SS Panzer Army.
7. Hungary (1945): In early 1945, it was moved to Hungary for operations, ending the war near Linz, Austria, where it surrendered to U.S. forces.

Organizational Structure:

By the time of its final reformation in October 1943, the division had the following units:

• Aufklärungs Abteilung SS Panzer Division “Das Reich” (Reconnaissance)
• Panzer Regiment 2 SS Panzer Division “Das Reich” (two battalions of tanks)
• SS Panzer Grenadier Regiment 3 “Deutschland” (three battalions)
• SS Panzer Grenadier Regiment 4 “Der Führer” (three battalions)
• Artillerie Regiment SS Panzer Division “Das Reich” (four battalions)
• Flak Abteilung SS Panzer Division “Das Reich” (anti-aircraft)
• Sturmgeschütz Abteilung SS Panzer Division “Das Reich” (assault guns)
• Panzerjäger Abteilung SS Panzer Division “Das Reich” (tank destroyers)
• Nachrichten Abteilung SS Panzer Division “Das Reich” (signals)
• Pioniere Bataillon SS Panzer Division “Das Reich” (engineers)

In 1943, the SS Panzer Grenadier Regiment Langemark (two battalions) was also briefly attached to the division but was disbanded, with parts incorporated into other units.

Final Actions and Surrender:

The division saw heavy action in Hungary and Austria in early 1945 before surrendering to the Americans near Linz in May 1945. The division’s reputation for battlefield prowess was matched by a history of war crimes, including the infamous Oradour-sur-Glane massacre during the retreat from Normandy.

The 2nd SS Panzer Division “Das Reich” remains one of the most infamous Waffen-SS divisions due to both its military effectiveness and its brutal conduct during the war.