The 10. SS Panzer-Division Frundsberg was a panzer division that was deployed by Germany during World War II. It was initially formed in 1943 and it consisted mainly of conscripts, notably from the national labor force. Furthermore, the division was the result of additional SS troops being required to fight in the front lines. Though, with Waffen-SS training, the division still remained relatively more effective than its standard Heer counterparts would be.
Commanders[]
The first commander of the Frundsberg division was Michael Lippert who had only served for two weeks in 1943 before being replaced by Lothar Debes who himself served until the beginning of 1944.[1]
The next commander of the unit was Karl Fischer von Treuenfeld who had served until April 1944. Control of the unit was then taken up by Heinz Harmel and Franz Roestel who would serve until the end of the war.
Structure[]
The 10. consisted of the 21st and 22nd Panzergrenadier-Regiments along with the 10. Panzer Regiment, 10. Artillerie Regiment, 10. Kradschützen (motorized infantry) Regiment, 10. Sturmgeschütz (assault gun) Battalion, 10. Panzerjäger Battalion, 10. Flak Battalion, 10. Pioneer Battalion, 10. Reconnaissance Battalion, 10. Repair Battalion, 10. Medical Battalion, 10. Supply Battalion, and the 10. Feldgendarmerie Battalion.
Unit History[]
The divisions first combat operation was in the Ukraine in early 1944 where it saw moderate fighting against Red Army forces. Notably, the division was used to rescue German prisoners being held behind front lines and it was successful in its endeavor.[2] After combat in the Eastern Front, the division was relocated to the western front where it operated against the allies in Normandy. Here, the Frundsberg division was launched into combat against British troops during Operation Epsom. It was then held in reserve here before being once more relocated to Arnhem where it took part in bolstering the German defense during Operation Market Garden.
Intense street fighting ensued and numerous casualties were suffered by the division causing it to be retreated and then refitted for the renewed German offensive in Operation Nordwind after which the division was sent back to the Eastern Front where it served until the end of the war.
References[]
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