7th Infantry Division (Wehrmacht)
The 7th Infantry Division (7. Infanterie-Division) was a formation of the German Wehrmacht during World War II.
| 7th Infantry Division | |
|---|---|
| German: 7. Infanterie-Division | |
Unit insignia | |
| Active | 1 October 1934 – 8 May 1945 |
| Country | Nazi Germany |
| Branch | German Army |
| Type | Infantry |
| Size | Division |
| Garrison/HQ | Munich |
| Nickname(s) | Bavarian Division |
| Engagements | World War II |
| Commanders | |
| Notable commanders | Franz Halder |
History edit
The division was formed 1 October 1934 in Munich from the Artillerieführer VII staff and renamed 7. Infanterie-Division with the disclosure of German rearmament on 15 October 1935. In preparation of the Invasion of Poland, the division was deployed to the Slovak Republik on 1 August 1939.
During its fight on the Eastern Front, the 7th Infantry Division at times oversaw the 638th Infantry Regiment, better known as the Legion of French Volunteers Against Bolshevism.[1]: 10
The division surrendered to Soviet forces near Stutthof after the unconditional surrender of 8 May 1945.
Insignia edit
The divisional insignia of the 7th Infantry Division showed a solid blue rectangle.[1]: 10
Commanders edit
- Franz Halder 1 October 1934 – 12 November 1936
- Otto Hartmann 12 November 1936 – 31 July 1939
- Eugen Ott 1 August 1939 – 30 September 1939
- Eberhardt Bohnstedt 30 September 1939 – 1 December 1939
- Eccard Freiherr von Gablenz 1 December 1939 – 13 December 1941
- Hans Jordan 13 December 1941 – 1 November 1942
- Fritz-Georg von Rappard 1 November 1942 – 2 October 1943
- Carl Andre 2 October 1943 – 30 November 1943
- Gustav Gihr 30 November 1943 – 8 December 1943
- Fritz-Georg von Rappard 8 December 1943
- Alois Weber August 1944 – May 1945
Sources edit
References edit
- ^ a b Hartmann, Theodor (1970). Wehrmacht Divisional Signs, 1938–1945. Almark Publications. ISBN 0-85524-006-7.
Literature edit
- Burkhard Müller-Hillebrand: Das Heer 1933–1945. Entwicklung des organisatorischen Aufbaues. Vol.III: Der Zweifrontenkrieg. Das Heer vom Beginn des Feldzuges gegen die Sowjetunion bis zum Kriegsende. Mittler: Frankfurt am Main 1969, p. 285.
- Georg Tessin: Verbände und Truppen der deutschen Wehrmacht und Waffen-SS im Zweiten Weltkrieg, 1939 – 1945. Vol. III: Die Landstreitkräfte 6 -14. Mittler: Frankfurt am Main 1967.