RESTRICTED TM-E
30-451
WAB DEPARTMENT TECHNICAL MANUAL
HANDBOOK ON GEimAN MILITARY FORCES 1
September 1943
RESTRICTED
TM-E
30-451
HANDBOOK
t
ON
GERMAN MILITARY FORCES 1
SEPTEMBER
1B43
MILITARY INTELLIGENCE WAR
DIPASTMEHT
RESTRICTED
DIVISION
t
RESTRICTED
TM-E
30-451
HANDBOOK ON
GERMAN MILITARY FORCES 1
DinKiririiniitioii
SEPTEMBER
1943
—
The iiifnniiJitiDii conlajiied it rtnlriirlfff mnttrr. rf^tntial chhraclf^rJalL^i^ uf itadictcd iimtcrial
iTi
resti'ictcd
may
hv giv^n porsor knoun to be in the service of the United SIrIcn and fo persons of uiidDabttd loynfty and lEEsci-ctioia who art caoperating Jn Government wgrh, but will not he rnmminiiraled to Ih-e public or to the precis except by authoriztd (Si-c nlf,ii ]>fli-. iRh, AK ShH-'f, 2S titp IIJIS,) milifury iiuhiM: relations flEencies. doriTiiuni-S
Ami
tlic
to niiy
MILITARY INTELLIGENCE WAR
DEPARTMENT
RESTRICTED
DIVISION
WAR DEPARTMENT, Washington
TM-E
30-451, Handiiook on
lislied for the iiiforniation
[A.G. 300. T
By OKUES
25, D.
German
C,
1
September
Militai-y Forces,
and guidance of
all
1943. is
pub-
concerned.
(3fi.Tii|.r;|.l
OF THi" Skciif.tatit or AVar
:
G. C.
MARSHALL, Chief of Staff.
Official: J.
A.
ULIO.
Major Crf}ie)'a7. The Adjutant General. Distribution
;
X
(For exjilanation of symbols, see
RESTRICTED
FM 21-fi.)
TABLE OF CONTENTS Phbo
PorwTBiihs
FoRKWOun..
-
-
1-4
.
Organizalion ami Strength of "Units II. Administration, Command, and Sta.S III. neeruitment and Mobilization IV. Uniforms, Insignia, and Identifications
Section
_ V. Infar.lr;-_ VI. Cavalry and HocoiinaisBance Units
VII. Infaiilrv- Weapons VIII. Field Artillery^
tions
Air Force
XVII. Permanent Fortificat)ons__ XVIII. Coinage, Wciglits, and Measures -
LIST
16
25 3S 51 61
65 83 103 12S
fi3-G8
69-81 82-88 89 92 93-98
.
Index
3
66-152
IX. Panzer Troops X. Engineers XJ. Signal'IVoops. _ Xll. Chwnical Warfare TrooiiB Xin. Supply and Adminislraiive ServicesXIV. SiS, Police, and Other Militarized Organizar-
XV. German XVI. Taclics
1
5-13 ]4-l6 17-29 30-35 36-15 46-49 60-55
1.
159 ],S3
101
99-1 03 104-111 112-122 123-125 ,. 126-128
_
221 227 319 333 346
349
_
OF ILLUSTRATIONS
Fijrcri?
Medium
2.
half-l raeli tractor and prime in over, «idehtroops and tow iveapons _ Organization of the infantry division..
3.
Com]>ositioii of the infantry division
4.
.\i-jiiai:iciit
5.
Conipo^ilion of the molori^ed infantry division Armamenl of the uioloriKed infantry division Organization of the Panzer division
1.
umd
to trans-
])ort
6.
7.
of the infantry division
9
10 11 _
12 12 14
Composition of the Panzer division 9. Armament iif the Panzer division. 10. Composilion of the mountain division n. Armauicid of the mountain division 12. Coordination of the Armed Forces through the High Conamand. 13. Hanks in the German Armed Fortes (revised June 1943) ___faces 8.
m
11
15 15 15 16 17
32
RESTRICTED
LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS Figure
Page
Scale of poacptime base pay in the German Army 15, Scale of wailimc liase i>ay in the Gerniau Army. 14.
35 3f.
.
16,
Markings on identification tags (Erkennimgsmarken) of the old and new types
17.
Meiliurn anviored personnel carrier
IS.
23.
Organization of the infantry regiment Coiiiposiliun of thg infantry regiment Armament of the infantry regiment Organization of the infantry haltalion ._...... Composition and armament of the infantry battalion .. Composition of the motorized infantry regiment in the Panzer
24.
Aiuiament
19.
20. 21. 22.
I'Sd,
4fi
Kfz. S51]
53 54 55 5,5
56 57
division
5fi
of the
motorized infantry reginieut in
the
Panzer
division
._
gg
59 59
2S.
mountain infantry regiment Armament of the mountain infantry regiment Composition and armament of the old-type motorcycle ballalion_. Composition and armament of the motorized antiaircraft ma-
29.
Composition and armament of the reconnaissance battalion
30.
Composition and armament of the reconnaissance lialtalion in the motorized division ,_ Composition and armament of the reconnaissance battalion in the the Panzer division
25. Composition of the 26. 27.
ehine-gim hattalion
_._
infantry division..
31.
32. ("ompositjon
.
and armament
...
of the bicycle battalion in the
w
61
the
62
,.
63 63
moun-
tain division
'
GHQ bicycle
33.
Compositionandarmament of the
34. 35.
9-mm Lnger pistol '.Pistole OS) 9-mm Waltlier pistol (Pisifi^f St?)..
36.
7.92-mm Manser carbine
{K/ir.
.
battaliOQ
.
64 64
66 66
98K). with grenade discharger
accessories
opened . Infantrymen ready to attack with stick hand grcnadtis. model 24
37. 7.92-nim rifle 41 (Gewekr 4I), right view, bolt 38.
60
(Stiflhoiidgranalen S4)
67 6S 69
9-tnm snhniachine gun (Sckmeissei- M.P. S8) with magazine attached and shonldcr rest extended 40. 9-mm submachine gun (Sckmnsse?- M.P. 40), showing carrying 39.
41. 42.
belt and magazine 7.92-mm light machine gun (M.G. Si) on bipod mount 7.92-mm heavy machine gun {M.G. S4) on tripod mount
RESTRICTED
it
70
70 71
72
LIST rigure
Page
.
43.
7.92-mm
44.
."jO-niiii
liphi:
inorUT
machine sun
7.
92-iiim antitank
crow...-
being loadtd
S.j)
55)
rifle (Pi./i.
37-mm 37-mm
54.
7o-mm
55.
loO-mm
antitank antitank 49. 50. 50-]nm antitank ol. 50-nim antitank 52. 50-mra antitank 53. 75-mni infantry infaiiLry
flischarpT
wit.li grtiiiaflo
and bipod extendt'
76
(Pat 37). {Pak 3?) with stick bomb (Pnk 3S) captured at Tobnik (Pah 38) in canioiiflaEod position with crew__ (Pak SS) towod by prime mover howitzor (LLC. 18), horse-drawn howitiscr {l.I.G, 18), mounted on carriage ivith
77 7S 78 79 79
47. 7.92-nim antitajik rifle [Pz.B. 39) wiLh stock 48.
73 74 7S 76
(.A/.O. 4S)
(/.Cfr.IF. SS) wit.li
4o. SO-iiiiii iiiorlar {.i.Gr.W. 46.
ILLUSTRATIONS
OI-'
gun gun gun gun gun
.
rubber wheels
81
infantry howitzer {s./.G, 5S) in firing pcsilioti
56. Charactcvistids of artillery 57. Orient
ins;
weapons
a bal tery for accurate
cowlrol
fire
_... !05-jnm gun-howitzer (l.F.H. IS) 59. I05-mm gun-howitKer and crow in ae.tion 60. lOn-nim f;un-howit;ier with half-traek prime mover 61. 150-mm ^iin-howitzer (s.F.H. 18), horse-drawn, with crew, in
58.
firiiiK
62.
l.^O-iiim
position
gun-howitKor, tractur-drawn
loO-ium ^un-howit:iGi'. horse-drawn, tube section 150-mni gun-liowitucr. horse-drawn, carriage section m. 105-mm gun (F.K. 18) firing 66. 105-nim gvm, tractor-drawn _.__ ... 67. 150-min gun in firing po.sition 68. loD-iiim gun with crew, drawn by medium half-track tractor Ii3.
64.
.
.
Composition and armament of the
70.
Composition and armament of the
artillery
regiment
in
73.
74. 75. 7e. 77.
91
91
92
93
.
_
_
and armament
division 72.
89 89 90 90
the in-
fantry division. torized division
82 84 85 8T S8 88
92
(Sd. Kfz. 8) 69.
71. Coiii])osition
81
.
.
artillery
93
_
.
of the artillery .
regiment in the mo-
regiment in the Panzer
......
75-mm mountain 75-mm moirataiu
howitzer with shield howitzer without shield ._._ Composition and arinauient of the mountain artillery regiment.. 210-mm Morser Lafetle 18.. Carriage of 210-mm M6i-ser Lafelte 18. 210-mm tube .
V
94 94
95 96 98 98 99
RESTRICTED
1
LIST OF ILLUSTHATIOXS Fieute
78,
PsEP
,
210-mm
howitzer, old type
99
84.
mounted with 7r)-Tniii short-barreled assault sun Pz.Kw.lIl cha'isis mounted with 75-iiim long-barreled assault. gun_ ^imposition and armament of ty[)e,s of tanli regiment*; Composition and arnmniont of tlie latest type of tank regiment. Composition and arniament of the tank battalion in the tank regiment of ttit! Panzer divj.sion. Composition and armament of the tank battalion in the motor-
85.
Composition and armament of the antitank battalion in the Pan-
86.
Composition and armament of the antitank battalion
_.
107
87.
Characteri.^tics of tank,s
.faces
IHI
8f*.
Pz.Kxe. I {Sil.Kfz. 101). li.aht tanic Chassis of Pz.Kw. I used as mobile platform for Caeoh 47-inm
112 112 113
92.
antitanl; gun Fz.Kw. II {Sd.K/s. lSl).yi^htta.iik Pz.Kw. Ill (Sd.Kfz. I4I), medium tank, with short-barreled 50-mm gim Pz.Kw. HI {Sd.Kfz. 141)- medium tank, with long-barreled
93.
Pi.Kw.
94.
F'z.Kw. IV(Sd. Kfi.
95.
IS-ton Soiiiua [captured French tank used by
79. Pi.ii It', ///chassis
100
50.
101
51. 52.
53.
ized division Kor division,
90. 91.
mm
lOfi
..
lOfi
107
50-"im guii__
IV
.
in the iufan-
(TV division ..
89.
10r>
..._
__
_
(Sd.Kfz.
/(?/),
medium
medium tank, with long-barreled 75-mni
medium tank
ivitli
(Czech)
muKzle brake). Germans)
doiiljle-bafhe tlie
{CZDV8H)
16.5-ton
97.
Pz.Kw. VI. heavy tank, showing Christie-type bogie wheels Light armored ear with 20-nun gun_._ .. ._ .._ Light armored car, showing maehine-gun armament Six-wheeled heavy armored oar Eight- wheeled heavy armored ear Char apt eristics of armored cars Characteristics of half-track prime movers and araiored troop
99.
101. 102.
103.
carriers
.:
106.
20-mm dual-purpose gun 8S-mm multi-purpose gun 88-mm muhi-purpose gun
107.
28/20-mni Gerlich tapercd-bore antitank guiL__
104.
105.
115 116
Jfi/).
96.
100.
114
lauk, with short-barreled 75-
!tun
iiigh-velocity auLi (equipped
98.
lOri
_
{Fink 36} (Flak 41)
108. 76.2-mni Hus.sian gun, captured
and used by the Germans
RESTRICTED
ti
I1(J
117 117 118 119 120 121 12
122 123 124 124 125 130
127
LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS
109.
75-mm
antitank Sim (Pak
0)
127
am ilaiik
wcapojis 111. Composition and armaraciit of the engineiT ballalioii 1
10.
Cliaract eristics of
iiifanlry civisiou
127 iii
the
.-
Kqiiipnient of Ihc ciiginter battalion in the infantry division Ci in position and armament of the niotorised engineer battalion 1 i3. _ in the motorized infantry ball.alion n4. Kqnipraent of the motoriKtid engineer battalion in the motori/.cd ]
12.
130 130
I
.
—
132
infantry division .and annatnent, of the Panzer engineer battalion in
132
the Panzer division of the Panner engineer
133
"
115. Compositiotv
llti.
Equipment
battalion
in
the Panzer 133
division 1 1
1
7.
18.
C!omposition and
armament of the monntain engineer
——
battalion
in the mountain division^ .. > Pqiiipnicnt of the mountain engineer battahon in Che mountain
134 137 141 143
division 119.
Tank-landing barge
120.
Method of blowiu!! a )iortal Power saw with ga.soline motor
121.
122.
Assault boat
123.
Ponton
with infantry under con.^t ruction
14.5
liiadi'd
ijridKe
147
124. lli^rbnt. hridjie
H9
-
150 152 152 164
Pliotographing Herbert bridge. 1211. L.Z. hridae over tiie Mevisc River at ilaastrieiit 127. ;^.Z. liridgecompleleil 125. CnmjHisilion of tlio signal battalion in tlie infantry division ]2-">.
129.
—
Composition and armament of Panzer division
tlie ty[)r
of .signal battalion in the
164
130. Compositiori of the corps .signal battalion
16.T
Composition of one type of sifjnal battalion in the Panzer corps.132. Composition of the army signal rcjriment _ 133. Frequency coverage (in megacycles) of German radio sets 134. Principal German radios \\'ii.h comparable U. S. .\riny sets_faces 131.
.
13.1 Pield radio 136.
134
.--
.
.
_
16.t
166 IfiS
168 169
Two-man pack
transmitter (14 bands, 950 to 3,150 kilocycles), probably used in tlie forward ecliolon for reconnai.ssanoe and -observation
137. SO W.S.ii., 20-\vatt transmitter... 138.
Pear view
139.
Ukto.E.e. 10 W.S.-:., tank
of
30
Tl'.S.if.,
,-_
20-watt transmitter
components vir
of /'u
5-SE JO
U
170 171 171
172
RESTRICTED
LIST OT ILLUSTRATIONS figure
Pagp
Mail pack receiver, iiitfreept and iii'iiiitonng type /t46BS (4 baiKli-. 100 to 6,1)70 kilocycles), used witli pack transmitter TOHK l''vf in the forward echelon 141. Receiver, ground intercept and monitoring type (20 bands, 140.
to 5 meKacj'cloe)
142.
174
Airborne transmitter,
by
173
FuG
16 (38.5 to 42.3 megacyclosi
sinale-.^eat fighters for
,
communication
used _
17o
Mobile transmitter, type (OOirS, iiscdinthedivisioncommandnet. 144. Field telephones.
17C
.
143.
14,5.
fieclins out field wire
146. List of
German war
181
eases
150-min Nehelwcrfer il captured in North Africa 148. Smoke unit learning to use 105-mra chemical mortars 149. Flame-thrower (old ty|ie) J50. Small-size one-mar. flame-thrower 147.
151.
Medium
152.
Railroad motor-truck used for transporting supplies to the
153.
Combat
154.
Loading a transport plane with supplies
fiame-t
178
hrowpr front..
,.
train (hor.ie-drawn)
189 192 193 196 lOS 199 209
210 for the front
15.5.
SS
157.
20-mm AA/.\T gun
158.
37-nun antiaircraft gun
159.
Parachutists receivina last-minute details
211 223 230-231
with 37-miii antitank ^.nn 136. Organ iaat ion of the German Air Ministry liiiit
161. Characteristics of
247 248 254 255 270
162. Mesf^piKrhnnll
271
gun {L.O,
160. 7-5-uim recoilles?
.
40}
adapted
and ordars
for airljorne units
163.
German airplanes faces W9F. ttie standard German single-etLgine fiKtiler.. Foikf-Wii/f 190. he newest type of German single-engine fighter.
164.
Mr-nxernckmill 110 (twin-engine lotig-ranpe fighter)
165.
McssiTKi-hmiH 210 (twhi-engine attack planej
I
figiiter. light
bomber, aiidgroujid-
Junkers SSC (twin-engine night flglUer and bomber) 167. Junker/i S7 (famous Sluka dive bomber) 108. Junken 52 (standard three-engine troop transport and cargo 166.
plane) 169.
Ilensi-hel
272 274
275 277 27& 279
129 (new ground-attack, low-level, and dive bomber,
used primarily against tanks) Heivkel 111 (twin-engine medium boinber) 171. Dornier 317 (twin-i-ngine heavy bomber) 172. Forke-Wvlf 200 Kuner (four-engine heavj- Ijomber, long-range iiombing and attacks on Allied convoys)
281
170.
RESTRICTED
vm
283 285 iL
for
287
LIST OF ILLUdTKATlOXS Figure
Paso
.
173. Heinkel 177 (new twin-engine
heavy
bonih.rr, nspti for loiiR-raiige
288
attacks)
!M
(standard Army cooperation plane, used for tactical reconnaissance and artillery spottinfi) Foeke-WulS 189 (twin-engine short-range reconnaissance plane for Army cooperation) Fiesder Sicrvh 156 (aingle-engine short-range observation pla:ie . for Army cooperation) D.F.S. 2S0 (standard glider, designed to carry 10. men with full .... hat.tle equipment) Golha 2^2 (standard freight-carrying glider, with a useftil load of
174. flenschd
175.
176.
177.
378.
pounds)
5,.5O0
179. Gotha
2I,J,
(troop-carrying
gliiler,
similar to the Goiha 2I,M)
15-nim aircraft cannon {M.O. 151) 20-nim aircraft caimoji {M.G. IS!) 182. Light ujachine-giin team, using the 7.92-mm machine gtm (M.G. 34) with drum magaaine, in typical attack tactics) 183. 37-mni antitanl; gun witl) crow in position during street fighting in the Russian Ukraine sector 180.
181.
184.
Underground emplacement
185.
I'^mplacemeiit with a tank turret
186. Itectaiigular shell or
-
antitank obstacles _ !88. Promenade emplacement designed for enfilading fire 189. Emplacement in tlie sand dnnes in the Wassenaar district of 187. Dragon's teeth
.
the Netherlands
._.___
190.
Cliff pililjos
191.
Gun eniplflceraent on a beach protected by barbed wire Antitank obstacles of the chfvaux-de-frise tre.slle type
192.
_
.
,
_
.
201
292 293 296 297 298 303 303 326 327 335 336 337 339 341
342 343 344 345
_
COLOR PLATES Flate
Army Army III Army IV Army I
II
V VI VII and VIII
IX
continental unifoiTos: officers and enlisted men.._ continental uniforms: raoljilo troops tropical uniforms: officers
and enlisted men.
..
continental uniforms: mountain troops Air Force unifonns: officers and enlisted men.. Air Force uniforms: miscellaneous
I t
Army
follows
insignia of rank
50
.
I
Colors of
Army arms
-
IX
RESTRICTED
FOREWORD
—
Purpose. Tlip purpoKe of this handbook, which is a reviTil :3;)-4r)0 (17 December 1941), is to give both olficers and e]ilisted raeti of the U. S. Army a better understanding of In order to fight the Germans tlieir principal enemy in Envope. siiccessfid ly, it is vital for the U. S. soldier to know at Icust in broad ontline the manner in which the units of the German Armed Forces are trained, equipped, and organized, as well as somelhiiig about the chain of connnand and Ihe method of close coopei';itioii 1.
sion of
between the various branches. 2.
Scope.— «.
L'linfafioii.'i.
—Xo atteinpl
has been maiie to give
any of the subjects discussed in the handbook. Further information nn the individual arms or branches of the German Army is available in the numerous special publications which have been published or are in the course of preparation by the Military IntelliKeuce Division. Moreover, this handbook does not concern itself with individual units, locations, campaigns, and commanders; thvse are dealt with in the Order of complete details
Battle of the
oji
German Army.
Inclimon of Air /"oj'cv.— The German Air Force is given considerable attention, for although this handbook is intended primarily for the use of U. .S, jrround forces, no handbook on the German Army alone woidd give air adequate picture of the enemy that tlie U. S. soitlier will encounter. The basic principle of the German military system is unity of command and close cooperation of all arms. It is imi)erative. therefore, that the Air Force be considered with the Army as an integral part of a single and ciosely-kiiif military oi'ganization. b.
3.
Language
lent for a
difficulties.
German
— Where there
is
an English equiva-
tenn or where the translation of 1
German
RESTRICTED
HANDBOOK OX GERMAN MILITARY FORCES
3-4
wordfi gives to thei-eador a clear picture of their meaning, both the
Eng:lish cjiHe
and the German tenns are often given.
However,
of Gei'Diiin ranks that have no exact eqnivalent in
Army, no
transhition
if
in the
tlie
U. S.
given, since it'wonld actually be
moLe
misleading than heipfnl. 4, Revisions.
—All errors or suggested changes and additions
to this handbook should be reported to the DJatieinination Unit,
Military Intelligence Division,
D. C.
RESTRICTED
War
Department, Washington 25,
—
Skction I
ORGANIZATION AND STRENGTH OF UNITS raiMgi-uliIi
Gpiit>ral priiiL'iples of
5 6
orgnnization
Anns OrsniiiKurioii
GHQ
of higher
—
tiiiiis
Infantry division
(Jtrftiiiterle-Di i-iKion)
!)
infantry diviiiioii {1 iifuiUerie-Divieiail {Mot.)) (livisiuii (I'niizir-DiciKUm)
Miihiii/ei:] Pijnai'l-
Jli'iiiiliiiii
division
General principles of organization. 2 years
10 11
VI TA
iG'-hiiijK-Dimnion)
Liulit division (Ji'ifji'r-I'lirixiou)--
5.
7
8
troops {Evi'-csU-iiiiprn)
Flex/h/f//;/.-^
1933 iias the organiziitii)ii of the Genua]) in-
In 110 fantry division n^niainod tlie sanni. At any givpn dato, Avido differences have cxistud l)otween Hujfposedly sinjilar types of oi'ganization, and it is clear that the orfranization of units in tlif German Army is never static. The Gei'inans believe tSiat the ra])id proyreari of scientific researdi and development of wca|ioils makes it imperative tliat organizational practice remain flexible if it is to he in a position to take prompt advantage of teelmical imiovalions as well as of lesson.s learned in combat. The i;oini)osition of Ger(l) Geimral. 6. Einhrlt piinciple. prhiciple of organ izati(m. 'I'he man units is based on the Einheit yiiice
—
—
Einlieif. or nnit, principle of organization imiy he definei! as
f()l-
lows: standard types of small iniits with standard organizjitioii. training, and cqnipment are adopted as the basis on wliii'h all larger organ ixati on s ai'e bnilt. Thns, for example, the basic in-
fantry combat unit is the standard platoon, consisting of four light machine-gut] teams (each s]]pi)oited by a rifle tea]n) a]id a light mortiir team. This basic: combat u]nt is the foundation of all organizations the tadical employment of which is based on fire 3
RESTRICTED
HA^TlBaOK ON GE^eMAK" MILirART TORCES
5 aiirl
iniuipuver.
It
h
found
in the i-ogu];ir
iiil';iii(rj'
in all types of
and in the engineer comwhethor belonfring to tho nipnal
divisions, in tho motoiryclo conipsniy,
pany. Similarly, all sijrnal unilfi. troops 01' attached integrally lo larger infanliy or iirtiUeiy nnlts. are composed of a coinhiiiation of one or more basic radio and telephone groups, the e(]iLi|)niciit. organizalioii, ami training of which are identical. The same prini'iple is applied iii tlic organization of all field and combat trains. The Tross, or train, of each eompajiy, troop, or battery of tbc Army is identically organized, with
only such minor differences as are necessitated by the means ot transportation involved. Each Tross is composed of three Einheii groups— the Ocferhtx-Tro^x. or combat train, the Verpfrffuiic/i^'7'ro.'fS. or ration train, and the Grpiick-Tross^ or baggage train. Similarly all battalion, regimental, or diviwon ammunitioTi and ser\'icp trains are based on the standard light column (a
complete operating unit of alt
supplies are initially
nndtiples of ;iO-ton
vantages.
lots.
Througli
its
15, 3(K
or
made up for T\\i'?
tiO
tons' cajjacity),
issue
and
whereas
transpoi-lation in
Emh-cit principle has important ad-
application, supply and re[)hicemeiit of
equipment are greatly simplified, while training and jiloyment of basic units of
all
tactical
em-
branches of the service can be stand-
ardized and efficienlly directcil by the General Staff. In addition, the principle of flexibility is maintained, since larger organizations can be
formed from combinations of these standard basic
units.
—
Each combat (2) Tactical /felf-suiflcie'ncy of comlyat vnif-i. unit in the Ger'inan -A.rmy. from the basic infantry jilatoon to the complete division, is so organized, armed, and eqnip[)ed as to be able to accomplish its mission independently. Thus each combat unit is provided organically with all the support weapons which it is expected to require lo accomplish its normal mission without reference to other units. Convei'.sely. no weapons are provided as organic armament which are not requii'cd for lint mission. Thus the basic infantry platoon, wliich is the smallest tactical unit in the German Army, has light machine guns and a light mortar as I
RESTRICTED
4
OHG.tXIZATlON its orgiiiiit\
.\^'D
support weapons.
STRE.NGTH OF UXITS In aceordaiice
witli
5
the Eiiilicit
Ihe basic unit of all other branches is si]nilarly ariiietl
pi'iiiciple.
and orgMiiized with a view same |)ciiii;ip]e Is ai)pliod
employment.
to ils self-siiflioicnt
the organization and
in
The.
armament
the infantry battalion, regiment, and division, and of
all
of
other
units.
Admimstrattm
(3)
spect to pei'sojuiel
foe adniinistratioii
silile
the next
Army
liigiier n)iit.
is
so organized as to be independent of
The
adiuinistrative units of the Geriuaii
are the army, the division,
taeticai
and
self-mip-eieney of comhat «mt5.—With reand transportation, each tactical unit respon-
lijiit.s
.supply.
and the battalion. All otlier attaehed to one of these tlii'ee fur administration Eaeh of these ndministrative units must draw its
iire
supplies from the next higlier administrative unit, and each is organically equijiped with sufficient transportation for this task.
This piiuciple of organizatiiMi, logcther with the formation of the division trains into as ions in the division,
is
many
light
cohmms
hugely responsible,
foi'
as there are battal-
the extreme Hoxibil-
With the administrative indei>eudence of the battalion, a widely varying number of battalions can he grou|)ed under a single rcgimentiil headquarters, with their pi*n])o]'tioniite sliare {if liglil eohnnns attached to the ilivision trains, without placing any additional strain on administration or su|)|ily. This ]>rini'iple is parlicularly apjilicable in the ease of reinforejng artillery. It also jiei'inits the (ierman standard division to be altered quickly to suit the tactical needs of the moment. ity of Gei'ma]i taetieai units.
(4)
Mii,iTh-'Mii)hi-il gro'ip.
— Each division
{ir
similar unit of Ihe
German Army is organized so that it can be broken ii|) into two or more self-suiRcieut teams, or march-combat groups. The marchcombat group of the reinforced
liy a
JTifaiitry division iw the
infantry regiment
hattajion nt light Held howitzers, with possilily an
antitank company and an engineer comiiany attached. The ease with which these march-oomljat groups can be shifted to I'orm larger comnuDid groups is due lo the administrative organization of the battalion and the light colmnn, 5
RESTRICTED
—
.
HAXDBOOK ax GE'RMAX MILITARY FORCES
6-r
—
6. Arms. -Every unit in the Geniian Army is clussifictl luwler one or anotlier of the following ;inns ( Waffcnc/af/iinffen) :
a. Infiintry.
j.
h.
Cavalry.
k.
c.
Panzer troops,
I
Army
antiaitcraft units.
Medical units. Veterinary units.
?» Military
d. Artillery.
pdlic-e units.
e.
Chemical warfare troops.
n.
/,
Eiifriueers.
o.
Railway engineers.
p.
Local defense uuit^. Construction unit^. Administrative units.
h.
Signal troops.
q.
Proprt^^auda troops.
i.
Tran.sport troopF.
r.
iMotor vehicle jiark troops.
ff.
a. I)h-?.^?'on-''.—^T\\i' vari7. Organization of hig-her units. divisions. The division togelher 1o form grouped ous arms are Army, and is the hirfrest unit Genuan large unit of the is the basic of difollowing lypes (U'ganization. The prescribed having a
visions exist (although oidy the coniiial)
first
five figure
importautly in
:
Infantry division. (2) Motorized division. (3) Panzer (iinuort'd) division. (1)
(4)
Mountain
division.
(5) Liglit division (an intermediate type). (6) Cavalry division (only one of which
now
exists)
(see
par. 46) (7)
Security division (for luoppitig-up duties iu the rear areas).
(8) Frontier (9) in
guaid
division.
Special duty division
Germany
(f(H'
controlling miscellaneous units
or occnpieil terriloiy).
(10) Reserve division (for training and occupation purposes). (11) Mobiiizaliiiu division (for receiving recruits for assign-
ment
to field or training units). Corps. Two or more divisions may be grouped for tactical purposes to form a c'n'ps. Each corps staff lias a signal battalion and various service units ]jeriuitnently assigned to it, but the alh.
—
RESTRICTED
6
:
7S
ORGANIZATION AND STRENGTH OF UNITS lotuiGiit of_(Uvisions is flexible,
varying necording (o the situation.
Tlie following types of corps exist (1) Infantry corps (for controHinir a group of division? hi wliifli infaiitL-y divisions predominate). Panzer corps (for controlling a group of divisions in which (2 )
Panzer divisions nsnally
precl(iniinate).
(3) Muinilain corps (for controlling a gronp of divisions in
which mountain divisions pr«lominate). (4) Corps command |for controlling an area in occupied territory in which ceriain defensive units are located, but which may be brought up to noimal combat strength and sent into action as an infantry corps), (5) Keserve ctnps (fur sions)
group of reserve divi-
c<.utr()lling a
.
A/«ivV*.— Two or more curps may be grouped for tactical and Each army staff has administj'ative purposes to form an army. a signal regiment and certain administrative units permanently assigned to it, but the allotment of ccnps is flexible, varying according to the situation. The following types of armies exist: c.
(1)
Ordinary armies,
(2)
Panzei' ai'mios (for controlling a
group of corps
in
which
the Panzer element usually predominate.'-). For strategic purposes, two or m
—
an entire theater of o[>eraiions or an important part Each army group has a signal regiment and a large staff co deal with (he many operational and admiuistrative conti'ols
of such a theater.
matters
in its territory,
inchidiug
liie
rear area.
GHQ troops (Heerestruppen).^a.
—
General. As has been showu. file headquarters of nrniy groups, armies, and corjis h;ive no combat units in their permanent organization. Only signal units and certain service units are permanently assigned to such commands. For iiarticular operati^ms, in addition to the temporary allotmeut of armies to army groups, corps to armies, and 8.
divisions to corps, these higlier units receive reinforcements
54SS32"—43
—
-2
7
from
RESTRICTED
HAJTDBOOK ON GERMAN MIUTARY FORCES
8
GHQ
pool. This pool consists of all artillery, Panzer troops, engineer units, signal units, chemical warfare battalions, and niiscellaueous units which ave not assijincd to divisions or are not otherwise permanently allotted. In addition, imits of the German Air Force, including antiaircraft units and array cooperation
the
units as well as regulai'
bomber and
commands
lighter formations, are al-
Army according to need. Typical aVofment to an army. The following is a typical allotineiit of fJIIQ trooi)s to an army as obsci'ved from a German J<)tted to
the higher
of the
—
b.
document published during the French campaign of 1940; (1) ArtUhry.
One
a]'tillery
regimental headquarters.
Two
heavy artillery battalions (:i40-imii Kun^), Ojie heavy artillery battalion (150-mm guns). One observation balloon company.
One
meteorological platoon.
(2) Engineers.
One
engineer regimental headquarters.
Two
engineei' battalions.
One commander of
(3)
One (4)
c.
construction units and
staff.
Four bridge-building battalions. Four bridge I'olunms (traijis). Other GHQ troops. One sni'vey fnm|iping) company. meteorological platooji.
Army
keii<}ijuarters troops.
One infantry company. One infantry antitank platoon. One armored car company. Typical aVofiiient to corps:. The following
—
GHQ
is a
typical al-
lotment of troops to a i;orps as observed from the document mentioned in 6, above: (1)
Artillery.
Two Two
artillery
toiumanders and
stails.
artillery regimental headquarters.
RESTRICTED
8
German
axd stuengtil uf uxits
oi:c;a\izatii>\ (1)
8
Ac/?//fr//— CiiiitiiHifd.
Twij iiiBdiuiu
artilU'i'y battalions (10r>-imn f;iiiis).
Fiiiir iiicdlniii iiilillcry halliilioiis (iriO-tnni
Two Two
liKivy artillery battaiioiiK {210-iniii liowitztTn).
Olio
bouvy artillery battalion
lieavy artillery butteries
(210-mm howitzers). (y-10-niin liDwilzoi's).
One hviivy artillery battalion (^iOO-iiUii ho\vit/,ers). Four lieavy arlillery batteries (.'ii)0-iiun liowitzers|, Twii artillery obwrvaliori (2)
Enf/iiwers.
(3)
Three bridge columns. Oilur OIIQ li'oofH.
One Onr One One One
Figuri;
I.
inl'aiiliy
battitlio!i5<.
battalidu for
,si>ecial
emplnyment.
lieavy antitank battalion. aiiUlaiik battalion. eheiiiical waid'are ivfiimeiital lieadcinarters.
cliemical warfare battalion.
— .Midiuii.
hi.ll-li:uk
Ir^uliii
Jiiiil
piim.- inimi, vidclj UBcd to transport IroopS
RESTRICTED
n H
ORGANIZATION' AXD STRENGTH OF UXITS 9.
Infantry division (fnfanterie-Division).
division of the ncirtiial type consists of iiaissiince battalion, tliree
infantry
ii
9-10
— Tht;
iufanliy
lieudqiiJirt(;rs, a
rejiiniiMits.
an
firtillcry
r^conrepi-
meiit, an engineer battalion, an antitank battalion, a signal bat-
(See Kh;. 2.) Itf. Hppioxiinate stfcnfilli in talion, and services. personnel and transport is shown in figine 'S: in armaTueiit, in figure i. {See sec. V, Infantry, p. 51, for further details.) O ind EM
CnlK l>ivisLon hcadtiunripr^ . Ruconn^iissance battalion. Tlirpe infantc.v rPKloielHSArtlllpry teKimont Eniiineer baltalitm AntitEUk batlallon ^ipnal batCaUon Services... -,„_.._., .
9,477 S, 7'm
^S't'fllNms
31
30 219 3S 37
IB
7
'fa
98
32,1
m
ifi.e77
4^2
(43
927
— Crnnptrsitlon oT the Enf&ntry divlston.
113 103
rinrsBS
213 i.n2i 2,211 52
3
642
am
2,
S.
17 3fi
H-lJt vfihjcle^
474
S99
Figure
Mtr
38 48 64 32
80CJ
TOTAL.
other Mtroi
22r.
218
HAX'DBOOK OK GfiR.MAX MIUTAKY MJHCKS
10
two
iiistend of tlivoe biittalions of 10r)-min gnus,
mid two
batteries
motorized infantry divi^iion also includes a motorcycle battalion, and tbere has bpcii a tendency to add a Panzer component consisting of at least one battalion. The approximate strength of this division in pei-f^oni'c] am] transport is shown in tignrc 5: in annament, in fignre 6. (See sec. V. Inof
150-111111
howitzers.
Eiicli
fantry, p. 51, for further details.)
o«°^
Dnlta
EM
IM
Divisinn hpadrjuflrtors.. l'am.(l hsltfilinn
MolnrcyolP hatljition... Pami't rpcnnnaissancf; hatwlinn Two motorized infantry ir^el-
mcniB
--
Motoriipri art ill cry reRjnionl, MolorrzPri pn;!inper battalion..^nlitfiiik battalion
Motorized signal hattallon Servifes
M.tci
mf ^aHa^V Ypfiicleal
Pi.Kw,,Pi.Kw. Pz.Kit. IV II III
OBGANIZATION ANT> STRENGTH OF UNITS 11.
Panzer division (Panzer-Division)
of PiiiiKef divisions
tliat
—
11-13
Tlie several typoH
exist are alike in all res|)Pcts except for
the organization of the tank component. In the more recently organized Ptinzpr divisions the reconnaissance battalion has been discarded and its functions have been taken over by the motorcycle
which has been removed from the motorized infantry brigade. car company has been added to tlie motorcyole battalion, and certain other adjiisfmonts have been made to battalion,
An armored
the organization of the motoro.ycte battalion to
make
it
suitable
(See fig. 7.) The apof the Panzer division in personnel and ti'uns-
for divisional I'econiiaissance missions.
proximate port
is
.'strengtii
showi; in figure 8; in jiniianient,
Panzer Troops, IS.
p. 1113,
m
fignrc
9,
(See
sec.
IX,
for fnrtiier details.)
Mountain division
(Gebirgs-Division).~'['ht' mountain
two mounmounmountain signal
division consists of a headqimrters, a bicycle battalion, tain infantry regiments, a
mountain
artillery regiment, a
tain engineer battalion, an antitank battalion, a
and and transport battaiion.
services. is
shown
Its
approximate strength
in ligure
1(1;
in personnel
in armajuent, in figure ll,
(See sec. V. Infanlry. p. 51. tVu' furlliei' del ails.) 13. Lig'ht division (Jdfier-Division). The coiuposilion of the so-called "light divi.sion.s'' of tiie (ieiman Army vary some-
—
what according to the special missions for which they were formed. They may be regarded as hugely experimental intermediate units. In particular, the two which were used in North Africa, knowii as "Light Afiica Divisions"
{leichfe Afrika-D/vhjovrn). were unique in their composition. Of the remainder, the majority contain two infantry regiments, an artillery regiment (sometimes motorized), a reconnaissance or bicycle battalion, and the usual
engineer, antitank, and signal battaliims. sonnel, transport,
and armament
is
Their' strength in per-
usually
somewhat similar
to
that of the motorizeil infantry division (see par. 10).
13
RESTRICTED
TANZllR EifVl.SlON
O nil
H
isioii
^^oT^lr(,vl'l1?
Bjilf:il]on
npiiiliiuai'tcrs
rtcEitliiiirii'tei's^
Rifie Coiiipaiiy
^litloci-'yclc rtillc I'oiiipjiny
rtuniJjinv
ArDun'i.nl
(';ir
C"iii|"iii.v
Kii^iiii!
Kpziini'iif
l^alliilion
Mitoriwd rTifiiuti-y
AiitiiEin); HiUliilioii
ORGAXIZAKON
UMts
A^'"D
STREXGIH OF UNITS
13
— GJC'HMAN MILITARY IX)RCEa
HANDBOOK 0«
13-14
— Bel
Wfsjinns
Bn
.
.
AA/AT
Inf
Arty
Rpgts
Ki-gl
Mm I
Kngr
AT
Mtn
Bn
Bn
Bn
24
453 92 72 12
12
—
36
27 24 60 39 50
12
12
24
,iO-nnn moitai's Sl-miu mortal's
54 36
7o-mjn Mtn howitzprs,.. ]05-mni giin-howitzcrs_.
]2
Fj^urp
ITOTAL
IS
27
'
guns 37-iiini antitank guns .)0-mm antitank guns 2fl-mm
Min
356 84 72
24
Macliinp mina. lipht Macliiiit! guns, Imavy Antitank rifles_
2Mtn
"24
— Armampnl of the mountain
11.
divEsloiip
Sectiiin II
ADMINIr^TKATJON. COMSUND, Orgiiiii;!iitimi
Hiiili
iif
Cimmmnrl
In
AND STAFF
W
war
Drgiinizatkin of snliordiiintp toniniiiiicls WelirlTFixf) Reffionnl orgaiiiKiitiou
l-'j
16
I
14.
Organization of High
The out SI and 71)
!>:
cliiii'iU'teristin
Command in war.' of Gfriii;m
a.
Uiiliy.
—
opemtioiis in
iiiiiitiiry
The Army (Hecr).
]i;ts been unity of connnaiul. {Krkgfviarhi-'). and Air Force {Luftwaffe) are not re{rai-ded aH thri'P acpiiiati' sci'viccs but as branches of a single service,
rhe pivscnt w;ir
Navy the
Armed
b.
Foi'^es
[D'fi.
Wrhrnuieht).
SuprP.me Ouiumai"./.
—Hitler
is
the Siipi'eme Camiiiander of
Forces, and both ilieoretically and ):.nu-lically exercises this eonnnaiid in pei'son. Under him. the Higli Command of the Armed Forces (Obnrkonimm-i'/o der Wehrm.ach').\wA(\^>\ by Field
the
Armed
ilai'shiil AVillielm K.^itel, is
tion. coordination, atid
and war.
'
Kor
tp. 3D),
rlie
ranks
and 15
in
RESTRICTED
Hijrh
tlie
(p. 30)
own hij^h Command, Navy High Command, Air
the three branches, in tur]i. has its
Each of
command (Ariny
responsible for the whole orfianizain peace
employment of the Armed Forces
;
Oi.iman Ainml T'orri>B, see tieiu'es 13 fni'ing see also plafM VII :ind VIII, fullon-iog page 50. i
16
1'.
--!.
1-i
I
ADMIXISTHATIOX, C0M.\1AXI>, A^"D STAFF
14
Force High Cdiiimancl). which is re^iinnsilile for c-!irrvinfr nuf in ils own spliure with its own Oeiioi'al Staff Ihe directives of the High Coinmiind of the Armed Forc-es. (See fig, 12.)
B:A^"DB0OK ON GE'RMAX IIILITARY FOECES
14
Commaiiilers-iii-Oliief of tlie Army, Navy, mid Air Fdito, at which the problem as a whole is iliseusscd aiul a oomiiiiUKli'v is nominated for the c)])cratioii in question, (4) Aftpv renewed consultation with the Chief of llio Hiirh Commantl. Hiller appointr^ the comitiander lor the operation, who may come from the Anuy, the Navy, or the Air Force. (.5) "Wlien the eommaTHler is apjiointed. lie Viecomes a direct
subordinate of the Chief of the High Coiiimanti. (6) The Chief of the High Command issues lui explicit directive lo the eoiumauder. (7) The new coiDmaudei- selects his iiwn start, which may be composed of members of the three services.
The
(8)
prepares—
Rlail
(a)
A
{ft}
A list of requirements.
general plan of opei^atiou.
o])eralion submits his plans and his (9) requirements to the Chief of the High Command for his appi'oval. Generally the commander gets all that he requests, even including
The commander of the
the specific imits of his choice. (
10)
(11)
The selected units become a task force. The commander of the operation prepares
rective for lite task force.
a specified perimf.
it
a training diare specially trained for
Dnriiig this jieriod. the couiniauder's
pares detailed plans. (12) Hitlei- and the anil
.\1]
units in
(^liief
of the
High Command
start'
set a
pre-
date
time for the ojieration,
(13) The commar'der of the opemtion c(jufeiv with all subordinate leaders and goes over the detailed plans of lower units prior to the begimiing of the f)peralion.
The operation begins. Hhjh C'oiitiiinnd of the Airny.
(14) e.
—The
Higli
CommnTid of
Army {Oherkotnmundo dex Jleeren) is headed by the Commander-in-Chief of the Army {Oherhefehlshiher des Neeren). He is the actual head of the Ai-my without having the status of a the
RESTRICTED
18
COMM A\i>. AND STALF
AD.MIMSTiJATlO.V. cabinot inomlier. the
Army
This
He
Mi[>ervi«t's the nrfi:iriiz;ilion aiul triiinlnfif of
in rime oi peace
command
14
and
is
Held comtmiiider in time of wat'.
ine-ludes bolli the oxcrcif;e oi field
the administrative duties at home.
command and
ThiE; function f
been assnmed bv Hitler. The Hif;;h Conmiand of the Army {Obcrkowmaiido des Heerea') is organized into eight main sec-
lias
tions, as follows: (1)
Adjii/'iiifx Ofjire {Afljutuntur).—'[!\\e. office acts as
ii
cen-
tral clearing office for inci)ming
sense an ecpiivident of the U. S.
and outgoing mail. It is in no Adjutant General's Department.
—
[Pi^rsmnihimf). -This office has full appower, without pointive reconrse to higher authurily, for all officers up to the grade uf lieutenant colonel except for officers in the General Staff Corps. Aiipoiiitments of cohinels and generals (2)
Persovn
made by Hitler. General Staff Corps and promoted by the Chief of the General are
matters regarding
initial
(3)
the
This
(iflicT is
Staff.
are appointed Otherwise, all
commissions, promotions, transfers, and tlie Personnel Office ex-
retirements of officers are handled by Its ]»ower is very great, and clusively. ference.
officers
it is
shieldeil
from
inter-
the ticpository for all eincieiicy reports,
Geiierol Staff (<;ei>er{ihtuh).~\JnAQr the Chief of Staff of there are five main departments, each under a Deputy
Army
Chief of Ihe Gi'iieral Slaff {OI>frijiuirfierinei'
is
as follow.^:
Olirrqiiarfiermeiifer
I.
—Operations.
—Oporations. AbU'ihmy —Transport. Ahteilun-g —Rear Echelons. Ahteilvug —Toiiojirajihy, AlifeiluHg — Miineiners and Opcralionaf Oberyimrtiermeixfer II. — Training. AhMtung —Training, Abti/ilung — Military Schools and A}>tc'ilu^ig I.
5. G.
9.
10.-
Planning.
If.
Officers'
II.
IJi
Training.
RESTRICTED
:
.
HAA-DBOOK
14
0!X
GEEMAN HILITAKT FORCES
— — Abteihing — Teclmii'al Rervicps. Oherquaiiierm&ister IV.— Ahteilung — Eastern Section. Ahfeilwng —WoKtern Section. Oierquartiernu'htpv V. —Histoi'ical.
Oherquai'tiprmehtev 111. Organization. Aliteilung 2. OLganiziUion. 8.-
I]ili?lligence.
$.-
IZ.
Abteiluvg ?'.— Historical. (4) fice
G''nn'al
performs
Army
{Alli/cinehir.i Hi'''r-so.ii
0-ffice
nnini'i-uti:^
important
fLinclitnis
the Inspectorates of ihe various arms. follows
—Central Soclion,
/.
ijicliuling
—
Tliis of-
inclmling those of
Its organizatio]i is as
Army
Pnblicauoiis
Ad-
ministration. //.- -Bndjret Sei'tion nf thi'
///,
—-Mnhiiizatioii
— F. —
IV.
^Oi-diiiuicp
Army.
snid Orgiiiiization Section.
Inspeetoratp.
Iiispi'ctoi'ate
of Tnfitntry.
—Inspectorate of Cavalry and Horse-drawn Transor TIf. — "f Vin. — of Engineers. IX. —-Inspectorate of Foitrpsses, X. —Weapons Section of the Panzer Troops, Cavalry, and Army Motoriziilion. XI. — Inspectorate of Signal Troops. XI! — Ins])ertorate of Transporl Troops. XIII. —-Inspectorate of Chemical Wai'fare Troops. XIV. — Insjiectorate of Railway Kngineers. XV. —Medical orate. XVI. — Vetcriiia ry Ordnance {Waffenaiiit).— This divided VI.
it
t.
IiiN|i('<-tni-at('
Ai-tillcry.
lns]5CCtoi'ati'
I]ispect
Ins])ectni'ate.
(5)
office is
O-fflce
the followiiifr
eijilit
/.—Haw
section.^:
Materials Section.
//.— Cliief Engineer's Office.
RESTRICTED
20
iirfo
— ADMIMSTRATIOX, COMMAND, AKU STAFF
1^15
IIJ. -Periodicals Section. /I',
V. VI.
llcgiilalifins Seclioi).
—RpscaiTh Soction.
— DQvfloiJmciit and Testing Group
(with twelve
Kiib-
sections wliich deal with the
weapons for
the
varions
aritip).
F//.— Industrijil Moliilization Group, y///.— Aweptance Section.
Opce {fleeres-Verwalfunffsamf).—This divided into the followinji; four sections:
Admin/nl ration
(6) office is
—Army Civilian Employees, — and Supplies. ///.— and Training Gi'oiinds. /v. —Admiiiistnitio]) of Army Buildings. /.
//.
Officials,
and Finance.
Foiiil
Bari'ac'ks
of the Mobile Troopx {Oiiaf dc- HcTirwVen TrupThis authority was created in 1938. It was given general training Mupervisiou uver the following troops: Panzer. Cavalry. Motorized reconnaissance. (7)
pen),
C'/u'cf
—
(a)
Motorcycle,
The office of the Chief of the Mobile Troops is believed to have been largely superseded by the authority conferred on the Inspector Genenil for the Pinzer Arm {General Ini^pekteur fur die Panzeneaffe). who was appointed early in 1J)43 and made re(i)
sponsible directly to Hitler, (8) Iii>:pertor(ife of Cndef Sehooh (/vs/>ektia]^ der Eriegschu/en) .—This division of the Army High Command is of
minor importance. Its functions are similar to what a "Bureau West Point Affairs" would bo if such a bureau were created in the U. S. War Department. 15. Org'anization of subordinate commands. a. General. In the German Army there is no chief of st^iff in the division. The duties of the chief of staff and the chief of operations are performed by a General Staff Corps officer known as la (Op-
for
—
21
RESTKICTED
.
.
HANDBOOK ON GERMAN
15
All !ii
;Klqiiiiit('rs inbovetlii'ili vision have a chk^f
eratious).
of staff h.
the U. S. Ainiy.
iis ill
Staff organisation.
sions ave
—The
oiganizecl in the
all
lowing sections: SfCtion I
(1)
chisively
JIJLITARY l-ORrES
by
[Geni'TiilstnT))
same way and
— {a)
Cm-ps
Stuff
Gtiiieral
of armies, corps, and divi-
staffs
(-onsist
of tho fol-
This f-ection is staffed pxand is usually divided
officprs
into four part:^, as follows:
Operations.
Iti.
Ih. Supiily atid A(hniiiistia1ion. If. InrelligeiK'e.
Id. Training,
This Genera! Staff section does not concern itself with Tn all Gennan static thf primacy of the In cor]>s and armies, when unquestioned. officer is oiierations operations officer acts in that absent, the staff is of the chief offlcer normally head^ the operatiuns divisions the In capacity. (ft)
anv routine matters.
staff, as (•1)
there
Scrfioii
is
se|)arate chief of staff.
no
II
tA'/jut'i"tvr).
General Staff Corps
—This
ofiicer iind tleals
section is
with
all
headed by a
routine matters of
administration. (3) Sfftion- III
(
F''^
.—ThK
is
the legal
bi'itiich
by civilian officials Section'lV (Intevdantur) .—Th'ii: includes representatives of all the various services, such as siii)ply. inedi<'id. and veterinary. (5) Section V { W/kniiar/itK-icchor;/' di<-i'f--f, comprising Il'^rr/'"-
and
{/ic.aii>t<'n).
is staffed
(4)
(/ei^tUohe) c.
—Chaplains'
Forniiit'ion of
service.
xtaffH—Vm- organization of work, the sections
of a staff are divii.U'd into three gron[is.
—Comprises /« and
(1) Tactical group {Fuhrungs-Abteiluvg). Ig of section I of 6 (1) («) above. .
(2) Siipply
Ih of section
giwp
loi b{\)
{Qiiarli'-rm<-ixtp.r-Ahfp,:hini;).—Cnm\->ni^^?.
(a), above, luid tliu
'>(4), above.
RESTRICTED
22
whole of secti(m IV of
ADMINISTRATIOX, COMMAND, Ay.V STAFF Pervonni:?.
(3)
postal
r/rou-p
{Ailjufwnfw).
V
—Coinpi'isfs sections
The of /42J, (3) and divisional services, and section, pay section, divisional
III,
II,
ff-r.,
15
:incl
(o), n-spectively, above.
heail(|narters ti^oops are attacheil to this section, d.
Attuched
officer.^.
—The
followinj^
officers
are
attached to
the various staffs: (1) Army.— {a) With the heaflqnarters of each army is a senior officer of each of (he followiiif^ arms: cavalry, artillery,
engineers, antitank,
and signal
troops.
(i) These officers act as teclmical advisers to the
army com-
mander and keep him in touch with all matters rehUing to their arms. They are known as Hoherer Eavallerieo^sler.
resijective
H'iherer Arf/7hni'.komma7idevr. ete. {a) At each corps headqnarters there is a senior (2) Coi-p'i. officer of each of the following arms: engineers, signal troops,
—
and antitank (6) These the corps.
nnits.
officers come directly midcr tlic chief of staff of They command the units of tlieir own arms within
the corps and are responsible ior their technical and tactical training. Tliey are also available to give advice to the norps and
connnanders. TJiey are known as Komniandev/r der Koinmwndeur der A' acJiricliicvf i-uppi'.ii, cte. (a) An artillery oiiicer, known as Artillcne(3) IHrh'ion. Fuhr-er. commands the artiUery in a division and acts as artillery division
Phniiii-r,
—
adviser to {/})
tlic
division conimuDder.
The following
officers are
following gronps of the division {1) TacHcal grovp.
believed to be attached to the staff:
Division artillery officer. Division engineer officei'. Division signal officer.
Antitank battalion commander. Officer in technical charge of the division motorized transp(nt.
a48832--is-
-3
23
RESTRICTED
HAXDBOOK OX GERMAX
15-16 (2)
JIILITARV FORCES
S'upp/p f/r^up.
CotiinmndtT of the
liplit cuIliiihis
and the
diviaioii train.
Division provost marshal.
Division postal sevvicT foinmander. Entriiiper
Signal 16,
offii'crl ,„
officer
p*"'' T^'^*^""'^ "^
^-^PP'^" 'n'l'-nel).
Regional organization (Wehrkreise).
Gcrniaiiy
is
iliviilci]
—
a.
Genernl.
—
into a imiiibei' of iiiilitaiy districts (HV/i;-
Before (he present war each of these was comniiindcd hy a senior officer who also connntnided the corps !)f!M'iii
—
!Uid Wehrhrt'i^e in
li);il)
were
listed as follows:
:
ADMI^"ISTRATION, (2)
Aft(*r .the Polish
COMMAND, AKD STAFF
campaign, If eAT'^mse
A'XI (Posen) were formed
in the
XZ
16-17
(Danzig) and
conquered teiTitory.
(3) Alsace has heen incorporated into Wehrkreis Vi Lorraine and Luxemburg, into Wehrkreis XII; Eiipen-Malmedy, Into Wehrkreiis VI; portions of northern Yugoslavia, into We/irkreis XVIII : and the Bialvstok di^itrlct. into Wehrkreis I. (4) The missing numbers in the above series were assigned to
four special corps staffs for the tactical supervision of the peacetime Panzer, light, and motorized divisions (which have no eoreJwki-cise) (see par. 236-) 3'esponding
W
Divisions supervised
Corps headquarWre
Corps
XJV.
2d, 13th, 20th, and 2ilth Motorized. 1st, 2d, 3d, and 4th Light. Ist, 2d, 3d, 4th, aad 5th Panzer.
Magdeburg___
XV
Jena I
XVI
__l
Berlin
___
WieD_
'XJX
i
Section III
KECKUITMENT AND SIOEILIZATION ram gin ph 1'
General
IS
Mililary service law Pi'LioiI of sfi'vici'
1^
.
20
Rfcniiiment in'ocetlure Aftivo .nnd resprve categories \Viirt,ini(;
lil
mndific Lit ions of draft procedure
22
Kepi a cement Irainiug system
23
Piiifessiiiniil
24
Ciidi-e
Training IIiinKing, caiiToiiinents,
and training
itreas
2o 26
P;iy "lid iillinvanci'* Mobilizalinn in the past
27
Present prineiples of niobiliKatiOii
29
28
General.— Gennan recruitment and mobilization prior and following the outbreak of the present war were organized
17. to
25
RESTRICTED
HA^'DBCMJK O'X GE'RMAX MILITARY fOKCES
17-19
-in such a manner as to give Gfrraaiiy tlip best her nuinpower, D<;spiit' the years lit'twt'tn 1918 and 1933. when Germany was forbidden by the peace treaties to have universal miUtury traiiiiiif;;. the 4 years that follawed were sufficient to provide enougli Iruined soldit'i'fi to curry the Polish
and carried nut pohiwible UH? of
campaign completed
to
(i
victorious eonchision.
|irep!ii'iitions
Tlie
Nazi government also would be no repeti-
to assui'c that tliere
(Jerman experience of 1914, when tlie liasty hundreds of thousands of reserves in a short period of time threw Geiiit^m industry and flgiicidtnre into a state of confusion fi'om whicii il never wliolly recoveit'd
id;;!)
of
tiie
and ill-planned
mobilix^ition of
—
more th:in eenttiry prior to was expiessly forbidden under the terms of tlie Versaiik's Treaty of lillH. hut when Hilier canie to power in 1933. he embarked on a vast reariiiainedt program thai included the ti'ftining of a large ai-my. The basic law governing the present system of military ser\'ice "was adopted on 21 May lOS.'i, Tliis law was far more sueepinfr in ilw provisions than l\i;il esisling prior to 1919. Under the old law certain military categories were established and each was given a fixed sdiedide as to when its members would serve. Men omitted from these categories were not called for military service, and large groups were placed The law introduced in 1935 uLaile every in deferred chisses. German man availalile for mililury service. In the event of war service existed in
AVorld
War
I,
the entire nation
Germany
for
;i
It
was placed
at the disposal of the
High Com-
mand, which decides the number and classes to he calh^d to the colors. Thus the new law provided the legal basis for total mobilization of all Germans and placed the interests of the Armed Forces in wartime abiive all othci'S hi the state. Reserves may be called out at any time for training, even in peaeetime. 19. Period of service, The obligation to bear arms begins for all male Germans at the age of 18 and ends when they become
—
RESTRICTED
26
19-21
KECHUrraiEXT A^^D mobilization
Imwpvpr. iinly (o poact'tiiiio rifwlcc. as in warmay be exIeiKleil by decree. When I'liiiBcriptruii was reintroduced, the period of active service was fixed at Before tlie war, 1 year, bnl in 19r56 this was extended to 2 years. Tlie first active military service usually hegaii al the age of 20. reyiytratioii [Miixtcriing). however, took jihice Avhen a yonnff German became 18. This was accomjianied by a preliminary medical This
45.
time
[ipplic;;,
llie iige liiiiil
e.xaminalion. classification acrordinjjj fo his physical fitness, providoniil assignment to a hriineh of Ihc service.
20. Becruitnient procedui'e,
—This
first
and
registration is car-
ried out in sm;dl local regist I'uLion areas {Mu-strnj/ii/.'^hr^irkr) with thp cooi>eratii>n of district police and other local civil authorities.
The
nexl siage in the recruit's career, the actual draflin<>; [Aiifhebun;/), eonsjsis of a second nni\ uhuc (luirough physical examination, a definite assifjiiment to ait
arm
of
regarding any
request for (ieformeiit.
cruiting for
Navy and Air Foire
llie
tlie
service,
Army
and
a
officials iniiHUe re-
as well as for fiie Ai'itiy itself.
sent home pending his call and his induction {Kiiixfi'llniui). to the colors (Ehih-'riifunr/) liclwcen lirst registration and induction the recruit ordinarily performs his required lalxu' service {ArhcUsdiimst). 21. Active and reserve categ'ories.- All Oeiiuan men more
If the recruit
(tauglieh). he
is fit
is
—
than
18 years of age (except lliose totally unfit for service) are
classified in the
foHowing categories:
—on active service. uiuh'r — fully trained, Ne.scriw II — Kruafzresefvel—^imtrained. not called up. under
Ahf'tv dlriinide
Iraineil,
Iii/»rrnr /
:i5.
])arlially
Ki-Kiit2)-'''«'i-i'i'
L'liidii'flir I
l.iiiulirvlu'
II
iinilc]'
—unlraitied, physically
unfit,
35.
under
35.
— trained, bel ween Zn and 45.
//^uiitraiiiud, between 35 and 45.
—trained, over —unlraiiied, over
l.(iiulxt\niu I
Luiuifturiii
.'i,").
45.
II
27
45,
RESTRICTED
— 22-33
HAXIMUKIK
GK-KMAiN
O'N
M
I
I.IlAli
V KIHCF.S
SS. Wartime-modifications of draft procediire.^Dran of irivaily lU'i'i'iciiilwI I'oi' tlic GiTiiiiiLi Aniicd Furccs Ii;ih ln'cii
mfii
since
outbreak of Hit
tlie
roniiiinod
one
t!ie
|)i'oooss,
and
to 18,
wm;
thonjili in ilw hroiid outline?
Mimfmnif} wwV
same.
.
whiit* the iiuhietion ii^e
imhchw^g \\\\t.
beoii
liiive
now
it
lius
hecomt'
lowerwl frinn
2(>
been called Members of the iire snbjed
oldoi' classes ha\'e
Ei'.ttifsri'ncn-e
I
n|i.
11 nnd Limihrphi II
and oIIut defeiinciits are strii*(ly liniiled. Fiirllieimute, continual "conibintr-out" process is CJirricd on In lake men iif
iioiial it
military t'oivij;!!
ajre fi'om indiisl labijL'ci's,
fni'thcr off
Armed
Army hciiifr
t{>
ry and airrifullurc ^ind feplace tiiem wilii
wnnieii.
men unfit I'of military servici'. In number of mlch available for llic
iif
li
incfcasc the
Forces, vohmtcers
al
the ajre of IT are aci'e[iled fof
llie
men
are
well as for special iinns, while even yonngei'
a^-
dj'afted for the auxiliaiT services.
33. Replacement training system. v'c- In ordei' to si!ii|iiil'v llie lasU of each commander in waitinie. (he Gei'nmn Army
—
Field
Afmy
(Ju'xntshi'cr).
{Fi'hJhfcr)
aiK?
AA'lien the wiir
ihe
ii.
(iet'maii is
Repiacemcnt
broke
li<-riii'it'iug
field
.«("/)•-
army
divided into the Trainirifr
{int. tlie field
Army
nnned behind (hem
iii'mic!^
out lo take part in the viirioiis ciinipaiirns. Ietivinj>; the Er^afnheer to take care of all such details as drafliufv of pfrsomicl and tiieir Uaiiniij>; foi' sci\'icc in (he liehl eillier as ri'place-
ments or as new
The deputy comnninder in each military took conunand wlien llie i*e<;nhir coniniandiT moved out iulo Ihe field. Willi the assi^lance of resci've olllcei's from the dislrict be curried out the iTcrniting and frainiufr plans fornnilated hy the ("ieneral Army Oflicc [Alh/i-Mfhii'^ [Iccri'>:(iii>t) units.
district {Wchrkfcif')
in
Berlin. h.
Local covfrol.
cruitinji;
—Each
military dislrict
is
areas {Wf/i/r/-Kii/zh'::'iI.'f). and ihese.
vided info
recruitinii:
sub-areas {M'^
/ir/irs/ilcr).
divided into rein
turn, are
Ailliouji'h
ili-
niosl
of the military districts coniain two or three ivcruiting; ai-ens. some districis in [>opulous area^- coniain four, while olhers in
RESTRICTED
28
RECRUITMENT AXD MO'BJLIZATION
23
thinly pojtuhited ureas coiit;uii only one. The mililary hoiidquarckrerxatsbezirk k known ap a W/'hi-ersatzinnpektion,
tavs ol a
W
W
ehrhezirk as a 'WehrhcBirk»l<'ommaii
that of
!i.
district
{M usfcrungshcsirk)
.
the smallest of the local I'eplacement
training service areas, and local police authorities represent the military. f^
Rf'cniiting arcoi^.
—Greater
Gerniaiiy
is
divided as follows
for purposes of recruiting: Wehrkreia
W chrersatzbezirk
Number
of
Wekrbezirke
1
Kon igsbcrg
7
I
AUenstein
4
//.
12
Stettin
4
// ///. ///_ ///
Schworin
IV
Leipzig
11
IV.
Dresden-
12
IV
Cheninit/.
Berlin
10
Frankftirt-am-Odcr
Potsdam.-
5 7
9
V
Ulm
10
V
Sintlsjart
13
Munster
11
VI VI VI VI
Dortmmid
8
Diisscldorf
14
Koln
9
VII VIII VIII
iliinchen
12
Breslau
13
KaUowitz
13
177/
Liegiiitz
/A'___
Kassel__..
JX IX
Fj'aiikrnrt-am-Main_
7 9 6
Weimar
9
29
RESTRICTED
I
28-24
BAXDIiUOK ON tIKHMAN
A"
Sciilowijr-llolsloin
fi
X
IliiniliiLr^'
C
jY
Hi'i'incii
ft
XI
llanuovi-r
X
XI
.Ma^-.lclitii'g
Xn Xlll XIII
10
'..MaiiiihiMiii
.
Ki'grnsljiir^r
•
11
Karialmd
--.
r.
5
L'uv/.
Wicn
XVII XVIil
12
Innsbruck __--Grnz
XVII
:!
10 "
DjniKig.
A'A'
XXI
.---
It will
tliiit
lie iii'(c
AVA'
ifiu!
by
ex])l!iinf(l
i'osi'ii
in
liii>
iiiissin!!:
iti'i'
llic
fiU't
areas, with one pcacctiino its
bcai'infT
nniiibiT.
signed to PanztT, coiTf's]iondin^
Uei-niany
al
lii!;lit.
i^
aliinc taliU' fi'niii
lli;it
TF^Vo'.ilvr/.'.v.
as
llu' iiiiiiiliers
Hf^l
nl'
Wibrkvc'/^f
army The and
tlii^
;iro
fcmi'
niissinji-
luolin'izcd
they drew
Corjis
i^^
officers devilling theiiisehes
Tliis
iTality corps
iii
oath Weln-krfU-
lUiniboc-;
('ur|>>,
ihi'lr
laryc {sec par. 16/').
cadre.—'/. Offir,,' noruially a prolVssinnal
XIV. XV.
Wi'hi'kiri^:*'.
i-uvps locatfil in
34. Professional Officer
ji
-Niinilx-rg
XVJf
X\'l.
T
10
_. .Koblfiiz
AV7 A7//
and
Webrbrsirke
Wpliri-niiilzbe^irk
WehrkrHn
IS
rUltPF.S
.vUl.ll'AUV
wcr'c
as-
had
no
which
|icrsuiHu'l
—
I't-i^m
'I'ho
German
lonLr-^erviei'
body of
1!(.i-,ik.
exclnslvely hi Uu' practice of ibeir
Their standard of living is not high, and in pnrchasin" power heir jiay may he estimated al abont two-Miird? Prior to 193!). the that of U. S. officei's of equivalent rank. profoSKion.
I
German
strcnjilh of the
nnder M.OOl).
For
RESTRICTED
tite
Officer
present
Corps was pstimated war.
30
Iarj!;e
!it
iinndiers of
;i
little
retired
RECRUITJTETv'T officers
very
have been
coiif^ideriiblc
vecalletl
to
AKD MOBILIZATION
24
duty, and in addition
body of young rCHorvc
oflicers
thwe
wbo bave
is
a
been
obtained from tbe ranks after service at the front and tlie completion of a 5-inoiith training course. Tbe h. Ntmcoiiimis-^ioned OJpcf Corps. (1) Time of .service.
—
Corps
—
composed largely of professional long-service volnnteers. For tbe majority, tbe term Gerjiian ]ioncominissioned Officer Corps is composed largely of special administrative and teclmical ability, serve beyond the normal li^-year term, sometimes even up to :2o years. Prior to 1939, tbe Noncommissioned Oflicers Corps is believed to bave approximated one-tenth of the total Army strength, or between Dining tbe war. of course, it has been 7(1,000 and 90,000 men. greatly ex])aijded, and a special 4y2-year term of service has
German Noncommissioned
"
Officer
is
been introduced. (2) Ri'cru'tmenf.—'Ww German Noncrtmmissione.l Oilicer Corps built up by two methods, as follows: is The bidk of noncommissioned oflicers are obtained within (a) imits. Yoimg reciiiits who ilesire to adopt tbe career of a the
apply to tlieir company connnaiider at any time during their tour of duty with the colors. Tbe decision, however, as to whether the cimdidate will l">c accepted as a noncommissioned officer in bis unit is not made until toward the close of the applicant's service, when the company commander has had jioiieonnmssioned
oliicer
a thorough
GejmiUr
and
He
also have attained the rank of during his normal sei'vice. Tbe app
must
(acting corporal)
mendation of the comjDany commander. (6) The secoiul pathway to tbe career of a noncommissioned There officer is through the noncommissioned oificer schools. are five of these schools in ibe
strength between 200 and 300.
German
Aiiny. each ranging in
The aairse iil
in these schools lasts 2
RESTRICTED
— HA>rDBaOK OX GERMAN MILITARY FORCES
34-25 years.
Volunteers
iire
Tlie course, in genera!, cal subjects are taught.
accepted bolweeii
age? of IS and 20,
f!ie
a practical one, although a few theoreti-
is
Upon
graduation, the successful students
are appointed Vntero-ffi^h-re and assigiied to regiments. schools give the tlie
Aimy High
quality of the noncommissioned officer in regiments.
German regiments
The^e
CnnniuitKl the opportunity to equalize
Many
from rnnil areas which do not furnisli an adequate supply of noncommissioned officer material. To such regiments the High Command assigns young graduates of the noncommissioned otficpr sdiouls.25. Training. a. I'yfivi'Jttarii fru'miiMj. Tiefore being called up for military service, all young men serve for some months in the Reich Labor Service. As a result, when fierman recruits join their orgaiiizatious, they are hardeued physically, ajid are accustomed to living in groups under military discipline. Important preliminary trainiug in specialized bmnches is given in the naval and air sections of the Hitler Yonlh Organization {Marine flitJer-Jugeiid and F'Hrfjfr HHlpv-Jvyciul). in (he glider schools, and in competitions held by tlie National Socialist Aviation Corps {Niifioii'iihaziiiUffli'hf!^ F/''-i/e>'kor/>s. or A^S'A'A'I. recruit
—
J.
Normal
milifai'-y trainhig.
— (1)
annual class of recruits joined the
'Winter.
color.s
on
—
oi'
-Iti peacetime the about 1 Novembec.
From
1 November until 1 March the emiihasis iu all traiuing was placed on the development of the individual. Commencing in February, iiowever. platoon and company tactical prohleins were
During March the
divisional inspeetioiis were held with In the last half of March and the first half of April, battalions and even regiments conducted tactical exercises of a nature which seldom called for the presence of other arms. During the winter season the staffs of higher units, beginning with the division, conducted a series of map problems, one-
given.
respect to companies.
-
L'.
The tierninti uoticoirKiil^i^ioiipil officer gi'atles arp nor ei|iil^".iLPM( ro tlio^o of Oie Army. Thp Ot'i'ninn Ceii-eiti-y is not il iiuiLouiLuui^aion'Xl offioor m llie Geriil^n
f^.
ilefiiiition
of
tliat
term
RESTRICTED
|si.>e fi§.
13).
32
'
E-ECRTJITMENT"
AND
MOBILlZATIOJsT
and two-sidetl map
miiiieuver!?, tactical vitles,
Simietimes
units participated in these exercisea.
sij^iial
and tprrahi exercises. Neverone could speak of "combined training"
doubtful if the peacetime program until 1 April, Between 1 Aprif and (2) Summer.
theless, it is ill
25
—
1 August, aniuuilly, every unit spent 3 iveeks in one or another of the barrack camps located on the maneuver grounds. These camps are large and
German
At all times it was the intention to place infantiy and ai-tillery together in these camps. During this field-training period the infantry and artillery were traijied as a team. Here the tactics of the German in arch -com bat group (the regiment of infantry and the battalion generally hold three regiments simultaneously.
were developed. maneuvers took place during September and October, These maneuvers were intended primarily to train tlie combined staffs, arms, and services. Usually they were of a divisional nature. At least in two Wehrkreiie, however, and sometimes in three, corps maneuvers were helil annually. Army maneuvers {involving from five to eight divisions) wore held oice every 2 years. Staffs and troops were present in full strength at ail jnaneuvers. The supply services, however, were represented only partially, if at all, as the German Army of
field artillery)
(3)
Maneuvei'ff.
felt that their
—Large-seiale
presence did not repay in training value the expense
entailed, c.
Shorf-tei'm iralnhig.
— Owing to the
restrictions im])osed
by
the Versailles Ti'eaty. there was a period of 15 years during which Germany did not have universal service. The classes from 1919 through 1934 did not receive military training. Following ISSo,
Germany made strenuous efforts to (rain this great reservoir of manpower by calling classes for 8-M-eek periods of intenSome groups ;ippear to have undergone several of sive training.
military
these periods, d. still
—
Wartime training. The same principles as outlined above apply to wartime training, except that the schedule has been 33
RESTRICTED
HAXDBOOK OX GERM.\X
25-26 .speedffl iqi
and
is-iiot
ho clfisply
ailLITARY fORCES
xm]
to
flip
cnieiular.
By
tlip
Pnd
of 1942, virlLially -aU (lie coinbinpd training wiis shifted to occiijnpd countries, espeoiidly to France, so that the troops in traininir mitrht perform the additional duties of ocfiipatioii forces and be
avaihible for defense against inv^ision.
—
e. Air Force trnhuitg. Each soldier of the Air Force, upon being inducted into service, goes to an Etsafs (training) battal-
wbicb there if; at least one in each Wrh't^^reh. Here be given his basic training as a soblier and in addition certain preliniinai y meclmnical trainitig in Air Force specialties. During ion, of is
this period there are f-eleclcd
qualified for pilot training. ciuit
is
sent directly to bis
from the
rect-iiits
those specially
Fr'om the Ersatz battalion the unit
(ir
in
certain
cases to
re-
largo
mechrniics" ti'^nning sellool^,
36. Housing, cantonments,
m
and training areas.—*.
Enr-
(lei'many engaged in a vast progr-am of military construction to house her expanding Army. By the
?v/f-/-.v.— Beginnin,ir
1!*H5.
of 1940. the German Army was thoroughly equipped with modern barracks to accommodate at least :'>0 divisions. In living and messing ai^rangenient^. these burr;ick- are approximately equal to the newest and best of the U. S. Army, and in certain educational and workshoi) fucihties are reported to be in advance of present U. 8. standards,
summer
—
1}. Timn'mg areas. T'he (ieriuan Army now has at least 32 general training gronnrls {in Germany) which vary in size. Some contain areas of as much as 200 square juilesi others are m'ueh
Troop units are noiinally sent in Buccession to one or another of these troop ti'aining grouniis for a 3-week field exercise and target ti'aining period. Eacii training ground iiossesses coiitonmeiU barrack,^ for fr
In addition, there ore numerous spetraining grounds for the specialized arms, and there are several ordnaiic-e proving grounds. possess artillery ranges.
cial
RESTRICTED
34
RECRUITMEXT 37.
Pay and allowances.—
base pav rates
shown lime
f(ir
file
v^r,
MORIUZATION P^'iy'tirni-.
37
—The
vaiious ranks in the (ierinaii
peacetime
Army
iire
In addition to these base pay rates, in peacereceived rental allowances. M^hich varied accordinfj;
in figure 14.
officers
to the
A^N^D
co.st
of living in different localities;
ollicers
and men
re-
..
..
HliXDBOOK ON G.EIIMAX MILITARY POIiCES
87
accordiiifr to the soh
family aUowancos
mark
a^i
shown
in figure 15.
But Ihcce
iire
hberal
well as a special bonus, nsuall\' one Kiiih>:~
a clay, for front
chttj'.
A
fui'thei' special
bonus was given
for Ker^'ice in Africa,
Par
Yetaly
ServiM ptada
group
pay'
1
OberbefMshaber der WekTviachUeik Chef ^es Oherkomtnondos tier WehrmachL
2
Generalnhdsl
3 4 5 6 7 8 9
GeneralUuinant.
2,
GenertihiiiijoT
2, IfiO
3,600
2,88
tral
1,
800 440
M'lJD
],
29fi
Ilaiipti'iann Oberleidriard
i,
LeidnanI
11
Stahafel'lwehel
.
U'tuplfddircbfl.
Oberfddwebfl.
720
—
Unteroffizier
.
Ffldwebd
..
Oberfdhnrich
13
152
972 864
10
12
,120
Oheiniteiitnant
I,
.
648
.
Unterfeldicebel
540
Fiihiirich
14
Unlerojriz'f
504
15
SiabRgefreiler . Obergefreiter Gefreiter. _
432
.
16
ObergrenadieT—. Grenadier Obergrenadier and Grenadier
(Ipss
' The aninunt is fiven in EekbininTlr. I R.\t=in.W peacetime nnri wartime hsise pay. '*^ [^nf- 27.
than 2 years' ssrvice) (sec par. 128).
For
tJie
360
rtistrepancy between
Fifiure 15.' Hcal^r^r v:iTjimo loM^ pay in Iht (i^rmiin Armj".
c.
ProfcKxioiuiI.
dition to
tlieir
—
own
Pnif('^.sionaI s
a ooni|ieiisati(ni allowiiiiw amonntinf!;
proxinialely to the diffeioiicos between rates.
This applies to other
RESTRICTED
officers
36
it
and Ihe peaeetinw
and long-teim
enlisted
ap|)ay
men,
— RECRflTMKXr
—
A?^D MOBILIZATION
37-29
not to oi'flinary M-artiiiie conscripts. Reserve officers may obtain a similiir (-ompcns;ttion allowance on application. 58. Mobilization in the past. a. At the outbreak of war in biit
German nation was mobilized in a which interrupted gravely the econoiiiic
1914 the entire strenf^tli of the single week, a procedure life of the nation.
trained
mnn power
The wei-e
effects of this lOfl-perceiit iiiobiliziition of
never afterward fully overcome.
It
was
procedure, and there was apparently uo method of vai-ying its extent or speed. In the course of 1 week, tlie active Army was brought to full strength and some 35 reserve divisions
a very
rijrid
as well as a large number of fortress. Landinehr, Ermts^ and Land^tufm- units were created. In all, the active Army of 800,000 men was expanded to 3,900,000 in about 10 days' time. J. As a result, not only was the Army cumbersome to handle, being composed of elements with wide divergences in training, efficiency, and equipment, hut the whole life of (ierinany was disrupted to an almost ili^astrons extent. Agriculture was crippled, many branches of commerce find industry wei-e temporarily para-
lyzed, and govei'umeut administration
was seriously hampered.
59. Present principles of mobilization. a. These mistakes made in the last war were the subject of careful study and criticism by the German General Staff for many years thereafter, and For a determined effort was made to prevent tlieir remrreuce. mol)ilized gradually manpower been has the present war, German and selectively ever since the beginning of 1938. and the process Men are aummoiied to the colors individually is still continuing. by mail, not in annual classes by public proclamation. Only the number actually needed at any given phase of the war are called up, and great care is taken not to disrupt any one industry or individual factory, shop, office, or farm by an excessive or pi'ecipThis itous withdrawal of its manpower to the Armed Forces. ndvantage of secrecy. Furthermore, system, incidentally, has the
no units are formed entirely of new recruits, but all units contain more or less similar proportions of men with different degrees of 37
RESTRICTED
— HANDBOOK. OX
39-30 ti-iiiniiifr
GEI^^1A^"
MILITARY >OBCES
iiml bcloi>friiijr to the diffecpiit
a hieh
This insures Geviuan combat
ape groups.
v of qufilitv
ull
deiirt-'e oi Soldiers entering the German Army are assigned to either fightiufr or supply units according to their iiges. h. Early in 191-3 the (5crman Army announced that men in the fighting arms (infantry. Panzer, lirtillery, engineer, chemical
uiiifdi'uiil
units.
warfare, and signal Iroop units) must be 37 or younger, whereas men in command headquarters and in higher units, supply troops, and men in engineer units em]:iloyed in rear areas must be 38 or
Fighting troops in tropical service muf^t be 33 or younger, older. while supply troops serving in the tropics must be 34 or older. Only men 42 or older, or unable thrniigli physical disability to be on active duty, were allowed to remain in the /.one of the interior, although an exception was made in the case of training personnel in training units.
Sectlok
TV
UNIFORMS, INSIGNIA, AND IDENTIFICATIONS ^ I'll i;i
Aniiy
llllifliliiis
Ariii.v
iiisLsiii!!
Air
'^^ 3'.^
t'lirte iiiiifin'nis anil Irisiijiiia
Uiiitoniis
and insignia "f
milllarlzoii tiud auxilliiry orgnnizn-
33 34 35
tlous
Means
of Iclentifical ion
Di-cin'ations
and
graph
i"'
:i\v:ir:1s
—
Army
uniforins (plates I to IV). a. Gawral. The present type of uniform in the German Field Army has been evolved from that worn during World War I, the chief requirements being that it should be light, comfortable, weatherproof, and inconspicuous. The uniforms for officers and for enlisted men are bjtsically the same in almost all particulars. SO.
^
Ciiliir pUiri-s of iiiiirovin& sinil insiiiiun fjtilow i>:igo r>0.
RESTRICTED
3S
UXIFOKMS, liXSlGMA. AND ILENTIFICATIOXS
from Lompura Lively rank and othev Officers are rlistiiiguishod
enlisted mitioi'
30
men only by insip;nia of mailings and variations
in their dress. b.
—
Norjnal f,eld uniform (plates T and II). The following parapply to the iiiiifornis of the grent majoi'ity of Gernian
ticulitrK
soldiers in the field:
—
Field hloit-ir. TJie lield blouse (Feh/bhisr) is made of greenish -gray elotli. with a coHar nsnally of a nuR'h darker shade of green. Tlie collar may be folded back to make an open neck. (1)
No uniform (2)
shirt
Troufierx.
is
worn under
—The
tlie
ti'ousers
blouse.
(/loxc.n)
are of greeuish-gi'ay or
Riding breeches for mouiited officers and enlisted men are of the same color but with leather facings, and are worn with
gray
cloth.
black riding boots. The overcoat (ManfeT) (3} Overcoat.
made (4)
— Fidd mi>. —The
is
double-breasted and
is
of gi'eenish-gray cloth.
Army
{Fddm-iltse)
field ca|)
,
which
is similai-
to
made of greenish-gray cloth. It is worn by officers ami enlisted men of all arms, except mountain troops and ]K'rsounel of certain armtJied units (see '. bidow). The officer's field cap is of a better quality than the enlisted man's and the U. S.
garrison cap.
is
has aluminum-colored piping along the top seitm and top edge of the turnup. The field cap is so designed that it may be worn under the steel helmet. (A new field cap (KmheU^myfse) in the style of the mountain cap has recently been adopted.)
helmet,—'The steel lielniet {Stahlhelm) is made of steel, and is painted both inside and outside with rust-resistant, dull field-gray paint. Officers and enlisted men weal' the same helmet. The pack {Toi-nhter) is a heavy square-Bha]>ed (6) Pack. canvas hag wilii leather bindiug. A blanket, a camouflage cover, (which sonierimes serves as a raincoat), and also at times the overcoat, are rolled and strapped around the pack. For mountain troops, the pack is replaced by a rucksack, a form of which, orig(5) Steel
seamless sheet
—
^As»R2'-*2
1
39
RESTRICTED
HAXaHOOK ON GERMAN MILITAKT FORCES
30
bythc Afrika-Korps^ tlvrougbont tbe Army.
inally adopted sively
is
coming
to be used exten-
—
Otlier equipment carried by the indi(7) Other equipment, vidnal inclndes leather cartridge poiicbes, a slielter-balf with ropew, a canteen and mess kit, a haversack, a gas mask, a gas cape (an impregnated cloth cover for protection against gas), entrenching Olficcrs wear brown belts (sometimes with tools, and side arms. the strap of the Sum Browne type), and enlisted men black belts.
—
(1) Genc. Field uniform of special units (plates IT to IV). eral.—Ynvious units of the German Ai'my with specialized functions wear adaptations of tlie normal fisld uniform or entirely different uniforms designed to facilitate the executio]i of their duties.
—
^Taiik crews wear black uniforms Panzer troops (plate II) black field c*ps. Annored-car and with uniform of similar grayish-green ruab-green or personnel wear a collar patch has tlie skull and the On the black unifomi cut. .
(2)
loose-fitting trousers
crossbones insignia. (3) Mountain, troops (plate IV).
—These troops wear
a mounby otliw worn tain cap {GeliirgsmiUze) similar to the field cap troops, but with the addition of a visor of the same material the ordinary type of field blouse: and greenish-gray or gray doth trousers, fastened around the ankles by puttees, and high shoes. The olive-green double-breasted wind jacket is a distinctive accessory of the mountain TiiiJform. For use in snow and in special types of teiTiiin. mountain troops may also be equipped with snowshoes and various kinds of coveralls. (4) Chemical Viarfare troops. In addition to their normal ;
—
uniforms, these troops are equipped with dark leather suits consisting of jackets and trousers, and n mask with goggles. For unusual conditions of climate d. Special duty uniforms.
—
or terrain, special uniforms may be issued to any unit. (1) Winter nniforms. Lined two-piece suits with felt boota and face masks are issued for extreme cold. White coveralls with
—
RESTRICTED
40
— UX Il'OKMS, iioods
may
AND IDENTIFICATION'S
IKHIGXIA,
:
30-31
issued wherevpr snciw makes camoiiflajic necoHsai'V.
lie
—
Khaki and oiivc-colored (2) Tropical uniforms (plate III). luiiforms with web eqiiipmwnt and linen-topped boots are fvequently employed in hot and iirid rpgioiis. (The tropical imiionn has recently been adopted as the official summer uniform, and has been extensively used not only in AiViai. hut iilso in Italy, tlie Balkans, and the Crimea.) 31. Army insignia (plates I to IV, and VII to IX).^
Unit i-mignia.
—No unit insignia
are
the field in wartime. h. National- devici:'<.^~{\.) General.
the type worn by the V. S.
by
national emblem,
the
Army
worn by German troops
—^The
a.
in
regimental insignia of
are replaced in the
German Army
national colors, and the national
tlw-
rosette.
(2) Naiioiittl emhlem (plates I to IV, and IX,)—The national emblem {Hoheifsahseiehen). which consists of a gray, white, or
silver-colored "formalized eag;Ie with widespread wings holdiiijf a
swastika in its claws, is worn during service in the field as follows («) On the peak of the field cap and momitain cap.
On
{h)
A
iill
blouses, above the rigiit brpuf^t pocket.
with folded wings is woi'ii on and tropical helmets, on a black shield.
silver eagl«
steel
(3) National
colore
(phite
I)
—
.—The
tiie left
national
side of the
colors—red.
white, and black are worn in the form of a shield on the right side of the steel helmet. The national (4) Notional ronette (phites I to IV, and IX). small circular insigne rosette {Reickskokarde) is a in red, white,
—
and black sewed on below the national emblem on the field and mountain caps. On visored service caps it is made of metal and flanked by oak leaves (see plate I). Gc'ne.i'nl.— C. Di'iti^if/ wishing color of arm (|ilate IX). —(!)
Each
soldier wears the distingiiisliiiig color of his
farbe). ^
For
tlie
The most rauks ia the
arm (yVa^en-
characterlslic location of this color
IJeLittsLU
Annecl
Foi'ce.s. sjee
41
is
on the
ulso figures lu, 14, ami 15,
RESTRICTED
.
.
HA:NDB00K on GERMAN MILITARY KORCES
31
piping around
the- ed^e.
appear elsewhere.
oi'
the shoulder strap, but
—^Tbe
may
also
following are the principal dis-
Principal colors.
(2)
it
tinguishing colors;
Infantry— white (lari^s). Mountai]! infantry light green {heUgriln).
—
Tank
—
troopsv
pink {roxa).
Motorcycle troops—gi'ass green
now
{wienfingi-un)
(probably
pink).
—
Cavalry and cyciists- golden yellow {goldgelb). Motorized and Panzer reconnaissance copper brown {hupferbraiin) (now pink). Artillery
— bright red
—
{hochrot).
—black (schimrz). Signal troops— lemon yellow (sitronengelb) Chemical warfare ti'oops—bordeaux {boriliuinxrot). Ti-iinsport and supply troops— light bine {hdlhlau). Medical troops— dark blue {kombluvieii'hJau). Veterinary troops— crlinson (ka'iines'mrot) Propaganda troops — light gray (leichtgniu). Engineers
General Staff d.
Corps— crimson
Imignia of rank
(plates
{Jcannfi^mrot).
VII and VIII).— (1) ShouJdcr
rank are normally worn on the shoulder s#r«/>.5,— The lie n
or braid on the strap. As an additional distinction, general of(2) Collar patches. All ficers wear a red collar patch with a stylized gold oak leaf. double band, with collar patch with a lower ranks now wear a Noncommissioned officers have an additional slight variation.
—
silver
band around two
sides of the collar patch.
(3) ;S/('(,'WS.^With special typef^ of uniforms which do not have shoulder straps or collar patches, such as snow suits, wind breakers,
RESTRICTED
4S
,
UMFORMb. protective 6uits for
ranks
may
I-XSIGKIA,
tiiiik
A.ND IDEXTIKICATIOXS
31-32
work
clothes, all
crews, canvas j;ickots, and
wear a special sleeve insignia introduced in September
These consist of woven oak leaves and bars, in gold for These insignia are frciierals and light green fur other ranks. worn on the npper left sleeve. and VI).— 3S, Air Porce uniforms and insignia (plates The basic uniforms of the German Air Foi'ce ai'e a. GeiicruJ. bine-gray. Both the roil-collar type of blouse and Ihe fly-front The field cap flight blouse {Fliege7-blniie) are commonly worn. {FJii'f/ermufse) is more rakish than the field cai> of the Army. (called IIohpAtsh. National devu-f-i.—'XXw national enibiom seiohen in the Air Force) is a "flying eagle" with a swastika in ilH claws. TIk' national rosette is like that of the Army but with These f(n'niaiized spreading wings tin each side of the oak leaves. 1942.
V
—
insignia, as well as the national colors, are
as in the
Army.
badge on the left whole enclosed in a wreath. r.
worn
in the
same manner
In addition, flying personnel wear a special bi'east depicting an eagle with a swastika, the
Dhthigvi.vJiiiif/
I'-ohir^.
—The
distinguishing
color of
arms
not only dis|)hiyed in the piping of the shoulder patches as in the Army, but also forms the background on the The following are the principal colors; collar patches. in the
Air Force
Genei'uls
is
— white
(ii'ehs).
Flying tr
—
—
bright red {hochrof) golden brown {goldhrcmn).
Antiaircraft artillery
—
The shoulder strains woi-n by the Air d. Insignia of rank. insignia Force bear the same of rank as those in the Army.
On
the collar patches, however, ai"e worn from one to four pairs of wings to distinguish ranks in the various groups, and those of officers contain either oak leaves or oak wreaths. Noncommissioned officers usually have in addition a band of silver braid around the lower edge of the collar.
43
RESTRICTED
— HAA'DBOOK
82-33
0=S
GERMAN" MILITARY FORCES
—
Paradiiito troops wear special and the flight blouse. For jumping, a kwee-leugth tioverall is worn over this uniform. Men who have marie a miniiuum of six juuips wear a speHal badge depicting e.
PoTiichvfe troops
(plflt«
VI}.
loose-fitting blue-gray trousers
a silver diving eagle with a swastika in its claws, the whole en-
closed in a gold-colored wi-eatli. 33. Uniforms and insigTiia of militarized
org^anizations.
o,.
Wa^Jen-SS.—ThcWaf'en-SS
and auxiliary (see par.
100ft
(2)) wears a uniform identical to the Army field uniform. Its members can be distinguished from Army troops by the posiis worn on the left sleeve and the national colors on the
tion of the national enihleui, which
instead
<)f
on
tlie
riglit breast,
A
fnrtlier distinction hchuet are replaced by the SS device. the special insignia of rank, whicii differ from those of the Eegidar Army and are worn on the collar patches. Also, oak steel is
leaves denote the higher ranks, while
diamond -shaped
devices, or
pips, indicate the lower ranks of officers.
—
Storm Troopers {SA). The regular uniform of the SA WZe) is the brown shirt and trousei-s, with a brown blouse and visored ca,p. Members wear a broad red arm band with a black swastika in a white circle. The band is worn on b.
(see par.
the upper left arm,
NSKK
(see National Socialist Motor Corps {NSKK).—T\xe black uniform consisting of a brown shirt and par. 103c) wears a breeches, and members may also wear brown blouses and brown coveralls. The national emblem is mounted ou a wheel enclosing a swastika, and is worn on the cap or black crash helmet. Normally white Arabic inimerals preceded by the letter "M" (indic.
cating Mot.) on the right collar patch give the number of the Insignia of rank are like those of the SS and SA, and are unit.
worn on the left collar patch, while additional insignia of rank are worn on the right shoulder. The NSKK wears the same arm band as the SA.
RESTRICTED
44
:
UNIFORMS, INSIGKIA, AND IDENTIFICATIONS
33-34
—
Mfiiibers of the Reich Labor Service which is froquently dohignated by the abbreviation RAD (see par 103&), wear a uniform consisting of a brown shirt and a brown-gray blouse with a dark colliir, a visored cap, and shicbs or breeclies. They also wear tlie Party arm band like the SA and ISfSKK. The insignia includes a wiiite spade on a black background worn just above the arm band. -The field uniform of the Teche. Technical Kmevgency Corps. nical Emergency Corps {Technhche NotMlfe), which is fi-eqiieiitly designated by the jibbi-eviation Tpmo (see par. 103-^7), is wiinilar to tliat of the Aimy. There are two arm bands on the sleeve, bearing the words Technische Nothilfe in lower left one other the words Dnitfche, Wehr-mackt in bhick. white, and the The national ojiiblem is woni on the upper left sleeve, superimposed on a black triangle. The Teno eitibleni, a cogwheel, is worn on the collar patches. d. Rf'iclt T.al>or Serricp.
{ReichKiirbeiisdienKt)
,
—
—
Members of the Naiion-al/. National Sociidist Amatioti Corps. sosiaUstUches Flkgerkorps, or (see par. 103/), wear a brown shirt and dark bine-gray hloiue and breeehei; or slacks.
NSFK
Tiiey also wear either visored caps or berets. are very similar to those of the 8A.
34.
Means
follows a.
Identif,cafton fug
(fig.
—
The two primary means of found on every German soldier arc as
of identification-
identification usually to be
Their insignia
16).
—Tiie
identification tag
{Krhen-
mingsmarke) is issued on mobilization and is worn at all times by ail personnel. The tag is of Kinc and is oval-shaped, measuring about 2 by 314 inches. It is divided into halves by a Each half bears identical markings. When perforate-d line. a man is killed, the lower half of the tag is broken off and sent Most to Germany and the npper half is buried with the body. identification tags which have been captured give a unit, a subordinate unit^ a letler identifying tlie blood group, and a numl)er. The identification tag seldom show^s the unit in which the indi45
RESTRICTED
HANDBOOK ON GERMAN MILITARY FORCES
34 o
o
— UMl-ORMS. INSIC'MA, AND IDENTIFICAIIOXS (9)
A
Tfcord of fufloii
(10)
A
list
of
iiicluiliii;! diite^
and places
34-35 visited.
df'cornfioii:; ft'ccivpd.
35. Decorations
and awards,
n. Ii'on C'rof:s.—T\\f Iron conspicuous bravery in face of the enemy m- foi' ontstiindin^ services iu leadership. The four classes of the Iron Crot;s rank in the following order:
award
Cro-ss
[Ei'ivniei^ Kfe.uz) is i'or
Grand Cross
of the Iron Gross {Grosskreup. des Eisernen
h'reuze><).
Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross {Ritterhrem des Eisernen Kreuscn). Iron Cross. 1st Class (Ei^erm-H Krevs, I Khit^ne). Iron Cross, 2d Class {EUe-iiie.» Kniis. K/ax.'
Higher
awarded only to those already present Iron Cross, 1st and 2d
classes of the Iran Cross are
holding the lower
chiss.
The
Classes, dilfers from thai of the last waL' in (hut the swastika anil the year ''1939" replace the initial {Wehrmacht) and tiie
"W
The Iron
crown.
Cross. 1st Chiss.
worn on the btonse and the Kniglifs Cross of the Iron Cross is sii.spended about the uedi (see plate II). The bar to the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross consists of three silver oak leaves ou the inedal ribbon. In addition, tlie oak leaves with swords, and the oak leaves- with swords and diamonjls, are awarded in very exceptional eases. The Grand Cross, wliich is approximately double the size of the Iron cross, 1st and 2d Classes, has heeu eonferi-ed is nsiially
])ocket of the left hrt-ast.
only on
Men who gained the Ii'on Cross be awurde(J a silver bar which hears tlie national eagle and swastika, and Ihe date of the new award. in the
b.
It<';eb.'
World
War
Witi' T
Merit
may
Cto.h><.—'X:\w
War
Merit ('ross {KreAgaverdieiiHt'
awarded as a recognilion of merit to pei'sons not for award of the Iron Cross. It has the following giades:
hre,ua)
is
Knight's Cross of the
War
eligible
Merit Cross {Riffi-rkreuz des
A'rieffsverd/'t'nfit.kreusefi).
War
Merit
Cross.
Isf
Class
47
(Krief/fVcr'/hw^fkreus,
J
RESTRICTED
H"A^DBOOK ON GBRMA?T MILITARY T'OKCES
35
Will-
Merit-
Cross,
2cl
Class
{Eriegaverdienstkreuz,
3
Klasse).
These awards
awarded for
may
be
made with or
Swords are enemy furthering the war effort.
-without swords.
especially meritorious service in the zone of
aetion or for exceptional services in
cross is awarded without swords for meritorious services in which enemy action played no part. The War Merit Cross has a swastika in the center, embossed on a plain surface, and is edged Class is in bronze. The 1st Class and the with oak leaves. The Knisht's Cross are in silver. A bronze War Merit Medal with the legend Fur Krieffi^verdienst may also be awarded (usually to
The
M
civilians).
fross.—The Geiinan Cross {Dfiutschefi Kn'"3), c. Germo.n which was created in September 1941, consists of a dark-gray silver-edged eight-pointed star, about 2^4
inches in
diameter.
In the center is a black, silver-edged swastika on a dull silver background surrounded by a gold or silver laurel wreath with the year "1941" at the bottom. the right breast without ribbons.
The German Cross is worn on The German Cross in silver is
awarded for repeated outstanding service in the military conduct of the war. It is awarded in gold for a repeated
on the enemy posil ion on S different the enemy in liand-to-hand combat, have overcome days and
jjart in at least three attacks
—The
Tank Bamade up of a wreath of oak leaves surroundtank, the whole siirniounted by the German eagle and swasIt is worn on the left breast pocket of the blouse imme-
Tanlc hadgf, se/ichen) in bronze, e.
,
ing a tika.
RESTRICTED
is
48
:
UXIFORMS, INSIGNIA, AND IDEN'III'ICATIONS
35
Ii-oii Cross or any other decoration. It mav given be to yoldiiTS of tlic PnnKfi- troops who have engaged in at Icasl three attsicks on the enemy on 3 different days. /. Assault Badge for Other Arms. -This award {Slvnnabsewhen
diately bei>eath the
—
amle/i-er
Waffengatiungem)^ in
depicts
silver,
a
stick
grenade
crossed with a bayonet and surmounted
by the German eagle and SM-astika, llie whole siirronndod by a wreath of oak leaves. It is worn on the left breast. It is given to oflicers, noncommiHsioned officers, and privates of other arms which cooperate closely with the infantry or tanks, or tu individual members of other arms
who is
fulfill
awarded g.
the conditions under which
tlie
infantry assanlt badge
to infantrymen.
Wound
Badge.
similar to Ihe
—
This award {VervinideJeii-Ahsek-hev) is wound badge of the \A'or[(l Wa?' I, and consists of
two crossed bayonets beneath a steel helmet bearing the swastika, the whole surrounded by a wreath of oak leaves. I( is given in three classes, all of which are worn on the left breast pocket of the blouse, as follows 1st Class, in gold, for tliose wounded more than four times.. 2d Class, in silver, for those wounded three or four times. 3d Class, in black, for Uuise wounded once or twice.
Special decoroHon to noldiefs for destruction of eiwmy This decoration {Pfii<.ter-Nahl-ani pfabneichen) a narrow aluminum ribbon with black edging on which is affixed a miniature tank, is awarded to individuals for the destruction or incapacitation of an enemy tank by use of the antitank rifle, rifle, grenade, h.
tunics.
oi'
—
explosives.
.
—
—
Campaign decorations. (1) Genera!,. In addition to the principal decorations and awards menti()ned above, certain olber eml)lems are worn by indlviduids who have taken part in offensive /.
operations.
Narvih S/iieM.— The N"arvik Shield (Nnrvikfchnd) decois in the form of a shield showing tlie Edelwe-tss (of mountain regiments), an anchor surmounted by the German eagle hold(2)
ration
49
RESTRICTED
HAK-DBOOK OK GE'RMAN MILITARY TORCES
85 ing in
its
ration
is
daws a
^vreiitli wliicli
j^old for the
Navy, and
is
Narvik action are
This deco-
Army
and Air Foriie ami in worn on the upper k-ft sleeve of the uni-
All (neinbers of the
form.
>^nrrouiids a swastika.
iiwiirded in silvei- for the
Armed Forces who
participated in the
eligible.
—
The Eas( Medal { Oftmedaille) was awarded (3) Eaat Medal. to those members of the Armed Forces who served on the eastern front from Novembei' 1941 to April 1942. In lieu of the medal, soldiers may wear a dark red ribbon with white -black- white stripes.
(4) Sleeve
der
Band
Wehrmmhi
Sleeve
Armed
Band
for Ore/e.^\n order of the Oherkommando li>42 announced the award of the
on 16 October
for Crete {Arinelhaiid Krcia) to
Forces
who
all
mendiers of the
participated honorably in the invasion of
The decoration, consisting of a white arm band with gold borders and the insi'ription Kreta, is worn on the lower left sli?eve of the miifoi'm blouse. (o) Crimea Shield.— T\\c Crimea Shield [KrUn-Schild) decoration is awarded to members of the Army. Navy, or Air Crete.
Force who, in the ]>criod from 21 September 1941 to 4 Jnly 1042, fulfilled one of the following conditions on the Crimean Peninsula: engaged in a major attack; were woimded; or remained on the peninsula for an uninterrupted period of 3 months. The shield is made up of a bas-relief of the Crimean Peninsula with the inscription Kfhn lO.'fl-.l.O.^, surmounted by the German eagle holding in its claws n wreath surrounding a swastika. (6) Eholm SMuld.—Thi: Khobii Shield (CholmichUd) was awarded to those members of the Armed Forces who pai'ticipated honorably in the defense of Kholm, south of Lake Ilmeii in the Soviet Union, from mid-Jamiaiy to mid-April 1942 under the leadership of Oenerahnajor Scherer. The decoration is worn on the iippei' left, sleeve of the uniform blouse aiif) shows the German eagle sunnonnting an Iron Cross below which is the inscription Cholm—l9Ii3.
RESTRICTED
30
HANDBOOK
ON
GERMAN MILITARY FORCES PLATE
I
ABMY CONTINENTAL DNIFORMS: OFFICBBS AND ENLISTED MEN
OFFICE R-H
nBLD C*P
Slfnnl TioapH ftrm
JjlK
No,
)
ENLlSTUn MAN
ENLISTED MAN '3 FIELD CAP
PrIVBlc. IwiTmnlty
[nrahlry
HANDItOOK ON CEKMAN MIL 1TAKV TORCF. PLATE 11
S
ARMY CONTINENTAL UNIFOEMS: MOBILE TROOPS
RNLISTIiri
MAN'S KIKLD CAP
FANZKK HKVICK W&rn on
Ibpi'Ih
ARMnReDCARH.
TANK T wool's
2d
PANZKH LAPEL
I'AVAl.liy PrIvDU-, IwE Cli
From
U.N.
Ho.
1
A.SSAULT (;UNS
I,ki'ui4'nanl
FiLi.n LArt:i.
Amaull
i;un-c
HANDBOOK
ON
GERMAN MILITARY FORTES PLATE
lit
ARMY TROPICAL UNIFORMS: OFFICERS AKD ENLISTED MEN
COLLAR PATCH
SHIHT *ND SHORTS Prlialc. SJsnil
Frsn J>J4, No.
I
TroapM
STRAF
StIIIIJ.IIIill HGr|[CBnl. Ar[tMcry
im
HANDBOOK ON GERMAN MILITARY FORCES PLATE
IV
AHMT CONTINENTAL UNIFORMS: MOUNTAIN TROOPS
MOUNTAIN CAP MOUNTAIN SEHVlCe CAP tatantry
fm-
IJt.H.
Ha.
WIND JACKKT
(Thvnfw ArmynelifnprcBcmbloilhH
2d UirulcnBnr
moaiiLalii (jp.>
TM-E 30-1 il I
HANnnOOR
ON
GERMAN MILITAKV FORCES PLATE
V
AIR FORCE UNIFORMS: OFFICERS AND ENLISTED
NATIIINAt.
MEN
KMHI.KM
55 NATIONAL rOLOKS Worn nh tt
ENLlSTKll
rlifKl ^iilc hi-hiii-t
EACLE EMU.>:M Worn on
iu-U
MAN
Prlvnl*:, Anl^uirrrDn
(It'KK'KIt
ENLIHTEI) MAN'S SKIIVLCE CAE-
OFFH-KR-S MEttUCE TAP
NONCOMMlSSIONKll OKKH-BB'S KIKI.D CAP FiciD
1J.H. Hd.
I
«kdp
of hnlmi'i
llfKIC'Ek
EM.IKTKCl MAN'S tTKLD CAP
HANDBOOK
ON
GEKMAN MILITARY FORCES PLATE
VI
AIR FORCE DNIFOBMS; MISCELLANEOUS
OFFICER'S SHOULUKFt STRAP
COLLAR PATfH
(.bnic)
(helQ»1
<'alancl. AnUalr^ruTt
TKOFICAL BLOUSE AND BHEHCHEfi
NONCOMMISaiONKn OKnCKlt'S
EhLiaTKI> MAfJ-S SHdIlLIlKH STRAP (nho.c)
.S[t01ILL>EIt STIIAf Ubovel COLl.All I'ATl'll (Lulm.)
I'lH.l.All jvjilc,
PAHAlTHIlTtSrS
I'ATf'H (bplow) SLdnnl Trnopa
UNIFORM
Trc-hnlcjil HFr)(l'dnL
frora J.A.H.
Ho,
TM.E 30-li1 1
HANDBOOK
ON
GERMAN MILITARY FORCES PLATE
ARMY
VII
INSIGNIA OF
BANK
SHOULDER STRAPS Bht>ul4l(^r
slrapa IndlrMlc Fioth
The urm
in Inill-
cnrpil hi rolQririJ pIplnR
BTound
rank and
srin.
IhG odge or
Lhf:
Hlrdp-
GENERAL OFFICERS
FIELO
MARSHAL
r-rnorMl Ti'ld mn rbr1i>l
I
NonronimliuLantd vTBcbCh An-
iJiKllnXulnhvil by collar (ifalllH wTifrh bofdcf-i Ehr callnr In wli^lt- dr In pari. ThiN bralil 4lBb Irdlmteji Hpr iSn^lliiri {Sin\/ti-FfUhrcr) of nanraiumlxHlDn'tl |rftdpFJ. Hptfrlallrilii qT comnilFlhlani'd Erodm Wear dhoUldl^E nlm^N of Ihfir arm Bnd Ifradi-, wllh rcd-HhUc-blAck ibreniJ InEvriHnfil wlih iltv rardn »n Ihe
center or iho HlrapCicnerBlDbrrnl
FIELD OFFICERS
COMPANY OFFICERS
TAPTAIN Hnuptmnnn Tank ItuJEimi^nl
LIEUTENANT CKNEHAL fir array
dcr
MAJOn t;RNERAL
J.IK1JTEN4NT COI.ONei,
IHT l.lHIITENAN'r
Obcralleulmnl
OFpErlucilnnpl Mllllurr Police
MAJOlf
2n E.IEIITKNANT
Mijnr
Lculnanl
(!i-htrallpulnqnl
BRICADtER GENERAL G PEIf-TDtm bJ Df
COLLAR PATCHES
nirjil
Wnrrsrc TroopFi
HANDBOOK
ON
GERMAN MtLITAKV FORCES PLATE
VIII
ABMY INSIGNIA OF EANK NONrOMMISSlONED
ENLISTED
X ^ -^
MEN
w
OFFICERS
-
t)
CANDIDATES
*
CORPORA L, AI>MIN[STRAT[VK Mounlnln Inranirr
OFFICER AND NCO
CL/T -;»•
)
MKNIOR OFCICKK ITANDIIMTE ObcrrihTirlch
NlhhxKi-rrrlU-r
Aril II
or
9 1ST HKlUJKANT
OFKK'RR <'ANDIIiATK
<^(>ht^ORA1,
Mm
Arinnrcil Infiinlrj
MASTKH SRUI^EANT
14-
Fahnrich
thbn
(> yviirH' nirrvEfe 1>her|{i;rrv1(cr
rOltl'ORAL
Tbnh Troup
ObiTapfrclipr
Fi
wi;o rANi>i]>ArR n ic rof n 'J cr . A n wariP r Tank TtOOga
) TKCBNIl'AI. SKIIIJKANT
A<'TlN(i
tORPOEHI.
VOl.tlNTI'EH
CANDIDATE
Fi-ldwchrl
^Ji'fri'lltr
h n [iUliI n n ! n - A n wEr^ i-r
f>ld-lTpi- ^ELilicnln
nid.AljIp chnvron
Infantry
STAKr aKHllEANT |lnloircld
(^hvnilral
Warrnrp Trnapn
® CKivATK,
I.ST ;;lass ObcrirrcnBdlt^r
ElCCiCKZUNtiH UANniDATE U n le rrO h ror' A n HlrC^r ArlHIcr^
D PRIVATE
aiSBGKANT
Nr:r>
Uaivtotnilat EfiflnocrB
PffEIPARATORV I Iti(
SCHOOL
rruffUlor vgrif hule
COLLAR PATCHES
ENLISTEIl TYPE (Mar
"l^"
I
*" worn hy onlrcrB)
ENI.fSTHIl
TVPK
2
ENLISTED TYPE
3
TU-e 30-131
,
HANDBOOK ON GERMAN MILITARY FORCES PLATE
IX
COLORS OF AEMV ARMS Colored pipings Id indicate LheBrm appear on Iheahouider strap,
on the service cap, on the Held cap. aoniGlinics on
the caltar patrh, and on lhu( NtyJc of nfficor's field blouse whicli rurricH
piping;;
on the cuITb, on the
the edge oF the blouse Dy.
The
ri>liar»
motorcyclisLH nnd to other reconnaissance and units
(iBNEKAL OFflCEHK
remains uncertain, owing
mobile
to organizational dianges.
(AVA(.in',i;v(:i.tST3
;
rHAPl.AINH
KmrftlEcrlr. ItadrnhTvr
;
lIctrcHKokwUkhd
;
(lenirrnlf
and on
application or colors to
Gaiden ;
Hrluhl Kri!
Vflloa
AIITILLEIIV A II
I
II
SI1;NAI, THlllll'S Nbrhrlrhli'nEruppk'n
I'M E
MtJLIJC'Al. ]
Sanllfit-t-Korprd
Lemon Brflhl
R«l
Yotld-
THANSPOHT.
MOUNTAIN
(lEtVKIIAL STAKI-'
CO II I'M
HLIPI'l-lf THl'llH.S
INKANrrtV
li.li.li
t'nhrlriip pi' h
C;rhlr|l:ijiairT
Njirh-rhbbtruppen
Uthl Bine
VKTEHINAKV FKHSINNHI.
AHUOUEII INfANTBY
Vi-lorlnTir-H<»r|iB
Puniscrirvnail Icrv
CiimBDn
;
TANK
M<1T1)HCYC1.E
TIIUOPS
'nicnips
HrmdFfchuizen (PcsbDliTr Now Pink)
: ; '•
:
CONSTHIICTION T110()PH nstK'Upprn
Pink
MIUTAKI
CIVILIAN "KfliUiJi
I'ltUIlK tV Idflir Jtdd rm crlc
;Ormn|c-Pcd
ENOtNEEKI N
OrutfC'Red
lli.uml.n
;
Inienleur-Ufrivli'rr (Dlshnnillni) ;
I'lonliTr
GrmuGr^
Pmni^crlrilpptn
i
:
MUTUm/Ktl, :
:
PANHKIt
I
reconnaissanch:
;
(Nno Ptnkl
I
l>mrU <:rucn
INFANTHr Inrnnli'riD
NPEflALIST
OFFK'KHS Hnndi-rmhrpr
-
)
UNIFORMS, ISSIGKIA, /,
MhfeUimi'oufi.
—
AK:D IDENTIFICATION &
(rcprral.
(1)
likely to be foiiml are Hie
—
Aiiiorifr
other
Memorial Medal, the
35
tnilitai'v niediils
Siideteii
Medal,
—
and the Memel Medal. All three niediils are in bronze the face shows t\To nude warriors hearing the German flag, with the national emblem as their stepping-stone, (2) Memorial Me(^ aJ .—T\v\: Memorial Medal {Erinnerung^MedailJe) markfi the annexation {Anfckhi-ts) of Austria. The ribbon is dark red with hhic-k and white edging. The reverse side of the
medal bears the inscription Ein Yolk, Ein Reich. Ein
Fulu-er and the
ihile
Mlh-z
/-.'
]!)-JS.
—
The Sudeten Medal commemorates the (3) Sudeten M'-ilul. cession of the Sudelenland to Germanv. The reverse side of the meda! beai-s the inscription Ein Volk. Em Reich. Ein Fiihrer with the date (4)
/
The ribbon is black- red- black. Memel Medal marks the return of Germany. The reverse side of the medal bears
Oktohei- IWiU.
Mrmd
Medal.
the Meiiielland to
—The
the inscription MeduiUe zur Erinnerung an die Hfiml-chr des Memelhiiides and the date 23 Miirs 1939. The ribbon is greenwhite-red.
V
Sfctiox
IXi-ANTRY lulL'ocliiCtioii
Iiifanfry re^imi'iit
(Gmiiidirr-Ketliiiiiiit
Infiintry
iu
bjithiliiiii
iiifnnri'j-
Murorizeil infantry reKimeiir iiintiirized
i'iuizec
ili
reiiinieiit
'S8
{Gifiuiil ie.i--Rpgiment
(Mot.)
)
In
vision
,^9
infantry regiment
Mn|iM-iKi>il
3G 37
(Panaer-Greimdier-Rogiment) in
division
Mininfaiii infantry fegiment (Gchirffsjdf/pr-Begimenf)
40 41
JlnliJix-yile balliiliiia {Kiwlnfliiitzeii-Huttullon)
i2
M
mii('iiiiie-2un
battnliDii
{
Md^cliinengetoelir-Biil u il
(Mol.))
Mfit'iriKed Biiffiillon
4:i
antlairci'iift
(Hot.)
Security regiment
.
mnchine-gun
battalion
I
(8'wherm'j'^-li
51
(Fliiaabirehr-
44 45
RESTRICTED
— HAXDBOOK ON GERMAN' MIUTARY FORCES
36
36. Introduction.
a.
— Despite
Geiieral.-
the important role
which hiiS been played by specialized branches of the German Army, the infantry has been and remains today the foundation Panzer divisions for German offensive and defensive operations. liave penetrated enemy lines and operated as spearbeads far behind them, but final decisions have been forced by agj^ressive, quick-marching, ground-holding infantry nnit^ provided with great firepower. The German Army has I'eoo^jiized the fundamental importance of the infantry by selecting particularly capable officer material for this branch, and by providing weapons to meet almost any situation that may confront, an infantry unit from the squad up to the regiment. Each infantry unit is furnished with whatever it needs to meet the problems which will Heavy infantry weapons arise when it closes with the enemy. are provided in the infantry howitzer company with its three platoons of TB-mm (light) infantry howitzers and its one platoon of 150-mm (heavy) infantry howitzers. In this way, artillery does not have to be taken from main artillery objectives and the infantry has its own artillery close-tire support. Similarly, the infantry regiment has its own organic combat engiiioor, reconnaissance, antitank, and signal units, and its own supply column, almost as well-balanced and self-contained as a division. The Inspectorate of Infantry in the Army responsible, with few exceptions, foj- the organis Command
making h.
High
it
Organization.
ization, training,
—
and equipment of the infantry throughout the
the motorized infanlry regiments in ai'e and motorcycle {Panzer-Ownadier-Begimenter) Panzer divisions reconnaissance units with Panzer and together battalions, which {InxpfkInspector of Mobile Troops the ave coordinated under teur der schnellen Truppen). The following principal types of
Army.
Exceptions
subordinate infantry units exist: (1) Infantry regiments {Grunadier-Regimenter), in light divisions called Jdger-Begimenter.
RESTRICTED
52
INPAXTRY (2)
infantry
Mdtoi-izpil
[Mot.)),
\n
Paiizfi'
36-37
wgiiiuuitH
divisions
called
(Gnmadkr-Regunenfi-r Paixzer-Greimdier-Rayi'
inenter.
(3)
MoiKitiiin infantry ri'giniciits
(4)
jMoLofcyclf battiiHons; {Kimhchiiizen-Bata'/llonc).
(;>)
Motorized niachiiK'-irnn
Figure
IJ.
— Medium
taillonc (Mof.))^ a
{(7{'7>irf/>:jiir/<'r-R('(jiii}cvipr).
liattalions
Hrmtutd
{Magchii}cngi'vcli)--Ba~
]>ti>onuol larricr iSd-Kfi. 2il).
few in mnuber, usually belonging to the
GHQ
pool. ;aitiiiircral't niaeliine-guii Laltaliims (.0) Motorized ahwehr-BafaiUoni' {Mot.)). (7) Security iTginLenIs {S/>/ii'r>i,.
(^Vki/-
—
37. Infantry regiment (Grenadier-Regiment). The Gerinfantry regiment is a powerful, flexible unit controlling its
man
own communications and
Hupply. The infantry regiment is also provided with combat engineerti, antitank defense, and close-
supiKirt artillery in addition to
(Sec
fig.
18).
The companies
thi'ee battiilions of infantry. of the infantry battalions are
it^;
53
RESTRICTED
1 ft
H pa
o
rfi
.
IXFANTRY numbered consecutively from iiuiiibers
-1,
8, iiiul
12
Vjeiiifx
imate strength of the pert
is
shown
37-38
1 to 12 tlivougliout
the regiment,
iiiiicliinp-gnn fomijaiiies.
Tlio ii])pios-
infaiifi
in figure 1!); in
y reirimeiit
armament,
O
Lnits
anil
EM
in
piTsonncl ami tians-
in figure 20.
Oilier
Mtrcl
Mtr vehicles
Rpgimenta] lieadquarters.
48
platoon Mounted infantry platoon.
49
f-isiiH.]
Engincei' iilatoon
company
1!!0
Antitank company Three infantjy battaiiona,-
170
Infantry howitzer
2,
5U
Servicef^
TOTAL
3,
Figure 19.^ CainpD£iliun
Weapons
cif
159
Horaes
3 3 2 7
32 57
-
H-Dr vehicles
10
I)
23 45
30 33
7
2
150 39
87
73
214
the infHTilry regiment.
641
INFANTRY BATTALION
M m
(Gfeiiadier-BfltJilllon) (2-" officji^i^s— 81 : Piin>:tpd
men)
I
i-3
I
Bii
I—
n H
H^
G office I'S
4 officers
ir,
ar,
EM
1 Rifle
Sig Sec
Co
aRilieC Co
4 mi:
K RiHtf Co
Trains
Cfl
1
4 office i's is:{
EM
EiM
officer
21; (J
EM
H-Dr
vcliicles
a 10 a Mti veliielea
e
To
k, H[|
1
Plot
:;
Piii
AT
Plat
a
1
Co Conidr NCO'a
4 5
EM
1
S41I
i Slid 1
NCO
NI'O
!)
Men
EM
]
LM(J
Pliil I'rimdr
1 4
2
18
XCO'a
EM
8 wasona 1 truck
riflfs
I
I
Plot Hii
Trnlns
RiHo Sec
NCO
6 Eil S AT
1
4 Sqii 3 Men l-SO-Tiim X rtO-mm Diortar
MP
G RiSes 2 Pis tola 1
Co Hq Co a
G
1
Coiiidr
Hv
Mil
2
Hv
PlDt
II r.
a
Hv
MC.
Plat
Plat
4
Hv Mort
Trains
Plat
;i
NCO's
2.-
EM
NCO's
KM
2U H-Dr veliiclpa
1 trlict I
4
EM
Hv MCr
Hv Ml!
Plat Hc]
2 XCO's
Sec
Sec-
Hv
(E.icli eacli seivi^il
Mfl Kec by] sii" I
Plat 1 a
NCO
liiis
2
Cniiuli-
Hq
1
Hv MO's, ami ^ EM.)
Hv Mort Sec 2 Hv Mnit Sec -i Mori VeQ lins a Pec Hq uf 1 -'-CO and EM and 2 Hv (Sl-mui) uioriars, eacli EM.) sci-vfil by 1 Mort Comdr and
Hv Moir
Sec
(Each
EM
Ti
Ht
,'j
— OrganizatiaTi
Fiffurf 21-
of
llie
infantry bBttailon-
infa:n'try '
38-39
40-41
HAXDBaOK ON G.ERMAN MTLTTARV TORCGS
40. OTotorizedinfaiitry
ment) in Panzer division. A^'hich
forms purl nf
Greixidwr-Brifi'i'lp)
tlie
regiment ( Panzer -Grenadier-RefiU The inotorizetl infiiiury regiiiietit,
—
motoi'ized infiintry brigade
in tlic P:iiizcc division, oonsiBtP
of
{Pansera
hoail-
quarteus, a lieadqiuirters compiiiiy (ineliidiiig a sijjnal platoon,
an antitank phitoon. and a motorcycle platoon), two infiintry biittnlions, nn infanlry howitzi'i' company, and sei'vici'S, Its approximate strenirth in |)e!'sannel and trans^pott is sliown in fignce 23; in armament, in figure 24. rrnit?
!S^FA^"TET
41-42
men in its three mountain infantry the throe infantry battalions in a nor-
sitlcrably liiglicr miinlipv of
battalions than there are
i]i
mal infantry regiment. The regiment also has a large, number of horses and mnles for carrvinj;; loails over mountain trails which coukl not be ciosswl by vebicles. Mu?t of the lieavy weapons have been eliminated in order to facilitate mountain operations. h. The mountain infantry regiment consists of a headquarters, a signal platoon, three mountain infantry battalions, an antitank company, and services-. It? api;ro.\imate strength in personnel and transport is shown in figure 25; in armament, in figure 26.
TJoilB
42^4
HA.^^)BO0K ON GERMAN" MILITARY FORCES
PiUizei- divisions, however, the motorcycle b;xttalioii forms In order unit, rephveing tho reoonnaissimce biirtiiHon. sepunite a newer nnits firepower, of these :uid each strength udded give it to contains an armored car compiiny. J. Tlie old-type motoi'cyole battalion consists of a headquarters,
formed
three motorcycle companies, a motorcycle inncliine-gun company, Its approxiniat-e a heavy weapons company, and services.
strength in personnel, transport, and armament 27.
TiDltS
is
sbown
in figure
CAVALRY AND BEC0XNAIS3AKCE UNITS
Units
4^46
46-47
HAXDBOOK OK GERMAN MILITARY FORCES
important
fuiiotioii
of
tlie
cavalry
arm
at present
is tlie
training
which form an important part of most German divisions. In addition, in the GHQ pool there are independent bicycle battalions which also
and
(control of the i-econiiaissanoe battalions
belong to the cavalry arm. 47. Reconnaissance battalions (Aufkl'drungsabteiluiigen). a. General organimtion. There are three ussiial types of reconnaissance battalions those ovfjanized for normal infantry
—
—
—
and those for the oldIn the newly formed Panzer divisions the reconnaissance battalion is beinjr replaced by a reinforced motordivisions, those for motorized divisiiins.
type Panzer divisions. cycle battalion.
—
—
The Individual units. (1) li\ nortn-aJ hrfcmtri; divinoi}!!. contains normid infantry division battalion in the reconnaissance a battalion headquarters, a horse cavalry troop, a bicycle company, and a heavy weapons company. Its approximate strength h.
in personnel, transport, and
ITiOitS
armament
is
shown
in figure 29,
CAVALRY AND RECOJ^'NAISSANCE UNITS
On Us
47-48
HAXDBOOK OX OE'RMAN MILITARV FORCES
48-49
h. Iniih'idiinl i\nifh.—(\')
In inonr^fmii
dh^i-nioiin.
—
Tlii'
bicyole
mountain cHvision consists oi a battalion lieadqnart£vs, two bicycle companies, and a heavy weapons company. The approximate strength of this battalion in personnel, trunspovt. and armament is shown in figure ;'>2. battalion in
OnitB
tlie
INFAXTRV WEAPONS cavaliy
iiiechanizpfl, aurl the liorsp
Iit»i]k,
49-51
ono
cif
wliirh
foiiml
i;'
in tlie I'ecoimaissLiiK'e battiilioii of cai'li iiDtiiial iiil'autij' division.
The
cavalry regiments belong to training ({iinniaiuls. noted tiiat tlie monnted platoon attai-lu'd to tlio lieadquai-ters of eacli normal infantry I'eginient is not clasKified as cavalry but as infantry. I'omaiiiiiig
It should
he.
Section VTI
INFANTRY WEAPONS General
[^,y
^msi]]
Til
jinlifi iiiid liiditl ^'leiijKlfS
-^iilniiiiilic Miiall ATiiiliiiili
iinus jind
iiiiiitiirs
ri2
wi'iipmis
SK
liifmitvy uuppori artillcvj'
."M
Ammunition
55
50. General. side arms,
hand
—The weapons used by the German gre]iades.
I'ifles.
in fantry.
from
maoJiine gnns. and mortars to the
heavier infiintry support gmis, give the German soldier the gj'oatest possible firepower not only against enemy infantry, but also against hostile armored forces. Although the German infanlry-
man's weapons provide him with the means to defend hiniM'l'f, they are designed and allotted primarily for attaek rather than for defense, 51.
Small arms and hand grenades.
—
«.
FMoh. — (1)
Zwye?-.—The Lnger pistol {Plntole OS) is the most eonnnon German side arm (fig. 34). It is hemiantomatie and reeoil-oijentted. and has a caliber of S) mm (.3;H inch). It has an eight-round magazine which fits into the bottom of the butt. When empty, the gnn weighs 1 pouiid 14 onnees. It fires a 9-nim rimless, straightca.'*
eurtridge and has an effective range of 25 yards.
(2)
'Walthffi:
Walther
—The
Germans have
pistol {Pistole -IS),
recently
and eventually 65
this
inti-odnced
weapon
(tig.
trie ;i,i)
RESTKICTEl)
51
HAXDROOK
O^'
t'itiUJi.'3L
GE'RMAN MILITARY FORCES
— y-imn
Lugur
j>i^hil
(I'isiole OH)^
Solely
NagafEiLC
—S.mm Walllier
Figure S5.
RESTRICTED
[lislnl
coich
{Pistalc SS),
-
INFANTRY WEAPONS niity replace tlie Liif;ei-,
an
31
Tlie AYiUthor ])istol
is
I'oeoil-opci'atod
lower reai' of 9 nnn (.354 jndi), weiffliy 2 pomuk 1% ounces wlion empty, and lius an effeclivc range of 25 yaitls. &. Sifes. (1) Mauxi'f carbhw. mo'h/ 'hsK {Mwmer-Karahhier .95A').— The JIaiiser carbine, model i)SK {Kuv. ftV/i"), is the standiiii
hiis
of the butt.
eipht-i'oiini] mafriiziiic wliidi fits into the II liiis
11
L'aliljer
—
ard shoukler weapon of the Gei'inan
Army
(fig. 3(>).
Bolt-oper-
long and weighs about i) pounds. The rifle lia^ open sight;^, the rear sight having a V-nolch and being of a new Mauser faiigent-curvc type developed siucc "World AVar I. The front flight is laterally adjustable wiihiu ated and iitagazine-fcd,
small IJmils
if is
48)/> inc-hey
in its dovetail pint to
make
it
possible to zot'o the
— 7.92-inm Msuscr carbine (Kar. ShKj, uilh grenade dischnrctr
Fisuro 36.
if this is
proves
iicce.ssai-y.
made strong enough
The
rille
ftctci^vDrk's.
front higlit haa no hideguards but rough service conditions. The
to withstand
leather sling of this short moilel side of the lower hand,
is
fasteiwd at
and at the rear
in tho buttstock behind the pistol grip.
front on the left a transverse hulc It has neither a windage (iie
tiirougli
adjustment knoh nor a pecp-ssight such as found on U. S. Army but it has an effeetive range of 800 yards. Its magazine holds five rounds of 7.!J2-mm ammunition. The rifle can be equipped with a. gronadc discinugei', which is fitted to the bayonet rifles,
(The Gernums employ high-explosive and armor-piereirig There are sevei'al older models of this rifle, the GevehrOa, the Kanibmer !)8^ and the Ei'mbi'un-O.SB, all of which lug.
rifle
grenades.)
liave longer barrela
identical to
than the
Ka.i'.
96K
but are otherwise almost
it.
67
RESTRICTED
HAKDBOOK OX GERMAN" MILITAUY
61
FQHCK-j
—
R'fi\ innd''7 .{/ [Gnmln- '/l). TIip Gfi'inans have intrndiifcd a new rifle {Geiwlir 41) which is u giis-iipenitpd, iiiugiiziiieII weighs 10 pounds 14 fed, seiniiiiitoniiilic weapdii (tifj- 37). (2)
uiuiecH
when
It iiokls 10 ronrids in 2 five-i-oiind
eniply.
and HreH 7.i)2-nnu ainniunilicin. inches imd an efFcctive range of about 800 yards. c.
Bmyonei.
stud.
Tlie
niches
l(iiif>:
— AH
German and
Hand
rifles
— 7,a2-mm
grenadoi.
rilli;
sword pattern,
1
is
i'uot
S
4 oiniees.
Jl {Gcioehr tl), riglit vitv,, hull oiitncd.
— (ferinan
types of hand grenades.
45
ol'
are provided with a hayoiiet
Ijaynnet, uf the
weijjh-s 1 iinniid
Figure 37.
d.
(leinuin
elips
rillf!
It lias an nver-ali It^ngtli
.soldiers are equijjped
Those are model 24
(fig.
38)
with fonr
and model
Sfl slick hand fjri'iiades (S/zel/uindf/rfnuifet:), Ihe stick sinokc hand {jrenade {Ncbclk'nulgninate -Aj), and the egg-shuped hand firenade {Eierhandgnmate 3'.)). All except the smoke grenade are oft'ensive-lype grenades, wifh thin inelal covering and a high explosive content in conipari-Min willi their woiglil. Thus they
I'lf
rely
on their blaat
oneinv
persiiDiiel
effect rather
anil
than on fi'agmentation to destroy
iiistalhitioiis.
Tlie characteristics
above three types of gremides are as follows
rimeif delny
Model
24 (slick Erpnadei,_.
ni
Moilfl nndo).
311
MudclBfl (Mg
{stitik
1
l"'ITccfive hljist
(yarila)
1™(.
:;
jTifhM
Rtc-
groniuii'l
soimci's
Ion
I
[ii]rinr|
1
puUuJiiuUQfl'3 4 1uB
4
-t
iutiilicly).
RESTRICTED
flie
nuliua
\\>iElil
Over nil b;iKni
of
:
liili
12 lo 14 IS
INFANTRY WEAPONS
— llifniilrjmvn
P'JEurt 3».
10 nltJirk ivilh ^lirk
ii-udj'
hnuA
51^52
(jnilliik-^, ini>dtl 2]
{^lii'IhiinJgiBnnlrii 3d).
F
iisf
acn iiisl. iiillbuxcs,
llic-
f icrmiUis
Bomot iinow irmovf the
ffreiiinlfs, fash'ii llicni ^ceiii-i'iy ar'duiul
lieiulj^
u ^cveiilli, am!
of six use the wliole us a (lemolitinn charge. The ej^'g-sliajX'd hand gwiiudesaro oi'lcn iiscd furbnobj' fi'a])s, 53. Automatic small arms and m.ortars- ", ^uhmarhhw Tlic (Jermaii Army makt's use of two typos of subniiichiiie gtins. !-fii'k
—
—
M
.l\ Jfll (fig. 40), -J-V (fig. :3!j) and quantities ami are relarge been issued in both of which have reeoil-oiicrated, iiiagaare simple These guns weapons. liable eouMr-urlion. They pla>-iic bolh metal an
gmis—the ^chmci^^er M.P.
C9
KESTRICTED
HAJS-DBOOK OX
52
GERMAN MILITARY FORCES
j^liouJcEcr I'e^t cv.lenilt'[l.
—
Fl^cdre ID.
O-niin subninchini.'
RESTRICTED
fiun
f.^rftnrefNfpr iV^P. 40).
70
sbowine CBrryiHK hcU anJ
TNTAN iin r)f alioiil
type of
200
yariifi.
iimiti mill ion
The ^uns
\vi:
iirc
used in (icniftin
—
52
\roNS;
l!ii'
F^niiii'
rimlcsi? siraight-case
siilo ai'ms.
—
The stamlard macliine gun (1) M.G. OJ). Genua]! Ai'iiiy, the M.C. .7,^, can bo ilci'd as a li^ht machine ynn from a bipod nionnl (Ki>;. 41). Il can ho nscd as a heavy niachinpgnn when motuilcti on a Iripod (jiir, 42). It can also be used h.
Machine guxs.
in tlio
FL^UE't II.
—
7.92-iEiiii
II^IeI
iiiHrliEiif
^uii (M-i:. -in
ou biimd
iiiuiint.
against liostih' aircL'al'l when muunlcd "n a .-.pccial anliaircraft mount, or even on tlie standard tripod nionnt when its crew have an adaptor and a special si{!;ht. All infantry sqinKLs as well as many otiioi- types of small Geniiaii units are armed with flip M.G. 34. Tiie gun is an lur-cooled, recoil -operated automatic weapon. Aflerabonl 2.50 shots (he Jieated barrel can be removed by a sinij)le mechanism and a cool one put in ils place. Tlic gun is belt- or
MRsn;;'"4a-
n
RERTRTCTED
?iA_\DBOOK OX (.EHM.\X MILITAKY HIBCES
5&
Wlicn"'>ii llif hipni] nimint, il woijrhs i6."i pounds, and cm the ti'il>od liimuil CS..^ |)i]unds. The iiin.\liiii[in I'iiiifrc for bind the heavy and tlm liij:lit mniitit is 5,0n0 yards, while the effective niiige for the lu'avy iimmil is :!.S00 y;irdK and for llie li^rhl luonnt (ll'iiiii-tVil.
Thf
'2.QQ{> yai'd.--.
I'ldl-antoMiatic
finn Ciin be Kr<'d eillier witli
and n>es
fire
— T.!l2-mhl
Fi^urt 42,
tracer aiiiriiindtion.
rounds per (J)
ing,
iiiul
J,J.
or
or
Ci'ilJUcI jiiuuiit.
It jjas a cyclic rate of fire of fioiii 800 to 000
—A
Jiewur dnal-piirpor-e machine gun, the
M.O.
J.'/.
m^d
It
-).'i
and
M.G.
J,2 is
is jusi n> (-ervicejible a
easier to pro-
weapon.
allhoiii;!i
Like the M.G. !',, it may be either beltIt weighs 25.5 pounds with the hipod mount, juiii
finish is lets siiHJOth.
or drum-fed.
M.G.
will pi-obnbly eventnally
Because of the wider use of stamping, weld-
riveting in its nianiifactnre, the
duce than the M.G. if.s
H'liiiaiiloiDiitii.'
arnioi'-pion-ing.
htavy niuchjilt f^un (M.G. 3J} un
43). hah ap])eared n>ceii!ly,
leplace the
hall,
niiiiiite.
M.(r.
J,2 {fifr.
T.!)2-iiiin
RESTRICTED
72
]NrA.XTHV Ci7.'i
pounds with
wliifh c. is it
MoHars.
tho
1lif (ii|Mi(!
Viirie.'; t'foiii l,()r]0
—
hiduiU.
—
Tlic5-c.in
;i
niiizzli'-hwilirLi;;,
n cyi'llc rate of fire
ininitli',
(50-mm
liuu'tiilli'
.sml!i-l.)oiv,
depressed below 45°.
Tlie
carrying a
ll;l^i
per
{l.!>7-incli)) nun-tar
of (he GctLiiu]! Army (llfj,'. 44), It is wi'apdiL, wiMfjIiing only ;U pniimln, mui is ciisy lo ciirry. It
ciiiiiKiL !je iiiciit.
53
iiioi'kir
FiKurf 13.— 7 .9^-1 run HhUI
i!i
11
In 1,HI() I'diiiids
{!) ft-om}
st;iiiii:u-(i lijilif
liglil.
\VKAl>(l,\>i
uiiii
(,».(.'.
I2\.
liigii-iin^k'-iiiT
It is fii'ed
by
wLMpoii siml
a trirffjer arninge-
weapon is opcniti'd by a tluve-man crew, two oi tht'ni gun and the tliii'd carrying aiiiiiumitioii. It fires
tlie
liigli-explofiive sIh4I
weighing aiipniximafely 2 pounds.
Its
milMmi'icrs. iilipiciis wi'.ipoiis villi triliiiprs oC 20 mtlliiiiPti'rs niicl liiijiifr iit'p meay.iircil ill cPiitiiin'tci-s. (T)ip I'onvrTsioii fniiii r'Cii(iii»'irTs iii mill imp lei's i« Kliiijily ii Illlilknlioii lij- ]0.) As II I'lilc lliroinlioiil Ihp leit. i:iHliri« iire iPlin-spnliil in iiiiiliiirL'li'rs.
73
RESTRICTED
HAXDBOOK ON GERM.tN MILITARY FORCES
ea
riiiigc- Viii'ies fi'oiii
570 yards.
;i
Tiiiniiiiuiii
of 55 yards Id
u ii);i.\inniiii of Jiboiif
Altlioiigh a trained crew can fire about six roiuuls in 8
ijeeondy, tlioy L-ainiut iiiaiiitiiin this rate for
any
(2) S-eni:— In atldition to their light mortar,
l"'iRUre -IJ.
— -Hf-miu
a ]it'avy 8-cm (8U-nmi)
ni4»rlar tt.Gv-\V. 3li>
moitar {Hg.
il'itti
Ifngtli of time.
tlie
Geiimnm
liuve
i'ltit'.
smooth81-mra jiKU'tar. The >1k']] islircd by fintuct with a fiviufr pin [-itiialed on the iiifiidc of the breech at the- lower ciul of the l)arrel. Thiy wea]Mm weighs 125 pounds, aiic! ean be curried either by three men or transported on a li
RESTRICTED
weapon
4.j), a nnizzhi-loadinfj,
i-iniilar
74
to the U. S.
Army
— WEAPONS
n>rFA>prRV fi-om a mifiimiim of 437
yards
liigli-cxplosii'e shell weighii fire
to n
7%
maximum
pounds.
52-53 of 1,312 yards.
The maximum
The
rate of
m
obtainable by a trained crew is 6 rounds 9 seconds, but the is from 15 to 20 lounds per minute.
usual rate
— SO-nini mortar
Fleurc 45.
(s.Gt.W. Si) bciiis loaded.
Antitank n/^a.—Two antitank 4G and 47) are used by the 3.0) Germany Army. Tiiese are single-shot weapons firing 7.93-mm (.312-inch) ammunition witli a caliber .50 case. They have an efi'ective range varying from 250 to 300 yards. In many cases these rifles are now being modified and converted into antitank grenade throwers. 53.
rifles
Antitank weapons.
(Panserh'/chsc 3S and
a.
{figs.
75
RESTRICTED
HAXDROOK ON PEUMAX
S3
FinuvB 4G.— 7.92-iiim
Figiiii:
Hiililiuik rifle
-11.— 7.9a-mm aulitaiili
RESTRICTED
rillr
MII.lTAliV
KORCKfi
(Pz.n. 3S) iviHi Rrrnnde discharirer.
kP:.U, 33) wilh slutk unil
76
bijiuil csteiiilcil.
IKFANTRY WEAPONS h. Ant'ifcniJc
Pok
(37-111(11
])lacc(]
ffmix.
—
(1)
(L4;)-iiicli)
by the 6-Gm Pah
Pah
af;
-IJ-cm
Puh?
aiiLibiiik
gun)
tlif
—
53 Altlioii^li
Jiiis
lipcn
tlie
SJ/'-oii,
partially Yk-
principal Gcniiini unlilaiik weapon,
iisei! {{\^. 48). The gun i:, part the orHiiiuc equiimiciit of Iho Grniimi infantry refj:iiiicn(. It has recently been pi'ovidwi with a new type o{ armor-piereing anininnilion wJiic-h jiives it a good penetration elEci't n[> to 4nO yurd^. Tlic f>ini wvi;ihs ahont 8M0 pounds, and is noinially Ifiwcd on its
the J.7-cm
is still
wiih^ly
(if
FigDr?
own wheels by
a
4tl.
— 37-mni
prime mover
antitank fiun (I'ak 37).
i>i'
carried in a truck,
T!ie iniizzle
velocity of the iiew type of armor-piercing aniiniinitioii
The
is
3,450
range of tlie gun is 600 yards, its rate of fire is 8 to 10 roimdri per minute, and it has a niuxiniinn elevation of 25" niid a depression of 8°. It ib operated by a crew of 6 men. stick bomb 5.7 indies in diameter and 11 inches long with ii rod that fits into the bore is ased at short ranges (fig. 49). feet per second.
effective
A
'Pal; eun-
ji tiiB
Opini:iu aijbrpviiilinn fir Panii'i-nlim<'lirl:
iiipaiis
"mititank
RESTRICTED
HANDBOOK ON GERMAN
53
MIT.ITAHY yOHfES 'f
Figure ^9.—37-mm aiililnnk gun
(I'fik 37)
..'"v:;
wilh iliik bomb.
FiBuir ilj.— .,u-iiim nnljtank eu" IPuk 36) faiiturcd at Tohmk.
(2) giiii)
0-CM I'^lk.—The f>-cm. Fiik (50-nim (LnT-iiidi) and 52) wati fii>^t iiitrodinjed in the
(HgK. 50, 51,
RESTRICTED
78
aiititiink wpi'liig
of
INFANTRY WEAPONS
Fijfurt'
SK^jn-miii nnlitiiik
Figure
52.
— 50-mm
^uii iPiik
Biilitunk guii
3!^i
in CKIiluulTjLKi-d |m>iIion Midi n-i-"-.
(Pal ai)
ry
S3
lui-cd hy [jrinif
innnT.
RESTRICTED
— HANDBOOK ON GERMAN MILITARY FORCES
53-54
1941 to replace the S:l-cm- Pah. It is mouiiteiil on a split-trail carriage, iionnally towed by a prime mover, and is expei'te<] fve:!tually to become a part of the standard equipment of the German
The gim
infantry regiment.
fires
tracer and
IlK
shells, as well as
armor-piercing shells of a new type similar to those used in the 37-min weapon. The muzzle velocity (if the new type of annnnnition has amniiinitioii is 3,940 feet per second, while the The effective range for a muzzle velocity of 1.800 feet per second. niaxinmm the new type of amnjiinition is 500 yards, while the range is 2.C40 yards, wilh aji etfective range of 2,000 yards. The practical rate of fire for ihe gim is 10 to 15 rounds per minute. The gun weighs 2,145 pounds and has a maxiimmi elevation of 27° and a depression of 18°. The gun is operated by a crew of
AP
HE
HE
8
men. 54. Infantry support artillery. a. 7.o-cm- infantrii ho>nThe German 75-min infantry howitzer, which is the basic
itser.
light
—
infantry supp
mounted on
a carriage
weapon
artillery
(fi^.
having either sleel-type
or pneumatic
tires.
The steel-wheeled carriage
borne troops,
and
sometimes referred to
tain-iiifantry
howitzer.
is
The
weapon
horses or by a motor vehicle. broken down into 6 loads of a
The muzzle
velocity of
HE
shell
is
53 and
54),
is
artillery wheels
used by air-
is
as the
75-mm
drawn
either
inou]i-
by
6
Foi- pack transport it can be maxlnunu of 165 pounds each.
used in this weapon
is
730 feet
per second and its maximum raJige in 3.870 yards. Its maxiiimm rate of fire is 15 to 20 rounds per miuute. Its weight is 880 pounds. The ^un can be elevated 73° and depressed 10°. It fires shell weighing 12 pounds 2 ounces, and an armor -piercing an The gun is operated by a crew of 6 men. shell. The 150-mm infantry howitzer h. 35-cm. infmifry honviiser. German heavy infantry support weapon, (fig. 55) is the standard
HE
—
high -explosive shell weighing 84 pounds as well as a smoke rihell, and can be used for either high or low trajectory It is normally either horse- or motor-nirawn. The gun has fire. firing a
RESTRICTED
80
INF.WTRV \VEAPO^S
FJ^ute 53_—"j-min infaJitry liuwilzpr fl.iM. /^J, lior^c-dmuii.
Figure
iti.
— 7j-mm
54
(Thia
hiluntry htjwt|7tr (IJ.O. IS) muuntfd on
iiosv-jt^ur is
CiicrljiKC
alsn uned
«ilh
^ll1^bLT whci'lb.
81
RESTIirCTED
— 54-55
HANDBOOK ON GERMAN MlLfTARY FORCES
a inuzzlfi velocity of 790 feet per second hikT a riiaximnni of C.fiOO yards and weighs 3,000 [khitkIs. It is oi)e]'ate(l
riiiige liy
a
crew of nine men. 55. Ammunition. a. General.-~Ty\ tlie GLM-maii Army, weapons with a callliev of 20-niin or less are ineasHred in niillimetcrft, while larger weiipoiis ai'e measured in centimeters (see The nonifnclaliii'e of CJerinan anninmillon and p. 73, note 1). mmK is fnrtlicr coniplicaled by the fact that in some cases
Figuif
,i."i.
— IM-mm
infuillrj
hgniliir Ch.l.C. 3S) in firinB
|>oslliun.
Germans ux; uiily iiii aiJjiroxliiiale unliber 1o dci^eribe a weapon (for exami)le, 7.9-iitin for the 7.'J^-nuii rille and S-an for tiic heavy mortar, which is in reality an 8.1-cm weapon), whereas in th(3
other cases they use
Pak.
th(^
exact caliber,
iis
3.7-cm for the
l.'/'-em.
—
Typci^ of amnmmlion. The several types of ammunition of 7.92-mm caliber are all standard fm- Gerniiin pistols, siibi!i;iIlowevci-, special lypes ebinc guns, rifles, and machine guns. b.
of this
ammunition are used for
RESTRICTED
82
special purposes.
An example
— FIKLU AKIII.LERY of this
is -Ihp
I'epiibir
aniioi--}>ipiTing :)miniinition
This aumuuutioii
iuititiink rifles.
55-56
hsis
!i
huge
Gennan
for
ca.se siniilai- to
that
of the U. S. caliber .50 cartridge, but the projectile remaius 7.92 mm. There are two types of light mortar shells, smoke anii high-explosive, whereas the heavy mortars have an additional type, a smoke shell with a delayed action. Both tlie S7- and the 5(l-mm antitank jiuiis ai'p used primarily against armored vehicles, but they are also provided with high-explosive shells for use against personnel. rently used
iti
(See
G2 for types of ammunition cur-
pai-.
Gennan antitauk
mm
infaniry howitzers (par. 54)
ing,
and smoke
weitpoiis.) fire
The
75-nnii
and laO-
high-explosive, armor-pierc-
shells.
Sfx^TioN
viir
FIELD ARTILLERY 111 t ['>(! II pt ion
Divi.sioii:il
Arfillcry
GHQ
,^G
ijrtillfry
0(niiiii;iii(ler« iiiid
iirtilU-ry
57
.
staffs
fjS
[
units
Sft
NDiiipiidariire
MetlUKls
i.f
68
fire
(51
Anininiiitimi
62
;
—
56. Introduction. a. General. (1) The tabulation in figure 56 gives the characteristics of the principal German artillery weaiJons. (2)
The fundamental
principle governing the
German
use of
artillery is the concentraticm of ovfrwhelining firepower at vital
points to assure the advance of ground forces toward the main objective. To make such use of firepower possible, the control of ai-tillery in each echelon
concentrated in the hands of a The (ire of the gims is regulated from a fire direction center, which is oi-ganized on a battalion basis, receives data from observation points, can cotnpute single field artillery
is
commander.
8:{
RESTRICTED
tsi
CO
H ss
o H
O
CO
Tjiw
riEL[)
the
(lie (ire
for
tilt'
of all the guu.s in
fii'L"
111 I
AKTLLLERY
56
I);ittorio> In (lie li;ilt;ilinn. iirul tlu' baltaliiui.
The
ran time; direct
GiTiiiiiiis .stress fire
ami locate targets accurately by snrvey motliods. Fireeli;trlK ami niups :ii-e iLiihihially piTi)ii!-e(l m iiilvuiice and nsed, and Ihe ninj^e is never ostinialed. Tlie (iei'iiians idsu control,
(liicctiori
jilace gi'eate.iiipliaaisonlhe (lie
ol).-.en-!ition
use of lateral observei'S.
poiiUs jirovided by
57), there are f nrthei' oljserval ion servation battalion. (3)
f'le
aL'lillery
points
In addilion tn hallnlinn
])i'(ivi(ied
liy
Artillery oHieers are used as forward obaerverKi,
(fiy.
the oh-
and
coin-
municate with the direction center by wire or radio. Infantry oOicers lire not used us forward obsei'ver.s for the iirtillery, and when artillery iw being used to snpiiort an infantry unit, an artillery officer
is
attacJied to its staff ay a liaison officer.
m
He
(ii ca.n
RESTRICTED
— HASTXBCfOK
56-57
ON GERMAN MILITARY
net with artillery. the to conmniiiiciite
use
t!ip infiiiitvy C(iminiLiiiciiti
iip
well
When
fORCE-S iis
the artillery net
divisional artillery
from the GHQ pool, 3j)ecial from the GHQ pool arc nsually
units are reijiforced by artillery artillery
comma n (lei's and
gtaffs
sent with these units (sw par. 58).
In such
case.s
GHQ pool
the
comn^anders control the divisional artillery as well as the GHQ units, and coordinate the fire of all gnus in order to meet i)o^sible changes in general plans. Division and even corps artillery units must be held in a state of readiness so that they can be regrouped rapidly, if this proves necessarV; to t^upport a main effort in a new zone of action. The scope of the Army artillery lias been extended during the course of the present war. Originally all antiaircraft and naval coast artillery came under the control of the Air Force (Lv/tuvilfe) and the Navy (K,'/f(/.smiu'in<'), respectively. (4)
A considerable amount of Army coastal artillery
Jcihte'>uirtUhi'i(;)
now
is
(Ilceres-
used to protect coastal areas between
important naval installations, particularly at beaches where enemy landings might be attempted. German Army artillery organization comes h. OryainZ"fion. under the control of the Ijispector of Artillery {Jnnpekteur der
—
AriiMerie).
who is Much
development.
responsible for of the artillery
its
is
training and technical
withheld
in
the
GHQ pool,
added for combat purposes to its relatively small organic divisional allotment. Units ai-e also drawn from the pool to support army groups and arjnies in accordance with the estimated needs. The army groups or armies in turn usually place at least
and
is
a part of these tmits at the disposal of corps or divisions. The artillery regiment in each infantry and motorized division has an pool, while in the case observation battalion added frojn the of the Panzer division the observation battalion is an organic part of the artillery regiment.
GHQ
57. Divisional
artillery.
a.
— Divisional
General.-
artillery
regiments vary widely bolh as to size and equipment, depending upo]] the types of divisions to which they ai-e attached.
RESTRICTED
86
I'JELD .-VETlLLHliY Or(i(i„'izni',o-».
h.
—
(1)
//(,
hifoi.iri/
37
d'lri-slon.
i-fgiiiii.>iit.
in !in infanti'v ilivi^imi ctinsists of
(jnjii-lei's,
iiK'lniliiig a
titip
;i
—The
arlillcry
regimental
Jieiul-
sijrnal section: tliree liglit battnlions;
uiedlnni l.atlalimi.
liafli
lijrlit
ami
bathiliori cunKi^ts of a lieuiV
a .signal platoon, a survey pliUOon, three battorieM, in addition to a motorized amimiiiitioii cohinm. Tlie- batteries in the light battalioufj have fnnr lOri-nim gnn-howitzors eaeh (fijis.
fliiartei'S,
5S to
GO, G5,
(jimrters. liiiviiifr
a.
and
60).
j^ifrnal
The medium battalion
platoon, a
^iii'vey
consii^ts of a heailplatoon, two batteries faeh
four I.'iO-mm giin-liowifxers and
finii^ aiid a
a
battery of four lOo-mni
inutorized aiiiuiunitiiui eolunui.
Oil tlie Kiii-sian front
105-mm battery has in most cases been it'])]aced by eitJier a l.W-nmi gnn battery (Jigs. 61 to U, 67. and 6s) oi- a i:,0-mm howitzer battery. The apiiru.ximatc >i]eMgth, in i)eJ'sonneI. transport, and armament, of tlie aitillery ivgiment in the infantry divi>^ii)n is. shown in figure 00. the
Figure 5fl.— (05-mm gun-howil/tr ll.t.H. l^l. jau'£z\ii
54.ss:!2"— 4.->-
iTlit l,t\M. In is lillid wilh u duuble-banlc
brbkt.)
87
RESTRICTED
57
K/\X[)B0()K; ON'
GERMAN
TlIILITARY l^0RCE3
FiBurp 5D.— in.l-nvtii Kun -[low i tier and cr*w in
Fjs:urc
GLI.
RESTRICTED
— HJ5-nii»
jj-un-howilztT with ItAlt'lrdck
-8S
iirtidii.
iiiiiiie
iiiuvcr-
FIELD AHTILLlilir
—ISD-mni gun-howilzer
Figure 61.
(s.F.lt. IS),
67
horse-drawn, with crew, in firing posilian.
*^
riljiiL^i:
— IJU-mm
G2.
^un-liui^ il^cr,
89
E.-actor-drawn.
RESTRICTED
57
KAXnnOOK ox
FiKiiri' 63-
FJBUtC 61.
RESTRICTED
— l.jO-nvm
— IrlU-mm
fiF.RMAX ]\nl-TTAnV l-ORr^S
euii-hdwitztr, horac-drHttn, tubi- atcltoii.
gun-lio»'Jt£<;r.
90
IiuiaC-dmwn, CHiriuicf
iitcli
FIELD ARTILLERY
FiEure
Figure
6j.
— loj-nim
66'
—
1D3-Iii[ii
eu"
(('.A'.
57
If) liiiim.
gun, Iracloi-drawn,
91
RESTRICTED
:
HANDBOOK
57
0-\
LiKli.MA.N
AiiLITARY I'ORCICS
——
-::rn??
I'^J^'uri'
t'JciJi'f
6^-
—
1'iO'iiLiii Jiur.
RESTRICTED
1*7.
^'Jih
—
].~»0-iiiin
rri'i^'t
]^i]ii
diHwn
h-y
92
-
in liijiie imsjijiiii.
m^'riiutii hjiif^lrBt-k iiiLrtnr
fSii.Kiz.
,<>,
FIELD ARTILLERY
CnilE
57
HAXDBOnK nx GKHMAN
57
sion. oxcppt tliat I'liiiKcr artillery
tion battalion, poi't,
The
is
Unlls
sliown in
rt'ifiiiK'iifs
!i[ii)m.\iinalc KluiMigtli,
and armaini'nl,
division
MlLlTAIiY FORCKS
iil'
tlie
fiffurt'
71.
artilloiy
hicliiilc
in
an obsprva-
persoiuie!, traiiK-
rcfj;iinp!it
in
(lie
Paiizci'
FIELD AKTILLERT
Figurr
73.
—
T.'.-inm
niuiiiiliim iimiilziT
95
"idmut
57
sliiild.
RESTRICTED
57-53
HANDBOOK
0-V
GERMAX
AIILITARY l'T)KCES
The
batteries of l(ir>-nim
howitzers.
])ersoiLiLel. traiisport,
and aniiameiit, of
regiiiiGiit is sliowti in figure Ti.
Units
a[)|ti'(ixinifite
t!ie
stcctifrth.
in
moiuitain artillery
FIELD ARTILLEfir
5S-50
GHQ
within army groups and armies for rominiSiid over an area larger than that oi a angle
staff
artillery units operating in
army
eorps,
(4)
Aitilhry commandep {Aiko).
may connnand h. iSi'tf/s.—
the arlilleiy withii!
The
a
—The
artillery connnancler
rorps.
staffs are as follows:
—
These are si)eeial staffs fni-nied (1) AriiUen/ rcghntnital staffs, on or after mi.ihilization and staffs of jieacetime division artillery medinni regiments, which before the mubilization in 1939 were broken np and the b;iIl;ilioiis of which were nsed to form the medium battalions in the GHt^ pool. The former are chiefly inde* pendent staffs. All GHQ artillery regimental staffs except coast defense staffs are fully motoi'ized.
—
These arc independent medium, heavy, and super-heavy
(2) Bntialloii staffs. in
staffs controlling
batteries
(motor-
ized or railway) or coast defense batteries.
—
—
59. GHQ artillery units, c^ HufKiVuiiiH and hniterifs. These unils may be light, medium, heavy, or suiDer-heavy. and may he horse-drawn, motorized, traclor-drawn. self -prop oiled,
railway, or fixed,
Molorized medium battalions forinerly bclouji-
ing to peacetime medinni regiments consist of three batteries of four guns each. Heavy oj' super-heavy batteries may have only-
two guns or even one 5,
Artillery
(see figs. 75 to 7S).
ohseii'ation
JxiftnHons
(li"jbur-hfu)'fi.^(il>teihi}i-
—These
battalions pi'Ovi»le and eourdinale the reeonnaisSHUCe and observation for artillery in combat, particularly for ffen).
fire, an{] plot tiie location of enemy artillery (and sometimes enemy heavy infantry weapons) by flash or soundranging. Usually these battalions are part of the pool, but a Panzer arlillery obi-ei'vation battery is normally organi<'ally assigned to the divisional artillery regiment of a Panzer divi-
connterbattei'v
GHQ
The
sion.
lows
oi'ganization of the observation battalion
:
(1)
HcadijvarteTS Ixilfriy.
—
(")
S/ff>i,il
is
as fol-
/)?//ffjo?i.^Thh platoon
coimects headquarters and plotting centers,
97
RESTRICTED
S9
HAXDBOOK OX
rii:urc 73-
;'/-.
GKli.MAX AllLITARY lOIiCES
— 210-iiim
Morm^r
Lafi-tla /8-
-jrarf^—j^ figure 7li.— Carriage of Jlu-mm iJwscr l,-i':iu- IS.
RESTRICTED
FIELD ARTILLERY
Figi]rr 77-
Figure Th.
—
3J
— 2HJ-mm
"-mm
se
iiiUc.
howilVri'r, ulcl Ijpe,
Oi)
RESTRICTED
OS (IMi.M.W MIUTAKY
IlANl)H!)i)K
50
Mclfoi'iilii^/k-'il
(/i)
i>!".lo
iiift'Ts iiflVcliiii?:
Jofjiciil
!irlilli'i
{<)
('nrliif/niiihif: ploloiih.
{Z)
•Si/rriuj
Jidllrnj.
—
—
y
mi'tooiTt-
ic|in>ilii('<>s
maps. survey
!iii'.
Tliis pliituDii Iiiiltfry
Tlii.-.
iHiCi;.-;
hira-^iirp-i
jihilnon
-'I'liis
—
1
ii(ii-iUiil
iici'Toi'ii;.-,
(li!lii's.
|)lHhil''s
(4)
(5)
:<
'i'his
{'^hii
lit'!Klqii;irli'iv
iiiicTO-
'i|ji'i';ili'S
liiilli'i'v
(iilQ (fi
])ivi! (li'j.sc
Arii'i/
aiHiain rati
liiitU'i-y
mffrxch
l>!(lt('ry
vvitli :si-v('ii T5-IIII11 M')t'-|ii'(>|
jiIsM
iiii/iuili's
l.lic
ill
Honif?(imi'M iit.laclirMi
fK
is
riii'iii.-.lii'S
pcrMiliiii'!
|)iiiiits.
half 'il '(III
ijiin
a
liiivi.'
Hiniiliti-
-'I'll
IxiHwiu hiitlenj.
Oh.si'ii'ulUiii.
(i[iiil)|i('il
'file
hiillt'i-ii.-
Vla>:li-r
A'iK'i'iJI
iirii(,-i
—
IlllilS (jf ihl'cl' ()! llUlli'.
ill
!i> iiiEiii i]
f.
hiiffrrij.-
S
(;'))
('I
nm\
idled {runs
iniifin'iiili'iit
Imtlali'ms,
tlirct'
Tlic^ie
-Tlu'-i'
hiiltcrii's
fiu'li
73
H(l).
(iifis,
gun
iis.siiiLlt
awHiUilt
—
gnn
tiiiil
hiillcries niiil^
is
hill In lion I'lilh-
(Iii'<'i'(''<{l'<}).
iiioliiri/rd
ami
u>iial!v iias
—Tlie
tw) "r
^f%mtfr^'-:
E'il*iiE'<'
'i'i-
—
t'2.hi'-.
restkk'tf:d
Hi
ww
ilivihiniKil arfillecy ivgiiiii'iitrf.
iriiliti'niiydfl
liallaliDii
i''f3'ihh.lli.inflc)l).
flms^js
iiiiiuiilvd ^vlEli 7[i'iiim sTiart-huTfcti'd j^shEiUlL Ei\\v\.
!l)U
—
—
.
FIE'LD
Figltv« ao.
Pt.Kii:.
three biitteriea
two
tn
fhns.^ks
coiii^istiiig
ARTILLERY
mouklfed with
59-60
To-mm
hup.
lflne-l>Arrf Icrl H^^Hir^t
of f
light baTieiicp. each eqiiijiped with twelve
20-min guns or
nine 37-nnii guns, and four lijjhl machine guns. The weapon:; can also be UEed for defense agjiinst tanks, for against fortifications, and for other duties. e.
SltrGey
and
f-i'ffof/i'ujihlc Imtfat'o-ns,
{
Vei'iita.'sinii/'!-
heavy jii-sanlt
unil
Kar-
—These units may be from fhc GHQ pool to army groups or armies, vnits.— In addition, the following types of fen-Abfeihinffen).
f.
Lillncated
M'iiifcU(rn<:oi.tfi
in-
GHQ
dependent units are attached to (1) Velocity measurement platoon
pool: {V(Ioc/f{if.y-.V,'.y.i2iif/).
(2) A.stronomical ?urvey platoon {A^liononihchcf M'-v'isug). (3) Meteorological platoon (Weiter-Peihiitf).
(5)
Army map depot {A'nn'^ekarie.nluger). Army artillery equipment park {Artilleriepark)
60.
Nomenclature.
(4)
terms light-'
(^tficAie),
a.
—The
General.
"medium" 101
(5erman«
(wi/i^te/'e),
apply
the
''heavy" {schwere).
RESTRICTED
— 60-62
and JifT-
nA.\niiO(>K
"su|)('r'-l
vy"
fil'IKMAN'
(Hchv.Hvr-'ilr)
MILITARY I'ORCKS
to theii' ^trtilU'ry
weiipoiis
{see
56, p. 84).
Methods of
61,
of ricocliet fiizos so tlie
It'll
ON
air
firi.'.
(ji'ciiiaii
urtillery iiiuki'S extensive use
(y|io of fire the Gcfmiiiis set their shell
Hie shells will sirike the ^roiiiid,
tliiit
and
fire.
In MiiH
biirst.
They
mid
ricochet into
also em[»loy time-fuze fire,
Iry to regulate so (hat their
sliells will
which they
hurst about 40 to 50 feet
above the ffroiind. 62, Ammunition.^TT, Typei. Although high -explosive niniiiunition is the standard for all types of German ai-tillery weapons, the Germans also make use of aririot'-pierciiig. incendiary, and amoke shells, and it is known that they have gas The allotment of smoke shells available for chemical warfare. whells (o field artillery units is about 10 ti a holiow-eharge-type shell against both armored veliides and concrete field emplacements. German artillery does
—
employ shrapnel. iSvpp/y.^{l) fn hi(//ier w7)/fo.^Tlie nornitil cbaiii of ammunition supply is from the railhead or the army ammunition park to the division ammimifion distribution point by trucks of
not
h.
the divisional supply trains, thence usiialiy in horse-drawn veliicles
of the battalion iimnninition cohimns to battalion or battery
If the distance from the railhead is too great foi' this method, amniunition sections from the army supply columns are interposed and work from the railhead to a point approximately halfway between it and the ammunition supjily columns. Corps have no amirmiiitioii columns working with divisions, the corps columns all being I'equired to maintain the artillery allotted to corps. The total number of rounds curried in the divisional Irains and the battery ammmiilion sections is 468 shells for each light artillery piece and 250 for each medium piece, Each battery has 8 caissons, each car(2) In the hattcry. positions.
—
RESTRICTED
102
— PANZER TROOPS
63-63
ryin^ 48 I'miuds, organized into the Isl. aiul 2d ammunition secTogether tliey form a small and flex-
tions of 4 caissons each.
ammunition train under the command of an officer. never more than 1 section present directly at the gun
ible battei'y
Tliere
is
It
position.
may be disposed with 2 caissons on each flank, or may be unloaded and 1 or both sections sent away
the ammunition
for refilling according to the situation.
Section
IX
PANZER TROOPS In trod net km Orgiiiiic
GHQ Tank
til
tank
63
uniU
Ilk
64 65
aiiits
miiiiLteiiazicp
ArriKii'ctl
00
comlvit vehicles
67
Aiititiuik w^eajKiiis
68
63. Introduction. a. Gen prcL—German Panzer divisions with their great mobility and heavy fii-epower have formed the spearhead for most of the German atfaclcs from the U>3!) campaign in Poland to the campaigns of 1941 and 1042 on the eastern front. The experience of these battles has led to modifications in both the composition and the equipment of Panzer units, as well as in their tactical employment, but they still form the heart of the fternian b.
Army's
Develupmei\t.
oltensive jiower.
— (1)
The
first
German Panzer
divisions con-
sisted of a tank brigade, a
tain auxiliary units.
motorized infantry regiment, and cerThe strength of the motorized infantry in
was increased in 10;i9 and 1940 to two regiments. Thus, during the campaign in the west, at least some of the Panzer divisions included a tank brigade and a motorized infantry brigade, or a total of four tank battaiion.s and four infantry battalions. During the first year of the campaign on the eastern front. Panzer divisions were used which had only one these divisions
548832"— 13
8
103
RESTRICTED
—
.
HAXDEOOK OX GERMAN MILITARY FORCES
63-64
composed of three battalions. iiin! tliis is now the However, some of tlie battalions have four companies (one medium and three light), and others have only three companies (one medium and two light). (2) By early 1943. it is believed that the Germans had 27 Panzer divisions. At least 5 SS divisions and the Gro'^sdeidnch' land Divitiion have been provided with tank regiments; thns they also are equivalent to Panzer divisions. In addition, tank battalions have been attached to a number of the motorized tank
regiiiiont
Hsna] organization.
divisions.
Each
division
antitank battalion
of
categories
all
{Punsfi'jiifffi'nhtci'lung).
is
also
allotted
The Panzer
an
divi-
sions designed for operation in Africa were organized in general
similarly to the European Panzer divisiojis. However, in the Afriean theater. moiT than in other areas, details of the organization varied in accordance with the type and amount of material available, the terrain, the nature of the hostile defense, and the
mission. c.
Control.
—The training and equipping of Panzer units, with
the possible exception of the
SS
spector General for the Panzer
units, are conti'olled
Vty
ihe In-
Arm. Geiuraloherst Guderian.
In addition to the tank units and antitank hattalions which are organic parts of divisions, there are a number of independent Panzer units belonging to tiie GHQ pool. These include (1) Independent tiink battalions. (2) (3)
Heavy tank battalions. Independent flame-thrower tank battalions (Flaw.-y»env:er-
fer-FamerohieilungerC). (4)
Heavy antitank
battalions
(vc/iirere
P'mzerjagerabtei-
l/unffen)
(5) Armored trains {EhenhaJm-Pa-mersHge). 64. Org'aiiic tank units. a. Tank regimerd in Panzer dh'i-
— (1)
—
—
Typt^. It is believed that there are at least three types of tank regiments which may be encountei-ed in Panzer sion-.
RESTRICTED
104
PAKZER TROOPS divisions,
luent
is
Their
haaii;
sliown in
stn-ngth in
figui-e 81,
pc-r.viinie!,
One
64 transport,
consists of
two
and armii-
buttafioiis of
three coinpiinies each: another, of two battalions of four companies each; and the third, of three battalions of three companies each.
IJnits
HANDBOOK OK GERMAN MILITARY
64
FOHCEiS
—
i. Tank- baffa?ur» in tank ref/hneni of Panser '7i'i-i.''wii. This battalion consists of a battalion liea(l(]iiarters (inchidiiig a signal platoon, a light tank platoon, a motorcycle reconnaissance pla-
toon, antiaircraft platoon, and a repair platoon),
personnel,
two
light
com-
medium company. Its a proximate sti'cngth transport, and armament is shown in fignre S3.
panies, and a
Units
jt
in
PANZER TROOPS Pansfr
64
—
This battalion concompanies, two l)ei[ig armed with 50-mm antitank guns and one with 20-mni dual-purpose puns. Its strength in personnel, transport, and armament is d. Ant'tlanh battalion hi
sist';
of a
lieadqiiiii'ters.
pliowii in figure 8S.
Uaiti
aiut tlu-pe
division.-
—— H-WDBOOK ON GERMAN
65-66
65.
GHQ
GHQ tank
tank units,
biittaVfo-n^.
a.
^MILITARY FORCES
yormul-iype and flame-thrower
—A imnilwr of indepeiulent lank battalions
exist. These incliido both ]ionTial-type tanks and flame-thrower tanks (see par. 92 h (19) («), p. 197). No detiiils are known about their comi)osition. b. Heavij tank hatfoUon. The heavy tank battalion, equipped with P2.Kv\ YI tanks, was enconntered ior the first time in Tunisia early in 1943, This battalion consisted of a hcadqnarters company and 2 combat companies. Each combat company was reportedly eqnipped with 9 Ps.Kv-. VI tinik?. and the headquarters company had 2 snch tanks, makifig n total of 20 heavy tanks
—
There are nnconfii'med reports indicatinjr that at times provided with 23 Ps.Kir. Ill tanks armed with the short-barreled 75-mm tank jviinf;. It is believed in the battalion.
the battalion
was
that these battaliiiTis are
now
a definite part of the
GHQ pool, and that
belonging to the of other tank nnits. c.
Heavy
German Army,
their organization, like that
is flexible.
ont'itan'k
hatiaVion.
—It
antitank battalions are organized
in
is
believed that the heavy
the same
manner
as (he regu-
lar divisional antitank vmx^. e;sce])t that their a]]litank are equipped with 7.5-mm antitank
gnns
inf^tead of
—
companies 50-mm.
66. Tank maintenance. a. Genevil. Efficiency in the maintenance of motor vehicles, paiticnlarly in repair and recovei'y of armored vehicles, has been a noteworthy feature of German Panzer divisions to d:ite. The motor maintenance nnits mnst cope with excessive wear and tear on heavy equipment, in addition For the maintenance of vete conditions imposed by combat. hicles, each Panzer division is normally provided with three workshop companies, and each tank regiment also has a workt,ho]) company. In addition, each tank battalion and regimental headquarters and each tank company have a maintenance section. ^Moreover, all tank personnel are trained mechanics and can carry out Jiiinor repair.s. Workshop comiJiUiies are believed to lie completely independent in that they do not require the assistance of stationary installations for the performance of their tasks. Each
RESTRICTED
108
:
PANZER TROOPS workshop .company produces charge batteries, carry out
perform other similar
its
68
own power and
light,
and can and
weklinjj; openilions, vulcanize tires,
tasks.
Among
other equipment
has a
it
and tool-grinding maehiiies; and tool Nets for locksmiths, tinsmiths, carpenter.s, and paint
of time are b.
.sent
back to itar repair
Or[/(i7ii2/if Ion
hases.
maiiifcuauce.
of
— (1)
The
workshop
com-
panies in Panzer divisions smd tank regiments are believed to be similarly organized and equipped. The divisional companies reinforce the regimental companies as needed.
company
is
Company
Two
Each workshop
organized in general us follows headquai'ters.
or three workshop platotms.
Recovery plaloon. Armory. Signal communications workshop.
Company (2)
transportation section.
The maintenance
section in a tank regimental or battalion
headquartei's consists of the following;
One noncommissioned
oflii-er
(tank
mechanic), section
leader.
Three privates, tank mechanics.
Two
privates, tank [neclianics
also being
One
!i
and radio electricians (one
chauffeur).
private, chanfTeur,
Total personnel one noncommissioned and six men. Total transpoi'tation: two trucks and one motorcycle. :
(3)
The maintenance
section in a tank
company
eonst.sts
of the
following:
One noncommissioned
oflicer
(tank mechanic),
section
leader.
109
RESTRICTED
:
HAKDBOOK ON GEKMAX MILITARY FORCKS
66
Two
iioncoHimissionod nfficeis, tank mechanics. Eight privates, tank mechanics. Two privates, tank mechanics and radio electricians.
Four
ehiinffeurs.
Total perwinuel: three noncommissioned
officers
and four-
teen men.
Total transportation c.
Employment
repair
of
:
four trucks and two motoi'cyoles.
—
mmntenance organisations. In greneral. the undertaken by the maintenance units are
tat-ks wliich are
allotted as follows i'eqiiirin
Maintenance sectionf-—jobf^
Workshop
On
unirs
—
the march, maintenance sections
combat
units.
move with
However, some may be attached
trains if necessary.
If a vehicle bresks
down on
their respective to the
combat
the march, the
maintenance section leader decides whether repairs can be completed by his section. In accordance with his decision, repair is started immediately or the vehicle is tnrned over to the workshop company. In combat, maintenance sections operate imder the orders of the tank battalion commander. They are connnanded by the battalion technical officer, and they usually folkiw ahi]ig Ijeliind the assaulting tanks as closely as hostile fire and the terrain permit. If a disabled tank cannot be repaired on lhespot.it is made towabte and its position is reported to the recfivery platoon of the workshop company. The recovery platoon usually operates aggressively under the direct orders of the workshop company commander. Normally, recovery veliicles accompany or are just in rear of the assaulting tanks. Drivers of these recovery vehicles cruise across the width of the regimental or divisional front searching for
disabled tanks.
Instances have been noted frequently
where
German tanks have been repaired or towed to the rear while under fire. A tank commander acts on his own respcnsidisabled
RESTRICTED
110
—
.
PAXZER TROOPS the drivef
iiilily if !ie -orders
(jf a
reoovery veiufle to tow his tank
proved that tlie damage to the iank could have been repaii-ed by a maintenance section, towing
toward the
Even
6G-G7
rear.
if it is litter
is danger that tbe tank may captured or destroyed by liostile fire. Tlie recovered tanks are towed to an assembly point just behind (he battlefield, where they are placed under tbe best available cover. The reiiiaininfr towing vehicles then take the lanks back to tbe workshop on low trailers
(o (he rear is still permissible if there
l)e
if
the terrain permits.
67.
Armored combat
veliicles,
o.
Gcnevol.
—Since
the be-
campaign in 1939, the Germans have increased the striking power of their tanks and armored cars. The earlier lif;ht tank types have been discarded, and the Germans now concentrate on various nicxlels of their Pz.Kw. Ill and Fz.Kw. IV tanks, and they have recently introduced the heavy Ps.Kw. YI. A Ps.Kv;. V tank has also been reported, Init no confirmed details on it are yet available. (For the pi'incipal chai'acleristics of giiUiiujf
German
of
the
Pdlisb
tanks, see
fig. 87.)
—The
following Gei'man light tanks have been encountered in combat (1) Ps.Kw. I {Sd.Kfs. /fl/)-—Tanks of this type were found in the Panzer divisions early in 1939 but have become obsolete and are no longer used as combat tanks (fig. 88). However, the b.
Lif/hl
funk.''.
:
chassis of this tyjie of tank is used as a mobile platform for the Czech 47-mm antitank gnn (fig. 89). and the l.W-mm heavy infantry howitzer has also been encountered on this chassis as a self-propeiled mount. Owing to its thin armor and in(2) Ps.Kw. II {Sd.Kfs. 121) effective armament, thi^ tank is becoming obsolescent as an armored combat vehicle, but it is still used in the Panzer division, principally as a reconnaissance, liaison, and command vehicle (fig. 90). Like the Ps.Kw. I., the Ps.IOr. // chassis is used as a mobile platform for self-propelled weapons such as the 75-mm
—
111
RESTRICTED
HANDBOOK ON GK1!MAN
67
MlL!l"AlfV
.
I'ORCES
-~*..*ft^r^^'^*»'
—
Figiiri' fif.— /'.-.ft;i.
Figiii'c
tt'-i.
—
(.'JtHar-is
or i':i.hlt\ I Ubcd ns
RESTRICTED
/ (Si/.A/.-.
iikoliili:
na
/Ill),
;-"-.
liglil fnnli.
iiliLfronn liir ('zcrh '17-iniii iinliTjink j^iin.
.
PAXZKH TROOPS iiiititunk
{7.62-cm It is also
67
gun (7.6'Cm Pak J/O), the Eussiuii 76.2-mm antitank gun Pah SO {t)), and tlie 150-min heavy infantry howitzer. used as a flame-thrower tank {Pz.Ew. IIP)
—
c. Medium ia-nl.t. Tho follmving German medium tanks have been encountered in combat: (1) P'.JCu-. Ill {Sd-ICfz. J^i).—The basic design at tliis tank a[>i)arent]y has proved Kiitisfactory. At least 10 different models liitve licen developed, and it remains the principal coiuhat lank
Figui-.' ill).— /'=.
Km.
II ISri.
Klz. 121).
liffht
tank.
Panzer division. In some models, additional armor has improvised by bolting on extra plates. One model with in-
in ihe ]ieen
creased basic armor has been devised. sent the
same general appearance, bnt
The
different models pre-
tliey
can be distinguished
from each other by changes in such external features as gun mantlets, driver's vision devices, track sprockets, and the size of the principal weapon. The four earlier models of this tank were armed with a 37-mm gun and two machine guns in the turret and
113
RESTRICTED
—
H.4XDBOOK OX GERMAN MIUTARY FORCES
67
one niLiciiinc gun in the froiiL part of the hull. In the nest three models, the 3T-ni!n gun was replaced by the short-barreletl 50-mni electrically-fired tank gun, and one machine gun (instead of two)
The machine gun in the in the turret (fig. 91). forward part of the hull was retained. In later models, tlie basic armor was strengthened in some cases by bolting on additional plates lit rrilical points and in othei'S by increasing the thickwas mounted
:k.^^-^^.—
Figure 91,
P^-Hw.
til (SrI.Kfs.
HI), medium lank,
willi
short-bar re led
oO-mm gun.
armor to 50 mm on the front and rear. In the models the original 50-mm tank gun has been replaced by a long-harrelcd 50-mm gim with a higher muzzle velocity (fig. 92), and in other late models a short -barreled 75-min gun, similar to that used in the Pz.Kw. IV tank, constitutes the principal armanesa of the basic late
ment. (2)
FsJia-.
IV
RESTRICTED
(Sd.A'fs. 1I!J).—This tank has likewise been
U4
PAXZKR TROOPS by
fh'Vt'lfipod fttep tlic
I'zKv\
TIh'v iuo
from
t;un iiiiintlcfs,
Figure
iiioiU'ls
nf
The
first
in
tho turruf,
in tJie
'M.—I'::.liw
fnfward
III
but
tlifv cuii
its
exist.
iic
in lin> turri't,
ami
tlic sizi>
of
t!ie
six models of this tuni; nil iiitmnted [7 fj-cm
j;;uri
(fig.
!>3).
Kv\K
.)
AnotJicr
and
iiifdiuni
line
liji;iit
iiutt'hiiu'
[)art (if (hi' hull al liif I'iglil
iSll.KI:^ I Uj,
IV
I'3.Ku\
tlie
t'lian^cs in .sucli exU'i'iial feiitiii'es
iiiiridi' <'liariyfr;
slmrt-barifU'il 75-iiini
chine gun
mounted
si-vt'ii
k-ai\\ {>l1i('i- liy
priricipiil weajKHi. tlic
IfiiPl
all siiiiil;ii- in <;cnfrai ii]i|>earaiK:p,
tin,i;Hi>liOil iis
step, iilthoujfh not quite to llio sniiic oxtrnt
At
III.
67
ma-
gnn was
of {\w di-iver.
tank, with Jnng-bjtiTetcd
.lU-Enui
i;t:ie.
During the development of the first four models, ohiinf^os wen^ made in the tiu-ret-guu mantlet, hut it was not until the tiftli model that the nose-plate anniir was inereawed I'l'oni 30 mm to 50 mm. The fiftli model is aUo distinguished hy chanjies in (he turret roof, cupola, front drive sprocket, and driver's vision device. The seventh model was the first lo be armed with the loug-harrelt'd 75-mm gun {7/'~cm Ku\K. J/O), the muzzle of which i)rojects well heyoud the forward end of the huU and is fitted with a muzzle brake
(fig. 't'4).
115
RESTRICTED
— —
HANDBOOK ON GERMAN
67
Fifiuri" ^3'
PzMir. IV
(Sit.Kf?. 7SI)m
...-_^; .-*v_ Fieiirt 91.
medlDm
IMILITARY FORCES
tanh, with shart-barreled Ta-min gun.
.K-^-^ii-->'m.^f^^M^^:^-
Pz-Kw^ IV (Sd.Kfz. 1^1), medium tank, wifh lons-bnirreleil 75-inm hi^h-velocity ^un (o
RESTRICTED
116
pas7a-:r Tiioops
Vititiri:
55.
—
l.'f-ron
Sfiiiun (ruptured
Fieure 9G.—IG.S-ton
French fnnk
medium tank
117
67
uiipd
by Ihe Cvriiiniibr-
(CZDV8B).
RESTRICTED
—
HA_\Dl;()()K (IX I;KI!MAN
67 (3)
ForrUjii.
Soiiiiia (fig.
faiih'f.
!)-))
—-Two
MILITARY rOHTES
96), are also used liy
tlic
Gcinimis.
Fi'Oiu'h
18-tnn
iiirilium [C'Z/)]\'il/)
{iig.
liolh nt these UKiilcis
liglittT l]i;in tlie fiiTdiiUi Tiii'diijui tinilvs.
as
llio
taiili>i,
fiircifiii
iiiul llio Czi'cli lli.rj-tiiii
;inil
*'nii'y
47-iinn
Jirc
guns
tlifii' j)i'liKip;il wi'.ijujii.
d.
Heavy
eiU'tiHiitcrvd
Pz.K'k: VI
tai'k'i.—'rhe only Geriiuui ln'iivv liink in conKidi'Viihlc THnnli('i'>% lliiis (lijj, 5)7).
Tliis tiink.
with
I'iir
which has been
in i'
its ](l2-inni iniixiiniini ;ii'iu(ir
thickness and long-barreled SS-inni gnu.
is
;i
tiii-lhcj'
indication
of th« genera] tendency throughunt (hiy ivar toward increased
Ci>*
»<(>
Figure 97.
Pz-Htc. yi.
Iierivy iJink, ^hovi'in;! Chi"ihlit-t>]Jt hi>Eii' ^ln'tJs.
thickness in basic ai'inor, and also
armament
wifli increased strik-
ing ptnver capable of dealing with hostile tanks. German emphasis on mobilily and lapid action,
Owing it
is
nnlikely that the niaximniii speed of these tanks will fall
below
to the
believed
mnch
miles per bonr. It is to be expected tliat condiat experience with the Pn.Kip. 17 will be iililixed in making modifications 2-")
and improvements
to be ineoi'purated in Julei- models of this of a beavy-typp tunk. Ai'iiiori'd nil.-!. -The marked development noticeable in Gertanks has not occni'red in Gcrnnui armored cars. The
?:imi]ar ''.
man
RESTRICTED
—
118
u
PANZKR THOOPS
67
^...-
rjj^uiu UU-^Liiihl JiniiirrrfT nir nilli 2ll-iiim ana.
5JSH32--J3—
119
RESTRICTED
— HAXDROHK
67-68
de-^ipn.^
cirifriiiiHl
el
11r'
wInH'icd. six-whei'lcil. iiiid
101).
ence
However,
hiis hIiowii
cfCiised
fttiiliiiig
(IX
lliri'i-
iiiid -.in
MILlTAEiV
(ihJHMAN"
\m>'k lypi's
iMj^lit-wlicck'd)
m
tlio
Ciise
nf
ulj
aniioieil uurs (ruur-
.slill
tlie
>"OKt;K:?
cxInI
tank.
(fig...
(.ninb;i{
'.)'.).
UH),
experi-
(he need fm- iiii ;iiHioi'ed-c-;ii' weiipim with inpnwer, mid the eiglil-wheeled hir'i'elle-^:. aniKiied
car equipped witli a 75-mm fjun (iii.steiid nf Ihe liO-iiuii i)i;iehln(.'. gun or the 37-nii;i oiin in the noriLLiil model of thin type) roceutly cncoinitered in Afrii:i is mi iiidi<,'aliun of the trend in llii.-.
—'TUltf —^Light atmoi-Kl
Figure H9.
car, shoivliig maciiiiie-Ruii aimamciil.
id' (Jernmn urnLored cars are hhown in (For the principal {liaracteristics of German aniiored carw and half-truck prime movers mid anuoi'i'd troop carSee also Sgs. 1 (p. 9), riers, yee figs. 102 and 103. respectively.
direction. fignrcH
n
t>8
The
basic fype
to 101.
(p. 53), GO (p. 91i. 68 (p. i)2).
68. Antitank
ment
weapons.
mid 104
f.
(p. 124).)
DevclojiincTt.
—Tlie
develop-
and cnnstniclion has been iiratched, if
ni)t tank dcjiigii antitiiuk weapon.-. developments in Kur[n)ssed, by corresi»onding The original 37-min antitank gun {I'uk) universally used by the
in
RESTRICTED
120
PAXZKR ItiOOPS
Fi^re
IflO.
— Sj^-n-hci-lvd
— Kighl-wJiccIt'd
i-iguiv lyi.'
121
68
hcjivy nrmorfcf car.
htavy arinnic
tflr.
RESTRICTED
9i
CO
EC
o H
Names
aDKFZIS. (4
Crew
Weight
1,430 Iha.
2nr3
Orojs:
:(
Engine
.
1
LMQ
1
2-cni
Drive
Speed
Xtl-t-S.
Dipl],
(Comilr-eiinnpr,
louJ&r-rndio-
lU,32g.
Front,
sides
lop—
,S
Ka,K. Kw.K. S3.
[IIIJI.
Net;
12,8U0
4 (1 tlrivi>r.
(Tnedium)
ners,
Ifi-svlwcll,
titur.
-HDKFZmi ISi-whe*]).
Gross:
2 gun-
14-nini
IR/Toper-
4 (Cojudr-t-utiripr,
Up
t£i
15-Tnni..
MO
V-S, wntcrfimlsil, Sn-hi) ot
Sj 30
mph,
sa
mph. 200^0 241) mlle.t
I24tiii.^»mllea
mph
OpelStr.U, walerlOOlPii, flS-hp, imp
MQ
Hu
Borah
H cyl. m-liiii>,
hp, Diesel 90 hp.
1
I,
1
2-n[rL4uto cunQoa..
I
M.O.
4-wheet drive (rear wliwl^)
lilli»itig-Nag
SS mph.
lMximg-l\'as,
S3
mph. im to] £7 mites
Rus.^JTip-.Vop
o:i
luph. luatii i87mllee
lueta 1S7 miles.
2 ilrJvers).
IH.SOU,
Nel:
t9
f-i
turret, coavial.
aO-mzQ
1
SO or
M.a.
T.iia-mni
I
111
ASP6
ol
actlou
40to!;(i
wheel).
SBKFZ
Radius
IS.92S.
j[] 1
Si
(•"iiiial
lurrel).
Machliio
car-
blue, i]n[iu>unli'd.
SDKFZ tse {8-wtieel).
1
1H,;U4.
(Conidr-giinDer,
Up
t" 15-inTri
adfivtrsK
Nel:
1
17,[)24.
M.a. ill
1
Si lurrel),
Moclllna carbine,
5 i2(3rLVflr*J (S-WilBOl).
I7,B03,
Up
tn 16-Tnni
\ 1
(eofliial
MQ
M
a !
u[iTiu)niil:i'd.
Sj Ii
I
ne
f
ti
r
-
bme, UDmouuted,
Net: ia,iiss.
FlKtiFe 102-
— Ctaara(l«r]stlt8 of armorednrfl.
I
Name
BDd type
Sd. Kl!
10.
M.
1-T light
I
Kir.
Sd. li'U.
It.
3-T light
6-T
S.
,Vrf.
I
medium
Kfi.
Sd. Kti.
7.
S-T mE^dium
H-
1
12-T heavy
p
Sd. Kf!. B-W.
i«. Kf!. 9.
-T
1
18-T heavy
lltiht
Ctitraoredl
Kii.m.
Sd.
3-T medlom (armored)
I
Personnel caiiaoity (iDcludinjf
10
16.
12-
M...-
ISObpMay-
MOhp Msy-
IS.'ihp
driver).
13
Engine.-
)W)
hp May-
IQOhpMay-
hnch.
Had ins
ef actiou.
Roads:
bach. 178
miles. ClOS.'i COllD-
try;
RoEids:
03
try:
of
wheals
i^pecd (niBC'
twin
4
imuni), Wi'igh(. (based
U,
S.
on
weights]
(lbs).
Armor Armament.-
SO
bu-
mph 10,301, 7,382.
twin
6
Koads:
180
Roads:
try:
bo-
6
72
t r
u 5 3
twin
;
IS.6S0,
Net: 12,208.
bo-
:
6
Gross
(i
i
try:
wlu bo-
60 mpL.... :
19,2M. 16,i'iS.
M,3I2. 21, 5M.
try:
62
try;
uiiles
bo-
Ij
twin
60
mph
r
G
[
Roads:
.
bu-
5
I
;
32,430,
Net: 26.132,
o
.
i
fwiji
ft
S
60
.
:
33,7S2. 33,82*.
Net:
toiiu-
try:
So
twin
bo-
and armored
60
bo-
mph.
EO
13,304. 10,000,
Nef
18,81(5.
0-lS-mm,,
Net: 15,000. fi-15-mm,
2-LMG
l-20mmMG,
34.
O O -a
Gross: Grose:
tioof carriers.
PI
84
cies,
mph
1-LM0 Figure 103,— ChBracleriBlicB of half-lract prims mo»erB
N
miles.
mili-^.
.
IBS
miles.
Cross
gies,
mph
bp May-
baeh. 180
Cross eouu-
gles,
50
Gross: a Net:
Roads; milDs,
Cross ooun-
62
[win
I)
16a
miles.
miles,
100
haeh.
Roads:
15ti
Cross coun-
2
IDOhp.May-
baeh.
UOBrti;:
gles.
mpti
Net:
y
aauhp.Msy-
miles.
m Ik's.
Bits.
SO
se
1
Cross uonu-
miles.
May-
liEich,
miles.
Cross coun-
Sl
mpb I
baeb.
miles.
Bits. IK)
Gross: Q Net:
'
miles.
sies.
Rami
171
mil OS, Cross poini-
mites.
NuiDher
baeh,
34.
TO
tL^SDBOOK OX GERMAN MILITARY FORCES
FiEiire
Fi^'uiu
RESTRICTED
l(ij.
llil.
—2(l-mrn
— ss-iuiii
ilutil-iiiiriiiw
iuu3ib-])Ui-ii-u-'.i-
124
K"n.
yuu (riak
^fij.
PANZER THOOPS FIRING
68
POSITION
TRAVELING
POSITION
Recjperotor
rod so thof borrel moy be
disconnected
telioded for Iroueling
Figure 10«.
— SS-inni
mnlfi-purpilse
EUn fFlnh
11).
Gcniiaii^^ in 1930 i^ Tapiclly ljw
1930
tiie
Germans
liail
made
pnt-po.se 20-inra (fig. 104)
lOo and
By
i-onsiderable etfectivi' use
tlie ol'
end of
the dual-
anW 88-inni anliaircraft^antilank woajj-
against hostile ainiorcd vuhiL'les. Eai'ly in 1941, tlie (lernian Army nsed. in addilion (o the 37-inni Pah. a new 2V20'mm tapered-bore gnn (initially n^^ed |iiiniai-ily hj m(= (fijrs.
Kliii
AT
Vli,
RESTRICTED
KAxriROnEC nX GEIiMAX MILITAIfY FDRCr^
68
!iirl)()r'!io iiiul
kdiiwii
iis
tliL'
]i('!lr(l iiKiiiiit
(lie siiiiie
by
llie
iiiiuis
time
50-iimi
iiifutili'v
l''d:
WHS
(reused
Till'
also used
Czech ;is
4T-iii]n
ii
sitipf>;ip {see
:i
new r](]-i[[ni wapoii si.'!{-[)ingun cm fi^, S!), p. U2). Al
AT
(lie IiT-iiini i;-uii in Gi-riiiiiii (;i!il;s
i;ink jjnii
were using
iinlituiik
units) ((ig. lOT), iuui
.J.S.
{Z-cm K(r.K.).
ii
wiis
E;irly in
lieiiif;:
tlie KuSf^iaii 76.2-inni (inodui 3(i) field
weapon
piviteetidii
(iig.
108).
AlrliEinic liuii])s
luiiicri'd vi'liicles
iij!:iiiii.-t
re[)i:iued
Uer-
lil-12, llie
were aiMi
gun
as
j;iven
by ihe iiiti'oduction of Luter in 1942. tw
new tapered -bo re gini, tbe 4.'i/:i.S-cr,i Pnk important new nntitimk weapons were infrodiiced, the lA-nn
a
.1,0
.',
(fig. 1(19)
and the tnpered-liore
7/
on a GeriUiin carriajti'. linuwn a- (he its appearance. /(.
C'/icrar/i'i'ix/'r--^.
—
(1
)
tant (leciniin antitank guns
RESTRICTED
The
i .-'•-rin
.',1.
Piil>'
Pok
A Frciieli piecr
0//-1H, also jiiiule
ch;ir;icferislies of the
ai'c sh
126
uii iii-
most impor-
.
PANZER TROOPS
Fii^iii'i"
liii-
—'7[p.2-miJi
FJ^LLre
T!u:<^jil^
I(p!I.-
—
pun,
7.*-jiiiii
i"-TE>!iii"<.''l
iiiililJiiLk
iiml usi'rl
i^iiii
J/'tik
Muzvlu
Typi!
47-tnm iPnk)
{i!tvl\-\\Ti}\v\\v'i
r,n-nnii (i'wfc 'Al 7,'i-niiEi
il'uk^d)
7.%niin
{Ptikmim
7r>/fl5-mm(;V[jfc^O 7<\3niiii1Kfissiaii) JW-uiui a-fukSii)
1.
'M Ml
4,
rtm
4.
...
.
,
iiiuun!)... -
-^
_.__
KSII
ihs.
Z.,i4l]
5
2.71111
2,]4S1tls
2.
ma
llPllE...
L510TI5
2, IIHI
2,
.
1'JNI
Type III AP
Wcislit of
lirojuL'Liio
jir^pji'dJlo
AP APAP AP
4.11
7t"ll3.
11
!S.
1..^ lljs.
0.7UI1I1J.
3..% Ihs.
AP APCBC. AP ., T C ciirp
1,.'>illbs. l.'i
APriiC API'Ur
Ih.s.
14.1 Ihs.
.
4.«M) 2, 2W)
.
Xhi- (ii'i iiinEi:^.
•tit).
-F !'"""'
giia
.^, Pr. /?.J/ {Puk)
2S/2fl-nini J7-11IIII
f'f
hy
.
.',.7
Ills
14. SI Ills.
21
ll)!i.
FigUTe 110.— CharBCtfrlBEicdoruntiljink vcupons.
127
RESTRICTED
— HA-SOBOOK OX GERMAN MILITARY FORCES
68-69 (2)
'I'liB
in(.lic:i(i!d
for anfitiiitk weupoius
!ti]iiiiiiiii(ioii
developed as
19il
lii.iif
AP
h;is
below:
AP KlifU APOBG shell
siifll
HL3 ahtll
tl.'i.'i
i.er-
HE)
c-i'ii(
AP
l-'i?
APt:
APCBC ctiit
(0.31 p,.r-
HIi lioUow-cIiiirge
IIIC hIh'LI
HK
—U
slit-ll
HE)
AI' 40 siLOt
shot
411
slioll
shtill
shell
development in Ciermun antion the itioilcls. However, iui improved 88-mm weapon on a nuit7ri-r able field nionnl and with a Lnn?,zle veloeily higlier than the a.COO TiTiiil.
0.
tank weapons
Hpjicat:. likely Huit
in
the immediate futux-e will be concentrated
foot-Heconds aacfibcd to the
in tlie
f^iui
Pz.Kw. VI tank,
is
to
lie
expected.
Section
X
ENGINEERS ParafErnph Ill(l'(i(kU-li(.f1
Cl!l
Hallalioiis
GHQ
iinilM
DenK'liliiHi
Fliialirij;
Fixfd
71
-
CciiiMtvueUtin
Eli.'C-trii-in
70
--
ti'iioik'j
72
illauliiippCTi)
73
(^([liiiiiw'iit
74
arid iiiocKatiifal tiiuil>meiit
75
..
i'i]iiiii]i[(.'iit
76
iiriilgew
Pi.rlalilv
t:irik
'
lu'UigfiM
7?
Mines Anlitiink
ctlislacles"
Spi'cUil (-(inipiiifiil tur
ii«t'
Veiiiiles
.-_
69. Introduction. neer combal iii
78 79 80
ti.
in assault
81
General. —-In the German
Army,
engi-
[Piotdcre) are charfred with bridginfr, feriytiie constrnetion ni obstacles, and the laying and
lr'(K)]»H
deniolilioiiis.
removal of mine
RESTRICTED
fields.
German
engineers pride themselves on be-
128
EXG1NEE.es
6&-70
fighfing troops anrl are fi-eqiieiitly employed to dcfciul the zones of obstacles which Ihey huve ci-eated. Selected eiighieeis, iiig
known
as storm-troop engineers {Stos-iti-uppvpiomere), are trsiinfor iiifantiT raiding particK, or as assaidt troops to take part in attacks on fortified positions. In addition to these units, there etl
known as fortress engineers {Fearailway engineers {Eisenhahnpion'/ere). Less technieal duties are assigned to conslriiction troops {Ba-ut'nippeti). Aside from the regnlar engineer or construction units, there are ]>iot]eer platoons consisting of troops of the varions arms which have iiad some training as engineers. One such platoon usually are specialized engineer troope fnnrj'^plo'nii-ri'.)
aJid
forms pjii-t. of the headquarters of infnntry, motorized. Panzer. ;iii(l mountain regiments; however, some of these regiments have II
a^
many
as four pioneer platoons, while others have none.
The smoke and defenses and enemy
jjlatoons are specially trained for close combat, use of
explosives,
and assault operations against fixed
strong|ioi]its. 7j.
the
Organ'saiicn.
Army
— The Genei'al of Engineers and Fortresses on
General Staff acts as
staff adviser
on
all r|uestions
of
polioy affecting engineer and construction troops, and serves also as Inspector of Fortresses. The responsibility for the training
and equipment of
eiigineer nnits
is
divided between the Inspector-
ate for Engineers, the Inspeclorate for p'ortress
Engineers and under the supei-vision of the Inspector of Fortresses), the Inspectorate for Railway Engineers, and ihe Inspectorate for Technical Troops. 70. Battalions.- «. In itijai'try (UiuxUni. (1) C ompo-ti.fioii. Each infantry division includes an engineer battalion, consisting of a head(]i[arrers, a signal sectitju, two partially motorized companies, a heavy motorized company, a bridge cohnnn. and a light motorized engineer column. The strength of this battalion in personnel, transport, and armament is shown in figiu-e 111: in equipment, in iigure 112. Con,struction
—
Troops (which
is
—
—
129
RESTRICTED
ro
HANOBDOK ON GERMAN MILITARY FORCES
ENGINEERS
70
In this unit the eqnipmp-nt tp carrioi-1 in motor vehicleR; apparmen customarily march on i'oot. 6) Heavy motorized company. The heavy motorized com]jaiiy ie organized and equipped in somewhat the same way as the partially motorized company, except that this company is transported in trucks, has a repair section and a signal section, and carries more equipment iind supplies. (c) Bridge vohimit. Tiie bridge column is a fully motorized unit normally consisting of three platoons, two of which are equipped with ponton Inidge material and the thiid wifh supplementary equipment such as motor boats, outboard motors, pneumatic boats, and sim'ilar equipment. Where there is a tank bridge-laying platoon, this is the third platoon and the supplenieutary equipment platoon becomes the fourth platoon. Bridge columns transport and maintain the bridge equijiment, but the erection of the bridges, con-strijcted from ihis equipment, is the fliity of the eiigincer companies described above. Bridge coiiunns are normally equipped *vith ponton and trestle equipment (see ently, tlic
—
f
—
B
par. 75(-).
Light eiu/ineer column,—Thh. column, a fully motorized which carries the battalion reserve of tools, explosives, ammunition, wire, and supplementary equipment, combines the functions of the tools park and the niServe store park, both oi which were formerly employed. {d)
unit,
—
motorized diniMon. Each motorized infantry division 1). In contains a motorized engineer battalion, which is organized in the same way as the equivalent unit in an infantry division, except that it has a repair detachmenl not found in the engineer battalion of the infaiitry division and also has heavy motorized companies instead of the partially motorized companies. The strength of this battalion in personnel, transport, and armament is shown in figure 113; in equipment, in figure 114.
131
RESTRICTED
HANTJBOOIC OK
TO
-
GERMAN MILITARY FORCES
EN"CIXEESE!S
70
70
HAN-DBOOK OK GERMAN MILITARY FORCES
—
GHQ units.
^l.
.
.
sire no regular engineer from those battalions wliicli form
(?e«£)ff?.^T[iere
o.
units assigned oi-ganically, aside
a part of every German combat division. All sidditionai engineer puid. Tliese units are divided into comunits belong to the
GHQ
bat eugineeri^
fortress engiiieiu's {Festuiigsphniere)^
{I'ioiiii'/'i).
and railway engineers {Ehcnhahnpioniei-e) h.
Oomhaf
known, the
ciigiiieeri.
— (1)
divisional ongineor battalions a signal
and
.sL'ttioii,
a light
E'lifi'iicer
hatfalionA.
GHQ battalions arc (jrgaiiizi'd on and consist of
tlie
—As
same
far as
is
lines as the
a lieadquarters
with
three lieavy i»kotorixed eomjianies. a bridge coUimii,
engineer ciilumn cuntaining Inols and supplies.
The
approximattdy the same as that of tiie engineer battalimi in a motorized division, (2) liridijliig cohiiitiiH. These are mostly light bridge coliinuis as in the infanlry or motorized division, alihongh there are colunms with other equipment. Carrying unils for heavier bridges are usually referred to as units of tlie equipment concerneil, sndi strength of the battalion
is
—
as Einheit Uichtes zei'Ieghan^^ Bruchengetiit (light sectionalized
bridge unit). EhJis/f Herhei-fgeriit (Herbert bridge unit), Tliese units are sometinifs
known
under
etc,
cniitrol of a siieeial battalion staff
as Stah Tran-ijmrfoljti/ih'ng filr scliioeres Briickengerat
(transport staff for heavy britlging).
—
{B fi'Gkevhauhatmllone) Bridging columns are carrying nnits only, and the bridges are (3)
Bt'idge-haiMiug
hattalUm^
by the persomiel of divisional engineei' battalions These consist of a headquarters, 4 companies, an engineer tools platoon, ami an engineer park company. The strength of the company is about 250 and the total battalion strength is about 1.250, (4) Assault -'boat mm.fanies and defachinsnts {Stuririboothompanisn und ^tiirmhootkommntidofi). Tlie assault-boat company consists of a headquarters with a signal section and three platoons of three sections each. The strength is 194. and the unit is armed with 4 light machine guns and 3 antitank rifles. An unspecified ei'ected either
or by special bridge-building battalions.
—
548832'— 43
10
135
RESTRICTED
.
HAXDBOOK ON GERMAN MILITARY FORCES
ri
quantity of Tellermiiies ancl demolition stores is carried, as well as 36 iissaidt boats. In recent practice, assault-boat detachments of varying sizes have been foriiu-d for service where required.
One type
Inis
3 platoons with a total of 81 assault -Jioats,
(5) Assault en
companies {Stwnn pionierkompanien)
—
Those companies confain 2 platoons of euffineers, trained in assault operations (principally against fortifications), and a third
The strength of a about 200. landing companies {Piomer-Landungskf^m(6) Engineer panien). These companies have a strength of about 200. Twelve landing boats are carried with 1 machine gun each, and an unknown number of ass:adt boats equipped "ilh outboard moiors. assault-boat platoon with 27 assault boats.
company
is
—
—
These are industrial specialist units (7) Technical hattalion^. belonging to the engineers and are organized in battalions of three companies, not necessarily of the same kind. They are primarily concerned in the initial exploitation of occupied countries, the reconstruction of damaged installations, and similar tasks, which
them to work close to front lines. Industrial specwhich have been rejjorted include a staff {Kommaiid&ar tfifhnis<^her Trupppn). equivaleiii to a I'egimt'iilal staff; technical battalions composed of companies wilh varying spceiaities; technical battalions for mineral oil; electricity companies {texhnviche Kompamcn E) gas and water companies {fecknii^che Kon/panJen ffW) and mining companies {fcchnit'ch'' Kompanien BT). The strength of these units is not known. The companies usually have three light machine ginis each, and are probably trained as comusually require
ialist units
;
;
bat units.
—
Seagoing ferries are pri(8) Ferry construction hattaliorifi. marily the concern of the Navy, but lately they have been used by Army units (tig. 119). Certain construction battalions are specially trained in the assembly of such ferries and may also man them. AVhen crews are to be furnished, a fifth company may be added to the battalion for this purjKiso. This company is a combat unit with nine light jnacbine guns, and is evidently
RESTRICTED
136
n
EXC;iXEER.> desigiU'd
fjor
comliiiipd opf rut ions.
it is iii»t kiiinvn {!))
is
K'lKjhu'.er
how
porlx.
—
allotted to each army.
pre-war
datii.
have
niaiiv
indicate
(a)
Sfvond
biithdiims exist, hut
a fifth cniupaiiy.
Oi-f/iuiisiiiifm.
—One
ciifjiiippr
park
N
headquarters with a section for road-njaking equijjnient and a section for otlier I'unipnient two engiiii?er park companies (subdivisions uni:nown), wldch are ititemled for niiiintenaiici' and ;
repair;
and an engineer tools
plaloofi,
ilivided into
two half
platoons and a -workshoi) section. (b) SfrenyHi. T!ie sti-engths of
—
Ihe. eiigiiieer jiark, the engineer park cunipunies, and the eiigineer tools pialoon are, re-
4 officers and 70 eiiJisted men, 3 officers and 190 enmen. and 1 officer and 102 enlisted men, or a total for the whole engineer park of 11 offieeis and 552 enlisted men. Equipment includes a half .set each of B and C bridging equipment with 25 vehicles (the propordoii of Cequiiiment would probably now be spectively,
listed
lower), one L. Z. bridge. 8 sets of road-makiiig equipuLent, 8 of etiuipment for repair of cnncrL'te roads, and 2 sets of
sets
13r
RESTRICTED
HANDBOOK ON
71
equipment for repair of t'(jiiipnifi!t
('(|iiipmeiit
are not is
e, loiifj;
RnUicai/ unrjineers. to tlie eiifrini'cr
—
Imt
it is
(1)
arm
Det:ii]s of the
:l
roml
iind
roiirl
liclicvcd tluit the totul of siifh
employ about
to
sufficient
roatlp.
mii
iivsiiliiiile.
battalions.
MILITARY FORCES
GEfiM.\^"
are to
bt^
cmifitrnctioii
eiigi]H'ers
as
rejiiiiili'd
be-
fiylitiiifi
troopw in the same sense as other engineer units. Cei-taiii clasps of tlie orifrinai personnel were drawn frotn the (teniiiui state
ahnost entirely from railThey are mainly em]iloye(l on railway eon>tnn'tion and mainteiiaufe in the forward areas, ihonirh some units are certainly eoncenied in railway o]ierrailways, bnt present replaoements
way
engineei' depot iinil8 of tlie
atroi) as well.
A
lar
ai^e
Army.
part of their duties consists of the con-
of heavy hridjies, and they
may
be found ere<'tinfr sncli and 127. p. I'lS) for roads Tliese units simuld be distinguished from as well as lailways. unit.'! of the railway lioojis {Ki.-^nihiihiiftKpjieii). whieh are t'oncerned witli (he maintenanee and operation of railways in rear an'as and are not eufi'ineei' nnitf^. r-triictioii
liriilyi's
a> (he L. Z. hrldfies (see Hjr^. 126
(2) liKllriihial
finite.
—
ltrf//iii'
[(i)
iif-^.
—Railway
enjrineer
regiments have two battalions of four companies each, whieh may be partly or wholly motorized. There is uo indication of their strenfrth.
—
(h) Ih-/
The
Ptnietion battalions.
bridire-buildini;' battalions are beiieveil
to contain foui' ci>miianies. a railway cTiyineer tools
plalmm. and
railway park comi^'any. The eonstrni-ii
—
there are indejieiident I'aihvay consti'uetlon comjianics; railway pier -building companies {Iii'i>aini:ii']
way
fteUircrkkoiiiiiaiiiji')
'.
railway
h'j/iniriixsi'rif'if/'ii'skom/Hiniin)
RESTRICTEl)
;
;
rail-
companies {Eix'"nh"hnwater-poini companies {Ekenlight railway companies (Fdd-
tcleplione companies; railway signal
1313
71-12
EKGINEEiii-S
operaliiig companies {Ehenbahucablewny detaclimoiita aud Sfctious (Seilhfihnkommandontruppeii) and underwater welding .sections
bahnkompanien)
railway
;
betriebftkompGnn-n)
;
;
{Ewenbahnuntepiraf^!
Tlie functions of tliese
companies are indicated by tlieir titles, but it is uot evident in all cases whellier they are conceined with constrnctiou, iiiuintenance, operation, ^'o details regarding their or are available organization.
and v^orhshop companies. —'These and there organization. They are controlled
{d) Roiluiay engineer parhf
are part of the rear echelon of ihe railway engineers, is
by
no information a special
a? to their
railway engineer
staff
(E/senbahnpionierstab
V.)
s. b.
in Berlin.
—
d. Fortress engineers. Fortress engineers are primarily concerned with the layout, construction, upkeep of fortresses, and the preparation of obstacles and demolitions in fortress areas. They are specialists and. except in theaters where tlieir technical skill is required, are not jikei^' Ui be
euccnntered in the
general outline of Ihe fortress engineer organization
is
field.
The
as follows:
{Wehrltrc/^^) has a fortress engineer headquarters {Feiur) under Ihis are staffs eacli militai'y district
;
equivalent to regimental staffs (fesfuiiffs-Pioni-ersttibe). each of
which normally
two sector groups {Fesfungs-PionierThere are also fortress construclion batfortress engineer parks, fortress engineer supply staffs, cfjutruls
ahfiehniUsgrupjien) talions,
.
and other units or
staffs^. Certain specialist units of fortress engineers connected with water supply -K&ve employed in Africa.
light nnd heavy water supply companies {Wnsserversorffunr/skompdm^'n). water distillation companies {Wa.HserdesHUafiotikmnpmv'eji). and water purification columns {FiUerholonnen). Military geological stations {M^eh)-gcoloffi.'»stcUen) belonging to the fortress engineers also have been
These units included
encountered.
—
—
72. Construction troops (Bautruppen). a. Genera?. Although construclion troop units do not come under the Inspec139
RESTRICTED
— IIAXDHOOK ON GEKMAK MILJTAHV FORCES
72-73
of Engiiieej's, but under the sepai'ate Inspectorate of Construction Troops, they perf
torate
engineers (Pionierc) free for operations in b. ar
OrgamBafioi).
forward
tlie
iireas.
—The
following types of construction units known: construction battalions {B"nh"f"''hn'') road-con;
struction battalions (iitrii-iseii/javiafaiUone)
;
light road -const ruc-
tion battalions {leicMe, StrosnenhaMhafaiUom-)
:
and light bicycle"
road-construclion hati alions {h'tchfe Rodfahi-Sfi-it-'i^eiihimhaf aillone). The construction battalion containsi a headquarters. 4 companies, and a. supply train. The supply train may or may not be motorized; the companies are not. Tlie road-construction
battalion panies,
consis:ts
and
a
of
partly
panies contain
a
a hcadfjuarters. 4 road-cimstrnetion
motorized equipment section.
headtpiarters.
with
signal
a
com-
The com-
section
and 3
platoons, a motorized equipment column, and horse-ilrawn trans-
The light I'oacl-conslruction biitlalion has a headquarters and 4 light road-construction companies, but has no equipment section. The companies are considerably smaller than those in the road-construction battalion and have no riijrjial MX'tion. The port.
light bicycle road-construction battalion
is
similar to the
ligjit
road-construction battalion but contains 4 light bicycle-equipped
These units have been emi^loyed Panzer divisions, and for road-building, wiri]ig. mining of shelters in rock, and similar They are known to have assisted the fi^ont-line engineer tasks. road -con struct ion companies.
for the removal
iif
obstacles in the path of
The strength of the construction about 400: that of the battalion, about 1,900. The
units in bridge construction.
company
is
company in the highway construction battalion about 360; the battalion strength is about 1,.W0. The strengtli of the company in the light road-construction company and light
strength of the is
bicycle road-construction battalion is about 180, with the total
battalion strength about 750.
73. Demolition equipment. German explosive is TNT, which
RESTRICTED
140
a. is
Explo.'iivpH.—lVic standard normally supplied in blocks
EXCIXEEiRS
73
\veL{?:liiii;>-
W0;>L-!iiii.4 (:ii/^ (iiiuccs), 20l' iiriimF;
pdiinds),
and
3
kg
sizes are wi-npperl in C(inl;itnprs.
(C-V-,
pmiiids)
(fig.
was paper and
tlte
(Tonnccs),
1^(1).
1
two
iurger sizes arc
All sixes are in'ovided wiili one
FiBuie IZO.— Mi'tliud o[ lilowiuB a
Titc
oi'
mure
kg
(Q'-,
siduIIlt iit
zinc
threiidcil
[lortal.
taking a dctonatur; iiu iiiiiTineiliate primer is necessary, Fu:es and ignitem. The Geriii;iii safety fuze is similar in a!»peiiranfe tii that of tlie U. S, Ai'iny, and burns at a rale of ajiproximutely 2 iin^-i per niinnle tlie iiislantaneuus fuze lias a green
lioleH for li.
—
;
141
RESTItTCTED
— BL-iXDEOOK OX
73-74
GERMAN MILITARY FORCES
The standard is the Zundschnuran sunder S9 (ZDSCHN ANZ °29) which functions by withdrawa] of a coiled wife throngh a match composition pellet, A and
coveriiifr
German
is
hinnlicd in
tlie
norm!)) miiniier.
nsed iov initiation of
igJiiter
tlie
safety Xiize
,
later type,
ZDSCHN ANZ 39,
are Imown. Exj)loders. C-,
—Several
exists,
but no details concerning
it
types of explodors for electrical firing
The latest pattern {GVi'ihzxmdapparct a low-tension exploder which will fire through an external resistance of 255 oiims. of demolitions are in use. Jfi) is
74. Electrical sors
and mechanical equipment.
and power tooh.
—There are two
a.
Compres-
sizes of compi'essors cari'ied
by German engineers, the small {kJeiner DiucklufterseMgei -i.J) and large {grosser Drucklufteiseuger Si), No details are available on the former; the latter is mounted 0]i a trailer, has an overweight of approximately 1.^00 pounds, and a capacity of 106 cubic feet of air per mimite, delivered at a pressure of 88 pounds Pnenniatie tools driven by these compressors jDer square inch, include drills, hammers, pile drivers, aTid probably small pum])?;. all
Power saws driven also b.
sets,
{fig.
issued to engineer companies are normally gasoline121), but there are reports that electrically driven saws
have been used.
A
large number of field generating Field generating sets.— both alternating and direct current, ranging from 0.8 to 35
kilowatts, are in use
in
the
German Army.
No
details
are
available. o.
Field searchlight projectors.
—Small
searchlights, 12 inches
in diameter, are carried in engineer units as 114. 116,
and 118 (pp.
130, 132. 133.
and
shown
in figures 112,
The manned by
134, respectively).
larger searchlights used for antiaircraft defense are
personnel in antiaircraft units of the air force and not by engi-
neer personnel.
—
The GeraiianR use two methods for detecting d. Mine detectors. buried mines: probing and electro-magnetic. The probing teeh-
RESTRICTED
142
EX"c;i\ii:ERS
iilqne r()(t
is
U
ftlniiliir
TT.
iiicllii)ds;
S.
a
spccinl
u.siinliy eiii])lo_yed fiti- llii.s iJiiqxiPC.
iiii'tliod ()f
an
to
T4
The
tnlmliir
sfccl
t'lt'clrtj-iiiagiiclLc
mint' dcti'ctioii diepeiids on the change in imUicliiiiw of w!u>n [ilaced ncac a ciiihIiii.I injr lindy. In
oscillatiLii;' rircnil
lii'acf.iw,
ihe cirriiit
end
lod
di" a
"I'
the jrround to of iiiduetance.
is
eiiiiiuilicd in a snai'ch
ciinvenii'nl
k'nijlli
iiiuiinUHl
i.()il
and moved nver
tlie
on
surface
tlie nl'
ifines aiu detected hy the chanfje evidenced by vai'iati
Geniiait
lie inveslijj^itud.
ivhieli is
Anny. and
which they were
ai'e
uriiiinally
commonly named produced:
that
after (!» is,
fdwn
Berlin.
in
Kiilii,
Fninkfm-l, or Aachen.
1«
RESTRICTED
.
KAXUBOOK ON GEKMAN MJLITARY FORCES
75
—
—
75. Floating equipment. a. Assavlf hoo.U (Siuniiboote') These are light ivoodeii. keelless? boats, which will cari'j seven men addition to the crew of two (fig. 122). They are used ill the initial stages of :in assault -crossinj^ and are powered by a 1^-horsepower, 4-cylinder ontboard motor, whieh drives a propeller throufih a 13-foot shaft contained in a tnbnlar housinj^. Four men are reqnired to carry the motor and eij^bt to carry the Boat? can be nested in gionps of three on K])eoial trailers boat. for transport. The m^iximiim speed of the boat when loaded is
m
probably between lo and 20 milca per hour. h.
Pneumatic
ho'it".
— (1)
stage of an aswmlt crosiiing. the
form of an
The^^e boats are nsed in the second
They
are
made
of rnbberize^d fabric in
bulkheaded
elongatc
oft'
into f-evfral air
They can be u>:ed for ferrying, or for rafting and bridging, when they are fitted with varions types of lijiht wooden superstructures. The boats are made in two sizes, the larger of which can be inflated by hand chambers
so that the boat cannol easiEy be relink.
bellows in about lo minutes, The smaller boat, which is 10 feet long and 4 («) Small -lize. feet wide, will carry one passenger in addition to the crew of two. It has an available buoyancy of ab
—
ameter. It
i?
not
commonly used for rafting, but can be wooden structure to form
either a duckboard type of
fantry assault bridge, or with
a
with
litteil
a light in-
double-track superstructure to
form a bridge capable of supporting inotorcycles. The larger boat, which ie 11^ (J) Large sise.
—
feet
long and 6
feet wide, will carry one rifle or macliine-gini section, in addition to
the crew of seven. It has an available buoyancy of about 21/0 tons, weighs 330 pounds, and rolls up into a cylinder 7 feet long and 3 feet in diameter. Boats can be joined together to form 2- and 4-ton
and the rafts can be coupled together to form bridges, the exact rating of which is not known, This '[lOidon and trei^/le equipment {Itriichcn^erat B). c. raffs,
—
B
equipment was introduced into the German
RESTRICTED
144
Army
about
193-1,
and
K.VCIXKKRS
—Assault
Figure 122p
75
boat loaded nith tnFbiitry.
145
RESTKICTED
76
HANBROOK ON GEKMAN MILITARY TORCES
the ytaiirliii'd bj'iilge carried by eii^iiu'ei' battalion.- in iiiotoiized infantry divisions and in most infantry divisioiij^j where it h replacing the obsolescent C equipment (r^ee '.L below). It is of noris
mal design,
cujisistine; of balk.'-, cheeses, and gnardrails, snpiwrted on undecked steel pontnijs. whlcli can be used singly or joined together stern-to-steni to form ponton piers (fig. 123). Tiie iionton measures 24 feet 7 inches by 5 feet 9 inches, and weigh?; 1,654 pounds. In addition to a crew of 4. it lias a carrying capacity of 15 men with field equipment, oi- 10.000 pounds, with 9 inches freeboard. The balks are >teel I-beams, 7 inches by 3 inches by 21 feet, weighing :J15 pounds; Ihe chesses are 1(1 inches by 2 itn'hes by 12 feet by 7 inches, weighing o5 pounds. Trestleii are of steel and weigh about 1,100 pounds. With tbitf equipment, hridges and rafts of 4-. 9-, and 18-ton ratings can be built. In practice, the 18-to]i bridge can be con[>iderably over-loaded, probably up to 26 or 27 tons. The 4-ton bridge is constructed by nt-ing 1 ponton per bay. centered under the e]idh of the balks and lequiivs special pontoii transoms and saddles to support the balks. The 9-ton bridge may be built in tlie same mannei' as the 4-toii bridge by i-eplacing each single ponton with 2 pontons joined longitudinally. Tliese 2 bridges cannot be divided completely i])to rafts they are therefoi-e conveniently formed by bridging out rather than by the use of rafts. All alternative method of buildijig the 9-ton bridge is to form rafts with 2 pontons per raft. Hince. with this method, the junction of the balks falls bet\vee]i poinons, special ponton traiisoms and saddles arc not required. The 18-tnn bridge also is built by the latter method, with each ponton replaced by 2 pontons joined longitudinally. The superstructure of these bridges is progressively strengthened by the addition of balks, and in the case of the 18-ton bridge, by doubling the chesses and guardrails. For assisting bridging operations, motorboats are provided. These are powered with a lOfl-borsepower, six-cylinder, water-cooled gasoline engine, a]id eacli has a capacity of 6 men. They are capable of moving a treble 18-ton raft at C miles per hour. ;
RESTRICTED
146
E.VGLXREiRfj
Fi^iirL'
75
1:^3.— l*u 11 tun bridgv uiidirt i-uiLaliii4:imi.
ur
RESTRICTED
:
ha:xdbook
75
O'X
ge'Rius military iokces
—
d. O ponton and trestle cquipmeitf {Brvchengerat C). This appcans to be an earlier type than tlae B equipmenl. whifli is iinw
Pontons are sijnilar in design to the B c, above). of wooden eonstniction and -.wo. siimller, measuring 12 feet long and 5 feet wide, iind weighing about 300 pounds. The pontons are open and splayed and can be nested ior transport. replaeing type, but
The
it
(see
jire
jfuiierstrneture eontists of balks
:i]id
ehe^ses joined together to
form complete units of roadway, measnrinj^ feet by 2 feet. Four typos of bridge can be built
appri)xi]nately
'23
an assault bridge of single strips of supers! rncture supported on single pontons; a 1-ton bridge consisting of a five-strip-wide super^lriK-tui'e supported on double ponton piers a 4-ton bridge similar to the 1-ton, but with twice the miinber of piers; and a 5.3-fon bridge in which each floating hay is su]jported on (hree pjei's. The latter bridge is especially designed to take the 5.3-fon six-wheeled armored :
;
car. e. D ponton and trestle eifuipment {Br'ickengerat i3).—This equipment is used by motorized pioneer platoons and will take
loads
No
up
feet in length,
and
two triangidar end /.
It is of the ponton,
to 9 tons.
ti'estle.
and girder type.
details aiP uvaibible, hut the girdfr appear.'! to be
K
ponton
to
l>e
abom
30
composed of a center box section with
scclions,
a-iid
iTcMte equipment {Bruckcngerat K).
—This
the standard bridge carried by engineers in the Panzer division. The pontons are of a three-section type and the superstruclnre is similar to the U. S. small box-girder bridge. Bridges of two, is
three,
and four giniers can be
built, the full girder length of 64
normally used. The track load-rarrying capacity and corresponding spans are probably equal to. or greater than, the following feet being
i-givder. 'IS-foot spiin
23 tons.
4-Sir
span
21 tons.
2-i);iv(1er, 32-fiKit
^jian
21 tons.
a-girdei, 64-foot span
10 tons.
RESTRICTED
148
E.XGlXKE.i;3 '< ii'}iifo}i>a}ul
(/.
toii
75
tn-xlle r//'i/jiM''ii' {Bilicl-pnc/eriif
hritlgo iw iiawl only
i'oi-
S).
—-Thif^poii-
lieavy tralliu hltoss wkle fivura,
;irLd its
mast be fegai'dwl as a iimjor eiigiiiopring operation. The pcmtons ;iL'e sectioiuil, :iiiil tlie niadway, which is IC iVet 6 cimstriictidu
iiic'he.-,
ill
vehicles
wiiUli, will auLiiiiuundalc twi) lines
up
to 24
iuul fr;ukc(! vfliicles
liilis
iif traffic.
up
Wlii'ehni
(o 30 Ions
can he
iicfiuunio(iateil for sinfrle-lini' ti'ailir; llie niiixiLuiuii load is ivdueet! 10 10 h.
tfjn.s if
two-way
Herbert hridge.
ijii'der
Inillic in
—
superHtt'uetuce,
^I'his
allowed.
heavy ponton
or'igiiialjy
with a liuilt-up
liridge,
fornn^d
part
tlie
eijuip-
Czeehosiovaldan Ai'iiiy. (Sec figs. 124 and VZT,.) 11 will take 2()-tr>ii tracked vehicles over a niaxinium unsupported h\}\i\i of 82 feet, and willi ctosei' spacing of [lontuns it eonid probnieut of
llie
149
REST KIC TED
75
HANDBOOK OX OEHMAX MIUTAKY
..^
Fie'iic lij-
RESTRICTED
— PholuEnijiliine lOU
tOHC-ES
^
Herbert bridge.
...iidsu.
ENGINEERS
75-76
ably support a 36-ton tank.
It can he nsod only on the largest and Ihe constnictioii and lannclung reqnirc too much time for consideration in assault operations. The Herbert equipment, liierefore, may be classified as a ;,einiperinanent bridge, and its use is probably confined to retir aieas. The pontons are of steel or light alloy, guiiwaie-loadcd, and are iit;ed to a minimnm I'reebojird of 12 indies: the how is provided with a raised bnlwark to assist ill the rongh water experienced on large rivers. The ponton sections are decked and provided with hatches, and it is possible i»r the maintenance crew to rest and sleep inside. The weight of a pouton is approximately 10 tons, and displacement with the freeboard mentioned is nearly 60 tons. The main girders carrying the roadway arc composed of sections in Ihe form of pyramids, 6 feet 6 inches high, with bases 8 feet 3 inches long by 4 feet Transoms are hung in special stirrups from the 6 inches wide. apex of each pyramid, and the transoms in turn carry the balk. A standard bay is SSVg feet long, that is, of 10 pyramid sections, pin-connected. The equipment also includes trestle piers of shore bays at river crossings or shallow, dry gaps, while the -steel rivei'fi,
standard parts, can be constructed to a heiglit still cari-y the full load for which the bridge is designed. 76. Fixed bridg'es.— rt. L. Z. hridge.—Th^ L. Z. {light seetionahzed) bridge is normally erected on main lijies of conimnnication. It is a tlirougb-type sectional trnss bridge which can be used for spans up to about 148 feet; it has a track width of 12 trestles, bnilt of
of over 60 feet above foundation level and
and will carry wheeled vehicles np to 18 tons or tracked vehicles up to 30 tons (figs. 12G and 127). By a special method of construction, the bridge can be used for light railway traffic over a iimnber of gaps, and as an improvisation it can be feet 2 inches,
built on floating supports.
The main
trusses consist of rectangu-
which
ai^e bolted together and resemble the trasses used in the British Bailey bridge. One railway engineer company can assemble and launch a 148-foot bridge
lar panels, 8 feet 2 inches in length,
in 12 to 15 hours.
548832-43
11
151
RESTRICTED
——
76
HANDBOOK ON GERMAN iHLITARY FORCES
Fiffure 126.
Figurf 127.
RESTRICTED
I^.
Z. bridge
over the M-cuse Rivot af MaasTricUt-
L. Z. hiLd^c C3m[jlclcd.
152
(Nole Ihc
]jiunchiiTff nopy.)
EI^GINEEKS &,
Railway
bridges.
76-78
—Foui' types of railway bridges
ai'e
known:
the Roth Wagner^ Ki'upp. Kohji, and XJngm-n. None of these is helieved to be a recent development, tlae Roth 'Wagner havinff been used since World Wai' I. All are believed to be of the unit construction type, buiit from standard parts which can be used in spans and piers. In the German Ai'iny, great em]jhasis c. IrrifTOvhed hridgen. the construction is laid on of improvised bridges, and all engismall neer companies carry a supply of timber for this purpose.
—
These bridges vary from light timber footbridges of vai'ious types to semipermanent bridges with a capacity of more than 20 tons. 77. Portable tank bridges. The only known bridge of this type is the Vnger, a donble-tiack bridge 52 feet long, of timber construction, mounted on wheels, and said to be capable of carry-
—
ing loads up to 22 tons. 78. Mines. a. AiitHatik 'mines. (1) Tellermine. This is the standard German antitank mine. It is 12.6 inches in diameter and 3.2 inches high, with a convex top and a flat bottom; a car-
—
—
—
rying handle is provided on one side. The total weight of the mine is 19 pounds, of which 11 pomids is TNT. The ignition assembly is located in the center of the lid and is operated by a direct pressure of from 175 ponnds at the edge to 420 pounds The mine is provided with sockets on the side fit the center.
and base for insertion of
detonators and igniters; hy means of instantaneous fuzes to other mines, or for detonating the mine by means of trip The min^s are normally buried wires, etc., when it is moved. from 2 to 4 inches below the ground surface. When used as hasty obstacles, they may be connected by means of pressure bars to form a continuous obstacle which will detonate under pressure applied to any part of it. aciditional
these can be used for connection
—
This is a circular mine, 10.25 (2) L, P. Z. mififank inirn'. inches in diameter, 2.25 inches in height, weighing 9 pounds, 153
RESTRICTED
HAX-DBOOK ON CrKRMAN" MILITAKY F'ORCES
78
and contiiiiiiiig 5. pounds (if explosive. It is pvesHiu'e-oiicrutcd and Una five ijrniti'rs. e<[utilly spaced iininnd wntcal fiiisli elinmber, Slicfiiiiens wei'e Ciiptiifed from Gerni:in paratroops in Crete, :i
but
h
notliinfi; I'ni'thei'
assumed tbat
it
haw been beaccl of tbe /. P. Z.
may bave
mental type or an especially
niiiio.
It
been oitber an abandoned experiiif^iit
by airborne troops.
mine designed to be carried
—
Tliis is a Hnn^arian mine (3) O. V, P. 1 antitank min^. whicb was used by the Germans in Noi'lli Africa in Seplcmijer 1942. It is of tbe same general desifni as. tlie T<-lh-rinh\e. but is smaller, baviii^ a diameter of 10 incbe^ and a bei{*iit of 3 incbes. Tbe mine weighs 8 pounds, lias an explosive tilling of S.f) pounds, and may be i-egulated to detonate under pressures varying from 70 poimds to 700 ponnds: consequently, it can be used in eitber
an antitank or an atitipcrsonne! role. (4) Gcrmnii iime-ilelay rinliro/i/ Mii/i;;.—Tliis mine, of special design and constna-tion. is for use by parties of spoeialistt; raiding lines of comniimication; it is reserved for special operations
The mine is contained in wooden box measnrinj!; by 9 by 4^4 inches, and contains It is nsnally placed under a railway tie 8'/^ pounds of TNT. !ind set for a time-delay of from 1 to 21 days, after which it will detonate when the pressure head is depressed. These can be divided into b. Aiifipersaiinel tr-aps and mines. two main types: These consist of one or more^ (1) R'lemenlary hoohy trap'*. small blocks of explosive and a push or pull igniter, actuated by find is not a geneial issue to tbe field. A Hffht
!l
—
—
the usual
Push or
trip devices, (doors, cupboards, light switches, etc.).
pull
igniters also
may
as aniilifting devices. (2) ShrapiK'J sha[je,
about 4
RESTRICTED
be attaclied to antitank mines
—This
mine
{S-mine).
inclies
in diameter
154
and
mine
is
cylindrical
5 inches in height;
in it
— ENGINEEtRS pounds, containp
78-79
pmmd
of exploKive and 350 packed around the explosive. The mine may be opei'ated by tlirect pressure on tlie push igniter in the head, or by a pull on one or more trip wires attached Itisof the bound iiifr type: that is to say, it iripi'o10 pull igniters. jeeted inio the air by a seeo]idary charge before the mine proper explodes and scatters the steel balls. Diinnny S-mines are freely used and require careful examination, as tlioy may have booby
weighs
iibout 9
^^-iiK'li-tfiaiiieter
steel
1
wliich
ball.t,
:ire
traps attached.
79.
Antitank obstacles.
a.
Antitank
mines.
—These
are
uf^d as followh: (1)
In mine
field-t.
—Mine
fields are sited in
accordance with
Army, the mines The number of rows is not
principles similar to those adopte
being spaced at regular intervals.
whole mine field is designed to give a density of mine to every 14- inches of front. Frequent use is made of mine fields consisting of mixed antipersonnel and antitank mine.s. with the object of impeding the rapid neutralization of the mine field by engineer troops. (2) As Toad and paxmffe blocJcx.— These may consist of a luimber of mines disposed at intervals as in the ease of a mine field. Isolated mines may also be used, a board being placed across the top of the mine to increase the contact area. Antitank and anti(3) In conjuncfAon with other ohntacles. personnel mines are frequently concealed in all types of road blocks and ari'aiiged to operate either under pressure or by the pull of a wire when a portion of the obstacle is removed, Various devices are used whereby (4) As s^mpended mines. running into a M-ire stretched between (rees across a a vehicle explode either imdcnieath the tanlt or may cause a mine to road vehicle, or when released from above or pulled from (he side. Wire obstacles. Wire rolls disposed in depth across the road I>. are occasionally used. The spacing between rolls decreases from the front to the rear of the obstacle. Antitank and antipersonnel fixed, but the
at least one
—
—
—
155
RESTRICTED
— T9-S0
HANDBOOK ON GERMAN MILITARY raRCES
luiues, concealed witliin tlie obstacles, are
usod to iucuoaso
theii-
effectiveness.
Other antitank obstacles.— (1) Dragon^s fe^M.—These aw composed ol from four to eight rows of uoinfoi-ced concrete blocks of varying heights up to 6 feet. The blociis are broader at the base than at the top, and are cast in rows from front to rear with substantial reinforced connecting sills or foundations. Dragon's Continuous teeth are designed to stop a tank through bellying. c.
rows of these obstacles are constructed in front of
i)reiiarRd posi-
with the addition, on the enemy side, of a ditch 1(1 (See par. 124rf (1). p. 335. and fig. 187, wide antl a bank.
lions. usually fei-t
p. 339.)
(2) Felled trees. ^-'Yra&s are felled along forest roads and tied together to forin obstacles, which are further strengtlieued by concealed antipersoiuiel mines. to (3) Ro-ih awl xtcfll ,s-sc-//(5».i,^These obstacles are employed
form barriers and road block.s. They are usually of varying heights and are spaced at intervals of abont 4 feet. Barriers ai'e also formed of special angle-iron frameworks, 6 feet 6 inches high, designed to stop a lank by providing an unscalable slope. 80. Special
—
equipment for use in
assault.
a.
Flame-
throiners. The Ciermans have three types of portable flamethrowers, two of which resemble those deveh>ped in the last war, (1) Light-weight Kleif. This is operated by a team of two men and throws burning oil or creosote a distance of about 25 yards. Short jets of flame are normally used, but in one continuous jet the duration is about 10 to 12 seconds. The containei' (See par. 92Ji is carried by one man, who also directs the Maine.
—
(10) (i), pi 194.) (2) Nev> type.
—A new
ty|)e
of [lack flame-thrower
is
charac-
terized by the shape of the fuel and hydrogen containers, which are in the form of concentric rings carried on the back of the operator. The maxinuun range of this flame-thrower is 25 yards,
bnt the duration of continuous discharge
RESTRICTED
156
is
reduced to 7 or 8
ENGINEEES
80
However, tlie new type has the advantage of weighing pounds compared with 80 ponnds for the Khif. (See par, 926
seconds. 4-1
(10) (6), p. 194.)
—
This is usually operated by three (3) Medium-weigJd Cfrof. men, the first carrying the fuel and the second the compressed nitrogen cylinder, while the tliird operates the valves and directs the flame. Additional men may be included in the party to carry added snjjplies of fuel and nitrogen. Tlie flame is thrown 25 to 30 yards, and in one contimious jet will last about 25 seconds. b. Bangalore iorpedoen {ge-'^H' ,.i,le Laihmgen.) These are used for blowing gaps in barbed-wire entanglements. The
—
standard type consists of 7-foot lengths of steel tubing filled with explosive and connected by bayonet joints. It is fired by a length of instantaneous fuze running the whole length of the torpedo. Torpedoes can also be improvised by securing grenades or standard blocks of TNT to boai'ds or poles. c. Pole cluitges {gebalUe Lailungfin). These charges, used for
—
attacking pillboxes and fortified positions, consist of a number of s(andiird explosive slabs fixed to the end of a pole. After
being placed, the charge i^ fired either by a short length of safety fuze or electrically by an exploder operated by a second man, This consists of six stick-grenade heads, d. Grenade cliaigc'.
—
around the head of a seventh that slill has its stick. The charge is used against pillboxes and for attacking the tracks and tied
turrets of tanks, e.
—These are coni-
Hollov: demolition ckargefi {Hohlladimgen).-
TIE charges, designed to perforate cupolas and armor-plating in permanent fortifications. Thoy are su])plied in three sizes, weighing, respectively. 12.5 kg (27.5 i)ounds), 13,5 kg (29.7 pounds), and 50 kg (110 pounds). All are provided with a hemispherical
cal
hollow space in the side nearest the target in order to concentrate the force of the explosive on a small surface area. The 13.5-kg charge is fitted with three folding, extensible legs for positioning the charge with relation to the taiget. 157
RESTRICTED
.
HANDBOOK ON
80-81 /.
.
CtCliMAN MILITARY FORCES
—
Hollow v'm^ Hollow ring .oharges {11 ohlringladungen) kg (2.G pouiidy) and 3.2 (7 pomuia) consist
charges, weifrliin^ 1.2 of pressed
which
is
TNT
,
in thin iimiular containers,
on the
innei' side of
a small hollow space of semicircnhir cross section.
smaller cliarge
is
The
intended for use in destroying antitanic and
machine barrels; the lai-gev is intended for use ugainst field guns. These are made of g. M'bie-exp/odmg nefa (KnalUnnetse) instantaneous fuze and are nsed for clearing passages through mine fields by detonatinjr the mines. Each net is made up in units 33 feet long and 8 feet vvult, with a square 6-inch mesh, and is initiated by a length of safety fuze and a detonator, which can be Two nets can be roUed up and cafiied fixed ki any pai-t of the net. by one man, and are consideced sufficient for clearing a passage through most mine fields. 81. Vehicles. ". -'i-ton truck. This is the normal type of Both the sidles and heav_y six-wheeled truck made by Hsuschel. the ends are let down when tools are carried. A long wooden cup-
—
—
—
board, L-shaped in section, is placed along each side of the truck. The men sit on these cupboards, facing inward. When the sides
down, the sheivef; of the cupboaidp are exposed. Ij. ffalf-tr(u:k tractor. This is tbe normal type iti Kinufes of trailers, each having the same type of chassis but varying arraTigement« of pins, grooves, and similar |):irts to fit tbe different loads. This vehicle has a single axle and d. Troiler for rnotorhoaf. two double wheels. It includes telescopic launching ways, so that of the truck are
let
—
—
—
the motoi'boat can slide
RESTRICTED
off directly into
158
the water.
— SIGNAL TROOPS Section
82
XI
SIGNAL TEOOPS PariiKr!i|ili
Gnieriil
82
Ovftiiiiization
CoiHposition and
83 alliilineiit
Artdirimiiil foniniiinioation
Armament
of nnifs
84
mctliods
85 86
of signal persiiiini'l
Signal eqniiimont
S7
Transpirtation for signal eqnipment
88
—
82. General. n. Introduction. Tiie German Army attaches the greatest importance to the maintenance of commnnications iimonjf all units of tJic Aruie<( Forces, and German sijjrnal troops are fhoroiiglily trained and equipped to keep vital communication netwoi'kfi in operation. Although signal troops are assigned many varied duties, including the development of new communications
equipment, their main task is the establishment and maintenance of comnmiiications within the immediate combat zone. In order to reduce the difficulties of supply to a minimum, the Germans
have developed simple and practical signal eqiiipnient, and. where possible, have concentrated on a few standard types. Tims, for example, many parts in German radio sets, particularly the tubes, are used by two or more arms, facilitating the building up of reserves of spare parts
and making
it
easier to supply signal units
in the field. h.
C omnvunications
within division.
—Within
the
German
vision, the division signal battalion establishei- lines to the infan-
regiments and between the artilleiy commander and the under his command, in addition to establishing lateral communications to adjoining divisions. When there is a question as to which lines should be built first, artillery contry
artillery units operating
nections have priority.
—
The higher unit is responsible for ei^tablishc. Resfon-iibility. ing and maintaining communications with the next lower unit. 169
RESTRICTED
HAjyOBOOK ON GERMAN MILITARY FORCES
Sa
Wire wmmuiii cat ions with lished
from
arc always estubby the unit an the left in each
neifrliliorinfr units
left to riglit, thiil
is.
This rule does not, however, rflieve connnaiulers of tlie responsibility of maintaining contact with units on their left. The establishment and maintenance of communications between artillery and infantry units is considered of the hif^hest importance. case.
If an artilleiy unit is uniler tlie command of an infantry unit, the hitter is reyponsible for establisliing communications. However, if the artillery is supiiorting the infantry unit but not under its comiiiaiid.
the ai-tillery unit
is
responsible for the communica-
If tbc artillery unit is unable for some special reason tions net. to establish the coimection. the infantry unit must undertake the
Oonniiiuiications with heavy infantry weapon units, such as mortar and infanti'y howitzers, are the responsibility of the
task.
infantry commander concerned. (/. Adi-aiice.^ln an advance, the division signal l>attalion constructs and maintains trunk lines along the route over which division headquarters is moving. In friendly territory, existing
In enemy territory where such facilities are not available, hciivy field wire is strung
conmiunications are utilized to
on
tlie
utmost.
poles.
Confacf vnth cflCmJ/.— Once the enemy is encounlereil, wire communications with the corps, which were originally established by the corps signal tro{»ps, must be maintained at all costs and e.
must be supplemented
l>y
radio telegrai)hy and any other
means
available.
—
In a defensive position, a comnmnications net is /. Defeiifie. its exestablished which will meet any situation that may arise, tent depends upon the time available to construct it and the period for which the position is to be held. Intercommunications between divisions and other elements are established as described in Several means of comnnmication are always made b. above. available between important defensive positions. Wire coni-
raunieation
is
usually by buried cable.
RESTRICTED
160
Special communication
— SIG^'AL
TROOPS
82-83
nets for infantry, artillery, antiaircritft defences, gronnd-air com-
munication, Panzer divisions, and siniiJar units are provided. Alarms for jfas and air attack are installed, and technical means of intercepting hostile messages are expanded. The German commander normally isg. Recomin^.ndationn. sues orders for the employment of his signal units after he has received the recommendations of his signal officer. It is essential,
—
therefore, that the signal officer be given as complete a picture as possible of the general situation, the misision of the troops, etc.
—
h. Une of ro'lio. Eadio communications are used to duplicate telephone oonumiincations and to communicate with highly mobile troops on the move. The Germans employ radically difl'erent
methods of maintaining radio secrecy in fighting a war of position from those which they use in open warfai'e. In both cases the strictest secrecy is maintained at all headquarters, from divisions upward. The nu]nber of messages is reduced to a minimum and those dispatched are always coded. In stabilized warfare this procedure
all
ojien
is
is followed at warfare radio communication
headquarters, wdiei'eas in
freed from restraint in all
units up to and including the regiment. It is the German belief that the advantage of possessing a quick means of communication foi- smaller units, and from rear to fi'ont, far outweighs the dis-
advantage of having the enemy listen in on radio messages. Hence, with battalions and regiments engaged in open warfare, German radio messages are seldosii coded. It is believed that the division commander decides when code restrictions are to be in force and whcji small units are free to send messages in the clear. 83. Organization. a. Signal command.- The Inspector of Signal Troops {/iispekteur der Nackrichtentrupptn) supervises the training and technical de%'elopment of Army signal troops. The same officer also holds the post of Inspector of Armed Forces Communications {Inspckteur der Wehrmachtverhindimgen) and
—
,
in this capacity directs that section of the joint staff of the
Armed
Forces responsible for Jnterservice comnumications and other simi161
RESTRICTED
,.
HA-KDBOaK OK GERMAN MILITARY TORCES
83
lar details of oi^ix^unizalion
and
atiiuiiiistratioii.
A
Signal TrcKipfe
{Komnia.iideur der Nnchr/.chte)'iru/i//<;n) in fach military district (Wehrkrcis) is responsible for both training mid there is aUo connnnnications within his district. At Army
Commander
GHQ
Chief of Signal Communications {O/ief dex Nachrkhfenwesen») who is a senior officer of the General Staff and is responsible Similarly there ai-e senior for all signal matters in the fieki. signal oflicers attached to army group, army, and army corps a
headquarters. b.
liasic M7!iis.— Signal units in the
Gernian
Army may
be di-
vided into two groups: organic units, permanently assigned divisions or larger units, and units belonging to the GHQ pool. (1)
The organic
(«)
Army
units are as follows:
group signal regiment {HeereKiiachrichtewegimsni)
one assigned to each {h)
Army
to
army group. regiment iArmeenachrichtenregiment), one
signal
assigned to each army. (c)
Corps signal battalion {KovpsnachricMenabte.Uung)
,
one
assigned to each corps.
Signal battalion {NachrichteMaUeilvng), one assigned to each division. {In some recently formed divisions the organic signal unit is a conqiany instead of a battalion.) luiits are as follows: (2) The regiment {A'aahric/ttenreghn-ent) and the signal ((') Signal hiittalion {Xo,ehrichtefiabteifung), which may be assigned to armies or corps to supplement their organic signal units. (r^)
GHQ
{h)
Armed Forces
GHQ
.~iignal
regiment (F likj-ungKiiachrwhf-
High Comand maintains signal communications between Hitler's headquarters and army group and army headquarters, as well as between the three
enregi'iiei'.f),
mand
of the
which
is
under the
German Armed
dii'ect control
Forces.
of the
It provides
branches of the Ai'ined Forces. {(•)
which
Army is
GHQ signal
regiiticnl
under the control of the
RESTRICTED
{neeregnachrichtenreghwiif)
Army High Command
162
,
and pro-
—
.
-
.
SIGNAL TROOPS
83-84
vides and .maintains conimuiiicalions of lesser importance thau those handled by the armed forces signal regiment.
GHQ
(d) Independent signal companies, which inchide the following: 'I'elephone construction
1.
company
{Fei-nsprechhaniJcom-
paiiie)
4.
Telephone operating platoon [FcrmfrecMietriebs-duy). Teletype company {Fernschrejhkompunie). Intei-ception conjpaiiy (Horchkompanie)
5.
Signal
B. 3.
reconnaissance
company
{NtichrioktenaufMd-
rmif/skoin'panie). 6.
Radio supervision company (FunJciiherwaehunffskom
7.
Fortress
panie), signal
command
{Feshrngsnachrichtenkcnn-
mandantur) and fortress signal command
station {Fes-
UmffSnachrk-htt'nkom'immdontursteUe), which are tached to the slatfs of fortress engineer units,
at-
(e) Female signal operations battalion {Nacknchietihelferhineneinmis"bteihing). which consists of women communications'
who work
in communications networks, not only in Gerthe occupied countries but also in the communications areas in the immediate rear of the fighting armies, 84. Composition and allotment of units. a. Fle~i:ibiUfy.—
operators
many and
In
all
the following descriptions of signal units it should be rethat the composition and equipment of all such units
membered
vary widely accordiujr to the mission and circumstances. Thus the data given Jiere mu^t be regarded only as indicating the German method of organizing signal units and not as laying down a set pattern for all
such units.
—One signal battalion is assigned to each infantry division and is charged with the construction and maintenance of the division communications net. The work h.
Infantry
r/ivh'/ on.
German
of the battalion signal training
is
extended and supplemented by personnel with to various subordinate units but are
who belong
163
RESTRICTED
KAXUHOOK
84
O'N
GEBMAK MILITARY FORCES
not dHK5ifie(] iis siipjial tiwips. The signal l>attiilioii norniMlly in(ludes Ivvd coinpunics (one telcplione ijiid one miHo) ami a light The companies in tlie infantry division signal sif^nal coliiinn. battalion are divided into sections performing various specialized duties. Each section corresponds to a large sqnad or a small secthe tion in U. S. Army. The approximate strength of the battalion in per.sonnel
and
trans[)ort
is
shown
Oaud
in figure 128, OrhiT
EM
Mtrol
Mtr vehicles
5
4
52
11 1
13
28
104
24
Tclcplionn coinpariy.
253
2 14
Radio
Ifil
36
TOTAL l^lj^urc
c.
474 I2S.— C'atnp[>9itloiiar the
In motoHsed Mvidoji.
aii^nal
!
Horses
43 43
Headquarters group. coiii[>any__ _ Liglit siRLia! colunm.
n-Dr vehicles
5G
hatlalion in Ihe infdii^; diTiSEun.
—The signal battalion in the motorize^l
organized and ii-qiiipped in tJie same way as the equivalent unit iti Ihe infantry divisiim with the exception division
that
it is
is or
fully moturized.
—
divitiian. In North Africa, in order to meet the needs of fluid desert warfare, the German Panzer division signal battalions were equip]>ed with more radi<) than wire sections. The composition and armament of one type of signal battalion in d.
In Pavser
the PanKcr division
is
shown
in figiu'e
12i'.
SIGI^AL e.
In rnmmtaiii
division
is
TROOPS
84
—
division. The signal battalion in the mountain believed to be similar to that of the regiihir infantry
division. /.
In
corps.
—Corps
signal battalions are responsible for com-
munications from the corps headquarters to the divisions operating inuler its connnand and to corps troops. They may also provide divisions with additional communication facilities when llie type of operation or the nature of the terrain so requires. The composition of corps signal battalion is shown in figure 130.
HAJM'DBOOK OS
84-35 h. Ir} aililt)
army.
for
—
Trrxijis
specially assigned comimiiiicatioiis
Ai'Hiv
eoiiiuiiiriic!ili(jii.s
sifTTial
of sueii units
army
for
GERMAN MILITARY FORCES a.
troops.
subordinate
rejriiiieiits is tiliowii in
an nnny iii"e rcspoiiwithin the army as well as to They also provide udditiona!
sijmi)] rc<;:iniciit in
to corps
orfiiuiiziitions
are wholly motorized. figure
l;t2.
wiieii
The
required.
composilioii
SIGN-AL TROOPS
8G-87
—
Armament
of signal personnel. Sifriiiil |>t'rsc)Tiiie[ are and bay
armed with
rifles
to bo expected, however, that signal personnel will
lie equipped wilh tripods for their machine gmis and accompanied by lieavily armed troops to act us gnards when the need for protecting signal
installation
is
apparent.
87. Signal
equipment.—.-*. Radio.
signal troops possess
nnmerons
— (1)
''.V').(r/r/7.— (iernian
specially designed radio trans-
and other radio sets, varying in size from the heavy radios transporled by trnck or command car to (he mediiini sets carried in armored vehicles and Ihe light portable .sets carried by man pack for both ground troops and airborne units. The fremitters, receivers,
qnencies of most of the gi-omid cimnminication sets are
shown
in
figure 133. (2) Types of rad'Of.—'\l\\(i Germans use various types of radios, depending on the condiH<)ns under which they will have 1o operate aiid the pei-formance which is required. For example, in most vehicles of the Panzer division there is a radio set; the commanding general of a Panzer divi.sion or brigade coniuiuiiicates by radio with his immediate suhnrdinates and with the air torce operating with his headquarters, while in the lower echelons every commanding officer issues his orders, reports to higher oHicers, and receives his instructions by radio. For the operations on Crete, Gorman airborne attack troops were equipped with several types of radios, but two types were most ex1ensiv
for use by airborne units. Figure 134 shows the principal
German radios used from the forward echelons to the larger uomnuiuication centers in the rear of the front tines, and the comparable sets used by the Signal Corps of the U. S. Anny. Tii addition, figures 135 to 143 illustrate the principal types of Geriiian radios. 54ss32=-4r.
13
167
RESTRICTED
M
w 5d I—
o H
SIGNAL TROOPS
Figure
157/
— ViAd
im
87
rncUg.
RESTRICTED
87
Piguri? IZ6.
HAA^DBOOK ON GERMAN MILITARY FORCES
—Twv-nifln pack IrHn^milter
(li band^, 9[)0 lit 3,15U kilorycJe^), probQbJy ur^^d in Ihc furnard echelon for reconjini^^SAnct; and ub^ii^rvtilign.
RESTRICTED
170
—
SIGNAL TKOrJPS
FiBurt 1^7.
10
I
II
ir.y.i;.. ail-wull
87
crnH..milU>r.
OH I HI
L.
—
Figyrc 138.
Ileal-
view uf 2a K.S.iL, iD-niitl
in
Iraiisiuititi.
RESTRICTED
— HAKDBOOK ON GERMAN MILITARY FORCES
ar
Figure 139.
Ukw.E.e. 10
It'.S.e.,
Innk compuncnls of Fa S-SE 70 V.
(3) Interception receivers, direction piders, liig sets.
cover
—
all
and t/round Usten-
interception receiving cr|nipineiit can frequencies between 200,000 and C5 kilocycle^, bnt inforCerliiiii Gcitiiiin
mation regardinff the sensitivity of these sets is rot available. An ingenioHS gronnd listening device is known to be in nse. It consists of a cylindrical ahnninuni container, at one end of which are two terminals connected to the end of an internal winding. The other end can pivot aroiuul an axis perpendicular to the axis of the cylinder, foriiiiiig a jaw linnly retained npon its waling by a strong spring. The side of the cylinder carries two openinjfs diametrically opposite, allowing a telejihone line to beheld therein
The inside face of this jaw carries a moving arnnitnce made of soft laminated iron. The spring the moving armature against the fixed part of the trans-
by the jaw.
of a transformer core forces
RESTRICTED
172
SIGN'AL
— Mmi
Figure 14IL
riack ri'i-eivur, jjitrrcviit
kilocyclcs>f used with
hiicI
TKOOPS
miiuJlurJiiK
puck tcanaiuitter
173
TORN
Fuf
87
Irjjt;
:/J5tf^ [1 huiLtU. IftO to fi,670
in (lit forwarti
echehn-
RESTRICTED
87
HAXBBOOK ON GEHMAN MILITARY FORCES
RESTRICTED
174
— SIGNAL TKOOPS
sr
tliiiH eliisliiii' the innj^netic circuit. The external terminals are eonnceted hy a i>air o-f wires to a Inw-f reqiioncy amplifier. Tlie telepiiniie line, wlieii iiiwrteil. acts as the i)riiiiary of the
foMiicr,
Iriuisi'ormer. inilicatioii is
The apparatus can tie easily put in jihice, and no given of its pivsencc while it is in place or after it
ha.s])een rt'moved.
—Airhunie
Figure 112.
trnn-< miller, FiiG fi
(4)
RiiJi'i
eiiiployefl
hy
hJochhhi llie
IS
(38.!i
to 42.3
megacyclcG) . used hy single-seat
Kilters fnr ciiiiimtijliratilin.
i/rv/'u-N.-
Germans
— Delails
of j'udio blocking sets
are not available, but
it is
known
(hat
this type of riidio interference is practiced. h.
T/'lcffrop/'.
—Telejiraph
Morse instrninents in Siemens and Halske
printers
have
largely
hi^jher nnits of the Gei'inan toU'gi'at'h
.superseded
Army.
The
printers have been adopted as
standard. c.
Sv'itchhoardx.
(1)
—T!ie typos of exchanges in general use are —This type
Two-li?ie switchhoard w'f/i
consists of a small
vixiial
iiidieafoi:
wooden box, approximately I7fl
-2
by
fi
by
inches.
RESTRICTED
HANDBOOK ON GERMAK MIUTARY FORCES
87
with foiii- tei-minals, two of which arc ui5ccl for line connection and two for coupling an additional two-line switchboard.
—Mobile
Fieure H3.
Iraniaiiillcr, tn>c 100 W.I,
uacd in Ihc division
command
net.
—
Light ten-line switchboard with shutter indicators. ConThe is made by the nse of plugs and cords. push-button disks are mounted on the ba&is of one for each out(2)
nection in this typo
RESTRICTED
176
SIGNAL TROOPS let.
The
metliod of cnHinfi:
is
87
to press tlie fequiretl red button,
and ring on tlie excliange oj)evator"s telephone. No luagncto for ringing is embodied in this switchboard, (3) Light ten-live HViitchhoard viitli fliiys and cords. —-In this type the magneto calling device is embodied in the transmitter, and earph()n(;s are plugged into the switohb^iard. The first three jacks on the switchboiird are iiormuUy used for truck circuits,
and there
is
ringing-oit indicator.
a special
A
special battery
normally used for the tninsmitt*r circuit, but the standard type can be used if required. The method of calling is the same i.s
as above.
(>iee also (i)
FK
—
(c)..
below,)
This heavy switchboard is used where two (4) (en-line switchboards, coupled toj^elher. iire not suHicient. This is a magneto switchboard made up of one or more thirty-li]ie components. Each thirty-line component consists of three rows of tenline jacks and indicators; the indicators are of the drop-shutter type, Grross connections are made by the use of plugs and cords, Id switchboard may be adapted for use on a com(6) Tlie mon battery system by the use of an additional component. A breast set and separate headphones are also provided with this type of exchange. 16 switchboard, as well as the light ten-line type, (c) The may also be used on couunon battery lines of various systems by the use of an instrument (different in each case) called the AmtxsuMits, which is connected direct to the switchboard. The method of calling is then similar to the automatic dialing on Ger10.
{a)
FK
FK
man d.
post
office
systems.
Telephones.
— (1)
magneto generator.
No. 28.
—This telephone has a buzzer and
The hand-set
is supported on a bracket on the side of the instrument and an additional receiver is pro-
vided (fig. 144). T!ie buKzer can easily be removed from the instrument, as it is ])luggt'd in by means of a five-pin plug. The current is supjilied by two cells. The total weight of the instrument is about 14^ pounds, (See (2) (c). below,)
m
RESTRICTED
:
HANDBOOK ON GERMAN MILITARY
87 (2)
No,
I'ORCES
is a more modern form of telephone and hand-set being made oi bakelite. A liiind
No. 33.~(a) This
"6, the casing
generator and bell are provided, bnt the buzzer is omitted. Current is suppHed by one ceil. The total weight of the instmmciit is pounds. approximalcly ISVj
— Field
Figure \H.
Iritjiliynca.
The No. 33 telephone may be used on common battery by the uae of an adaptor (AmtsanschUesser 33). On automatic systems the use of an additional component {Nummeni{!>)
lines
containing the uutomatic dial is necessary. This can be connected to the telephoncr by plug and cord. (c) The labeling of terminals on teiuphonea No. SG and No. 33 is as follows tchreihenkdstchcn)
La Lb/E IvB/ZB
RESTRICTED
Line terminal. Line or ground terminal. Condenser terminal (only on telephone .A'o. S6). 178
SIGNAL TROOPS (S)
Table, telephone Oil
for
stniiiient
iisf
indoors.
IV,.
— This
A
is
87 a post-officp
])eciiliiuity
of this
pattern
iristriiiiifiit
inis
on each cud of the caKe. ('. Cipher ei/uijimi'nf. The "eiitjiiiia" cipher macii iic is part of thp equipment of radio telfgraph stations in sifrnal nnits. ei/u/jmi-evt: /. Vinim} (1) SigiiaJ in(/ /ani //'<.—Two types of llie pj-t'-si'iii-o iif iLLii;!noto liaiidles
— —
i
lamps are used. Tlio niediinn hini|) h;is a I'iinj!;? of 3 niilf.s by day and 10 miles by ni^ht. It can lie altai-hed to a tripod, or to a tree or pole, by a knife blade wiiicli protrudes fi-om the botiom of the lamp. Power supply is either by battery (two 4.5 batteries connected in series) or by hand fjeiierator. An optical indicator consisting of
five
small metal tongues
is
incorporated in
the generator bo.\: their oscillations .show whether the generator is
l>eing
turned at the correct speed
rent and voltage.
The
to pi'{>duce the I'equisite cur-
lam|) also has a shutter attachment which
can be varied to six different apertures, accoi'fling to the intensity of light required. The small lamp is similar and lias a range of 2 miles by day and 3'/^ miles by night.
—
This instrument has been intro(2) Infrared-rety telephone. duced for use ill forward iiroas for coiiimimicatiijii between i[ifantry regimental headquarters and battalions. It is not used, is known, in signal nnits. Dixh i^igiiajhu/ efjurpim-nl. Two disks, colored red and white, approximately 4 inchfs in diameter and mounted on
so far as
—
(3)
handle.s. are used for signaling in regimental, battalion,
pany signal
and com-
sections, in accordance with a |trescribe
—
g. Vmtal equipment for riir cooperation. Ground-to-air visiml communications arc accomplished by flags, icdored smoke signals, and panels. During opeTattons in Crete, swastika flags wci'c used
to denote
cloth
Gennan
indicated
troops. White or yellow ground paneb of front lines, while headquartei's positions wei-e
shown by panels in the form of a cross, and spots where su[>idies were to be dropped were .shown by two X's, side hy side. Direction of resistance was indicated by inverted V's with the poii\t in 179
RESTRICTED
:
HAKDBOOK ON GECMAN MIUTARY P0KCE6
37
th« flircclion of
tJic resistance. Various other panel designs were employed to convey pi'earrangod messageti. Graen smoke signals were used to attract the attention of aircraft where supplies were needed; red smoke signals are also believed to be nsed by the Gerjiians to indicate enemy-defeiided positions. h. Light fiiffnals.— Ci) Very dgnd pktol carh-Ulf/es.— These are of fonr or more different colors. They burn for 6 seconds to a height of approximately ^50 feet, and can he seen from a radius
similarly
of about 1 mile. (2) Signal grenades.
They burn
feet.
114 to 3
—Tliese
can he fired to a height of 750 a radius of
and can be seen from miles by day and 10 miles by night, for 8 second.';
(3) Flo/res for ccmmunlcation-
with aircraft,
—These
bui'n for
45 seconds. i.
Message-throwers m>d projectors.
—Tliese
are no longer in
use.
—
il) Open wire.—The building of open j. Line constrv f^f ion. wire lines with light conductors is not considered satisfartoiy, and the light wire is gradually being rejjlaced by a heavy quad wire.
When
used, however, the. wire
and
built
is
is
41/2
is of 2-mm bronze or 3-iiim iron, on light posts. The rate of construction of two pairs miles per day by a section and 10 miles per day by a
company. (2) Types of
—
field wire. The three main types of field wire general use arc as follows: light insulated wire for use in forward areas (a single conductor) heavy wire similar to U. S. field in
;
wire
W-llO-B; and heavy quad
cable, for
which the U. 8.
Army
has no equivalent at present. The distance inv which speech trans(3) Trail amission limits. mission is considered good under favorable circumstances, with light and heavy field wire, is as follows:
—
Light wiiv, groutHl reliun
Miles.
On poles On ground
RESTRICTED
8 2i^
180
:
SLGNAL TROOPS
87
Liglit wire, meliillic rcluni:
miri 15
Oil If lies I-Ipavy
Oil till
Heavy
On (4)
on
wii'i', i;rf>iiiiil rpttirii
3I>
i)"lt's
S'^'ii"'!
wiiv.
8
--
iiiiJiiiilk'
retiiru:
„..„
piile.-;
Melhods of
layhifj.
— (a)
Light v'lr.
— TIr'
reels in U'njijtlis of about 5.)0 yiirds, uiid is laid
45
is
wmind
by hand
fi'Oiu n
wire
supported either on the chest of a man or carried in the thiunb bnd;e is proviilcd lo prevent he reel Irani overspuining. separate carrier is used for recovery. ciii-rier
]i;ind {fig. 145).
A
I
A
Fia^uTP 115.
—
Ri^i^liHE^
18J.
gut
firld wire.
RESTRICTED
HANDBOOK OK GERMAN MILITARY fOKCES
87-88
Collapsiblo back liainess
is iilso provided for the laying of lifiht This consists of a kimpsiick containing three reels of wire, each of 550-yard lengths, a crookstick, axles for reeling out and in, and varions accessories. ^Heavy field wire Is wonnd on reels, each (/;) Uearij field wire.containinjr about 1.100 yards of wire. The reel is placed on an axle supported by an iron frame, which can be strapped to the body of a man or laid on the (ioor of a vehicle. To recover the wire, the reel is revolved by means of a chain attached to a separate reeling-
wire.
—
As the
in shaft.
which the wire
is
reeling-in shaft
passed, traverses
is
rotated, a {^lide, throiij^h
backward and forward,
so that
woimd evenly on the reel. (e) Heavy quad cable. Heavy quad cable is wound on reels. CoimectioJi is made by a plug and socket about 2 inches in diameter.
the wire can be
—
A
loading coil can be inserted into the connector. Normal simplexing is carried out on tliis wire. 88. Transportation for signal equipment.— «. Horse transport.
—Heavy
field
bered wagon or on
wagon
wire
is
carried either on a light -telephone lim-
a single limber.
drawn by two,
The
light -telephone limbered
The rear half-limber contains the wire and line-construction accessories, 5 miles of heavy wire, and 2y^ miles of light wire, while the front half-limber contains telephones, switchboards, men's kits, and two collapsible kjiapsack-pattern, wire-laying apparatuses. For laying, three is
heavy wire are limber and the wire is in iron brackets below limber is similar to the reels of
four, ov six horses.
monnted on separate axles in the rear halfdrawn off by hand. The poles are carried
The infantry signal light-telephone limbered wagon, but carries the rear half-limber.
equipment for four wire teams and 2 miles of heavy field w^ire. A collapsible trailer (normally carried on the front half -limber when not in use) can be attached to the rear half-limber for laying the
heavy h.
field wire.
Motor
trmitfort.
—The rapid motorization of signal units has
led to the introduction of
RESTRICTED
many
types of trucks.
182
In addition to
CHEMICAL WARFARE TEOOPS
88-90
usual types, there are 14 typos of special trucks for use by Five of these are for usu in telepixiue ami telegraph
thfi
signal units.
operating subsections and 9 in radio subsections. In the majority of cases these special typos consist of a standard chassis witli a special body.
Section
XII
CHEMICAL WAEFARE TROOPS General
8!)
and mini in
St rat ion
Defer)Me
80 HI
Offerisivi' wiii-fiire
92
OrsiitLizalioii
89,
General,— "Hie
i
German
military
oi'ganization
thor-
is
Germany's chemical industi'y is higlily developed, equipment and sto<;ks of war gases in ntonifre and prothiction are ample, and a<)equate well-trained peroughly prepiirrd fur
<;heniical
KOimel are available.
Ofleusiviily or deftmsively, the
is
warfare.
German Army
wage chemical warfare, at any time. Unusual research and manufacture has taken place in German
in a positifm to
atlivity in
chemical plants since the beginning of the present war. From time to lime movements of war frases from one area to another have been reported. Conquered countries have been forced to produce addil iomil supplies of chemical agents and antigas equipment for use by the German Army. Military depots are believed 111 be amply stocked with gas shells of ail calibers. Construction
Gernnm cities, issue of gas masks to civilians, and a constant examination and replacement of gas-mask containers ha\c been regularly cai'ried out. of antigas shelters in
—
90. Organization and administration.— a. GeneraL- Gerchemical warfare troops (Xehc/tnip/M-v) have been organized for some years.. In 1937 they were removed from the control of
man
the Inspectorate of Ai'tillery and jjlacecl under the Inspectorate of Chemical Warfare Troops and Gas Defense (I'napektion fur Nebehriippen mid Gasahwehr). A troop-training griiund near 54ssr.2'-r^
.13
18:^
RESTRICTED
HAKTVBOOK ON GERMAX MILITARY FORCES
90
Miinster was reserved for tiieiv special training. Formerly restricted to smoke and ilecuntaminalinii (iperatians, i^hemical war-
now
ehemical troops, cai'efully warfare, and are equipped to trained in all as|jects of clieinical use gas as well as suioke. In addition to Kiri-mui (4.14-iiieli) mortars, they are provided with chemical grenades and mines; some are equijiped with rocket-type weajJous, and others with defare troops
fniLctioii as rej^nlur
contaminating and conlainiiuiting devices. h. Ui)ifs. (1) Ee,g/hiiei
—
known
regiment. ters,
—
us Nebalwerfcrraf/i/ne/it, but is
a
This regiment
signal
section,
now
composed of
is
and
3
battalions
desij^mited as Wcj'/cr-
a I'egimental
headquar-
{Wei-ferabteihrngni),
equipped with 105-inm (4.14-iuch) mortars and otlier weajxins. battalion consists of a headquarters, signal and meteorologiKeixtrts incal sections, and 3 companies of 2 platoons each. dicate tJiat tlie total arniamejit of the regiment is 72 mortars. At least 10 auch regiments (including 2 experiineutal regiments) have so far been identified, and 18 independent battalions (in-
Each
cluding 3
deconlanii nation
baftalioufi)
are
also
known.
The
battalions are trained to shoot gas as well as smtike from their mortars, no adjustment being necessary; thus tliey could be utilized for chemical warfare at any time. {h) Ream/ chemical [nmolce) regiment (sch^'nerex Werferregi-
—
ment). Since the introduction of the sextiiple, 15l)-nnn rocket mortar, known as the Ncbeiircrfer .f J. now Wcrfer Iil. the organization of at least one heavy chemical (smoke) regiment {xchweres Werferrcgimeiit) has been repoi'ted. Tliis regiment is said to be organized like the normal chemical (smoke) regiment, except that its total
armament
consists of 54 six-barreled luortars.
— {a)
— The
chemical (smoke) batdecontamination battalion talion independent exist as units in the {Entgiftwngsa'bteilung) pool. In addition, it is believed that the road decontamination (2) Other
v/iiits.
{Werferabff'htiig)
General.-
and the
GHQ
RESTRICTED
184
— CHEMICAL WARFARE TROOPS
90-91
battalion {StraRneTi-Enfgiftvngmhti'ilmig')
aiifl motorized decoiicompanies also exisi as iinlcpeiukiiit units. This miit consists of a hend{b) Decontamination battaUon. mcteoiological (juai'lcrs, signal and sections, and three companies, with nine trtirks, each carrjinf^ 1.2 tons of bleaching powder. Each companj- consists of two platiiony, each equipped with six medium Iniif-track (rucks fitted with hoppers to scatter the bleaching powder. Although the primary function of the decontamination battalion is to clear passaf^es through contaminated areas, it is said to be rained and provided with equipment for contaminating purposes, and thus would be uvsiiiable instantly for oft'ensive chemiIn this r<)le, the, unit would be known as Vergiftitngscal warfare. ahteUunff (contamination battalion).
taiiii«ation
—
!
(c)
Road
di:i:oiitami'nofion baffal'ioii.
—-Little
and duties of thiM unit. {d) Mofoi'hrd decontamination compankR.
to the orjianiziition
is
known
—Those
relative
are
com-
GHQ
pool and would be posed of medical troops attached to the No details are sent wherever high gas casualties had occurred. available concerning the organization of these troops, but they are said to be ablo to decontaminate and reclothe loO
hour. ((',)
Attitclud
unit-'f.
—Horpe-decontamination
ported to be attached to each veterinary hospital. evei'
needed.
'I'heir
These
ai'e
veterinary
sections
men
per
are re-
company and army
motorized and can be sent wher2(1 horses per hour.
capacity is said to be 10 to
—
91. Defense. -a. Oryanizotion and tra'niing. The German Army is on a soinid and efficient basis so far as gas defense training is concerned. Ai'my gas defense .schools are located in Beilin. t'elle. Breloh, and clsewhoi-e; other schools, inclnding one
Anklam, in Pomerania, are also used for training instructors for the Army. Each battalion, or equivalent unit, throughout the Army has an antigas olKcer assisted by a noncommissioned officer, and each company has an antigas noncommissioned officer. They at
are charged with instructing their units in proper gas protective
185
RESTRICTED
flAXDEOOK OX GEEMAN MILITARY l^ORCES
91
measures
with periodiciil inspection of
anil
all
iraK
protective
Six men in wich cumjaany, or equiviUeiit unit, are trained as gas sentries {GiiKspiirer) and are issued such equipnu-nt as gas detectors and alarms. In addition, decontamination or gas protective detachmenth exist in all higlier units. cqiiipinent.
h.
,
type
—
—
The German Army has had (1) Gan moxks. gas masks, the most recent being a model with a rubber-
Equipment.
a series of
fiicepit;c*«
{Gm.
-iS)
suitable for
mass |m)duction.
with gas masks are of the
est canisters for use
FE
The new1)1
model.
Spare gel a tin -coated antidimming disks ai'e carried in a comparlment on the inside of the lid of the cyliudrieal metal c-outainer, and special spectacle frames with flat-tape sidepieces and antidimming compiumd for the lenses arc provided. A limited number of carboij monoxide masks and oxygen masks are available for land forces, and some pioneer troops have been issued leather helmets having under the front brims a rolled-np piece of rnbbei', with eyepieces and a flat filter to cover the nose and month. Antigas clothing in(2) Protcctivp, dothhig. {a) Gevenil.
—
—
cludes I'liincoats, overcoats, coats, short breeches, dungarees, shirts, trousers, socks, boots, &\v\ gloves, (h')
Light
rJolhiiig.-
— Light ant Igas clothing consists of an over-
and open back, knee boots, and hood; it has a hardened-gelatiu inner layer, and when new Will resist mustard gas iis long as 3 hours. all-tyi)e one-piece suit witli nhort legs
gloves,
(c)
Heavy
clotlimg,
—Heavy
pi-«tective clothing consists of a
jacket with hood attached, a pair of trousers, all
and a pair of gloves, of mei'cerlKed cotton fabric, prodfed with a substance known
as O-pvaiiol. a synthetic material similar to rubber resistant to both
maslard gas and
—
and
highly-
lewisite.
(d) Pcrochufe elothhig. It has been reported that some parachute troops have carried suits of jirotective clothing cousisting of an oilskin jacket, shorts tying above the knees, and long boots, the iip|)ers of which were als
RESTRICTED
186
.
CHEMICAL WARFARE TROOPS
gl-
(e) Proff^Hve rapex.—T\K' GfalUt, a gas protective aiiw, was introduced into the Gennaii Army in 193!). replacing previous lypes of fiiitigiis capes. It consists of a rectangular sheet of rubberized fabric, appruximately 6'/^ feet liy 4 feet, treated with
Oppanol. which is folded ami carried in a canvas poucli. It weighs about 2 poiiuds. An aid in croHsing contamiualed ground (3) Ahlina^ paper. is a roll of ini])refi;iiated pajier (Gwililiif '/). 55 yards long by 48
—
inches wide.
It is estimated that 1 to 200
men
can cross
(in file)
becomes unusable. it (4) Moh'h fmniiln.'-.i.' Mobile decoiilainination ])hintp for the decontamination of clothing and e<|uipment may take the form of motor trucks mounting a water-tube boiler for the rapid generation of steam, as well as a steam chamber and a di-jing chamber. Bleaching jjowdei' is ihe usual (5) DeeaxfiiminnfiTig maierinl. substance for ordinary deooutamination work. Troops are issued before
it
—
—
a pocket f^a^:k of decontaininating agent {Waffeii<'nff//flmiffv?iri.ifor small arms and other eqiiiinnedt. In addition, a decon-
tcl)
taminating li{|,
in
(C)
?^et.
which
is
jiacked in a cylindrical container with
issued for use on machine; guns
Drcouiainhuifion
rehiclen.
—
and larger weapons. Light dccoiifdminclion
{".)
COT (leiahfer EidgiftuiigHlcrafiwagi'-'n).
—This
is
a
5-1
on,
open,
half-track, cro^s-country vehicle having a tliree-nian crew.
MciTium dcconfamhi'itiov car {inif*lci'er Enfgiftitng>;lrraftThis is a T^^-lou vehicle similar to the light model, operated by a three-man crew, an
—
viagen).-
of decontaininating agents. (c)
Onr for dcconfamhiation of perxnnnal (Mannschaftsent-
(jiftuiHinTtraftinogev).
ated by a
—This
two-man crew.
is
a 10-ton, six-wheeled vehicle oper-
It can decontaminate 150
men per
hour. (rf)
Car for dPcoufaminatioTi of clofhing
ungHkraftwagen)
—This
is
a 10-ton.
187
{Bi'kl<'khingnPiitgift-
six-wheeled vehicle.
RESTRICTED
—
.
HAA'DBOOK OX GERMAN MILITARY FORCES
91-92
—
Each Gerninn soldipi' is equippod (7) Oa^ protective owfmcnt. with four small bakelite boxes M>ritalniLifi tablets of T.oxantif. high qimlity, sLabilizi^d bleaohiiig powder, which is mixed with water or saliva and applied to tbe affected parts of the skiTi. ii
—
(8)
of the
Protection of horscx. The Germans have a horse gas mask damp type (model 41). Also, gojrgles are furnished to
protect the eyes, as well as boof covers, in three sizes, to jsrotect
the lower part of the legs.
and are attached
tions exist
each
army Ga^
Mobile horse decontamiTiation seceaeh veterinary company and to
to
horse hospital. detectors.—Gwa
sentries [Gonsp'iirer) ai'e provided gas detector set and gas detection powilei's. consistinff of a mcla! cojitainer with five pairs of indicator pliials, oi' test tubes (each containing a dilferent reageni), and a suction pump (9)
with
a
for i:h-awiiig air tlu-ough the tubes.
The
weighs about 16
set
pounds. (10)
Giif^
car (Gampiirhraftwafffn)
(letection
believed to be in use by the Germans.
men, weigiis about
5
tons,
and
is
—This vehicle
is
has a crew of seven an open, half-track, cross-counIt
try vehicle, intended to carry one or two (irtection sections
and
equipment. (11) CnVective
iirof<'<'tioi\.—Q.w^ protective cnrlnins are probably available in the German Aririy. and tbe artillery makes a practice of gasproofing its gun iiosilions. Gasproofing of tanks
and armored vehicles fixed fortificufions in
ha.s
also
Germany
heen mentioned.
filtered ventilation,
92. Offensive warfare,
many might
a.
Many
of the
are rei^orted to be equipped with
Agents-
—-The
gases which (Jer-
Generally have retained tlieir World War I chissificalioii, though it is boHeved that "crosses" have been sajjerseded by tbe terms "rings" or "bands" for purposes of nomenclature. The Germans favor the combination of j^ases. Thus a vesicant toxic smoke is a combination of blue-band and yellow -hand gases, and speaking,
use offensively are listed in figure 146.
tiiey
RESTRICTED
188
)
CHEMICAL WARFARE TROOPS COM.MPN NAJMBS
1.
Mustard (H) I.ewisit(-
Bick; OrlMiciiz III Stickstofflost
(JFixturcs of (tui«l:u
reduop that
iif
vesli^ant
Wiirlil Will'
and more
iiui!
A
tht; frecKiii}; jjuiiit.
Irf'wisitP ni:iy
I
;
it
is
he u?od in
njUlure of
eolfl
wPntlier to
Lewisite be an improyeiiifiil over pi-olinhly moic ijersisteut, and possibly more oO-p3ict'ut
Ths mustnid gas
called Wiiilrrlosi.
is
Crons"
Lo"! : Srnf : OvIhJ.-rcug Gelbkreiix II (.')
(1,)
Ethyklichlurarsiuc (ED) NitiMgtu mustard IHN)
.i.
A.
NAMES
GEIIJIAN (vesicants)-— "ydlow
mister gases
2.
92
mui(l:irii auil
lilifly lo
is
difficult to ilccontiuninate.)
Olwkhiy gasca (lung
irriliuil'<)
— ''Green
Gross"
2.
Phosgene (CG) Diohosgcne (DP)
D-Sfoff; GrUnkreiie K-Stoft ; Pcr^fuff; Gnliilciviis
3.
Chlorpicrin (l^S)
Klop
4.
Chlorine (CI)
iJhlor
1.
(There have been frequeut references gases.
A'ofp i/oscs {steriiiilatars)
(DA) (DC)
—
Chirk
Diiihenylchlorarsine
2.
Diplienylcjaiinrsine
3.
Adamsite (DJl)
DM.
(Cfvmiiny shows a preference for
DA and
World War
2.
i/aft'iK
(hiO'liiml'/rs)
Cldorncetophenoiio (CX) Brombenzylcyanide (IIBC)
;
Blinikriii^
I :
Cii"" Chirk
Aii'uiisit.
DC DM
was not
iis(;d
dur-
— "While Cross"
T-Hluff
(Neither of these gases was used by
upon a luiniber of bromide ihUD the two subslances listed. It
lillle
choking
T-Sloif
'J'hey relied
ful
tlieso
J.)
Teiir 1.
I
Cliirl: !
of
II
"Bliii: Criiss"
1.
ing
mix1nrt>s
to
I.
the Gerinnns iu
the last war. which are less iiowerthought that Geraiany attaches
emTiiiou)i(is, is
iuiportance to tear gjiaes alone, but the possible use of olher gases
camottflaged by tear gases must not be overlooked.) Fisnrc
14fi.
— List of Gernifln wnr gases. 189
RESTRICTED
HAKDBOOK ON GERMAN MILITARY
92 t\u>
nature of the chomical
I-QRiCEiS
would be indicaterl by two bands Green and yellow bands would indi-
fiUinir
uf the corresponding colors.
fute a cboking gas with vesicunt properlics.
A
double yellow gas of euhnnced persistence. h. Offenaive weapoiix ond equipment.— (\.) Aerial spray. Since the (Tennans regard low-altitude spraying (below 1,000 feet) as an effective weapon against personnel and for ground
band would indicate
a vcsieant
—
contamination, pure mustard would probably be used for such iittacks. For higher altitudes, where temperatures are lower. Lewisite (with its lower freezing point) might he mixed with the mustard. The Gerjnan? have carried oiit considerable experimentation with aerial spiay. Two types of gravity-ojierated spray
apparatus {Cliema Fuimi L. 9 and L. 100). suitable for either smoke or gas, were pi'oduced by a Czech firm and are now availtheir capacities are 23.8 and .50.2 gallons, There is an apparatus called the Ni'hehicrat V. 200. suitable for both smoke and gas, of 25 to 44 giLllons capacity ant! weighing about 500 to 550 pounds. Still anotiier apparatus, the Nehelgeriif S. 300. designed primarily for producing smoke curtains, can also be used for cloud emission, A mininuim altitude of f)0 to 100 feet is necessary, and the length of tlie clond
able to the
Germans;
respectively.
wall
is
reported to be about 10
When filled with its capiiapparatus has a total weight
nriles.
city of 60 gallons of liquid, this
estimated at 1,400 pounds. (2)
OhamicaJ aerial bombs.— 1\\e following types of German
chemical aerial bombs exist: {a) 1-kg gas bomb wiih thiii-walled container and small bursting charge, described as a break-up bomb. (h) 10-kg fragmentation bomb with bigh-esplosive and toxic
smoke
eii'ecl (blue cross and arsenicul gas fillings). 50-kg mustard gas l)omh with highly sensilive impaci fuze; small burster for ground contamination or larger biir.ster for antipersonnel effect.
{c)
{d) 250-kg mustard gas
RESTRICTED
bomh with time 190
fuze, to function at
CHEMICAL WARFAKE TROOPS aliotit
92
330 kn-i above the {ironiid and coiihiiuiiiate mh nrea of about.
G.ddO square y;irds.
MO-lv^ lockft bomb, used maiuly iis TIE foe demolition effect ((^) ou warsliips, foi-tifi cat ions, etc.; also ctniveitible to f^as fillings. (3) Projectors.
—
(c/)
O'-AU-rnl.
—Two new
their appcarauee siuee the bejriniiiug of ujerfer
{Hnioke ])fO]ector)
and the
puiji'L'tors liave
World Wac
sehiDeren
1
:
made
the .\ehel-
Wurfgerat (heavy
throwiuf^ appai-atuw), ij/)
Nebelxcerfer
lo-arn
(Avhieh
is
of 15-vm
also
known
(.'i.O-hich)
(lyec/t^r), ^Primarily
J^l
weapon, this improved version
{)!'
a
smoke
the Nrhiiwevfer 'vi" projector
as the />»-^ct/»), consists of six barrels, each ealiber. aii'iinjied in a maiuier similar to the
chambers of a revolver (%. 147). It is mounted m\ wheels and with a split trail. The barrels are open at both ends, the projectiles beirg of (he rocket lype. Firing is elecl rical and from titted
distance; initial flame
is considerable. Separate barrels fire a( second; inchidiiifitime to reload, a complete series of six roniuls can be repeated evory 9(1 seconds. So far, the Nrhi'.lwp.ffer .'+1 has been used with and possibly irritant .smoke, but a
intervals of
1
HK
seems no doubt thai it could be used equally well witli jrn^. especially foi' heavy concentrations. A 21-{'m (8.2(>-ineh) NpIxI\\w\
werfer Ji2 (a
hir;rer voi-sion of
Nehfhri'i'ffr
Jfl
have also been
the same weapon) and the 28/3d-cm identified.
Schweren Wiirff/eriit.—'Wi'a pnijector is known to exist in three, types; .
smoke-filled shells.
Gas
.shells
are available for
191
German
infantry
RESTRICTED
HAKTJBOOK OX GEliMAX .Md.IIAHY KJliCKS
92 T5-inm and
1;")0-hilii guii.s,
tliB iirtillory,
waii'art.'
and for
tint )ij;lit
and
aiul limivy fii'ldliiiwitzej^s lOri-nini limilars
of
(if
clicTniciii
troops.
(5) li/orfura.
mm
for
the. 81-nnii
—In addition
to tlu'ir Si-miu (^.Ki-iiich) jind
(4.14-incli) mortiirs for llio dispersion of
t
gas und wmnko
Ul."i-
{f\^.
N
Fiijurt'
H7,
— l^n-n»m
iWebelieerftr 41 captured lu
Ni}i't]i
Africa.
148), the (iui'iiian dieiiiicfd warfare ti'oops also liave a 1'20-nmi
(4,72-indi)
jnortar niadi;
mortiir (lint
is
idcntiual with Uie Fimii^h
120-nii)i
\>y Tainpi'lla.
(0) Gdn f/renai/e,i.—T[ii.- GeumanK liave developed special gas grenades for use against tanks and armored vehicles. These com-
RESTRICTED
192
—
O Figure US.
— Smoiie unit learning to
use 105-min chemical mortars.
HANDBOOK ON GERMAN MILITARY fORCES
92
and
with hydrogen cyiiiiide, whicli incendiary action as well as a gas effect, The Geniiiiii Anny has gas mines for defensive (7) Ga>i mives. purposes, designed to harass landinfj parties on tidal beaches fuid prifie 2-
4-inclx glass globes filled
may have an
t(i
—
delay armored vehicles and troops.
The mines can he
sides of roads, under bridges, in woods, or in
laid at the
other favorable
and may be actuated by a fime mechauisiti. Bulk covtaniinaf?on.~~'Vtin]is, armored cai's, and trucks are generally eqnipped witli apparatus for spraying gas and smoke, and chemical trucks are included in the equipment for tlio special gas companies. As has already been pointed out, the primary locations, (8)
function of the decontamination battalioii
is
to clear ])assageis
which purpose it is equipped wilh But the same equi])ment is equally
throufrh contaniinatet! areas, for special spraying apparatus.
well adapted to produce coutamiuatioiis, so that the so-called decontamination units may be readiiy used for offensive acfion (sec par. 90/) (2) (b),p. 185).
—
Generators made by a ])rivate firiu in (9) Tou'/c ! t'rafors: Germany containing DA, DC. and diphenylarseuic acid have been
found to be very effective, though their storage pi'0|}eities arc The French had a larirt" number nf arsenical snuike generators which are now presumed to be in German hands. They are large in size, contain DM. and function for about 8 minutes. They are intended to be used in groups of four, ai'rauged to function one after tiie other and to give a total period of emission uf not p;ood.
about 30 minutes,
—
{a) f!<")]i'i'(iL~-T\\o types of pfirtable (10) F]fimc-throv.)er-'<. flame-throwers (Flnrnmenwarfer) are part of the equipment of liie German Army, (See aiso par. 80a, p. lf)6.) (&) Light-weight Klcif. -Tlie light wcijjht portable type has been changed from the old type to give added advantages (fig.s. 149 and 150), as may be seen from the following table:
—
RESTRICTED
19i
:
CHEMICAL WARFARE TROOPS
92 New
Old tjpa
25 yards
Raujje (nia^cimiim) Diiralion of coiicuiiious
-
.
iO to 12 seconds
type
25 yards. 7 to 8 seconds.
flispharse.
Over-all v eiglit, chacgod Over-all weight, pmpty_ Weight of projector and hose.
79.2 pounds 57.6 pounds
pounds
47 pounds. 32.2 pounds. 12.6 pounds.
Weight
45.2 pounds 2.6 gallons
J9.6 pounds. 1.5 gallons.
370 pounds per square
440 pounds per sqiiarH
of
12.6
pack
Fuel capacity Fuel pressure
inch.
incli,
Nitrogen capacity HyilroBcn capacity
O.IS cubic feet .. O.OSo pound per inch,,
0.08 cubic feet. 0.300 pound per sfpiare
HydrogC]! pressure
0,300 pound per inch__
0.300 pound per square
inch. inch.
Mrf}hiTn-inc,igl>t Grof.--T\\v inodiiim flame-thiower coinmobile liglit equipment for two operatoih, which is carried on a two-wheeled undercarriage with tow straps (fig, 151). Its fuel c;i[);tcily is 7.8 giillons nf oil in a lliyo-gnllon steel con-
(r)
pri.sefi
with a 214-gullon charge of compressed gas (nitrogen) at charging pressure o'f 440 pounds per square inch. It produces M ]'et of flitmoH 2.5 to 30 yards in length, lasting for about 25 seconds. By interruption of the jet, 2 to 50 single blasts of flame can be produced of con-espondingly shorter duration. The approximate weight of equipment is as follows tainer, a
Undercarriage lO'^-galJon sti^el bottle (enipry) 34-gallon steel bottle
Rapid
elosiiiR valve
wilb rising pipe
with self-closing valye. Jet pipe with oxygeji hose Jel
ijii>e
Oil
fill-
Total weight witb
.
73 61
4 6
6 6 156 65 221
oil
lys
RESTRICTED
HAKDHOOK ox
GtllS.MAX
MILITARY J-ORCES
Figure 149.— Flame -thiowet (nld type).
('/) Iliiirij
frimi''thTOtL'fi\~~A. )icavy iliuiK'-tliruwer is
used in the
following maniiei-: 1.
Tlic fliiiiic-tlirowt'r
liiiil.
is
made
hicles, siiiiiliir to (lio^e ii.seJ
tank guns, towing
RESTRICTED
!is
wyi of a
flaiiie-th rowers.
196
luimhpr of ve-
tractors for S7-iiiin anti-
CHEMICAL TVARFARE TROOPS S.
92
F] a mo- throwers, moiintpd on two independent casfei-action wheels. wcio;li abont aOO kg (650 Ihs). The dimensions of one of these weapons is as follows: width, 3 to 4 feet; length, 6 to 7 feet. A small shield is fitted at the front and provided with two jots. A small, twowheeled "mechanif^iii horse" (800- to i)00-cc engine) assists the crew of fonr men to handle the flame-
thrower in or out of action. 3.
A
J[.
Three
5.
The claimed range. 100 yards,
crew totals eight men; of these, four operate the flame-thrower and two are armed with a standard small portaMe flame-thrower. All eight men are carried on the vehicle or the flame-thrower chassis. fnel reservoirs are located on tlio vehicle. These carry a reserve of abont 66 gallons of fnel for the lai-ge flame-thrower. Tliese fnel reservoirs are evidonlly connected by piping to the fliime-th rower, is probably exaggerated, but 60 to 80 yards should be obtained with a nozzle abont 20-mm. As the system is pressure-operated, in-
termittent as well as continuoLis
fire is
possible.
Flaino-thrower tanks [Plata) have been mciilioned as adapted to caai-y two short -barreled projectors, one mounted on each front track cover, and three fuel containers within the tank, ie)
The range
is between 55 and 80 yai'ds, which would require a rate of fuel consumption of from 21/^ to B or 7 gallons per second. To be clfective, a burst of 3 to 5 seconds duration would be required for each target engaged. Krupi)-ty])e Ps.Kin. I tank fitted with
A
a flame-thrower
was used
in
North Africa.
The
fl^nme-thrower,
apparently of the 36-kg type, was fitted in place of ilie left light machine gun. The projector barrel was not fixed in the machinegun monnt, but nearly fitted the hole in the mantlet, and normal traversing and elevating could be carried out. (11) Miscellaneous. The Germans have a whistling cartridge
—
197
RESTRICTED
HAJCDBCX>K
92
ON GEH'MAN MILITARY FORCES
pas alarm signal. Il is pfiicient only mider quiet conditions and might not be heard diirinf* battle, The cheniical (n) SrinfJre unit.'' and etpiipmciif. (12) Smok/'. warfare troops use several types ol hand-throwu iiinolve grenades, (PfeifpafroTij') -which is used
a
as;
—
—
—Small-sLzf
Fieure 150.
ont-nian Ilsine-thioiFcr.
with a burning time of 1 to '2 miiiiitos smoke candles, with a bnrnjng time up to 7 miimtes; smoke projectors similar to the Livens type and projectors i^uitable for installadon on Ps.Kin. II. Ill, and IV tanks. Aircraft apparatus for producing smoke has been ;
;
RESTRICTED
198
CHEMICAL WARFARE TROOPS
bz
.The uses to wliioh it may be put include blinding observation and machine-gun posts, obstructing cooperation between enemy infantry and artillery, covering withdrawals, and identified.
Fignrf J^l.^-Medium flamr-tlirowf r.
screening ship movements as well as other targets from enemy reconnaissance. Aircraft flying l>eloM' troop-carrying planes can
emit a smoke cloud through which parachutists could descend. s-tsss:;'— 4 a
—
14
199
RESTRICTED
HANDBOOK ON GERMAN MILITARY FORCES
Q&
also colored smoketi, known )\s AhwVfrfrauchzeiGhen, for signaling from ground forces to friendly planes. (6) Rear area smohc scre.enn.—Snui^e has also been employed
There are
by the Germans outside the combat zone. There are where it has been used to screen rear ai'eas, important industrial cities, bridges, shipyards, and similar aeiial extensively
several instances
targets.
(13) Incei)dianefi.
— (o)
General.
—The
Germans
have
de-
veloped and used incendiary bombs, utilizing magnesium for the lighter weight bombs and steel for the heavier ones. (J) 1-kt/ explaswe-vose bomb. This combination antipersonnel and incendiary bomb is based on the I-kg (2.2-pound) incendi-
—
ary bomb.
Tlie explosive charge lias been
removed from the
tail
containing a much more powerful charge (at first thought to be TNT but later believed to be a pieric acid dei^ivativc) and a fuze, has been added to the nose. This change was believed due to the perfection of measures for combatting the regular oil, thermite, or magnesium incendiaries. (e) i/O-kff high-explosive incendiary.—XwMwa- type of bomb reo]id a steel extension,
cently developed contains a canister of small incendiary units scattered by a large high-ex])losive charge.
As the bomb
bursts,
it
throws out about 60 metal <:nntaiiiers with a Ihcrmite-type and six preignited firepots of the magnesium-electron type. Immediately thereafter the 'I'NT detonates. The weight of this incendiaiy bomb (110 pounds) insures penetration, and the explosive charge (16 pounds of TNT) produces a definite demolition effect, wrecking such objects as partitions, doors, ceilijigs. and flooring. {d) 60~kg phosphorus and oil homh. This bomb, with a filling containing 10 pei'cent rubber and 4 pei'eent phosphoi'us in an oil base, has been used with questionable success as an incendiary agent, phosphorus bums occasionally being inflicted on personnel. filling
—
RESTRICTED
200
— supply akd administkateye services
.83
Section XTII
SUPPLY AND ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES Paiasi.ipli
Supply
ga
Adiiiiliisirativt Service
94
Meilical SeiTice
95
Vi'Uu'inui'y Service
96 97
Field Postal Service Militai'y
PoUee
93. Supply. ices
(if
tlie
98 a.
General.
German
Aiiiiy
—-The
li;ive
higlily "ifjanizecl
made
supply serv-
a siiiiBtantiiil contribution
Genuan urms liitve scored successes, western Europe but silso in the deserts of North Africa and the vast readies of the Soviet Union, In the Rnssiiin theater, to the oponitioiiy in whicii
not only
in
in purticular, Ihe efliciency of Ihe rear services hns
mendous importance
making
been of tre-
on huge scale. Not only have the supply services successfully overcome great distances, lack of adequate communications, and rigorous climates, but also on many occasions they have continued to function despite harassing iittaeks by bands of orjjanized Soviet partisans who make the areas behind the liiies almost as dangerous as the actual combat zone, In tlie zone of the interior all supply services &. Sfajf control.are under the control of the commander of the zone of the interior [Chef der Ileerenrustung imd BefehLihfihe.r des Ersafslieeres), who oiganizes the procurement of all Army supplies and their storage in suitably phiced depots. To each urmy in the field, he assigns the following: depots from which it can draw directly, a commissary supply section for its rations, and its base area. The commanders of the armies, corps, and divisions conduct supply within their commands in accordance with directives laid down by the Army High Comuiaml. For this purpose, they have special General Stuff officers as well as officers of the -v-arious in
possible sustained operations
a
—
201
RESTRICTED
:
HANDBOOK ON
93
GERMAJJ^ MILITARY FORCES
GHQ
The supply of units in the tielil provided for by the commands to which they ;ire uttaclied, such as armies or army groups, or by tlie Army Hif^h Command, pool. The staff offitrers concerned if they are retained in the services at flioir disposal. is
GHQ
with supply in the Field Army and their duties arc as follows (1) At Field Army headquarters, the Generalfiuartie.mmster. This officer is directly responsible to the Chief of Staff and is kept constantly informed of the supply situation of the vari-
—
ous armies.
He
regulates passes
and permits, the employment
as well as Ihe evacuation of prisoners, and the use of communications in the zone of operations. Larjie stocks of material, includ-
ing captured material, are under his control. (2) At army group headquarters, tlie secotid General Staff Q-fficer (76).— Army group headquarters, as an opei'ational com-
mand,
is
not in the normal chain of supply, and the army Ih when a critical sitinition requires action, ynch
intervenes only intervention
may
be necessary in connection with large troop
movements; the apportioning of ammunition, gas defense material, or gasoline and oil, before or during combat; and the relocation of army boundaries. Units attached to army group headquarters ai'e supplied through the army headquurtei-s in the area in which they are located, (3) officer
At army headquarters,
— This
the Oberquartiermeister (/'').
operates in accoi'dance with directives issued by
keeps the correspond] nj^
staff officers of
GHQ.
He
the subordinate miits in-
formed as to the situation of the rear services within the army and
army commander on these matters. He deals directly with the Generalqiiarfhrmehter or the eommaiKler of the zone of the ijiterior. He may hold the supplies of the army mobile on railroads, biirges, and motor supply columns, or he may establish depots and parks for ammunition, rations, and other supplies. He makes arrangements for the collection and evacuation of weapons, ammunition, and other equipment left on the field of battle. He also reports to the Oe ::i'i(il quart if rmsUter all equipment and advises the
RESTRICTED
2(S
SUPJ-'Li-
.4ND
ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES
fiupply insliilladotiM wliicb arc in excess tiie ariiiy.
file
He
udvisea the chief of
93
immediate neods of administration as to
i>f ilic
tlie civil
military requii-euienls to be considered in the administration
and exploitation of the army area. lie allots zones of communications to tlio corps and diviKions, attaches to them the necessary rear yervices, and directs the conslrmlioii and repair of roads, and controls tlie military police in the army area. Corps (4) At corps headqijarters, the Qvartiermeifrfer (/ft).
—
heaihiiiarlcrs handles the .supply of orjranic corps troojis, but it is
not normally
a
The Quartierarmy and the division staff He makes rcqulsiliems 0!i army headquarters, supj)ly echelon for its divisions.
Tnel^ter keeps coiitact with both the
sujiply oiliecLs.
based on reports and requests reeei\ed, and, lishes pri(irities within the eotps. f
He
the divisions in case Ihey are not laid HM()i)ly reserves
iirmy,
necessary, estab-
if
prescribes
tlic
down
and depots are assigjied
supply roads
iu detail
to the
by the
corps only
under exceptional cireiimsta nees. The corps, however, can be supply mlss^ious: for example, exploitation of areas tor commissary supplies. (5) At division headquarters, the second Gmenil Staff nff^eef assifrned .special
—
makes
bis requisitions to the corps snp|)!y ofon the basis of requisitions and reports of su])plies (Jii hand from the troop units. He controls the divisional rear services of supply and pi'{ivides a systematic snp|)Iy of reserves of all kinds for the troops. These nuist be kept mobile on
ilh).
-'I'his iffficei-
ficer (Qiiij'iilii-iiiiixlt'r)
the division ti-uisportation. c.
HiipjiUj trdoj' aominaiidt'r.'^.
—-Eai'h liifrher echelon
staff,
from
headquarters of the division up to tluit of the Field Army, includes a supply officer who commands the organic or attached supply tnmi's. He acts uiider the orders of the staff officers t!i(!
described
These
above.
supply
troop
commanders
arc
as
follows: (1) General
{»f
pen)oii the Field
Siq)i)ly
Army
Troops {General der Nachschubtnip-
staff,
203
RESTRICTED
HANDBOOK ON GBTiMAN MILITARY TORCES
S3
Senior Cdmmandci' of Supply Troops {Hi'herer eur der Nach^rhuMrup/Jen) for each army gryiip. (2)
Commander
(3)
of
Army Supply
Trooi)s
Kommand-
{Kommandeur der
Armce-Nachnchiihfi'uppen) for each iirmy. (4)
Commander
of (.'orpw Supply Troops
(K&mmmdeur
der
Kofpsnachficlmbfrv.ppen) for each corps. (5)
Commandwr
of Division Supply Troops
der DhnhioTiriacMchuhi nrpfen) d.
Tran^porUiHon
opcerg.
{Kovimandeur
for ciich division.
— (1)
General.
—The
employment
of railroads, canals, and automobile roads for supply is rej^uluted by the chiff of transportation throufrh suhordinate transportation ofiiccrs attsu'hed to each ai'iny headquarters. These officers,
who have
full executive
power
to act in the
name
of the
chief of trans^poi'fatiiju, control transport headquarters {Trangportkommandantvren) and forwarding stations {W eiterleiiungsstfdlen).
—
The (ransportatii)ii officer attached to each army (2) DufUn. headquarters is the adviser to the army comma]ider on questions concerning the tranfi|>ortation service. He handles all questions concerninjr the militiiry use of the niilroads jiud waters for the army, and supervises tlieir accomplishment by the transportation service, in accordance with tlie directive of the chief of trans-
He keeps the aj'iny OherijuartienneUter informed probable time of arrival of supply trains or larger the as to depots, or at army railheads or stations. the army shipments at (pi'iority system) has been inaugurated, the system" If a "call
p{)rlalio]i.
officer orders the movement of supply trains interior, or forwarding stations, on the basis zone of from the furnished by the Oherijuartiermsuter. He list of the priority necessary cars and trains for evacuspotting of the the also orders
army
transportation
ation, e.
Supply
service units.
—
(1)
General.
—The units of the serv-
ices of supply {Nachschuhdlenste) belong to the lear services of the various higher echelons. They are responsible for the transport
RESTRICTED
204
:
SUPPLY AND ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES If)
tlie
fi'iiiif
Hii|>pli(;s
tjf
iiJI
Hinm unit ion, weapons,
rations, fuel,
93
and combat empty car-
kin{]«;.for the evacuation to the i-par of
tridge aiid wludl cases, captured weapons,
and similar material that
iinpedc the free acti
mally c
Supply colli iimfi
(2)
aiid their cajiaf'/tie'i.—'VhcxQ are four types
Army, as follows (Kraftvag/'nkolonnen).-
of sup])ly columns in the (rerman (a) Motorized
columm»
—Motori/.e
<-olumng mirst, in general, be employed on good roads. Tliey can cover u|) io tS^fi miles per day. They are organized into large and
motor
Htrmll
30 tons,
tr;iiis[>ort
colmnns with a capacity of 60 tons and
Motor transport columns are designated in employment as (iIlQ. army, corps, or divison
reH|>ei.-liv('Iy.
reference to
tlieir
juotor truck columns.
—
(h) Animal-drawn coli'm-rut {Fahrholonnen). ^Animal-drawn columns have a capacity of 30 tons, and mountain animal-drawn colunms l.l (ons. In general, they are equipped with one-team wagons; liowcvcr, in cavalry units two-team wagons are used. In an emergency, when hoj'ses iire difficult to obtain, oxen may be watid, but only for the mVDvement of heavy loads. Ox -drawn transporlati
Oerman
Acc
training instruc-
and trained animals can cover 12 to 16 miles day, and under favorable conditions up to 20 miles, with a
tions, well-cared-for ]jer
day of
rest following.
—
Pack trains, generally consisting of mules or horses, are usually employed in mountainous terrain. pack train can carry up to a tons, but its capacity and speed arc dejiendent on the trails and grades. It can also (c)
I'uck truirLs
{Tragtierlcolonnen) .
A
be employed in other terrain devoid of roads for the supply of combat t]'ooi»s. In level country, pack trains usually march more slowly than foot troops. 205
RESTRICTED
.
HANDBOOK ON GEHMAN MILITARY TOKCES
93 (d)
.Vmmfam
carrier units {GrhirgntmgereinJwiten)
—Moiiu-
and compiuiies use manpdwer and are employed in terrain where not even pack anim'ala can be used e£Eectiiiii
Ciin'ier battalioiis
tively.
(3)
Types of stiffly units and their
duties.
— (a) —General.—
Tile various types of units in the supply services
according to
tlieir
may
be classified
function as transport, labor, st
units.
(5)
Transport 1.
-units.
truck colunms.~(i\lQ, truck columns {lleevesnachschuhkolonnen) are large truck colunms composing a
GllQ
GHQ
trar.sportation reserve for
army
supply.
They
and divisions. cohumas.truck columns {ArmeetrticM Ariny Anny nachschubl-olonnen) are large truck coliiiiiiis which serve to maintain rolling resierves of ammunition, rations, etc., and assist in stocking parks and depots. Thoy may also be employed iu special situations to assist in the supply of corps and divih-ions. Corps truck columns. Corps truck columns {Korpsnachsehublcolonnen) are snuill truck columns employed to augment the truck columns of divisions assigned to the main effort; when necessary, they are are attached as needed to armies, corps,
2.
S.
4,
—
—
used to supply the corps troojis. t'l-uch columns. -Division truck columns Dlviiion (smiiU), M'agon columns, and pack trains (Divisionsnachschubkolonncn) carry a portion of the initial
—
supply of amnuuiition for their division. They also haul supplies from the division railhead and the supply establish nients of the army (depots, transloading points) to distributing points. AVhen combat is imminent, two division truck columns loaded with artillery anununition are assigned to the artillery com-
mander
RESTRICTED
as
an
artillery
'2G^
ammunition train
{Artilleris-
SUPPLY AND ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES Stuffel).
They
hiiiil
aiiiuiiiriition to
93
the division am-
munition tlistributing point to be picked np by the battery combat trains, or they haul it directiy to tlie battery positions. this purpose,
5.
6,
((?)
Cross-country veliicles are best for
and these two cohunns are equipped with
such vehicles at the present time. MownfoAn carrying compiiny. Mountain carrying com-
—
panies {Gelnrgfiiriigeihomiianhiii) are employed to transport supplies in mountainous terrain where supply columns cannot be emph)yed. Motor fuel colvmnx. Motor fuel columns {Kraftwagenkoloniien fiir Betriebstof) supply fuel and lubricants,
Lnl)OT
—
unif.i.
—Supply
{Nachsclmbbatuillone.
-If o in
hiittalions,
pay if n. and
companies, and platoons -siige)
fiu'Jiish
the labor
and depots, at railheads, rvansloadiiig points, distributing points, and equipment collecting points. Their personThey nel consists of laborers, iiieclntnics, purchasing agents, etc. in the parks
may
also be given special technical missions such as putting in operation gas, water, or electrical estiiblishments jiei-tiiient to,
army supply. The necessary pei'soiinel for these duties is included in the technical platoon of every supply company. Combat troops are not required to furnish labor in rear establishments. Drivers and assistant drivers are not employed for loading and Tudoading ti'iicks. St
—
normally one of each type of park attached to an army. The army motor transport parks contain stocks of replacements and parts, tires, and complete vehicles, and can also curry out larger repairs. By utilizing local shops and assigning motor transport shop platoons to opei^ate them, the repair I'acilities of the army is
can be greatly increased.
Pai'ks also possess the necessary per-
20T
RESTRICTED
93
HA>JOBOOK OX GERMAK MILITARY FORCES
and equipment to low or h;nil damiigecl vehicles. Tf the park cannot make lliu necessary repairs, the motor vehicles arc sent to transport parks in the zone of the interior. Tires are, received in tho same way as equipment from the motor transport ])iirks by the supply coltLmn and issued to the troops through or division equipment collecting; points ((rerafsammehteUcri) way gasoline oil railsent forward by of the and else they are heads or depots to the distributing points for gasoline and oil. (e) Bnpair w?i7s.—These inehide workshop companies, field workshops, motor maintenance units, and tank maintenance soniiel
;
imits.
They
are either organic to divisions or are attached to
armies from the
GHQ
Every equipment
pool.
chides a workshop for maintenance and repair.
pai'k
also in-
All parks and
motor vehicles are includwl in motor vehicle equipment troops {Krirfffahrparkfmppen), which is a sepai'ate arm. Motor transport worksliO]) sections of the field workshoj) and tank workshop companies make repair work on all motor vehicles and equipment which cannot he made by the troops. They are usually establlsbed in the vicinity of the main supply ro;ids. Supplies are delivered by the /. FJoxD of general supplies. manufacturer or producer to depots in the zone of the interior, where they are stored or prepared for immediate shipment when requisitioned by the forces in the field. From these depots in the zone of the interior they are transported by rail to army railheads, where they are picked up by army snp|)ly columjis and transported to the depots of the various armies in the field Shipments of less than a carload within a (figs. 152 to l.'J4), repair units having to do with
the
—
railroad division are sent to collecting stations {'Smninelhahnhofe)
zone of the interior, comiiined into c;irIoads and train shipments, and routed over the forwarding station to distributing stations. Loaded cars and trains f
(such as amdestined for one organization
sent to the foi'warditig station; unit-loaded trains
munition or gas and
RESTRICTED
oil
trains)
208
SUPPLV
,\XD
AimiXLSlKATnK
93
.SKH\-ICErf
iici;
siiippi'U (lirccLly to tlicir di^sliiiatiuriH willioiit )K?iiig hainlk'i]
by
tlie
forward iiig
fcivc supplies at
stiition.
tlio iwiiiy
The
dcputs
division iiiii!
supply-
cohiimis
rt'-
(.urry tlioii to tlie division
distribution poiiit, wIiltc tliey are piidwd up by individnal nnif.
snpply trains, such as the light infantry colunni, tho ]i{2;ht enetc., and cai'i'ltnl forward to the combat iniits. Willie this is (he usual (!tiw of supply, it niity vary widelv in
gineer cohnnii,
FiffUi'i!
I
12,
—
E^jLiU-oad iimtur-triitk uii'd i"in trjinsitjllinE HUI1|jJits to tin- friulL
depending ii[)on the type of coiiimujiic-afions and the needs of the situation. The Couig. Avwaadtion- aupplij. (1) Control and foiv. inunder of the Field Anuy {Oberhefehhhaher des Jleerr^) makes all decisions of broad policy concealing ammunition sujiply. The Gi'in'ralquarti/'rvK'i^tcr advises the eonnnander of tlie diffei'eut situationy,
availalile
—
—
zone of the interior as to the quantities of annnimition that are to be held on call in depots or loaded as a rolling reserve for 2(1!)
RESTRICTED
.
b:ak]>boiok
S3
ok gkumax
jiiLirAifY
routes
v\
41^.
-
-s«»^
t^Jguru
RESTRICTED
]r>3^
— C
Iriiin
210
(liurt.i'-i]i:nvii)
SUPPLY AK1> ADMINISTRATIVE SER^'ICES the Field Array.
AVitli iipprovol of
tlii'
93
chief of tri\naiK>riation,
which the rolling reserve is to be held. Ill iiddition, he determines, on a basis of reqnests, how much ammunition will he made available to the various armies and where it will he dedivcrnd. In general, the armies will lie allotted he
dcsigiiiitos Lhii iirtu in
only
.so
miK.'h aniiDimitinn as it is
Fieurc iril,— J.oiuJinj; a Ivaiisiimt
estimated that they will
iihiTU' ivilh rHllifllJi«"i li>r
lllir
re-
frnnt.
quire for a delinite period of combal. Ammunition traveling by I'aih'oad is loaded and shipped as follows; (a) Unif.-loiided trains
(b)
ing of
Ammunition
made up for a division. made up with (?aliber
trains
units
eoiisi-st-
loaded with 15 tons of a single-caliber animnnition. (c) Single-caliber units (trains loaded wilh one caliber only). Tiie army Oherquartiermeister requisitions the Generalqimrtierear.-;
mie/s/r'7'for ainmunltiDii in tons
and types.
2U
He
sets
up iiisammuni-
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;
»S
HANDBOOK ON GBKMAN MILITARY FOECES
tion reserve in such a msiiiiier that a portio]i will be on trains in the army Imsy, or on supply columns, and a poi-Lion in depots.
Ammunition unit-loaded.
is
issued from trains to trucks only when trains are QiiartiermfisfeT requisitions the army
The Corps
Oierquartienneisfer lor anmiunition in tons on the basis of reports of "ammunition on hand" from the divisions and attached units. The allotted ammunition is issued to the division tnick columns in accordance with the corps dii'ective. In excoptional cases
ammunition can be received by unit trains. The division Ih replenishes the ammunition of the troojjs on the basis of reports indicating the nunibei' of rounds on hand. One or uiova wellcamouflaged distributing points are established from the reserves carried on the division ruck columns. Distributing points are located out of effective range of the mass of the hostile artillery and if possible on terrain protected from tank attack. AmnumiI
tion distrihntiiig points are established in accordance with the class
(artiHery ammunition and other ammunition (small arms)). Depots for the divisions and coi;ps are not usually established. The
troops
draw ammunition from
distributing points with
their
colnnms and single combat vehicles at the time ordered by the Artillei-y ammunition is drawn by the artillery from division. distributing points by columns 7 and 8 from the division trains that are always attached to the artillery regiment when combat is imminent. Ammunition not used, empty shell cases, packing The cases, and faulty ammunition must be i-eturned by the troops. rapid return of this material to the ammunjtio:i depots and from there to the zone of coranmnieations is considered as important Amniurition depots and distributing as amniunition supply. points are established and administered by the amnuuiition administrative personnel on order of the various headquarters concemed. In the army, this personnel is on the staff of the supply battalions in the division, it is on the staff of (he division train commander, and consists of the necessary officers and ordnance personnel, {a) ffc/iera/.—Each unit has a pre(2) Ammjunition on hand.-
—
RESTRICTED
212
:
SUPPLY AND ADMIX I5TH ATI VE SERVICES
93
scribed amoiiiit of ammiinitioii (oorrespoiiiling to the "day of fire" as used in the U. S. Ai-iiiy), which serves as Llie baais for (;omput-
ing the ainnmtiitLon
issue.
Thia allowance
is
based on the niiniber
weapons of each caliber called for in Um- table of organ iziit ion of the imit. Each weapon, in turn, has a niuniiions quota which has of
nothing to do with the allowable consumption or possible rcphicement. Two ammunition quotas for all weapons of the division are curried wi'.hiu the division, while a tliird quota
army on army supply
coliuniis or trains.
three quotas, or "days of (h)
for each
weapon
fire," foi' all
—The mosi
Amownts.
lield
by the
weajjons of rhe
ariiiv.
recent figures available for the quota are as follows Items
E'tioi'ls
90
is
Thus each army has
for each
and carbine of infantry, cavalry, machine-gun, and mortar units. 4S For each rifle of pioneers. 20 For each rifle and carbine of artillery, signal, motor transport, and transport units. Foi' each light machine gun of the infantry com2, sort pany, motorcycle company, S(|iiudroa, armored car. and airplane. For each light midline gun of artillery, pioneer, 1, OOn motor traiisjiorf, and ti'auspoi't troops. 500 For each heavy machine gun of the infantry and the 4, rifle
light tank battalion.
120 30
1,
For each light mortar, For each medium mortar.
ISO 200
Foi' each field gini of the infantry battery.
300
For each For eacli
500 125 195
75
Foreai'h light
field
howitzer.
antiaircraft antiaircraft
gun (7-^- and 88-mm). gun (37-mm).
For each heavy field howitzer. For each 105-mm gun. For each 150-mm gun, 213
RESTRrCTED
:
:
HANDBOOK ON GERMAN MIIJTARY FORCES
03
—
The iiinmunition (c) MetJiod of -diafrihnfion in a divinon. quotas within the diviiiion are carried as foliowa Infantry regiment (rifle ammunition) Carried on men and combat waf^ons Carried on lif^ht infantry column mental)
rohihi-i
486,140 (regi-
ammunition) Artillery regiment wagons and combat Carried on men columns (each artillery Carried on lighl (rifle
talion, 2-,811
Artillery regiment nition)
81. 133
:
55,500 bat-
8,433
rounds)
(105-mm
field
howitzer ammu-
:
Carried with giins and caissons within regi-
ment
4,320
Carried on light artillery columns (each battalion. 1.386 rounds)
4.158
Ration mpph/ system..— {\) 6^r//<'w?.— Normally, four echelons ai'c concerned with the supply oT rations in the German Field Army: zone of ihe Interior, army, division, and troop units. Rah.
tion depots {ErMitznerpf,(igun(iKmu<)azm<') are established in the
zone of the interior and supplied from farms, packing houses, commercial food farms, and .slaughter farms. The array ration establishments {Armeevcrpfcciuiig "lager) are located mills, dairies,
rear areas. These usually consist of two different forward and Ihe rear. The forward army ration establishments supply divisions at the front, while those in the rear supply reserve units aiid individual detachments not under divisions, and form a mere permanent
army
classes, the
railheads.
RESTRICTED
214
SUPPLY AND ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES (2) Raf,ioi>.f
— Each man
on hand.-
S3
carcies 1 day's rations,
and
1
day's rations arc carried in the unit fiehi kitch(;n, 2 days' rations in the unit supply tninsport,
iiiid
1 day's rations in the divisional
su^jply cohiiiHLs.
—
Tht' following table gives a day's (3) Amount of rafwm^. rations for one soldiei' and for a division, as of June 1941, (a) Daily i-ations for one
man. Grams 750
Bread Cold food for evening meal
120
Salt
15
Meat
200 25
Drink Peas Sugar
180 40
Cigars
2
Cigarettes
2
(5) Total rations for divisio-n,
_____
_ Tons
Bread
12
Meat
2.88 2.88
Peas
Wurst
1.92 0.80 0.24 0. 64 0.24
Butter Salt
Sugar Coffee
Cigars and cigarettes
64,
—
000
—
The commander of i. Supply of fuel and tAres. (1) Oei^erai. the zojic of the interior aecuuiulates tlie supply requirements of gasoline and oil and tires in accordance with the directive 048s:i2'-4.t
15
Sas
from
RESTRICTED
HANDBOOK ON GERMAN MILITARY FORCES
93 the
wlio determines, with approval of the
Ge.TiJ'rohjuarH/'i-n'ieii'fer,
chief of transport atioH. wliat
amounts
sliall
be set up as a rolling
GlIQ am! what amounts shall he delivered to or placed at the dispowal of the armies. He handles the requisitions from the armies foi- {Gasoline and oil, tires, tanks, and parts. He conti'ols the entire motor Inmsport supply for GHQ troops. He reserve for
issues, when necessary, orders limiting the use of motor transport. The army, corps, and division /ft's handle the requisitions of all units under their control. Specialists from the transport service recommend tlie employment of establishments and services for
motor transport supply as well as regulations covering the use of local (seized or requisitioned) motor equipment, gasoline and oil, tires, and suitable shops. -In reference to administra(2) Supply of ga-toline and oil. ti(m, GHQ gasoline and oil depots are under the control of the
—
commander
The replenishing of their accordance with the instructions from the Gei\e,r
stocks is regulated by
and
oil
him
in
are delivered by rail (trains) in tank cars, barrels, or unit
rontainers to the
army
base and placed at the disposal of the
army
OheTquaTtiermehter. On instructitm from the army Ih. unitloaded trains, consisting of tank cars and cars loaded with barrels, may be made up in order to estahliwh one or more railway filling Trains loaded with unit conlainers are sent to railheads stations.
and there unloaded. and oil depots. (3) Gasoline, and
The
unit containers are placed in gasoline
oil railheads.
—
(Eii:enbahnfanhsfclh'rf) for the corps
railway stations near
rail terminals,
and oil railheads and divisions are located at
Gitsoiine
and.
if
possible, are separated
fiom railroads. Th«y are operated by personnel and equipment from the motor ti'ansport parks. Gasoline and oil depots are es(4) Gaxolme and oil depots. tablished by the motor transport parks, generally in ad\'ance of
—
RESTRICTED
216
— SUPPLY AND ADMIKI8TRATIVE SERVICES Gasoline and
tho railway oud points.
oil
93-94
depots and {ranoline
iiiid
railway Hllinj; s^taliojis (railheads) refill the gasoline and oil eolniims of the armies, corps, Jind divisions. In case of necessity, tires may also be issued through (he motor transport parks. Giisoline and oil columns have a (5) Ga.wUnc and oil rolumns. ca])acity of 50 culiie meters (large colnmns) or 25 cubic meters {small eoliimns). They bridge the distance between gasoline and oil
—
or gasoline and oil depots and (he gasoline and oil distribnting points, at which the gasoline and oil trucks of motorized units receive supplies. Single trucks from the gasoline and oil railheads,
eolumns arc located as filling stations for the motor vehicles. Tanks and tank parts and tires are requested (6) Spare parfn. Genei-a/qunrUemielsfer, who in turn for the by the armies from wards the request to the commander of the zone of interior, while requisitions for all other motor vehicles and motor equipment of oil
—
commander of the zone of interior army Obrir//^mrf,/('rmeisfer. 84. Administrative Service. a. General. ^The Administrative Service of the German Army {II( erenverymltu/ngswesen) all
kinds are sent direct to the
by the
—
and imlividual equipment, office equipment, and similar supplies. It is supervised by the Army Adnunist ration Office {Ileen'unennaltang.samt)^ which controls finance^ billeting, rations, clothing
one of the branches of the Army High Command. This office headed by a general, bul his assistants, as well as the staff officers for administration in the lower echelons, are civilian olH-
is
is
cials b.
(Bramfen). Zone ofinteinor,
—
German military district there is an WehfkreU administration who is re-
^In eacli
Infend.ant in charge of the
sponsible to the Commander-in-Chief of the Replacement Training His duties include sui>ervision of the administration of
Army.
replacement and other units in the Wehi-krch. as well as control of the replacement installations of the various administrative services, such as buildings and training grounds, finance offices, ration
and
clotbinjr depots,
remount 217
offices,
forestry
offices,
and con-
RESTRICTED
— HANDBOOK ON GEHMAN MILITARY FORCES
94-95 vylt'w:ent
Traininfi;
scribed
ill c,
units
of
the
Kcplacement
hiivt' adniiiiistralivt; officials siniihir to
below, for the Field
Field Army.
c.
Subordinate
hospitals.
Army
—All
those de-
Army.
administrative matters for the armies in
the field are conti'olled by
tiio G(meralquarfurm.eister at ai'iiiy In lower echelons tiie staff officer for adminisi ra-
headquarters.
tion is known as the iVa and is actually a civilian official. Tlie army group, corps, and regiments, however, do not normally figure in the chain of administration, so that the army, the division,
and the battalion are the usual administrative echelons.
The IVa
section of each battalion or eqiiivahmt unit,
the Zahlmeisterei {paymaster establishment),
is
known
as
responsible for
administrative details pertaining to finance, ration, clothing, individual equipment, and billeting. The civilian official in charge of this section controls and supervises the administrative
work of
the following noncommissioned officfi-s in each company; the first sergeant {Himftffldwebcl), the accountant {Rt'chnungsfiihrer),
and the mess
sei'geant {Verpfegungnuntero'ff'zier).
95. Medical Service. the
German Army
Army
Oeneral.
—The
is
Medical Sei'vice of under the direction of the
Medical Inspector {Ileeres-Sainfdff^inHpekte.nr), who has
his headquar(crs at the is
a.
{Sani,idt!
Army High Command in Berlin, and who He is responsible foi-
a general officer {Generaloherfitoji-farst').
the training and employment of
sioned
officers,
and
soldiers.
all
He
medical
officers,
noncommis-
directs the operation of the
medical service both in the field and in the zone of the interior. He has charge of the handling and distribution of wounded among the hospitals in the zone of the interior, as well as of all nursisig personnel connected with these and othe,r army medical centers. &. Orgo.ni.sation in Field Army. -The seni()r medical offi<'ers
—
on the
staffs of
army groups, armies,
corps,
and divisions are
charge of the employment their various units. They medical pei-sonnel attached to of the measures the civil populahealth among are also responsible for
special staff officers {IVh)
RESTRICTED
and are
218
in
— SUPPLY AKD ADMIKISTRATIVE SEKVICES tion and the prif-oners of
war
95-96
in tlieir theater of oiierations,
division has a inedieal battalion
{Sanitdtsabteilung)
Kach
consisting
of one or two medical companies, a field hospital detachment, and
two or three ambulance platoons. There ave also various medical and hospital units, as well as medical equipment parks, attached to armies or under the control of GHQ. c,
Tranx-jwrtaiion of i rounded.-
— From
field
assembly points in
wounded sohliers are taken to their battalion aid stations. Here medical personnel attend to them and provide for their further transport to the rear. The ambulances are kept the
combat
area,
as near as possible to the battalion aid station to facilitate rapid
transport of the wounded.
From
tlie
aid station the
wounded
are taken to the field hospital for further treatment, although these stations are equipped to
From
the
field
hospital,
return to their units.
perform
all
men who were
The more
severely
emergency operations.
wounded may
lightly
wounded
in the field hospital or sent to rear-area hospitals.
are cared for Hospital trains
take those needing lengthy treatment to convalescent hospitals In addition to hospital trains, the
in the zone of the interior.
Germans have
al.so
made
and s^mietimes even wounded to the rear
use of hospital ships
large nunibei's of transpoi't planes to bring
Norway, North Africa, and parts of the eastern froiit. 96. Veterinary Service, a. General. Despite the tremendous strides which the German Army has made since World War I in the development of motor transport, and the vast numbers of motor trucks and vehicles which have been added, the number of horses in the German Army has not decreased since the period 1914-18. The great majority of German divisions still rely principally on horse-drawn transport; a normal infantry division, for example, has more than 4,000 horses. The German Army therefore needs an efficient and well-equipped Veterinary Service, areas from
—
which not only must care foi' the health of the liorses but also must maintain a vast supply of horses for replacements. b. Organization.—T\ie Veterinary Service of the German Army 219
RESTRICTED
— 96-97
HAKDBOOK OX GERMAN" MlUTARl FORCES
{VetennardJen^ty is headed by the IiiHpecior of the Veterinary Service (Veterlndrinxpcklcur) in the Ariiiy Hiiih CuimiiaLid, with Army grou|}, the rank of general (Generaloberstobsveferinar) army, corps, and diyisioii veterinary officers (IVc) are in diarge .
of the veterinary services in tlie counnands to which they are assigned. In each division there is a veterinary company charged with caring for sick unimalfi, as well as with performing blaciismith work. Attached to armies or under the control of GIIQ are veterinary hospitals, lioise parks, veterinary equipment parks, remount depots, and iii()tori7,e<] columns for the transport of horses.
—
97. Field Postal Service. n. G^'Vieial. -Dining the pi'csent war the German Field Postal Service has been very effective in de-
amounts of mail to all battle fronts, from Norway North Africa and fmm the Don steppes to the Pyrenees. The Service handles an average of 15,000.000 pieces of mail daily. Every unit, down to and including the regiment, and every separate unit and staff in the Cernian Armed Forces in the held bas a field post number which, for security reasons, is always used on mail instead of the unit or stiiff designation. For men in the replacement army [ErmLilieer), on the other hiind. the full address, with unit designation and location, is used. Letters, post cards, and packages up to half a pound are delivered free from civilians to soldiers as well as from, soldiers to civilians. Kach army in the field has an army field post office {Anneefeldpoxtamt) and army postal stwitions {Aim^,ehriefxieHe7)) for the collection and delivery of mail from and t{> tho units subordinate to it. The following example illustrates the b. Mode of opemt/on. When a letter is sent from jiostal service. of the field operation livering large
to
—
treriuany to the eastern front, it goes first to a field post assembly point near the place of mailing, and thence by train to a larger
assembly point in eastern Germany. Here it is traiisloaded into a field post train which carries it to a rear area station for transfer to the appropriate army by a "front field post train." From the army transloading point
RESTRICTED
it is
sent to a railhead in the operations area
^0
— SS,
ASD OTHER ORGANIZATIONS
POLICE,
97-99
and then by truck to the proper field postal station, where the mail is sorted out and divided by fieh! post numbers. The transportation personnel of the various fighting units then picks it up and carried it forward for distribatioii among the troops. Early in 1942 the field post added plane service to the eastern front. Police. a. Oeneral. The Military Police 98. Military {Fetdgendanaerie) in tlie zone of operations perform all police functions, such as direction of traffic, security service, and field discipline. In addition, the Military Police establish mid guard prisoners of war at collecting points and campB in the zone of op-
—
The Military
erations.
diers 1).
and
Police also check the passes of
German
sol-
arrest those absent witlioul leave.
—All higher headquarters, including adminis-
Organization.
{Feldkommanda/nPitren) in occupied countries, have Military Police detachments (Fi'Jdgendafwc/r/.ef'nippeii) Each army headquarters is provided with poat their disposal. lice guard battalions {FeldgcTularmerieabteilungen). and when necessary other police units can be attached to the various headpool. In all their missions the regular quarters from the Military Police work in close cooperation with the Field Security trative headquarters
GHQ
Police (f-phfime Feldpolisei), whicli (see sec,
ai'e
under control of the
SS
XIV). Section SS.
XIV
OTHER MILITARIZED ORGANIZATIONS
POLICE. ANI)
Paragrnph
General _BliiD Guard, ov
9!*
100 101 102
SS
Ti'lice Militariz
\mMw.
Organ izaf ions used as Army
aa.xilioiles
103
—
99. General. The (Jenna-n police force is a semimihtary organization, trained in the use of such light infantry weapons as carbine.s, jnachine pistols, machine guns, hand grenades, and, in
221
RESTRICTED
99-100
HANDBOOK OX CEKMAN MILITARY FORCES
cars. Unlike police orgaiiixJitiona in the United States, the German police have always played an important part in tlie political tlft; of th(^ country because the party in power has used it to prevent meetiiif^w aud demonstrations of oppo-
some instances, iirmored
sition groups.
During the troubled times following the German
German
were a stabilizing influence, preand political vioJenee, After Hitler came to power in 1933, the National Socialist Party {NaiJanuhoZHiihtiche. I)evtf:chf Arhcifcrjiiirtcl) innnediatcl y began to defeat in 1918. the
venting large-scale
i)olict'
civil disordertt
coordinate all local police organizations into a higiily centralized instrument to strengthen the hold of the party upon the nation and to prevent the rise of
any opposition.
Large rmmhers of trusted
given key positions in the police force, and later Heinrich Hinnnler, Reicli leader of the Elite Guard of the Party {SchvfSNfafchi, ov >SS), assumed comuiaiid of all Geruiau Pai'ty membei'a
wt'i'C
police forces in 1936, with the title "Chief of the
German
Police"
(Chef der Deutschen Polisei).
To
sjDeed Ihe process of coordination,
police chiefs with trusted
SS
officials,
Hinmiler replaced
local
S8
over
or placed
officials
pre-Naai police authoiities, As a result, the German police lost their separate identity and became a part of the Nazi party machinery, while the ^^^S. with its substandal and ever increasing independent military forees (Waffen-SS), became the most imporl ant organization f
other special oi'ganizations that have either police or semimilitary is brought up to about 2,300,000. Elite Guard, or SS. (/. General organisation.- -The 100. of the is located in Berlin, where Hlmmler mainheadquarters S'lS'
functions this figure
—
—
what is tantamount to a complete ministry, with branches and departments comparable to the main branches of the three iinned services fi>r recruiting, training, equipment, and administration. The SS administration lias divided Gei'uiany into 19 dis-
tains
RESTRICTED
222
SS,
AND OTHER ORGANIZATIONS
POLICE,
100
which correspuiul in most ureas to the by Ihc Aniiy f(!r Jrafl and organizational purposes (see iiar. 23c). Each district is commanded by a senior SS and police officer (Hoherer SS
tricts
{SS
O.herahi^chnitte)
17 geographical tljvisions {Wehrkreise) established
nnd
The SS also maintains simih\r headquarters Norway, Poland, and other occupied with commanders bearing the same titlf. In all cases, these.
Polisei Fuhrer).
in France, the areas,
Low
Countries,
ripui'L-
regional
SS
l.~jr>.
—
dS'.V
officials act as
uiiil
u ith
^7-iiin!
nntitntik gun.
Hinimler's persoi^il representatives at
the headquarters of the corresponding military connnanders. J).
155).
Types of — (1) General SS {AUgemeine SS) —The General SS comi>oscd of SS members who continne units.
(fig,
is
and serve as "volunteer Only the higher officers and
their regular emi)loyment in their spare time.
General
SS
are full-time
SS
political soldiers"
their staffs in llie
pcrsomicl.
WaHen-SS.—Thti Waffen-SS was formed at the oulbreal: war from (SiS service troops {SS-Verfu(/ii'n-<;st,rupj>en),v,-h\c\i are (2)
of
223
RESTRICTED
HANDBOOK ON GERMAN MILITARY TOOCES
100
under the direct command of Hitler. Also, A'? Death's Head formations {Totenko'pfverbdndc) were organized, primarily to guard concen trillion camps. The Wiiffev-SS is organized into S8 divisions which serve in the field like any other combat division. Thus far, the following 14 SS divisions have been identified: (a)
Panzer divisions: Leilmtandarte •'Adolf Hitler?^ Das Reich. Toteiikopf.
W iking. Sohen-itaufen.
No. 10. Nedcrlavd (being formed). (J)
Mountain divisions: Prins Eugen. Nord.
(c)
Bo^nien. Infantry divisions:
((7)
Letiland (being fornicd), Girlisien (being formed). Calvary:
Polisei (composed of police regiments).
Kavallerie (the only cavalry division in the forces) (see par, 46),
These divisions of divisions
der
in
hiive
equipment corresponding Army, and operate
German armed
to similar types
be Keguhtr
in the field unbut are usually given more or less independMost of the SS divisions have been lieavily engaged I
Army command,
ent missions.
and have suffered considerable
Wafen-SS has been
casualties.
so great that it
is
The growth
of the
sometimes regarded as
a
fourth arm of the services on an equal footing -with the Army, the Navy, and the Air Force. Other Waffen-SS divisions are believed to be forming. (3) Special duty troops.—ln addition to the combat units of the
RESTRICTED
224
— POLICE,
SS,
—
.
AXD OTHER ORGANIZATIONS
100-103
Leihstandarte ^'Adolf Hitler'^'' and the Totenkopf troops at the front, there are other considerable units of both organizations stationed in
Germany, performing
tlie
duties for which their units
were originally intended, (4)
SS Seeurity Sei'vice
rity Servit-e
ih
{SS'Sic7ierheitsdienst.)—T\\&
a politica] intelligence organization,
SS
Secu-
collaborating
closely with the Security Police (Sicherheifspolisei)
and the Secret State Police (Geheime StaaUpoUseL or Gestapo) in combatting domestic and foreign enemies of the Nazi regime. 101. Police. u. The police proper are divided into the
lowing categories: (1) Regular Police (0?'dnun(/spolisfii) (a)
fol-
:
City Police (SchutspoU^ei)
(b) Knral Police
(GeWdrmenV).
(2)
Security Police (SicherkeitfpoliBeA)
(a)
State Police {Siaatspolisfil).
:
Criminal Investigation Police {KriminalpoliseA). Other regular police orj^anizations such as the fire protection police, the river police, and the Teclinical Emergency Corps (ft)
(3)
(see par. 103(/, p. 226). 6.
All police come under the control of
as chief of the
German
Himmler
in his
capacity
police.
—
102. Militarized police. The militarized police are particufrom a mililary point of view because they are a military force, living in barracks like regular troops and often employed in occupied territory, thereby freeing regular Army units from policing duties. The militari/.cd police are formed into police battalions, either partially or fully motorized. These battalions each consist of about 550 men formed into a headquarters unit and four companies, equipped with rifles, machine guns, antitank giiiifi, and armored cars. 103. Organizations used as Army auxiliaries. a. Todt Organization {Organization Todt). The Todt Organization formed by the late Dr. Todt in 1938 was first charged with building the German system of defenses in the west known as the West larly important
—
225
RESTRICTED
HAXDiBOOK OS GERMAN MILITARY FORCES
103
Wall. Its work now consists in helping Army engineer units in road bnilding, road repairs, bridge construction, and improvement of cnnniinnications l>eliind the lincK of the Army. In addition, the oi'gaiiizaLion is charged with building airfields, permanent fortifications, preparing defensive positions, clearing harbors of wreckiige. and improving communications in rear areas. The Todt Organization is organized into battalions, which have a nucleus of German speci-alists am! large numbers of foreign workers. The orgnnization has been under the direction of Dr. Speer since the death of Dr. Todt in Fcbrnary 1942, and has absorbed the similar organization h.
Rpick Labor
known
as the
Baustah Speer.
Serv'K'e [Rpir,h^arl)eifi
—Every
German
man who is physically fit must serve for a period of 6 months in the RAD, befoi-e beginning his military career. The labor service is organized in companies with a permanent cadre of commissioned and noncommissioned officvis. Labor service units are m.ade available to work on lines of communication and in occupied countries,
and
in
ganization or tbe ice is
many cases they work with either the Todt OrArmy engineers. The strength of the labor serv-
estimated at something
less
than 500.000.
Sodn^Kf Motor Corjm {IVaiwnahosialhtiM^Ties Since the outbreak of war at least Eraftfahrkor-pfi, or Ni^KK). fom- motor transport brigades have been assigned to provide motor transport to supplement the transport services of the armed forces. These biigadcs also provide transport for the Todt Organization in addition to their fmiction of assisting the c.
National
—
police in traffic control duties on the line of communications. These brigades are known as Heer. Liiftiraffp, Speer, and Todt. The NSKK maintains motor schools and training units to prepare men for service with the Army's motorized troops. The entire N'^KK organization has an estimated strength of '250,000. Emergency Corps {Techmsehe NotkiJfe, or d. Technical Te-no). This organization is used in occupied territory or in the actual combat zone for demolition work, removal of uncx[)Iodod shells and mines, restoration of public utilities, and the recon-
—
RESTRICTED
226
—
.
GERMAN stfuction, maintenance,
AIR fOKCE
and giuuding of
103-104
installations of all kinds.
and its main work lies in combat areas, it also plays an inqjortant role in (he German passive air defense witliin the borders of the Reich. It
Although
it
is listed
as an auxiliary police force
an estinuited strength of 150,000. Storm Troops {Sturmabteilungen. or SA). The Storm Troops are now used for many purposes on the home front, in-
lias
—
e.
cluding the conduct of premilitary training. Although they are organized in a manner similar to the SS. the SA have not been Tlieir called upon to send actual combat units into the field. ranks have been greatly depleted by individual enlistment in the
Army. {NationaUosialistisches /. Nationalsocialist Aviation Corps Fliagerkorps) The most imjjortant functions of the Aviation Corps in the war thus far have been to train personnel for the
—
Air Force and to develop the use of gliders. g. BitUr Youth {Hitlerjug end, or H=/).—The Hitler Youth comprises all German youtli from the age {)f 14 to approximately Wliile tliey are members uf Uie organization, Ihe boys receive 18. consiUei'able jjremilitary trahiing and indoctrination. Section
XV
GERMAN AlK FORCE General Air Forte I-Iit;li Co«iiiuui(i Chain of comiiiand Air Force nrms iuid services ,\riiiy aii(]
.
Pars graph 104
HW 106 107
Navy cooperation
108 109 110 111
Equipment Training Tactics
104. General.
.
— The
German Air Force {Luftvmife) is one German Armed Forces and is organ-
of the three branches of the
ized and administered independently of either the
227
Army
or the
RESTRICTED
— 104-105 Xiivy,
HANDBOOK ON GEKMAX MILITARY I0RCE3 Its tlirce
main
br;uK-lu's< iirc
iii't.illory, iiiiil n'u- rii;r]i!il
li-uops, iiiid
airboi'iiu troopH, aic cn^incerK, air
more
t\w il
flyiiifr
hoops,
a nti aircraft
includes paradiufe and
iiiyo
medical corps, and air police, and, formed of Air Force
roceiilly, a liiiinlioi'
pcrsoimel for service as I'e^ndar
fij;litiiiff
trooiis.
on
It is orfriHiizcd
a t
and adminislralive commands.
This divisioji of responsihas JinKle for a liifih dcfri'ec of mobility amon-; the flying nnits and has thus been responsible for mncli of the success of the Gennan Air Force. 105. Air Force Hig-h Command (see fig. 156). a. Comtional
bilities
Giii'injr serves in the dnal capacity of Minister of Aviation [lieinhKnilnixter der Luftfahif) and Conimancler-in-('hief of the Air Force {Oberbefehlshaber der
inii/ndcr-in-Ohi<'f.~~Rricl''
Lii.fhraffc).
As
Conimiindei--iri-Chief he
is
charged with Ihe ad-
Air Force. As Minister of Aviation he is a niemhei' of thu Cabinet and is responsible for the coorditiation and siipei'vision of civil ;iviation. Since Gilrinjr has niinistralion
and uperationti
many
other dtifies
Ijreiiic
comniiind
in
the
id'
the
German fiovernmenl, however,
usiially exercised
ia
by
the
sii-
the Htate kSetretary in the
Ministry of Aviation and Inspector (Jeneral of the Air Force, Genera] fi-hhnui-Kchdll Milch, as De[nLty Omnii!iii{ler-iii-C!iief. &. Air M'nmtry (R.c-whiiIufffahrtTar/u'
—
—
—
—
(1)
Operational
Slall'
(F'lhrunf/ftab). wdiich
is
concerned witli
operational orders ami ])Ians, and inclndes navigation, technical,
and
meteoi'olojfical se'jtions.
There
gence section.
RESTRICTED
228
is
also
an operational
intelli-
.
GERMAN
AIR FORCE
105
which is con{2) Organizational Staff {OrganisaHon>istab) cerned with such matters us the formation of new units and terri^
torial delimitations.
Training Staff {AusbUdungnstab) which is concerned with and the development of tactics. (4) Supply and Administrative Section under the Gc'neralguarMermeiMer, which is concerned with the supply and administration of operational Air Force units. (5) TnteIHgence Section under the Chief of Intelligence {Chef den Naohriohti'.mce^e,n.H) which is concerjied with nonoperational (3)
,
tniiniiig
,
and long-range
intelligence.
(6) Medical Section under the chief medical staff des Sanitatswesens)
officer
{Chef
—
d. Hear echelon. The remaining departments of the Air Ministry and Air Force High Command are concerned with static or long-range administrative, supply, and replacement matters
similar to those handled by the rear echelon of the
Army High
Command.
These tiepai^tments are centralized in Berlin under the control of Gi'meraJfeldmarschall Milch and have regional branches in tlie various Luft(jaue. They ai'e organized under five,
main divisions as follows: (1) Administrative matters,
under the Ghef der Luftwehr, who
controls the following three bureaus: (a) tion,
General Air Office {Afh/rmelneti LuftHTnt), for civil aviawith sections for air traffic, air supervision, meteorological
service,
and flight security. Force Administration
(6) Air
Office
(Litfhimffenve'ncalt'Lmgs-
amt), with sections for finajice, rations, clothing, and billeting. (c) Air Force Personnel Office (Luftwafienpersonalamt), with sections for officers, civilian oflicials, enlisted personnel, salaried
employees, and wage earners. (2)
Supply and procurement matters, under the Generdlhijtwho is in charge of the following bureaus:
zeugmeister,
229
RESTRICTED
O
H I—
n H B
REICHSLUFTFAHRTMINISTERIUM {
German
Air
Ministry
)
o
Ei:t^Q»ENT DEri LIJfni/AFF£t]KOVJ.L£S]0N
CHE? deSCE-NfAAL^TABS
>
O i&Ki;ka:4uaatie)uie£T£p
H CHEF DEB FUl4utJ0^ff^J^B
abteilum:
-1
3
/**
OErfE}t'L:.LU>'T£EU:iV£erflr [blTHtor {iUjm ril d! EquJpm^nl]
Fi.KCUII^ILTEriVERB:rmilH;ja*»:^N&
CO
LUJ^AUP$lChT
— 105-106
HANDBOOK ON GERMAN MILITARY FORCES
{Teehnisrhesamt), with sections for reand testing. {h) Supply Oflico {NachHchubamf). \v\t\\ soctions for aircraft and aircraft equipmejit, bombs and ajumunition, and other Air Force material. (3) Training and related matter, under the Chief of Ti'aining {Chef des AvshildungKwencns) wlio controls the following («)
Teclinjcal OJBcc
search, procurement,
.
sections: (a) Training Section {Aii.ihi.ldvn(!K-AhfcJlmi(!), contn)lling all
training except that of staff (ft)
olBcei's in
the Air
War Academy.
Regulations Section {Vorxchrifteii-Ahteilimg)^ for iisBuing
and amending Air Force regulations. (c) Aerial Photography (Lufthildire-icn). (d) The 16 Air Force Inapectoratefi (LuftwaifcmnHiH-htionen), for the specialized training and development of the various types of flying and ground personnel. (4) Signal Communications Section, under tlie Chief Signal Officer [Chef des NachiicMf,n'cerhhi<1uii(jKV)Cficfi). (5) Ministerial matters, under the Chief of the Centi-al Division {Chef der Zenfral-Abtaihiiif/) who controls the leg;al department, the air attache unit, the Air Force library, and the sections for conducting the affairs ))f the Air Ministry itself. 106. Chain of command. a. General. The role of the Air Force in the conduct of the war, and to a ceilain extent in particular operations, is doterniined by the High Connnand of the Armed Forces (Oberhomniando der 'Wehrmacht). The chain of eonnnand is from the Supreme Connnandci' (Hitler), througli the to the Commander-in-Chief of the Air Force (Goring). The latter directs the actual employment of the Air Foi'ce through the Air Ministiy and through his subordinate conimamlers of air combat units. However, when Air Force units .
—
OKW
ivitli Army or Navy units, all the forces involved come under a single operational control, in jiccordance with the German doctrine of unity of connnand. In such cir-
are used in conjunction
RESTRICTED
232
.
GERMAK" AIB fOKCE
106
commanding officer is chosen from whichever of the three branches predominates in the operation, and he becomes directly responsible to the OK'W cuMistaneea, a
h.
Lwftfotte.
tactical
and
—-All
Air Force units are organized into
five
commands known as L'njifotien. Eiicli particular command area, although this
territorial air
Luftpotte is assigned a assignment is not necessarily permanent, for an entire Luftf!ofte, may at any time be moved from one area to another at the Within its area, however, each direction of the Air Ministry, Luftflotte not only controls all operiitiuns of the flying units, but also supervises the activities of all ground service units.
Thus, in addition to a lai^ge operations department, eacJi Lvftfioite has it own adjutant, legal, administration, signal, and supply departments. All cunnnands and formations subordinate to the Lv.ftf.otte are either essentially operational {FUegerkorpg. Geschwader^ GriMppev, and Staffeln) or administrative {Luftgaue). Thus the administrative and operational commands meet at
the Liifffotte headquarters, where- their respective activities
are coordinated. c.
Fliegerkcr/'s.
—Operational units within the Luftflotte com-
mand area ai'c organized known as FUcgerhorpH.
into snhordiniite operational
commands
Tliroiigh these Fli.egerkorps the T^vftflotten, execute the operational directives received from the Air
Each Flicgerkorps is a composite, mobile command own geographical area of control and operations. A Luftflotte may conmiand one to three Fliegcrkorps, depending upon the size of the command area and the nature of operations. Ministry.
with
its
A
Ftiegerkorps Jiiay be detaelied at any time for operations in another Luftfotte area. The make-up of a Fli^gerkorps is very elastic, both as to number and type of aircraft, but will normally consist of three to five bomber Geacliwodci-^ one to four figbter Gasehwader, in addition to a varying number of short- and longrange recoimaissaiice Griippei^. The most important department of the Fliegerhorps command is that of operations. Although the
233
RESTRICTED
:
KAKDBOOK ON GERMAN MILITARY FORCES
lOe
Fliegerlcorps also has afl]'uhiut, \c^a\. atlmiiiistration, sigiuil, and diipply departments, it depends :ilniost cntirtily iipoii the L'uftr/aue for administrative and anpply services. Tlie Fliegerkorps are
numbered non consecutively
in Koinaii immcrals, but two of tlio several Fliegtfrdwisionen which existed prior to the war have now been re])hiced by Fliegerkorps. The two Dlv'/nionen which coiitimie lo exist are the following d. Fliegerdivifcion.
—All
(1) Fliegerdi'imion
XI,
is
F//.—This
division, u pai-t of Fliegerkorps
composed of Air Force parudiute troops
p. 253).
(sec par. 107c,
—
This division is unnumbered and is known (2) Lehrdiviswn. simply as the Lehrdhmlon. Ifs primary runction iri to test the latest types of aircraft, antiaircraft defenses, and air sipnals equipment from a lacdcal and operational point of view. Lchr units are incorporated directly into the combat commands and function as a part of the command's operational strengtii. Lchr personnel are supposed to have had previons combat experience. This system, by giving the Lehi' units an operational status, enables them to experiment in Lic(.uiil combat operations nitlier than under simulated conditions. The L'hrd'irhion is organized into a variety of formations and commands. There are two Lekrgeschmader composed of bomber, ligbtor, and reconnaissance Li;hrgruppen. There are also two Li'/inr.r. one concerned with antiaircraft defejiscs and the odicr with sigmvl developments. Lehr units are not to be confused with exiierimental units whose dulies arc of a technical nutiirc, sudi as the testing
of prototype aircraft.
—
Geschioadsr.— {\) Gcucfdl. Tlic Oeschwatler is the largest homogeneous formation in Ihe Air Force, and is used for long-range bombers, dive bombers, ground attack imits, and both single- and twin-engi]ie figlitei's. It normally consists of about 100 aircraft organiaed into three Gruppcn, lieccnlly a fourth and, in a few instances, a fifth Giuppe have been added to several singlee.
Inobile,
RESTRICTED
234
GKRMAX engine-fighter Gesakwader.^
was
AIR FOBCE
106
Apparently the
(u'igiiiiil
intention
have eacli Ge-'^Ghwader operate as a unit by stationing all tlu-ee Gnippen at adjacent airdromes. This plan became impraclic-able, however, with the ainstMiit expaiisiim of the front tine; and althoufrh all Gi'uppen are now usually found on the same battle t
for all three {»f thoin to operate from In fact, it is not intiommon at ]iresent for the Ail' Force to witlidraw one or two Gru'ppen for rest or reequipment and subsequently return them to operations in another fronl,
it
exceptional
is
neighboring
fields.
theater.
Ooinmand.
(2)
Or
Ohi'i:9t
He
—A
Ge.^eJiviader is generally conuininded
OJii'r^ftlcMfiiuiii
has a small
known
by an
as the (^earliiradcrkommodore.
staif of officers for the adjutani, operations, or-
ganization, technical, signal, navigation, meteorological, and intelligence branches. Some slafts also have a photographic of-
The
ficer.
staff iias its
own headquarters
flight
(Stabs-Schwarm)
of three to six aircraft of the same type as those which make up the Gexckwader. This Gvxvlnraier stuff is always maintained, even when the subordinate Giiiffen, are aejiarated for operations
on different fronts. There are several types of Gcsckiradei^ known (3) 'fypex. according to aircraft complement as follows:
—
German
Aim-afl
title
Kampfgi-schwaAcr
Rcniiiwr
Stiirzkaiiipfgesi-hwadcr
Uive
i^clDtcUkampftfeM-lni'iiili'i-'y
Gi'otuicl
Sclilachti/escliwadci-
j
Ahbicriati'm K. O. St. K. G.
lij/ie
bciiiiber
attack
and anritiuik
1
S.K.G.
j
S. O.
JugAgcschwadt^r
Sinsjle-enciiie liivliter
J. G.
Zerxtiirei fl<;ii<:liiijiiiler
Twiii-eiisiiie lighttT
Z. G.
Nachljagdi/cschwuder
Night lighter Tiiclical experimental
N.J.G.
Lehrge.irhwntin-
Each Geschwad^r
/,, (;,
designated by its abbreviation followed by an Arabic numeral for example, K. G. 77. N. J. G. 20, Z. G. Ill, etc. The jiumerals are not in consecutive order. is
:
'
Thesi'
foiLi'tli
pen-, wliieli
And
fiftTi
are l3e^oTo^l to
Gnipiieti aro not to oihtjiIioiijiI trniiiliis
2?>:>
lie
ns
(^0'ifiip*»d
with Mie Erff^nsvnffspi'up'
di^c-usbeil In isjirnupapli 110,
i>.
'MH.
RESTKICTED
106
HAKI>BOOK ON GERMAN MILITARY TORCES
(4) ITqitipment.^A'lthou^h all Gruppen in a Gesckicader specialize in similar air tactics and are equipped with the same type
make and model may dirt'er amnnff the Grvppen. This variation is mosl prevalent in fifrhler GeschivcuJer, but also Thus a Kimipfoceurs in a few of the bomber Geschxaoder. gexchv-adcr may have one Gruppe equip|)ed with the Do. 9.17 and the other two Gruppen with the Heinkel 111, Jwnkers 88, or Or the entire Gemhmnder may be equipped tlie Focke-Wulf SOO. with the same make of plane, such as the Mps^etxc'hmHt 109, but one Gruppe may have the newer mode) Me. lOOG while the other Gruppen have the earlier Me. 109F. Gruppe. (1) General. The (^nf/J/ie is the basic combat unit f. of the Air Force for both administrative and operational purposes. of plane, the
—
—
a mobile homogeneous unit Avhieh is larjrelj self-contained and which may be detached fr(mi its parent Gesch-jmder for operations in any command area. In fact, directives for the movement of flying units are almost always issued in terms of Grupfen. Usually the entire Gruppe is based at the same airdrome. hy a (2) Oommaml.- The Gruppe is normally conmianded Gruppenkonmiandenr. He known as the Hanptmann Major or
It is
—
has a small
staff consisting of the
nical officer,
and medical
officer.
adjutant, operations
Apparently there
officer, is
tech-
no special
intelligence officer, since prisoners are sent direct to interrogation Each Gruppe also has its own air sijjnals platoon (Luftcenters. as a Technical Ground Station {see par. [Stah-s-KeUe) of three aircraft of the same 107&) and a staff flight
vachrieJitensug)
known
type as make up the Gruppe.
Equ/pmfvi.—TW Gnippen normally have 27 aircraft each, with another 9 to 10 in reserve for muny Gruppen. These planes (3)
are organized into 3 BtafeXn.
Grvppen attached
to a
Geschwader
are numbered in Roman numerals in consecutive order. Thus I/K.G.77. II/K.G.77. and III/K.G.77 are Ihe first, second, and thii-d
Gruppen, respectively, of long-range bomber Geschwader 77.
RESTRICTED
236
GEKMAK g. StaffeJ.
— (1)
Geveral.
and
operatiiuial unit,
is
known
signal, technical,
tile
(2)
^S'/ff/cMs the smallest
Air Force
commanded by a Haujitma'nn or SlaffeJko.fiti.in, One oiRcer serves as adju-
taiil.; tlie
by
—The
106
fjenerafly
Le-titnanf
as the
AIR FOECE
and navigation branches are supervised
flying pei^sonnel in their spare time.
tactical
—
A Hta^el consists of nine aircraft. Three planes are usnally held in hnmedinte reserve. For
Eqiii-jnnerd.
additiojial
purposes
it
may
be subdivided into
SchwdrmA
of five
planes, into Ketten of three planes, or into Rotten of
two planes. Eiicli Staffi'l will usually h;n*c its own mobile repair shop to i\i< minor repairs in the dispersal areas; other motor vehicles must be drawn from the orfrjuiization of the parent (rmppe. All Staffrlit in the Grxchirader ai'c numbered (3) Numbering. consecutively in Arabic numeials. Thus, in each Geschwader, the
—
first, fiftii,
second, and, third Staffeln constitute GnvpfH'. /; the fourth, and sixth Staffelru Grwppe II; and the seventh, eighth, and
ninth Staffeln^ Gruppe HI. Where a forn^th or fifth Gnippe exist, the Stfiffi'ln will be numbered 10. 11, and 12. or 13, 14, and 15. I'espectively. In unit designations the Gmppe numeral is omitted
whenever the Staffel number is indicated. Thus the fourth Staff el of K.G.77 is known as Ii/K.G.77. and no other reference to its position in Gi-tippe II of K.G.7'7
Semiautonomous
—
is
necessary.
—
General. Reconnaissance and and are organized as semiautonomous units, usually as Staf^/n. Anywhere from two to nine of these StaffeVn. may be loosely organized into a Gruppe for administi-ative purposes, but there is no Gruppe headquarters or staff flight. These semiautonomous units fall into three general categories, all of which are numbered noncoiisecutively in Arabic numerals of two or thi'ee digits. (2) Long-range reconnaissance aircraft are organized into Ferv.avfMU.TungisgTUppen. which are known as (/'') units (see par. 108^ (2), p. 26Y). Thus .i{F)]m is the third Staffel of Femaufkldmiigngrappe I^'4. h.
Army cooperation
units.
(1)
aircraft operate
237
RESTRICTED
HAKDBOOK ON GERMAN MILITARY FORCES
106
Sliort-raiige.recoiiiisiisaaiice
(3)
and Army cooperation aircraft known as
are organized into NahaufMiirvngsgruppfln, wliicli are
(E) units (formerly called IIperc^aufMayungsgi-uppen) (see par, The seventh Staffel of Naftaufkldrungagnippe
108// (1), p. 266).
Jl
therefore 7{n)ll.
is
(4) Coastal reconnaissance and naval cooperation aircraft ai-e These miils are abbreviorganized inio Ki'f:te'ri-ll.iegeigrii ppaii aecond Sfa^fel of KUsten Thns 2/K.F. Gr. 9U6 is the K.F. Gt. ated .
Fliegergmppe i.
90S.
Special camin
mands known
— (I)
JngdfnhreT.
as Jagrlfi-hrer. or moi'c
—Separate fighter com-
commonly
as J
have
been established in each Lvftfoftc since the outbreak of war.
The
Jafii
has an
is
directly responsible to the LufffjOtte
ovei-riding anthority over all
At
units.
first
Jnfu was
commander and
units in the Luft-
(fighter-bomber),
including the Jfiger-bo-mhar
fiotte,
fijiliter
priniiririly
concerned m
ith
or Jcho,
matters of
policy and controlled ojierations only on specific occasions. However, the two J/tfH in command on the western front and
the one recently in coiiimaiid in Tunisia directed fighter
and JaJio oporatinnt; in that area, and
now command.
the Jafil in other I.n^tf.often. fighter units under their
(2)
—
it
is
all
defensive
believed that
exercise similar control over
FHegerf iihrer. («) Highly specialized operations on cerhave been put under f lie control of special commanders
tain fronts
known
These FliegcTfiihi-er control operations and are directly responsible to the Lu-ftfotte commander in whose area they operate. The Flirgerfiihrer comniaiids discussed in {b), (c), and {d)^ below, illustrate the type of opei'ations which a FVegfiTfiilirer is likely to eoiitrol. (h) The four FUegnrfuhrcr in Lufff,otte V, although primarily concerned with antishipping activities and weather reconnaissance, controlled all types of combat aircraft in their area of operations for example, bombers, fighters, and reconnaissance units. They are known as FUcgcrfuhrer Nord-Ost., Fliegeras Flitigerfiihrer.
in a particular area only
RESTRICTED
238
GERMAX
AIR FORCE
106
Nord-Norwegen, FVicyi-rfakrer Lofoten, iind FViegcrfahrer Nord-Wext. (e) The commandisr of Lvftfotf.e, III is known us the FUi-gerfiihrer Went imd c<)iitn)la all Air Force iiiiils in Frame and the Lowlands. Subordinated to him is the Fuhrer der Luff and the fiihrer
FUegcvfiikrer Atlaut'ih,
who
bomber
units
reeonnaia.sa nee
control all long-ranj^e bombers and enpifjed in mine-laying, wcatJier
reporting, and armed shipping reconnaissance off the coast of France and the Lnwlaiids;. ((/) Ail- Force units in North Africa were under the command of a, Fliegerfiihrer Afriha and, after the opening of hostilities in Northwest Afi'ica. a FlU-gerfUhrer Tuniskn {also known as FUegerfuhrer AfTila.i-MV,'Kf). The latter wa.s apparently ap-
pointed primarily to conti-ol torpedo operations ajiainst shipping. When foives under the FJwiierfnhn-r Affika became available for operations in the Tunisian tlieater, it is believed that the two commands were cojnbined.
Lvffgmi.— {1)
(?e7i^/ff7.—TlioZ^^//ff,wf are the actual adminand supply organizations of the Luffwaffe. They aj-e stationary or inunobilp commands whose liuthority is limited to certain well defined and jiei-manently fixed geofiraphlcal ai-eas. A Lvflgau commander is usuiilly a General der Flieger or General der FM-artUlerie and is theoretically responsible to the Luftflotte commander within whose connnand area the Lxiftg<-iu lies. In aclual practice, however, the Luftgau commanders received most of their instructions direct from the Air Ministry and the lAifffiotfeiirhefx interfei'e little with Luffgau adiuinistralion. [I) Locafkm.~Oi the 16 Lvffgaue thus far identified, about one-third ar-e located in occupied territory and function as offi-
istrative
shoots
of pre-war L'iflgaue established in Germany proper. These "forward" Luftgaue still depend on their piu-cni Lvffgaue for certain services and are not believed to have nndei'taken training or recruiting. The Luftf/aue permanently established in
Germany
are numbered nonconsecutively by
^^^
Eoman
numerals;
RESTRICTED
HANDBOOK ON GERMAN MILITARY fOKCBS
106 those
in
occupied countries are generally designated by their
for example, Luffgau Novwegen. Functions. Each LufUjau is responsible for the following (3) services within its commund area:
location
(a)
:
—
Administration, supply,
and maintenance of
all
flying
units.
(&) Active and passive defense against air attack, {c) Operations of signals units. {d)
All training olhor than that of auxiliary units.
(fi)
Kecruitnient,
mobilization,
and
training
of
reserve
personnel. (4.)
SecHons.
—Each Luftgau has
its
own
operations, adjutant,
and supply sections. It also has a department for prohibited and lestiictcd flying areas which has no known counterpart in the Luft-jlotte or FUegerkorps headquarters. All training witliin the Luftgau area is directed by a Higher Commander of Training. This officer is usually a Genemlniajor and is subordinate only to the Luftgau commander. All other Luftgau services are maintained through subordinate section commands which are designated by Arabic numerals pi'eceding the Luftgau unil designation. Thus I^/VIII is the fourth section command in Luftgau VIM. The main channels through which (5) Airdrome commaiids. the flying units draw on the services of llie Luftgaue are the airdiomc commands. Each Luftgau area is divided into about five airdrome regional commands {Flughafenhereichkomma'ndan-
legal, administration, .signal,
—
commands are in turn subdivided into five or more operational airdrome commands {KinsatshafenkommanThe regional command is essentially administrative danturen) and is not necessarily located at an airfield. The operational airturen).
The
regional
.
drome command, however, exists only to serve the flying units at The mantheir stations and is thus always found at an airdrome. ner in which the Luftgau has decent I'alized its authority through these
commands
RESTRICTED
is
a.s
follows:
240
GERMAK
AIK FORCE
106
(a) The rtirdrome regional commuiids are charged with the Luftgaus responsibility for aupply and muintenaiice of supplies iin<] equipment within their rtispeefive areas; defense of aircraft, equipment, and motor transport against air attack; airdrome development; and air movements. These duties are discharged
by specialized units which the TAiffgau
mand and which
ihe regional
allots to the regional
command
(hen redistributes
com-
among Works
commands. For example, the Field {FeJdhmiavif) at the regional command handles airdrome maijitenance through its siibsidiaiy AVoi-kf; Superintendent's Offices which are stationed at the airdromes. Similarly, the air signals company at each regional command \s divided into platoons the
operational
Office
which are stationed
A
at the o]>erational commands. senior technical officer .supervises aii'craft maintenance in the region through his subordinate technical officers at the operational commands.
The airdrome and
regional
command
is
thus lai'gely self-contained
on the I.uftgau for assistance only when the units already assigned prove inadequate. (h) The airdrome regional command also acts as the intermediary between the Luffgau headquarters and the o^jerational airdrome command. All orders, requests, reports, etc., traveling between the two must pass through the regiojial command staff. This staff nnmbei's from 50 (o 1.^)0 officers and enlisted men and is headed by a commandant who usually hohls the rank of Generalmujor. {c) The airdrome regional command's primary practical task is that of transporting supplies and equipment from the depots to its subordinate operational conmiands. For this purpose it is generally assigned a supply c
(d) The operational airdrome command is primai-ily concerned with supplying the physical need;:, of Ihe flying units. Its administrative duties are limited to procuring sujiplies and equip-
241
RESTRICTED
HAXUBOOK OX GEEMAN MIUTAEY FOECES
lOe nieiit
for
flie flviiig
The commander
units from the TAiffgau.
of
cummaiid normally holds tlu; rnnk of Ilaupt'inann. Alajor. or Ohernihy/nanf. His adjutant handles persnniiel matters. The jwrwoimel complement of an operational command numhers abont 350 officers and enlisted men, and the motor transport allotment is between 50 and 100 vehicles. (e) Airdrome maintenance at each operational command is handled by a Works Superintendent's Office {Banle'dung) wliieh is snbordinate to the Field Works Office at the regional command. The Bauleifuiu/ has charge of most of the construction done at the aii'drome (bnildiiigs, dispersal areas, defense works, operatioiiiil iiirdiome
llie
camouflage, etc.), as well as the laying of runways, extension of landing grounds, and installation of lighting systems. Repoi'ts
on serviceability and regional
command
bomb damage
to the Lvffgaii
are radioed through the
and thence
to the
Air MinisLi-y
for broa
Any
other siiecialized consti'uction units which
attached to the airdromes (o repair bomb facilities are aluo directed by the Bauleifung.
may
be
damage or enlarge
The operational airdrome command is also i-esponsible defense against air attack, for which it h;ia both heavy and for These guns and other aerial defense units are units. light Flak {/)
the airdrome commander only when liicre is no Otherwise, defense is controlled stationed at the field. flying unit (hat flying unit which is occupying the by the commander of
commanded by
airdrome. {(/)
The
airdrome
telephone, teleprinter, and radio at each operational command are, operated by an air signals platoon
[Flii't/e.rhor.'it-Liiffniiclirichfe'nsng)
manded by
a
signals
officer
who
(see is
par.
lOT?;)
and
com-
suboi'dinate to the senior
signals officer at the airdrome regional
command.
Tlie signal
|)latoon also transmits the meteorological and airdrome serviceThis ability reports and operates the Air Movements Control.
RESTRICTED
242
— GERMAN control
(lii'Scfs
106-107
AIR FORCE
only noiHipcralionai
Signal comimmiea-
flyinfr.
tions with aircraft in operations are controlled
by the
tactical
jxround station attiiched to the flying unit. (h)
mand
Aircraft maintenance at the operational airdrome com-
—except
for servicing and minor repairs which are perptaff of the flying unit is the responsibility
—
formed by the ground
This oiSoer not only iiandles (H'crhaids and major repairs, but also is responsible for maintenance of motor vehicles; for bomb, fuel, and other supply stores; and for equipment stores and tlic arnioi-y. He is subordinate to the senior technical officer at the airdrome regional command. (i) The requests by the operational airdrome command for equipment and spare parts reach the regiomil connnand tlirougli the technical officer. Requisitions for bombs, fuel, and ammunition are made l)y the supply sectirin. The operational connnand also lias au adminislrative section which handles clo(hin
oiiii-ei'.
—
—
—
mand. 107. Air Force arms and services. 243
rr.
Antiaircraft
de-
RESTRICTED
:
HANDBOOK ON GERMAK MILITARY FORCES
107
fensefi.— Active defoiipe af^ainst air attnck in Germany, occupied territoiy, and the various theaters of war, is the responsibility
of the Germiin Air Force. AVith few exceptions, all aerial defense sei-viccf; are inanned hy Air Force personnel. organization as (1) The aerial defense system is a threefold follows
—
Units defending the (a) Aerial defense with the aitriiea. armies in forward areas are known as mobile miits. These units, which are assigned to and operate as a part of the Army and Air Force task forces, are charged with the protection of military establishments and of Army and Air Force imits engaged in Mobile units which function with an army active operations. group are organized into a Fl(ikl\-or)>H with several Fhikregimcyiter
A FJakabteUung its command. army or army corps. Flak units are
and Flakalyteilungen under
may
also be allotted to an
usually contndled by an Air Force oificer who is stationed at the army commander's headquartei-s. All Flak guns with the armies are dital -purpose, carry
AP
as
well as
HE
ammunition, and
provide direct support of the ground forces in antitank fire, assault of fortifications, counterbattery fire, as well as in purely antiaircraft defense.
defense of Germany and ocev.pied territory.— providing the general air defense of (lermany and All units known as zone of interior units and are countries are occupied (h) Aerial
Each Liiftgau c^mtrols the attached to the various Lnftgeiue. balloon barrage luiits, searchartillery, permanent antiaircraft lights,
certain
fighter
units,
the
Observer Corps
{Fhigmelde-
diemt). and the Air Defense Service {Luftschutz
into
FlaTcgrtiirjien.
Flakufiterg-nrppen.
These
which are in turn divided into are controlled by a
Flakgnt-ppen
Hdhere FUkkommandeur who is directly subordinate to the Luftgnu commander. The Observer Corps and warning system are the responsobility of a Luftgau air signal officer. Fighter
RESTRICTED
244
GERMAN aircraft fof air defense
AIR FORCE
Jire lent to
107
the Lvftgav from
tlio
Liift-
within whose command the Liiffgau lies. (c) Aerial (lef
—
command area.
are conc-enti'ated all the aerial defense services in the areas of this type are known to exist for Berlin,
Command
Hannover, Hnrnhnvg. Saxony, and
tlie
Kulir area
(with head-
quarters at Diis,seld{)rf).
—Antiaircraft
(2) Flak.
together
artiliery, searchliglits, and balloons are Flak (Friegerabwehrkanonen flyer defense Except for some coastal jrnns maimed hy the Navy,
known
cannon). and motorized
—
as
Army
antiaircraft artillery units
known
as Fla,
Flak nnits are manned by Air Force personnel. Flak orjranization is flexible, and tlie makeup of the various Flak units, especially the (arfrer ones, is determined by the mission and by the number and importance of objectives to be defended. A Flak unit asaijrned to a Panzer army will thus be smallei'. more flexible, and more mobile than the unit assigned to defend a rear objective such all
as the {a)
Ruhr area. The largest Flak
man
Korps and usually consists of All Flakkorps are designated by Ro-
unit is the
two or more Flakhngadan. numei'als.
The
Flakhrlgafle. or, as it is sometimes known, the FJahnormally consists of two or more Flakregunenfer plus air. signal, aiu! supply unita. The brigade is also designated by a Roman numeral. {}))
dhmhn,
[c) While the organization of Flak corps and brigades varies with circumstances, that of the Flakregiment. is fairly standardized. It nsnaUy consists of a staff and four Ahfeiluiigen (battalions). The first two, Abfeilungeii I and //, are gun units; AhtciIvng III is a searchlight unit; and the fourth, or Ernatzahteilung. is a depot training unit which is usuidly static at its home station. The regiments are designated by Arabic numerals. The Ahleihmg-
24.5
RESTRICTED
HANDBOOK ON GEHMAN MILITARY FORCES
107
en are designated both by tlu'ii' Koiiuiti iiiimerMi iiTid by the nuiiiber of the regiment to which they are subordinate for example, III /SI :
sijiiiifies
the third, or sparchliglit, Ahteilung
However, the
statt's
ol'
Flahregiiner>.t 31.
of at'tive Fhih'egimenter do not riecoHsarily
own
Ahteihmgen; and there are also which have 110 similarly numbered subordinate Abteilimgeri, hut which in operations may command three or more active or reserve Ahtcihingen, operate with their
several regimental
(d) unit.
The The
iiiimbtTcd
staflfs
Flal-ahtcilung
is
the baj=ic antiaircraft defense tactical
active AbfeiJungcn I
and // and the
Krs^atzableilv.'n.g
each contain three heavy and two light Flakhatterien (batteries). AhtpMung III has three searcbli^ht Battenen. Both tlie active and the reserve liglit Flakab(cUuri
Flalcbatterien are
numbered consecutively
mei'als throughout the active Abtellimgen.
in Arabic nn-
Tlius Baltfrien, 1 to o
belong to AhtcAlung I; Batterien 6 to 10, to Ahfeilung II\ and A heavy FlahBatterein 11, 12, and 13, to Alteihivg III. hatterie usually consists of four heavy {88-mm) guns, with one predictor and two light (20-nim) guns (fig. 157). In the field, the two light guns are truck-nionntod and act as antiaircraft defense for the heavy guns. Occasionally a heavy Battcrie with sis light liafterie. has either twelve 88-mm guns is encountered.
A
20-mni guns or nine .^T-mm guns (fig. 158) and is also believed to have up to sixteen GO-cm searchlights. A searchlight Batterie consists of nine 150-cm lights plus an equal number of sound locators. (/) The Fhiksug (platoon) is the smallest ojierational Flak unit. It usually consists of two henvy or three tight guns. All Ziige are denoted by Koman numerals. (3) Observer Corp-i.- The Observer Corps (or Air Kaid Report-
—
known as the FlugmeldeAl-mist. It is made up of air sentries known as Flugioachen who are posted at strategic points throughout Germany and occupied territory. The Fluging Service)
is
icuchen are groujied into aii'-ohservation centers, or Flugvjackkom-
mandos. These centers coordinate the various reports and pass
RESTRICTED
246
GERMAM' AIR rORCE
lor
them on to the Flvgmt'ldcl-owinaiitJoK (obHorviition commiiiids). Tlie com ma lids tlien decide which dcfi'ii.so iiiilhorities slnill be warned of the iiiipoiiding attiidi. The iiir raid n-avniiifj system is adniiii(4) Air rai'l vamlng. isteccd hy tlie Lufff:i:hi'fsnvi>'>idienxtj or Aic liaid Waniiiij; Serv-
—
ice.
'I'his
service also reiiiulates blaeliouts.
FiE""' Ij".
(5) ai'6
.\!r iv.id frcf-i'xtidfx.
controlled
."//n/f'ii? 'iD.'^t .
by
or
— 2l)-m"i
—
']'hi'
AA/AT iiir
ciin.
I'iiid
a semimilitary oryanizittion
Aii'Di'l'i'iise
Srrviee.
into national air raid del'eiise
ili.-^trlcts
This
precautions serviwH
known
as the Litfi-
asrfociafion is oriiain'zed
hiiowiL as Liifhchutxiji
ti'mlc.
These districts are then siihdivide
-!;'.
-
— 17
2JT
RESTRICTED
107
HAKIHIDOK ON
fi^:K^TA^
KJBUri- [jS,
RESTRICTED
— 37-nim
^!ILT^AI?Y
iiiitiuirciiifl.
248
£Uii-
FORCES
GERMAX
AIR FORCE
107
known as Li.iftxchiiBi^oh'ulen. Tliese schools ai-e located thnnifihout Germany and tnuii all air raid precautions in&tructors and headers. h. Air Signal Se-rvice.—il) Function.— T\\9. transmission of aU orders and communications necessary for (lie functioning of tlie
These is the resfMHisihility of its own air signal units. units are also I'esponsible for the estsblishmeiit and supervision of navigational aids to aircraft, operation {)f the aircraft intercept system, manning of the Observer Corps and radio direction finders,
Air Force
air traffic and air safety services. It is thus diffiof any flying unit going into operations without cult to conceive support of air signal units. In fact, so vital is the immediate the
and control of the
Force operations that this service has wartime expansion than any other arm of the Air Force, and now has an estimated strength of some 200,000 officers and enlisted men.
role of signal units in Air
had
a gi'eater proportionate
(2)
— {a)
Orffaw'satioti:-
Small wrlta.^Thti
unit in Ihe Air Force air signal organization
is
basic operational Ihe 7'nippe. with a
strength of 10 to 20 men. Each Ti'uppe. specializes in one particular signal activity: for example, telephone, teletype, cable laying, construction, etc. Anywhere from five to teji Truppen of the same
type or function are organized into a y^ii(/~ or platoon. The Zllge have a strength of 80 to 100 men each and are groujied into Kompanien, usually three to six X''ffe to each Kci/panie. The Kompanie is generally commanded by a Ihmplmunn and has a strength of some 200 to 300 men. AU y^iige in a Kompanie specialize in the same particular branch of signal activity, with the result that each Kompanies is a self-contained specialist unit and may operate as an individual unit with the
minor administrative or operational
commands.
—
(&) Abtfiilungen and Regimenter. Tlie majority of the signal Kompa/nien are organized into the various signal Ahteilwngen and Rcgimentcr which are attached to the major operational and adThroe to four KoTnpanien usually make ]ninistratjve commands. up an Abtcilung^ although some AhteUungen have been identified with as many as 20 Konvpanien. The Ahteilung is commanded by
249
RESTRICTED
HANDBOOK OX GERilAX MILITARY
107 a
Major
I-ORCKS
men: the and kizp of the subordinate coinpuiues. Of tlie three to five Ahfeilungen which JKirnially form Ri-fi';ne)if. one is reserved for ipcruitinf: and training. The rpniiiininfj Abtiihuigm may con^^ist entirely of comjind hiis
s(]-czijrtli,
ii
staff of
4fl
lo 30
nffii-er.s
iind ciilislcd
npiiit finiutlif stufl, depfiiils iipdn tile nuiiiber
ii
panies spocinliaing in a particular sifrnal function, or nuiv includi> II variety of conipiinifF: concerned witli many sijrnul aofivitics. TJie
composition of a Ri:ijhiii'iit is thiLS highly varijible iind is largely determined by the needs of tlie command to 'ivhich it is attached. A Rcg'nacnf nsnally commanded by an Ohrrxflnd-namt. and iLiax \-~,
a strength of
liave,
anywhere from 1,500
to 9,1)00 officers
and en-
men.
listed
{'i) The air signai nnits are allotted to and function with the various operational and administi'alive commands as follows:
The OhcrkouunuKdo <}>) L'uffviufe is allotted two or more The fli'st. LnffndchfichUiuTfiiMc-nf 10. wlnise
[a)
signal regiments.
main task
organization of
Air Force communications, conThe one or two addiL. regiments are smaller and specialize in telephone
istJie
all
of a variety of specialist compjinies.
sists
tional Ob. d.
and telegraph
Each
{b)
known
line constcuction,
Lvffflofte
is
allotted tlu'ee or
more signal regiments commanded bv a
as Luftnnchrichfi'in-egimfi'ii'i- which are
known as the Hohere NacJirlchle nf Hhrer, or The primary concern of these regiments is the
chief sigTuil officer Ildliere Nafil.
organization of
mand
area.
all
They
communications within the Luftflotfe com-
are also responsible,
altiioiigli to a lesser degree, for defense and movemeiLt of aircraft within the area. 1. Tlie first signal regiment in each Liiflfoife is divided into Ahtfihhng&n which are assigned to iiircraft reporting, air safety
and interception of enemy signals, plus one Abteihing Also altachecl to the regiment is a Staffel of signal aircraft. This regiment carries the same number as the LvftfMte with which it f uncrtions. Thus L. N. Regt. 6 is the chief service,
devoted to training.
signal regiment for Luft-fiotte V.
RESTRICTED
250
-
The one
€.
GERMAX
or two smallor
AIR KORCE
pigiiiil
regiments
are concerned only willi construction
They keep
lines.
re<^inient
Rv.gt.
iis
and
Lvfffotte
in Piicb
leleplionp
oi'
the same termin!i] nmnlHii-
add 10 for the first additional Thus L. N. Regt. IB and L. N.
lOt
iiini
tcle{i;i'ap]i
the I.nftf.otte, but
for the second.
-10
Ho are the
first
and second
additional regiments, respectively, in L^lfffotfe V. (c)
Each
known
FlU-.gerhorpH
is
allotted
as a Litftiiochrichtenreginutnt.
one sigTial regiment, also This regiinent supervises
signal aclivjtit's within the Fliegcrhorpi; area ainf
is
consequently
somewhat smaller than the chief Liijtfoite j'egiment. manded by a s€nior signal officer known as the Nnfil, ordinale to the Ilohe/'e
Nafu
a1
It is
com-
wlio is sub-
Lujifhotie headqiiarlers.
The
Fliegerkorpx regiment consists of many different specialist companies concerned with telephone and telegi'aph construction, servicing, aii'craft safely, aircraft re})orting,
and wireless telegraphy.
has a liaison company which supjilies the signal personnel for the Fli.roH?- The Flirgerkoips I'egiment also has its own It also
The unit designation for' a Luftatlached to a Flirgcrkoi-pH is achieved by adding? 30 to the FHegerkorpn numljer. Tims /,. N. Regt. Si beof
Sf'iffel
siffiial
aircraft.
nachrichlf'iiiPXfiiiu'iit
lojigs to 7'l'':gerkorp.s
(d)
IV, and L. N.
Each Gi'^chirader
is
Rp.gt. J,2 to
as a LiiftnatihrirhtenkonipoMe, Avhioh
ing
all tactical
Flirgrrkorps XII.
allolted one signal c
known
responsible for maintain-
cotnmuuiriilions with aiifraft {luring operalions.
down iiilo three platoons, or Ziige, one These Zilge have some 80 men each and are kno\yn as tactical ground stations. They are an integi'al part of each Gnippe and must move witli them from airdi'oine to airdrome. Couser|nently, most of (hese TJUja are motoi-lKed to permit their rapid and easy transfej' to forward urea« and occupied teiritory. The Gexchicmler Koni pcnw, is commanded by a N iich rickten Opzier, or N. 0., who is subordinate to the Nafii at Flkgerkorps Eaeli Kampaiiie
Zug
/'(iiTw
arf
the Ai-mjj
niicl
'
is
liroken
for each Gruppe.
Air Forop liaison ofBpers wlin net as tile iiitpriiipdiarj' between Air Forte for Army cooperation, floso support, nnd tactical reconn.Tia-
spcoi.ilisr;
eaiice (see par. HIS|.
251
RESTRICTED
HAXDBOOK OX
107
GEEMAjS" MILITARY
Kompavie
TJie
Geschicader to
M'liieh it belong;)
K. G.
OUCES
the same name of tlie for example, L. N. Koiiipariie
takes
lieadqnarlers.
St.
f
:
5.
Each Lvffgau
is allotted one signal rejriment known as the Lvffgauiiarhrichfenregwient. The Ahfc/hiitffen which constitute this regiment, except for the one de\-olecl to training, arc made np
{e)
of companies which specialize in nirei'aft reporting and whose jK'i'Sonnel
man
and occupied
the Observer Corps stations thLonghout
Germany
Luftgau signal nnits are commanded
territory.
Ijy
who is snbordinate to the HiiJwre Nafii of the Lnftfofte commanding the area within which the Liiftc/uu lies. The Luft-
a Nafii,
goMiiachrlchtenveg-hnenfer take the same number or name as the Luftgau with which they operate. Thus L. G. N. Regt. 8 belongs to Luftgau YIII., and L. G. N. Regt. Noricegen to Luftgau
NoTivegen. (/)
Each airdrome
company.
regional
This Koinpanie-
is
command
disti'iiinlcd to the vai-ions operalioiial
in the region.
Each airdrome thus has
the airdrome signal station
is
allotted one signal
composed of several Zilge which are aiidrome commands withits
own
signal unit to
man
This
sta-
(Ltif/ncchrwhtcristc/lf).
tion controls nonoperalional flyiiig o]ily; the control of aircraft on combat operations is the ivsponsiliility of the tactical ground
The airdrome
stations attached to the Grnifpen.
regional com-
mand signal Knntpuriie has the same numlxT or name as the command and is administered by a senior signal ofiicer. or Nafii. who is subordinate to the Hohere Nafu at Luftfotte headquarters. The operational airdi'ome command platoons carry the same name They
commands to which they are attached. commanded by a NacJiricTifen Of^zier, or :V. 0., who is subordinate to the Nafu at the controiling regional command. ((?) Each Flahkor'pK or Flakdiimion is allotted one Luftnachas the operational
ai-e
lichteimbteUwrtg whose main concern nal servicing.
subordinate to
Each Ahte4h(ng a Hofiere Nafu
RESTRICTED
is
is
aircraft reporting
commanded by
at Luftflotte
252
and
sig-
Nafu who is headquarters. Aba
GEKMAX
AlH KUKCE
ti'ilungen attached to the Fla7,'kor/>A lake fhe
107
name
of the
Kovfx
with the atldhioii iif 100. Ahieihiiujcu ailachod to the Flakdivuionen add 120 to the division number. Thus L. N. Aht. 10^ operates with Flakkorps 11^ and L. A'. Abt. 75-5 with Flakdivision 15.
(4) There is one experimental air signal regiment known as a hehrregiment which is part of the Lehrili'i'Mon. This regiment is interested mainly in research into new lypes of signal equipment and their employment. (5) Aircj'aft especially equipped for signal activities havo, been organized into signal Staffeln which are allotted to the various The airLuftf,ol,te and Fliegerkorps LufPnachriohteiireghnpnter. can operate from ground to ground craft are usually Ju. 52''s and or grouJid to air. These Staff-eJ.n have proved particularly useful as advance flying or gi'ound stalious in forward areas where the signal platoons have not yet arrived or established themselves. 0. Airbonie /w?'ces.—Oernian aii'honie forces consist of paraParachute chute troo]3s (fig. l.^i)} and ;iir-hinding infantry. troops are all Air Force peisoiiiiel and are organized into a
Flicgerdivmon VIl. Tliey may be transAir-landpoi'ted in glidfirs or dropped from tT'anB|)ort planes. infantry units drawn from the Army for ing infantry are regular
command known
as
particular operations only, usually for a large-scale operation
such as Ihe invasion of Crete. They are actually landed on the ground in transport planes, air transport being merely an alternaAir-landing Army troops are tive to other means of transport. in pararliule jumping. Spd'ial equipment has been not trained airborne forces tig. ICO). designed for {aw For purposes of airborne operations, (1) Flipgerkorps XI. all parachute and air-landing troops are under the command of FliegerkoTpH XI headed by Generdl
—
253
RESTRICTED
HAXUUOOK OX C^EUMAX
107 t(i
F}iefi<-il-orp.-i
XI
is
nochi'lchtciinbleihinfi
an aiv
.'il.
IIILITARV FORCKS
neiitiy detaclu'd lo Flif.fierflhnsion
known as LiiffAbteihmg is pt'imu-
AhfHhiiiff
sifri'fil
Knm jxiii'ip
7
ol' lliis
VII and
been trained
lias
in
pariu-imte jumpinf^ to permit active cooiieratirin witii the pavacliiite Irijopa.
rieiirt.-
The
reinaininfr
1511,— I'nrHcllullbU
Koni funiiiii
Tf^i:ui>inic la^t-injiiuti' i]c1nilz<
and operate tlie sifrnal ni'twnrk for area of aii'borne operations. Flicgfi-kurpH
struct
llie
Fliegerdivhioih VII.
—This
!)l
i-im-
i>rdpr5.
FUrr/erhorps in the iti
lias its
own
air
which airborne
division comprises the major-
At the time of the last lai'j^eairborne operalioii, the invasion of Cretn, F/le(ft:nUvhiv}i VII
ity of Gei'nian parachnte troops. ticak'
nnd
XI also
reronnaissance Stuffel to cover that territory operations are to ocnu'. (2)
N. Abt.
in L.
RESTRICTED
2.')4
:
GEKMAX
AIR FOHCE
107
of three paradnito rifle roginients. It is now believed posed of tbe following mills (a) Six paraciuite I'ifle regiments kiio^vii as Fallffchirmjagi rregimnnter 7 to 0. Nol all oi tliese rcgiiueiits are frilly trained or conisistpcl
to be
up
ciiiii
to full strt'jjgUi-
Finui-e
—
16"),
7,">-raiii
The
reniiiauts of tlie
recnillc^H
sun
("7,^
former titurmreglme/it
G. 40} adn|}t«d
foi'
airbui-ne units.
have been ijicorporate{l into F. J. K. 3. One or two more regiments are reportedly in the process of organization.
I'ifle
One parachute artillery regiment. One parachute antitank batlalion, (d) One parachute engineer battalion known as the FalUchirm~ pi
panies,
ail
of which were sent into operations in Tunisia in A'ovem-
2.i5
RESTRICTED
HANDBOOK OX CESMAX MILITARY FORCES
107
ber 1942.
It
ia
edtirely possible that adrlitionjil
Pionifr-Kom-
panien are undergoing training in Oorniany at the present time. (e) A mixed parachute experimental battalion known as tlie
This unit is tomposei] of ei^lit companies, of which are assanh troops known as S/ui'mkompaniet). A paraclitite rifle depot regiment known as tlie FaihcMrm{/) ^dgerergansimgnTegimcnf. From this regiment are drawn tlio Lehvhataillon.
Kompanien 7 and 9
recruits lor the operational rifie regiments.
(g) Divisional siipply and medical units. the numhi-r of parachute troops has almost doubled since the invasion of Crete. Despite this expansion, however, tlicre has
Thus
been no major aicborne operation since May 1941. In fact, since the Cretan campaign the jiarachute troops liave been extensively
employed as infantry shock troops with
—
Army
units.
(3) Sturm-regiment. -Also attacbed to Fli/'grrkorpfi XI during the Crete campaign was the glider-borne assault regiment known
Stminregiment
Tins regiment suffered high losses during is no longer believed to exist as a separate organization, (he assault units having since been incorporated directly into the parachute rifle rejriini'iits. A special Army divi.sion. the 22d (4) Air-land hig ivfai'trg. Air-Landing Division, is believed to be earmarked for' airborne as the
.
the invasion of Crete and
—
operations.
However, infantry units draw^n from the
Army
for
airborne operations have not been encountered in operations since theCretan campaign. The air-landing division used at that time differed
{«)
from a normal infantry division
The strength was 40
tit
in the f<)llowing respects: 60 percent of a normal infantry
division.
(d)
The percentage of supporting weapons was smaller. The heaviest artillery was a 75-mm mountain gnn. The supply sefvices «'ere much reduced.
(e)
There were no transport
(/)
The proportion
(h) (c)
vehicles.
of officers and noncommissioned officers
higher.
RESTRICTED
256
was
:
GERMAN" AIR FORCE d.
Air Force fighting
ufi/'ts.
107
— Since the onlbi-eak of Ihe war with
the Soviet Union, the formation of Air Force fij!;litin{:; divisions (Lu/iuy'-fe-FeM-Divisionen) has been undertaken by tlio (iiermaii Array, and a number of these divisions have ahcady made their appearance on various figliting fronts from the Mediterranean to the Soviet Union. These divisions were fit first small improvised More recently, units, apparently having only 3,000 to 5,000 men. '22) ninnber of these imits {an estimated have been however, a batc-on.-;t ruction battalions, antiaircraft formed, with Air Force miits providing the bulk of their talions, and similar nonflying personnel. Some of the divisions may have as many as 12,000 men. Little is known of their organization, but it is believed to vary widely among individual divisions. German transport aircraft and gliders are e. Air trcms'port. controlled by a General Staff department at the Air Ministry. This department, headed by a Kovvmodor vmd Lufttixmsportfilhrer^ allocates as well as administers all transport units in the Air Force. The majority of the transport planes consist of the Ju. 63. This type, tliougli old, has proved so satisfactory that it
—
has been retained and no newer type specifically designed for transport has been produced in large numbers. There is also evidence that the He. Ill, which is now obsolescent as a combat type, is being adapted as a freight carrier. This adaption is consistent with the German policy of continuing to produce standard types with modifications rather than changing over to new jnodels. The planes most freqnenily used for ])assenger-carryiiig and liaison work are the Fieseler Storch (Ft. 160), the Me. 108, and the F. TF. 15S. These transpoi-t and communications aircraft, wiiich total well over 1,000 planes, are organized for the following services
—
The Air Force maintains several which are more or less pei'inanently allocated to various commands. These nnits are not intended to perform any partictilarly heavy or large-scale trans|)ort work, sudi (1)
minor
For operational
wnits.
air ti'ansport units
257
RESTRICTED
HA^^DBOOK OX GEK.MAA" MILITARY FORCES
107
as airborne operations
for the nunifroiis
oi-
long-term supply.
odd iobs of
They
are rather used
coniniuiiiuationy, liaisoii, Jind pas-
senger-car ryi Tig within the Luftfotte area, or between the Lufffoite and Air Forct> headrjuarlers in Germany. These units are distributed {a)
among
The
the comitiands as follows:
staff of
each Luftfoife and FHetierhor-pn
several Ju. 52'x to be used for transport within as well as in
is
allotted
Germany proper
forward areas.
EacJi Fliegerkor/iti
is allotted a transport Staff'-l of 10 to 15 addition to a Kuner-Stuffel (coiiuiuuiications) of lighter planes. The Flk',(/(;rkorji.H may then tempoi'arijy reullot part or all of the Jn. o2'k to the subordinate Gf^cliv^'irle.r and
(J)
Ju.
ji^'i'
in
Gi'uppen whenever the transport of jiersonnel, equipment, and/or supplies becomes particularly nrp'enl, (c)
EiK'h operational (rruppe
is
allotted several lighter types of
communication aircmft.
Formerly, each Gnippi- \va<\ at least one Ju. --7^ for transport purposes. Now, however, it is believed that the Gnippen must rely on Jn. 52'>! temporarily lent to tliem by the
FUegerkorps headquai'ters. {d)
Each AufklaruiifiHgnippe
(reconnaissance, group) has a FUegerkorp« organization which is primarily intended for liaison with army commaiider?. These aircraft are at the disposal of Army personnel as well as the Air Force
Kurier-Staffel withiji
reconnaissance
the
olTicers.
Allotied to each FUvo is a V&rbmdnngH-Sta-ffp} (liaison) of communicalioji aircraft which is used for contact work between (c)
Army
headquarters and those Air Force miits which are providing support for the Ai'my (see par. 108).
close or direct (/)
The main
air .signal
ge-Tl'OTfn liave their
own
regimeuls of each Lyftfofte- and Flie-
SfojffJv of transport aircraft.
these planes are equi])ped as flying signal stations, but used simply for transporting equipmeiil and personnel.
Some of many are
ig) The higiier commands, including the Oherhnmimmdn der Wchrmacht, the Oberkommando des Heeres^ the Oterkommu-ndo
RESTRICTED
2.58
GEEMAK
AIK FORCE
107
Monneyam] the Ohcfkoinmamlo ilrr Liifi-6i-ate on a fixed schedule over all of Germany and occupied temder
may
Individnal aircraft
tory.
For
(2)
civfl airHtiei^.—A
also be detailed on special
^iiiiill
muuher of
ta.-iks,
transports, i)rimarily
used on those civil air routes which the Deutsche Lufthansa A. G. operated before the war and continues to maintain Ju. o2's, are
still
under mihtary supervision. TIicmc civil tratisports retain their pre-war D-AGTF markings. The Ju. 9f/s which were formerly used on these routes are now being used in opei'ational areas.
For K. G.
(3)
s.
h.
V.
sclivnader sv,t be-wnderer
more simply
German
as
K. G.
ui)if«.
— (a)
General.
—The
K
Verwrmdting (for special duty), known
z. b.
V. units, include over two-thirds of the
and are actually the mainstay of the Air Force transjiort organization. These aircraft are subordinate to and receive their directives from the Luftf.oHe}i and G/inchwader. They may be allotted by the Air Ministry to the Lufffottcn on a fairly permanent basis (for example, to a Luftf.otfe headquarters) I
I'aiisport aii'craft
or for a specific operation only (for example, an airborne operaIf only one or two iinils arc allotted ton /.i/////o//e, thp chief quartermaster department of the Luftf,atte will handle administration, personnel, and aircraft serviceability. If several units are opei-atinfr under the Luffful/e. ln)wever, the Air Ministry will usually detail an air transport officer to the Luff-flotte. This oflicer, who normally holds the rank of Obertt. :s generally assisted by a tiou).
staff wliich
may
adjutatit, aJid
who
include a technical
an operations
officer, in
officer, a
personnel
oflicer
addition to a transport
or
oflicer
ap|)ortions the loails.
(b) fluid,
The organisation of the K. G. s. 5. V. units is extremely and although the original intention aijparently was to set
up the
units in Gcsnliwinder., the actual strength of most
s.
ft.
F.
units rai'ely exceeds that of a Gnippe.
These Gnt/iprn normally number 53 aircraft organized into four StaffeJn of 12 aircraft each plus a Gruppeontal) of
five i)hmes.
2.W
RESTRICTED
ilAMlBUUK O^
lOr ('r)
For
[mt'posoF of trnnspovtiiifj; piiisiclMite ti'dops anrl iiirlioine
in
itir;iiitcy
[iiiidiiifr
i\ilUTAHV I-OKCKS
^iEll.^IA^.
operatkma,
Jiii'-
aircraft are
tf;inf;porl
Eadi such Getckwader con3. b, V. Geftchv^ader. 200 aircraft (ivganized into 4 Gtitp-pcn of 4 Sfaffein Kicli Staffel lia;; 12 aircraft m-^anizcd into 4 Keffen of 3 cacli. aircraft cacli. Tlit- organization of the Ku.mjiff/e^chwad.eT thus orfiaiiizcd inl" sists (if alioul
dowciy
jiar'allclH tliat
A
'i,'
of
tlip
paTarlnitc tvoops wliich Ihey transport.
iiaiachiitists. Thus by one airci-aft; a platoon of s. h. V. Keffe ii6 nii'ii is cariicd hy a company of V20 tu 144 men is carried hy a s, h. V. Sfa/fr/; and an ciilircs |)araclit[te battalion is carried by a 3. h. V. Gruppe. Whenever possible, the men are
J'L
oiri
carry 10 to 12 fully cquip[K'd
(nio KCdiori of pai'iichLiiistK is carried si
niovi'd
by
uiiils,
that
;
is,
a
2.
b.
Y. Kettr carrying a parachute
pbi(
(4)
LiiflliiiidegeKvJiiradpr. wiis established, a
rcf/riii'ii!
known
as
I
he
—When new
the
glider-borne
air transport
Lufthf-i'{li-f//^:-'
was
niiit
Sturm-
of Jv.
52''s
Tbis GeV. Geichw/der,
oj-gaiiized.
organized on lines identical to the 2. h. each Jv. -52 tows one glider instead of transporting ]iiirachnU' hoops. The juTrage glider cn])acity in Ihr Ci'etan campargji was 10 men, and an assault platoorL was carried in 3 giiders lowed by a Luftlandtltelfe of 8 aircraft. An at^sault company of 120 men was (i-ansporled in 12 glider's towed by 11 Luftlimdextaffel M-Jiiradcr exc(\pl
is
(hill
of 12 aircrafl.
A
Stui-m.ohfeUv.')ig
of
4fiO
men was towed
gliders by a Luftlm.dci/m.ppi' of 48 aircraft.
A
in 48 Lnftlondege-
was ihits able lo tow the entire St ii-rmr''
m.p.nt.
been clearly delermined.
—
SpeHany equipped transportf,- A niunbeT of Jii. .52's have designed for liighly specialized transiiorl services. For example, many Ju. 55V a number of which are attached to Air Foi'ce medical units, are fitted as ambnianee phuies with a capacity of i'l sh'elcher patients and 5 sitting patients. Meat and (5)
been
RESTRK'TBD
260
GERMAX other perifiliabie rations can bo
AIR TORCE trail sported to
107 tropical areas; in
with refrigei'ators. Some Ju. 6^''s have been equipped with skis ior transporting men and supphes into areas made inaccessible by snow, (6) GlMer'^.—'Ihe Genniiiis are also using towed gliders for air transport. Ccmibining a high load capacity with comparatively small fuel consumption for llie towing aircraft, or of the glider itself in the powered version, these gliders have proved increasingly useful as the de])loynieiit of the Air Force has spread to all fronts. Towed glideis were first used in the lowlands in 1940. The D. F. S. %30 and the Gotha :^4i carried troops and supplies from Italy and Sicily to Africa from iiiid-1941 until the conclusion of the Tunisian campaign. In the fall of 1942, the Me. .U3 ])owered glider caused wide comment in its operations between Sifily and 'I'uiiisia. At the same time it was revealed (hat each dive-bomber Sta-jfd opentting from Tunisia had its own I). F. 8. 3-30 to cany supplies from Sicily to Africa. The Go. 2J^ lias also helped to relieve the critical supply situation on the Russian front. Thus both the ijowered and the unpowered gliders may be expected to assume an increasing imporfancG in the Gorman air ti'aiisport services during the coming months. /. Sen Resvxie SerMvc. (1) The Air Force Sea Eescue Service Jii.
53's
fitted
—
{Seenotd-iemt) was
first
established to take care of airmen sliot
dowm over the North Sea area and the English Chamiel. Its services have now been extended fo the Mediterranean, the Black Sea, and the Baltic. The rescue aircraft are seaplanes and were originally painted white with the red cross.
they have appeared
in
the usual
Since late 1941, however,
German camonfiage and
are nowbelieved to be used for recomiiusance convoy escort and transport, as well as rescue work. Rescues are normally performed by the service's
own
where the hazards of water landing are is made by sin-face craft. These craft the service or may be simply lent to it for
aircraft, but
too great, the actual i-escue
may
be attached to
a particulai' rescue.
261
RESTRICTED
IlAXimOUK ox GERMAN
10?
iVJiLri'AliY
I'UHCfiS
SiT}"ild'!fnKi units are orfriiiiizw] into 3 spu
(2)
rescue coni-
each of whidi is headed by a The ai'oas covci'cd SeeiioldiefiHtfuliTer with the rank of Oberst. liy ihf (.'niiiiiiaiids are the Nnflh (Niirway and Bal(ic), the Wesl {Hrniotfl.ugkoiiniiaiiflo^),
niiiiids
and Hiilhind). and the Soulh (Mcdilerraiiean commands are some 10 and Bhidi Sea). Bnelt^hhoiiiiaaiidos^ whidi eontrol i'oinniiinds. known as j-efjional dotacUiiients. Tlicre are tiow ahoiil 8 the vai-ioiiM Hl.affelv and (FiaiR'e, Hel;;iiim,
SidKirdinate to these
8liiffi-h' oi'^iiriiiK^d
Blaek Sea area. ciafl.
The
All
ai-e
limiled need.
id'
attiielH'd to
20
from 5 U; 14 airairmift each
deladnneiits of 2 (()4
Also, single reseiie phines are often
conihat imits which are operating; over water.
^'i-iitifdif'VRt
TjnflfUiUi- within llie
slren
addi( ion, there
Ill
for ai'eas
C'l)
into 3 O-rupixm. pUis a special Shifffl for the
nnits are opevalionaily subordinate to the
whose area they
The
serve.
a
however, is controlled a1 the Air Ministry by the {\\ii HKenofdicfmi This I ns])ee( orates not
.seivice,
Jnspei-lor'oi' ffaies nieril,
jni'lliods.
ll
.
also contrcds Ihe air
.si^iiial
These
ftnlers (ScciKif serif rale)
nnits waldi for distress coinmnnleations befween local headquarters aTid the subsidiary wireless le]ef):ra|)h and sea rescne stations. rj. M't'OrfdnflierilAeyi-ieef. The Air Force Mi'teorolo^ical Herviee {Flvf/inclk'nlicnKt) is controlled by a Child Meteoroloffieal at the HliifffI headquarters. sifrnals
and
si}>:iuil
inaiiitain
—
nnder the General Office Tor Air Com{VcnualtiingKamt). The chief resjjoiLsibllity it is to provide all flyinf; unifs with dependable OfRecr
al
the Ait- Ministry
liiiinications
we.alher
I'ori'easts,
since no Air Fiirce aircraft
may
flight, o[)era(iona! oi' notioperatiiJiuil, williout a
start on
any
written weafher
foieeast. This office also reports all foreign weather broadcasts to each Lufljlotte, and prepares all long-t.eiin forecasts for sti'ategieal }danninjif'I'he Chief Meteorological Officer has charge of all adtfLirdstiation, personnel,
RESTRICTBD
and
in.staJiationa of the service.
262
He
GERMAX is
AIR FORCE
107
further fpsiioiisible for the sfientific development of the service.
of new bases. Reports und forecasts of the Flugivetferdieii^t are also made available to the xVrmy und Navy during rtartime. when the latter are often deprived of their iiicIntUiig the est a bli aliment
The two main sources of Air Force meteorological informal ion are weather stations and weather normal source? of information. aircraft.
—
{a) At each airfield there is a relatively (i) Weather staiionn. small Wetterstelle (weather station) which reports on conditions in its inmietliate vicinity. These reports are collected at regular
by a 'Wetterheratung^zeAiiral (weather reporting center) which then coordinates the reports of all the Wi'itervtclleii within its area and prepares niapti for the flying center' usually sei'ves an area covei'ed by a FHegerkorph units, and is frequently molor-ized. Some centers carry a Lvftgau unit intervals (usually hourly)
A
designation such as W. Z. B./XIII. The chain of command from the airfield to Air Ministry is completed through meteorological
Luftguu, FHegcrkorpn. and
officers stationed at
Luftftof.fe head-
quarters.
in the forward areas where the standard Air Foree services iiave not been sot up. weather conditions are rei)orted by nn)torized Wetter^ fell en. These stations are u.suaily found at advance airdromes serving sliort-i-ange flying units. There are also special (&)
meteorological slations attached to several Gi-M-hirwlcr. (ft) Attached to each Liifffotte (2) ^Veaiher aircraft.
—
is a (weather reconnaissance squadron), commonly known as a We^fa nnit. These imits nornially have 9 to 12 aircraft equipped with automatic recording instruments. The crews include a meteorological officer and a specially trained
W /•fferkimdigiingnfafffl
wii'eless operator.
worked very
In the early stages of
the,
war
the
Wesfa units
with which they were identified. With the wide deployment of Air Finre units, however, and the e.'^tablishment of forward Lufffotte headquarters, the Westa units have become less closelj' aiisociated with their Lvftclosely with the Lnftfotte
^48s.')2=-4r,
ts
263
RESTRICTED
— HANDBOOK OX GERMAN MILITARY
107-108
It is
fiotte heiidqiiai-t«rs.
directly to the
now common
Air Ministry, which
I'ORCES
ior a
Wcxta
to report
thc-n distj'iViutes the inforiiia-
tion to the Luftfioiien coneerned.
Combat
(&)
aircraft are often detailed to rejjort on weather
conditions eiiconntered during
example of
this
units operating from sance,
performed by
operations.
tlieir
type of reporting
is
The outstanding
that of the long-range bomber
Bordeaux and Xorway. Weather reconnaisunits has become ahnost as important
tliese
9H their antishipping rccoiiDiiissance,
108, Army and Wavy cooperation. a. Ai-iny cooperation,— Air J^'orce cooperatio:i with the Army is divided into two distinct types— direct or close support and indirect supi>ort. This division is so fundamental that it forms the basis for rlie organization and empJoyment of aliGorjiiiiii Army coo|5eri»tioii imils. Botli tyi>esof support are provided by the ordinary bomber, tighter, and groundattack units attached to the FUegnrkorps. These same units are used for strategic missions when not actively engaged in supporting the Army. (1)
Clone support.
actual battle front.
ground
— (a) It
Close snp]5ort
is
usually confined lo the
includes boiiibing aud
forces, tanks, artillery, antitank positions,
straiing
enemy
forward dumps,
and field defense works. It also eiiemy aerial I'econnaissance and army coojier-
batteries, antiaircraft defenses,
attempts
to pi-event
ation. Dive bombers, fighter-bombers, and ground-attack planes are used as highly mobile artillery in direct support of advancing ground forces. Fighters are used to escort bombers and to prevent
enemy
attacks
0]i
German
gi'oiind forces.
Long-range bombers are
support when the situation requires that all offensive units of a Flwgerhorps be concenlraled on the enemy's forward area. (&) The maamer in which the Air Force units directly sTip|)ort the Army is highly elastic and dejiends largely upon the nature of operatiojis. However, the general relationship of units to the Fliegerkorpff, and the liaison arrangements between the Army and used for
dii'ect
RESTRICTED
^64
GERMAN" AlE FORCE
Air Forces.are
A
fairly luiifonn.
108
FUrgrrJcorp-f
is iillotecl
a geo-
graphical area M-ithiii whicli it supports the Army for a specificoperation or opei'atioiial pei'iod. The Aniiy and Fliegerkorps coiiiiiianders tojretlier draw up tJie general ])liitis I'or close supijort, l>ut the Fl>e.g<-rkorpfi retains control over ail flying units. All units I'eqnired for close supiKirt are then grouijed into a composite command known lis a Nnhkampfyiuppe (ciose-siipporl group). Each Gruppe is under the tactical control of an Air Force commander known as tlie Nnltham pfiijh rer. This oilicer is directly subordinate
commaiuler and is responsible for the execution of the general plans for close support. Tactical details are to the FJiegcikorp.s
worlvcd out
with the
Army commander and
Fliegei'korpK connnaiidec (c)
The organization
A close-suppoi't
foi'
of
submitted to the
a daily check. tlie
Nahkampfgruppim
gjoup may
is
extremely
anywhere from one to three dive-bomber (h-i(j/i>en. one to four fighter Gruppen, and two to three Staffeln of liea-^'ily armored ground-attack planes. A flexible.
consist of
short-range tactical reconnaissance Sfi/fcf is somefimes included to take caie of vital reconnaissance. The Ot-iippc. also has special air signal units
among the
foi'
liaison
between the Air Force
flying units themselves.
On
rai-e
anc! the
Army and
occasions a long-range
boml>er Gmppe or Stuffc! may be added, although the diversion of long-range units for direct supi>ort is generally brief. id) It must also be
remembered
thai
the N/ihl-
are not pei-manent fixtures in the FiU'gerkorpH organ izalion.
They
where direct support of the Army is required of the Fliegrrkorp^. and an entire Nahkinnpfg^iippe or pari thereof may be moved from (lue Fl%egpi-koi-p'< to another. Normally, howevei', there is one Nahkampfgruppe in each FUegerkorpa. and a second has been allotted when the situation required it. Each Gruppe generally supports an army or a Panzer army, or both. Gruppen are frequently designated by the names of their commanders. (2) Indirecf suppori.- Air Force indirect support involves attacks on targets beyond the battle area such as rear maintenance exist only
—
265
RESTRICTED
:
HAKDBOOK OX GERMAN MILITARY
108
FOllCES
and sou comnuini cat ions leading to airfields. Indirect suppoil niisaidns and enemy the area; long-r^ange bombers. Sometiiiies units undertaken by are generally in direc! support are diverted to atnormally engaged which are comiiuiiiicatioii, such diversion is lines of but tack airfields and meet critical situations. protracted and is employed only to rarely believed to specially resei'ved b
—
OKH
as follows (1)
iihort-Ta')ige
ri'confiaM-'^a'iice.
—
(a)
Short-range
reconnais-
sance and artillery spotting units are organized into (H) Slaffiln. of 9 to 12 aii'craft each. These Staffeln are then organized for(close-reconnaissance into Nahav.fldilrungxgTUfprn groups) under the command of an Air Force officer known as the Oruppei}fiihrer der Flieger. abbreviated Gruf, (coniman
operations
army.
An (H)
Panzer
corjis.
Staifel is then allotted to each
Occasionally one
army
coi'ps or
NaKmifhlaTungsgi'uppe
is allo-
cated to two aj-mies. (6) An {U) Stajfel is normally responsible for recoinioitering the area occupied by the army corps with which it is cooperating.
RESTRICTED
266
FOBCE
GEliilA^" AIR
RreonnniHsinice by
:iii
(//)
unit will include rcportiiifr on
troops, guns, ranks, field defences,
involves watcliiiig position of
must
its;
tlio
lOS
activities of
{ri'ound fofcefi
and
and motor
enemy its
li'ansport.
enemy It als;o
air forces, as well as the
ant laiic raft defenses.
(77)
on tbe lookout fof any vulnei'able point in the enemy's flank. If opcratioiis are near a coastal area. {H) Staff eln may even be t-enl out to rec
also be
—
units are operationally .sub
Fliegerho7ys^ and the
Gi'-uji is
directly mulei' the Lnftpotte
com-
mander.- Usually one
Fi'i-nmifkliirungf!gi'U})j>f is assigned to
each
and reconnoiters for that army group which the Luftfotfe is supporting. The Sfafclii cooperate with the various iirinies. This arrangement has probably been adojited because the Luftfiotten, rather than tbe Fl'iKgerhorps, have liaison with army groups to whom the results of long-range reconnaissance are most Liiftflotta
useful. (6) An {F) Sfaffeln is usually responsible for an area 150 miles or more over tlie front line and up to ;iOO miles in breadth. Long-
movements on enemy conditions of bridges and
i-ange tactical reconnaissance ijivolves reporting on
railroads and roads; field defenses and battery positions; airfield
and general
air activity; the
267
RESTRICTED
:
HAXDBOOK OK GERMAN MILITARY FORCES
108
When o]Dcratiniip may be reserved for
roads; and weather conditions. coast,
one or more Stafeln
naissance.
avp ncnv the Kea shipping recon-
Ty]Jes of airplanes used for long-range I'econjiaissance
are the He. 111. the Do. 17, tho Ju. 88, and the Me. 110. (3) At the present time both (//) and (^) S'a-ffeln, because of their erjuipnient, ai'e capable of reconiioiteriiig much the same areas, and tiiere are increasing instances of some {F) Sfcffeln being reclassified us slioit-nuige {H) nnits. Tliis tendency was particularly evident in Africa, where both (//) and (F) Staffeln were organized iiito an Aiifl'Jarungsgruppe Afrika nnder the command of a Fuhi'm- dcr Atifkliirer. This assimilation has enabled bomber recomiaissaiice planes to collaborate with the tactical
reconnaissance
nnitf^,
and permits a
cerlaiii intercliangealjility of
units to ovei-conie .shortages or to meet extended requirements. Liaison between the Army and Air c. L'mhoh .^[\) FJi,vo>:
—
Force for both Army coojjeratioii (direct and indirect support) and .short- and long->'ange tactical reconnair^saiice is provided by specially trained Air Force liaison officers known as Flivos
Although the primary task of the Army's recjuests for aerial support, he lunst also keep the Air Force informed of the front line of the army unit which is receiving air suppoi-t, the safety bombing line, message diiippiiig jjoints. and the situation at army headquarters. He functions with the army units as {Fliegrroci-bindwu/sopz/pre).
FUvo
IK
to forwaixl to Air Fui-ce hoadqiuirtere the
follows
The Lupfotte appoints a Flivo to each army group and to each army or Panzer army. This Flwo transmits the army's re(«)
quests for long-range roconnaissiince and indii'ect support to the Luftfotte commander. Oi'ders for long-range reconnaissance are
then passed on to and executed by the Fernaufkldrungsffruppe. {h) Eacli FUegerkorps also ajipoints a Flhi'> to each army corps and Panzer corps and. occasionally, to a division. This Fh'no forwards the army's requests fo]' close -support and short-range reconnaissance to the Flugerkorps commander. The commander then
RESTRICTED
268
GEKMAX orders
108-109
or the NahaufMainingsgnip-pe, support or recomiiiissance requested.
the- Nahl-nmpjrii'^ifpe
reapectivply, to pioi'ide (2)
AIR FORCE
tlif
anil
Cominu-n/icatioiis
aircraft.
I'luiKon
—
Each
(a)
Ferti-
Nahavfkff'irvngxgj'^.i.ppe h«s its ov:\\ Kurier-Sto'lfpl (commuiii-
and
ciitions)
of
siuM't- range aiirraf ( to
be used by
Army and
Air Force
Staff officers and for deiiverinfr jdintographs, reports, etc.
aircraft of this Sf'iffcJ
is
One
norinallj reserved for the special use of
the army commander, both for traveling behind tlie line? and for any forward reconnaissance which he may make personally. {b)
Attached
to
the
Niihl-ampfgnippen
are
S/affeln (liaison) for the use of the Fl'iro. the
the flying units, and the given.
One plane
Staroh,
is
army conunands
which support
is
being
of the Verhmduiigx-Staffel. usually a Fic-^eler
reserved for the Fliro.
Navy cooperotio'n. — Tbe Air Force meets
d.
air requirements, including ail coastal
through the L'uftfotte o[Jeiating are
to
Ver?>?'vd'U7igs-
N aJikampff uhrer.
met in
a
manner
similar lo
all naval and coastal and carrier-borne aircraft,
Navy requirements
in thai area.
Army
requests, that
by alloting
is,
the required aircraft for genera! naval support and for particular
naval operations from regidiir Air Fora- rambat
—
uiiitM.
—
109. Equipment. ri. Aircraft. German aircraft (fig. 161) were ajiparently designed for a short war wbere the sheer weight of numbers would count. For this reason, the Air Force standardized the plane types to permit quantity pi-oduetion. As the war was prolonged, however, inipj-ovements became necessary. To prevent these changes from interfering seriously with jnoduction schedules,
new
and particularly
to avoid change-overs to entirely
types, almost all the inqirovcments consisted of moderniza-
and adaptations of existing types lather than tbe creation of Tbe most favored inq>rovement was the installation of move powci'fuf engines. If this did achieve the desired end, the plane's structure was changed. One of the outtions
completely ]icw models.
standing weaknesses of early fensive
armament and
German
pi'otecti\*e
269
planes
—their
armor-^has
lack of de-
i-eceived increased
RESTRICTED
HANDBOOK OX GERMAN MILITARY
109 iitteiitioii
and
in
many
I-ORCKS
cases has been adequately loniodied.
Npti>v-
has undergone a certain number of im]jrovements, it must be entirely i-ectesigned or else superseded by an ahogether new type. Sitic; the Air Force is ritill reJuctant to introduce new types (only four new types have appeared since iheless, alter an aircraft
mid-1941),
am now
aircraft in almost every theater of combat from a qualitative inieriority which seems likely
German
sulTeiinfi-
to incivasc rather than decrease. (1)
engine
—
Smgh'-engine -fighters.— {a) General. The German sin^^lefigliter force is made up of only two ijlane types— tlie
MesserschviiH 109 and the Fockc-Wulf WO. Botli types are produced in several versions and series, but the basic design of each has remained unchanged. Improvements have been achieved mainly
by the installation of more liighly i^owered engines. The priiici])al developments in these fighters have been the introductio]i of special high-altitnde versions and ihe conversion of both types into fighterbombers. Gei'man fighters evidently will be even more definitely divided. Medium-altitude planes will probably tend toward high sjMieds and heavier armament, while the high-altitude mjichines will most likely hsive rodiiceil armor and arniaiueiit and be designed for maximum perfonnance at about 30,000 feet and above. An all-around improvement in German single-engine fighters is to be expected, for Ihis plane type has been the subject of an expanded reseai'ch pi'ogram and is at ihe top of the Air Force's future building
list.
(&) M^'>
been lai'gely superseded as a
first-line
and G by the iicMer combat strength is still equipped with the E, mainly for advanced opei'atioual training and pbotograjtliic reconnaissance. The F series is being used both as fightci'S and fighter-bombers, but iu decreasing ntmibers. The newest series, the Me. lOOG. now comprises the majority of German single-engine
combat
platie
/''
(fig. 16ti)
certain proportion of the
RESTRICTED
270
series.
However, a
— GERMA^'" AIR lOHCE ii^lilprs.
in
both
Tbe G.
109
vvliiuli iuikIc i(s iipjiciiraiK-e
mid the
(lie KiK-siaii
in oporatioiif; in 194:^
Ati'iciui Ihpuh'rs, hiis
than the F.
a
iiioro
powerful
Armament
has also he model was iiitioduoed. However, several crashed G''ii have been foiuid without self-sealing fuel tanks. A liiffh-altitiide SL'ries oT the (? with a KOiilcrl cockpit and full pre?.siii'iziiiKeiiuipment lias^ been developed, as well as a tropical version riigiiii; !iik] slifjhlly inoix'
buuu improvei! siiiw
uriiiur
I
^-..,.,
V
.•'^-
Fj^uiv J62' SltuseyschmUl 10itt'\ Ihv sLjiiidiu'd Ocrinnn sin^lcuiieJiit Hehtcr. TEtis I3-11? of ptsne is aluo us«l as a Rehtcr-banxbcr. Note the (ounded wing tips and the cantilever tail.)
svitli a -special air cleaner. A siill Inrther improved G wilh more powerful engine is reported to be undergoing development and ni;iy he inirodneed in 194;S, (c) Fuc:7ce-Wtiff lO'K—Thti F. W. im (%. 103) did not appear in operations until 1942, but now forms about one-third of the -.i
German
yijigle-eiigiiio fighter force.
fighter in the
Air Force
to use
an
It
is
the first single-engine
iiii-eooled, radial engine,
271
Of
a
RESTRICTED
—
HANDBOOK OX CKliMAX MILITAHY rOHCKS
109 jiiore
recent design
eleinier ill
phiiie,
appeuraiice.
tli;in
Its
Me. 109, the F.
the
the
rpsomblinj:;
armor,
U.
S.
armament,
IF. }!)0 is a bii'jior,
l'-47
("ThiindcvbolL")
anrl
simplilicd
clt'c-
Irically operated eoiitiois are its essential features and malcG it an oxcoi)ti(mHlly good mwlium-altitndti fijihler. It is also extensively nsod as a iiglitcr-boiiilier with a imnnal liomb load of 550 pounds. The F. IF. 100 will probably nut he mudified for hif:i:h-altitndo
operations, but it will possibly be'iitted with a
Figraro 163,'
Focke-Wult
IflH.
the m-wcsl tyim uf Citnmin
more powerful
ainsl'-'-i-'ni'ijit
li^lilirr.
(This
lyjiv
of plane is nJao used ns n fighttr-honibfr.)
engine for increawd nse as a heavy fighlcr-bomber and gronndGenerally, the F. W. 100 is considered to be a deatlaek plane. cided technical advance in fighter design and a worthy opponent of any fighter
now
in the air.
—
—
{«) General. The Germans started the war with but one operational twin-engine fighter, the .1/''. 110. The new ;¥(,*. ..'/^', whii;h was ap|iarcrilly designed to replace the .l/c. 110., eneountered serious diiiieulties in production which delayed its (2)
TiLy'n-oiffiiie fghtcrs.
RESTRICTED
2T2
GERMAN
AIR FORCE
intioduclioH for almost a year. aiice
on the Kussiati P'ront
in
109
Thus, eseept for
a brief
latter part of 1941. the
tlu'
appvar-
Me.
(ilO
did not heeomi' oi)ei-alional until late 1^42, anil then only in small numbers. Meainwhile, the Air Force adapted two of its long-raii
and this type numbers and now constitutes
since been used in increasing
almost half of the German twin-engine lighter force. Tlie Do. 217 lighter is used primarily for night lighting, but has not achieved the success of the Ju. 88. All of these tiwin-engine fighters will ccmtinue to spe-cialize as long-range aud niglit fightei's. l-'urtlier developments may be an increased service ceiling for some types
and the introduction of a special version with a sealed cabin for kigh-altitude intruder
w{)rlv.
(b) Mft>i.^e.rfifihmm ///>.— The Me. 110
(fig.
164). a small, fast,
long-range fighter, carrying a crew of two. was designed [irimarilr as a ground-controlled defensive night fighter and long-range day fighter. It can he easily converted for bombing and is consequently being used in increasing numbers as a light bomber and groundattack plajie.
Ifi
this latter role
carries a crew of three and
it
capable of considend)le overloads.
It
is
is
highly maneuverable.
Armor protection is ])rovided for the crew only. The latest version, the Me. IIOF, became operational in mid-1942. Me^Hi'Tsrhmltf ..'i(9.— The Me. 210 (fig. 165) is an entirely (<;) new design and bears little resemblance to the Me. 110. Altiiough designed as a long-range and night fighter, it has become better
known
as a speedy light bombpr. dive bomber, and groimd-attack
It is also used for recoimalssance. The armor, which proboth the crew of two and the liquid-cooled engines, is very extensive. Uidlkc most fighters, it is fitted with dive brakes. Its unique feature is the armament: on each side of the fuselasre is a blister carrying two 13-mm rearward fii'ing guns which are remotely conti'olled by the radio operator. Thus the Me. 2Ui incorplane.
tects
porates the a
German
first
known attempt
at
power-controlled armament in
273
RESTRICTED
fighter.
109
JlA-NDByoK 0^'
GERMAN MILITARY FORCES
t! I'
FiG'ira !!,[.— .l/tsaefBcAmili JIO (liiin'tilKillt lulls-raiiEi^ fighter).
RESTRICTED
274
—
GERMAX
Fbgure 165.
itlt'sersclimilt
AIR FORCE
210 (tvin-ongine
275
figlitcr,
109
light bonihtr.
niiil
eruiind-
RESTRICTED
H.'tXDBOOK OK GERMAX" MILITARY FORCES
109
Jiivh'rx AS'-C.— The Jn.
HSC
a night fighler ;uul intnider.
It
(f/) iia
(fig. 1
encountered mostly
similar to the
bomber version
(see (6) (c) , below) except for the transparent nose, the absence of dive brakes, and the modified iirmor and armanifnt. Also, it carries Pending the introdnction of a a- crow of three instead of fonr.
with more ])owerfnl engines and pending the wider use of the Me. .110. the Jii. SSC is expected to become increasingly prominent in night ligliting. (3) DU'e hembei .s.—T}ie Jwikers 87 (Stuka) dive bomber
new
ver.sion
167) Ixcame famous in the earty days of the war and is still standard Air Force dive bomber. Its active and close support
(fig. Iht;
has insured tlie success of many German ground opExcc])t for a slight increase in armor and armament, minor modilicalions t
Army
cralions.
inlrodui'liou of
a
tropical version, tlie Jv.
S7D
in current use is
appeared in 1939 and litlle dilfcreiit from Lhe H and well-known Stuka "screaming" 1940. The angle of dive and tlic no longer compensate device which seemed so foi'inidablc in 1939 for Die n'lalivo lack of rtpeod, armor, iind armament wliich today makes the Jii. S'7 a vulnerable aircraft. This draM-back, plus the ff scries w-hich
growing
strengtli of (he Allied fighter force,
sary that the tion to insure
Jii.
its
now makes
it
neces-
S7 be provided with a sizeable fighter protecsuccess in large-scale operations.
Considei'ing
the manifold demands made upon the German fighter force today, it is not hard to imderstand why the Shdta has become too costly and is iH'ing it^placeil by newei' types (ff.t. 120) or by twin-
engine
and
Jii.
(4)
52
fight CIS
and bombers
juodificd for
dive-bombing {Mc. .UO
8S).
Transport
(fig, Hi8) is
flai>i'>'.
— Althongh
a pre-war model, the Junkers
and troop -carrying transport used extensively for carrying and drop-
the standanl freight-
of the Air Force.
It is also
ping ijarachute troops and has seen service as a glider tug. The Jw. 52 is a three-engine, low-wing monoplane using the regidar
RESTRICTED
276
— GEKMAX
Figure 13G.
AIR lUllCE
JunkLis SiC (l«m-tnKiiic!
277
iiiRhl iighltr
109
imi hodihii).
RESTRICTED
—
109
ilANDHUUIv
(IN
l,i-;i;.\lAX
MILITAHY
l-'(JUCEa
.^-^=€^
-i^M Fieutc
RESTRICTED
Ifij.
Jlirikirs ^7
(lamiiiis Nlllkll (live hnmlitr).
278
— GERMAX
Ail{
r
Fiffurc 16S^
JiiiihtrH
-'i2
109
FORCE
i
(standnril thrcc-pncJne truop IrAiispurt
uitil
curgo
jiJanc.)
n'lli* fyiK' of MJJinf is also uacci n& a icliik'r.)
n4S«:i2°— 4H-
111
^79
KESTIilCTED
—
.
HANDBOOK OX GEIUTAX MILITARY
109
I'OHCES
"double wjng"' ^vherein the inner portion varies the camber sections also "droop" but act difEerently as ai leroiis. The pliire has a fixed lauding -xcar and a single vertii'al fin and rudder. A notable feature of this airplane is the corrugated Jiiiikers
of the
wing while the outer
fuselage and
wing covering.
— In
li)41 the AirF
GTOuiid-aflac\"i-ilaric>:.
development of a
.sjwcialized
would require less fighter protection than the /». HI'. These developments produced flu: Hent^chei II'J {lig. 169) and the bomber versionof the jl/e«ser«M7«7V^.?i(? (see (2) (o), above). Tlu'ffw. 12fi is a single-seater and \v;is designed especially fi>^- close cooperatinu will] the Army. It is priuuirily a gi'ound-attack plane and only secondarily a dive bomber. It has a completely armored cabin,
armor protection for llie oil coolers and the air-cooled A :iO-uun cannon may be installed under the fuselage for use against tanks and armored vehicles. With the cannon removed, about 550 iiounds of bombs can be carried. The Hi-. 129 was produced iu series dui'ing tlie latter part of IMl and was first used in Russia. A tropical version appeared in Africa iu lfl42. However, the Fix. 22!) has nor completely lived up to expectations, and has yet to prove itself to be a really as well as I'adial
engines.
successful specialized ground-attack plane.
become necessary
to
drawn on
aiiotlu-r
Consequently,
arm
it
lias
of tbo Air Force
the single-engine fighters—in order to find the speed and verability
demanded by ground-attack
operations.
maneuThus some
of Germany's most successful grountl -attack
plnnes today are simply the Me. 109 and the F.W. 190 carrying bombs and known as fighter -bombers. (6)
Long-raii^jp iomhr/i'.
the early days of the
war
— (n)
Geverol
—German
bombers in
on their superior speed, maneuverability, and bomb capacity to compensate for their lack of armor and armament. Their primary deftuise was to be proviiled by accompaTiying fighters. This fighter protection, however, did not
RESTRICTED
relied
280
— 109
GKiiMAN" AIR rnncr.
RUMN
^\ Jm Figure 169.
IIi-itHchil HSlt
and diw bomhcr, uaud
IirimiiriJy actiinHt liiuksj.
281
RESTRICTED
HAXDBOOK OS GERxMAX MILITARY FORCES
109
and lie Air Foice soon found it iiecossiirv armor and armament of their bombers at the expense of load and sjiced. Thit; incruased pioU'ctiun is largely of the makeshift variety, and not until the Do. 217 appeui'ed in mid1941 was there auv power-opei'ated armament or. a (ierman bomhei-. Meamvhilo, the He. Ill and (he Ju. 88 have snifered all the disad-
prove entirely to increase
adc.f[iiatc,
I
tlie
vantages of niannally operated free
Gei'man bombei's
is
{rnn^i.
The
iirnior proteel ion. limited adoptioii
of
Thi^
feature
last
—versatility—has
in
I'ange, increased
higher
i)o\ViM'ed ai'manienl,
wing loadings, maximnm speed at medinm ity.
present leudeney
toward greater loads, longer
allitiides,
and
made German
versatilbomlieij^
readily adaptable for specialized duties such as dive-bombinj;. iiiine-layinf^, reconnaissance, ground attack, and even niglit fight-
Consequently, the German airci-aft inthistry has been inquired produce oidy tiicee main bomber types Ihe fir.. Ill, tlie -/(/.. 88 with which Ihe Air Force started ibe war), and tlie Do. 217 (de:-igned to replace the Do. !7Z. which was operational in the early days of the war and is now obsolescent). Two ofhei- long-range bombers should be nientioncd.lHidi of which ai'e four'-eugine types. One is the F^W. 200K, which forms only a tsmall [)art of tlie German ing.
—
to I
bomber coming [h)
of the
strength.
The other
is
the He. 177. which
is
just
now
into service after several years of experimentation,
Ueinhel first
111.
— The
twin-engine He. Ill
niodei'u long-range bianbors in Ihe
(fig. 17(1)
Air Foiee.
was one It
nor-
mally operates with a crew of five, akliungh it has been known to carry six. It has been continually modified since its introduction and was undergoing furdnT developmenis as late as 1942. Most of the improvementi^ have been in arin{n and armament, although high overloads have also been obtained and assisted take-off is used operationally. However, the Hr. Ill is now considered to have reached its load limits, and further improvements or refitting with
new engine would involve so many structural modifications that they are nol likely to ocmr. tT,jfi| e;ir!y 1042, the He. Ill was used almost entirety as a tiight bomber. Since then it has been used a
RESTRICTED
282
— GERMAX
AIR FORCE
109
hfy-^ FJEuru
17(1,
litiiihi'!.
ffJ
(iwin-VMEift" muliuin bDmlit-r}.
283
RESTRICTED
HANDBOOK OX GBRMAK MILITARY KOKCES
109 for
armed
shippiu"; ifcoiiiiaissjince, usually "illi an aerial torpedo
under each wing, and mine-laying as well been used as a transjtorl, both iu (heaters,
and
as a
tow plane for
tltc
as bimibing.
Russian nnd
gliders.
The lie,.
tically obsoiescent ior first-line operations, ar.d
constitutes a lacge
|>:iit
It
has also
Mi'dili't-i
Ill
is
now
although
aiieau
pnic-
it
wtiU
of the Air Force long-ranjre bomber force,
it is expected gradually Ut disappear from service as it is replaced by more modern type?. (c) Junkers 88. The -/w. S8 is probaijiy Ihe most versatile plane in the Air Force and is ccrtaiidy the mainstay of the bomber force. Originally designed and introduced in 1939 its a, level bomber, the Ju. 88 lias been successfully modified foi' all lypes of bombing,
—
torpedo-carrying, reconnaissance, night fighting, assisted take-off. etc. The original bomber which was series was further which is today the
Ju. SS
A-1 was developed
into the
A~5
used cxienaively frojn 1940 Ihrough 1941.
developed into
tlie
A-I^ level and dive
Jevel
This
bomber
principal German bomber. Other series of the 88 the A-G dive bomber; the A-ll tropical version: the Jv. are A-}3 ground-attack plane: the A~H torpedo bomber; the D-1 reconnaisHance bombei' of which the D~3 is the tropical version: and the C~5 and C-0 uighr fighters. The bomber version of the Ju. 88 normally carries a crew of four. Armament was increased during 1942 aiid it is now repotted that the Ja. 88 is to be refitted with a more powerful radial engine. There is also the possibility that the Jv. 88 may be superseded by a quite different and fai' more ad\anced model. Pending these developments, however, the 1/7/. A'S will undoubtedly continue to he the most widely used bomber in the Air Force for many montlis to come. {(]) Doi-nv'ier ^/V".—The 7>". S/V" (fig. 171) is tlie most modern German bomber in current operations. Actually it is a scaled-oj) and improved version of the now obsolescent Do. 17Z. When the /^(^.2i7 was introduced in mid-1941, its speed ajid performance were
both superior
was
to thac of the
at least their equal;
RESTRICTED
it
He. Ill and Jv. 88 and its bomb load was also the first German operational S.U
— GERMAN
AIR FORCE
lOB
'9~'%r-i
FJBUrc 171.
Darnicr 217 (\\vin-cngine heavy burtihci). 0|icralional
buiiibi'i'
witli
ii
jujwt'r-onp rated
285
(This was
eun
llie
ihsi
Gcnimn
(iirri!L)
RESTRICTED
HA^'DBOOK OX GERMAX MILITARY iOHCES
109
bomber
bombers
and
tlif
in servicu.
Do.
21'/
Tlii?
expansion
lias
not developed, bon-evfti',
tbt Do. iil7 today foruLs only a very small part of
man bomber OTis
gun liniet. It was fbcrewould soon re})hiLt', most of th« (jUif r
to incorporatK^ a power-operrtted
fore believL'd that
force.
N"e\'ertlioIeHS,
injproveinents isince
its
tbe plane lias
introdiiclion.
tlie (iei-
imderfri>iii'
Tlie uniqne
luimer-
type of
nmbrella dive brake in the tail wilh wliich the Do. 217 was originally fitted did not prove satisfactory and has now boen replaced by win
217 can also be used for mine-layijig and torpedo-carrying. A night-fighter version with increased armaiiient and a crew of three instead of the usual four has also been introduced. The Do. S17 thus has a variety of uses besides t!ie level bombing for
which it was designed, and were it not for production difficulties, it might be used far more widely than it is loday. {e) Fockf'-Wii/f mi Kin'Lr.— This plane (fig. 172) is the military version of the civil F.W. 200 Condor transport. The fii'st plane.s of this type lo be u.sed operalionally
were converled com-
nierciai machinps. slightly strenglhened for moiiniing giuis
stressed to willistand Iheconeenlrated weight of bombs.
Kwne/i-
and
The newer
constructed for military imrjioscs. It has several built-in moililications, such as racks in the wings, manually o|>eraled gnu turrets, and a gun is
s|)ecificaliy
more powerful engines and
bomb
tnimel beneath tbe fuselage. The overloading is still a iiroblem, however, and the armor protection is particidarly weak. The
Kvrh'v thus remains a vuhiwable plane witii a low safety factor, and althougli it can be used as a level or torpedo bomber, most of its
operations
ping and
now
consist of reconnaissance iigainst
armed
ship-
coo])eratii>ii wltii U-bo;ns.
(/) Ueiiihel 177 (fig. 173).— This plane, wliicli has been undergoing constant experimentation since its prototype appeared in 1940. lias been enconnlered only raivly in operations, and although it
is
not believed to be quite ready for introduction into
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286
first-line
— GERMAX
AIR FORCE
109
— ^i^^ ^^^w-
Figure 172,
FtfcJ-'i'-WuH 2HH Hurifi- iUiui-L-tin'inv lienvy
287
bomhtr,
uai?d
for Igiig-raiifiti
RESTRIC'I'ED
—
109
Figufc ITJ^
HANDBOOK OX GERMAN" MILITARY FORCES
llfinktl 177
RESTRICTED
(now
tivin-cn^iiiv
heavy bomber, used fur lune-ranec
28S
itltucks).
GEKiMAX AIR FOfiCE
lOS
Air Force ha^^ been so persistent in itsdevelopineiil fliiit Me. 177 cannot be lightly dismissed. It was apparently desiffned for long-range antiblockade use, but may be used for medinm-range bombing and dive bombing as well. A liigh-altitnde version may also appeal-. The most intere(-ting feature of the plane is tJie mounting in each wing of two engines geared to the samepropellor shaft. This feature creates the appearance of a twin-engine phinc, service, tli&
although tlieiZf!. 177 is fichially classified as a foui-englne liomlier. Increased use of armor and iirmament are also evident, with indications that the guns are of a heavier caliber than hei-etofore encountered in Gei'inan bombers. Despite llie diflicidties wliicli have been coiuiected witli the /Zf. 177, it is believed to have been
in series jn'oduction in in the
lS)4i?
near future.
Army
and
is
expected to appear in service
— fa)
—
General. Tlie standard Army cooperation types of planes, of which the U^. 1M> is Ihe best example, are small, slow, and liglilly armed ]jlaiics which not only are (7)
coopcrntion.
vulnerable to antiairei'aft artillery and sjiiiill-ariiis ground fii'e, but are no malch for the modern fighter. This vulnerability has
imposed definite restrictions on their employment, particularly in any well defended area, and there is today little future for a i)lanc such as the /?'. J. 'ft for .short-range reconnaissance. It has thus been necessary for the Air Force to develop a fast, maneuverable, wellarmed plane which can undertake short-range reconnaissance without lighter protection. But instead of developing an altogefher
new type
of
Army
more expedient pose.
coopeiiitiou plane, the Gei-mans have foiin
it
to convert their obsolescent fighters for this |iur-
This conversion usually amounts
to replacing
some of the
armament with caineras. The Me. lOOK, the Me. lOOF, tlie Me. and the F.W. WO have appeared in this role on all fronts and
1
10
ar(!
now the standard equipment for many Army cooperation units. As a reconnaissance pbine. the converted fighter is handica|)|>ed by its high landing speed. Also, ihe fact that many are single-se^iter.s means that the
pilot must also act as observer.
289
However, their
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HANDBOOK OX GERMAN MILITARY FORCES
109
and heavier armament than compensate for tlie afford distinct advyntages and more
liigUei'
Hpced,
rrreiit*'!'
ma»euvenibility.
ilisruption M-liich the Genriiiii aiirriiit industry wuiiid liave suf-
been oblijreil to prodiK-e an entirely new model. Tlw older Army cooperation t3'pes will still be useful, however, but mostly for delivering messages Lind urgent supplies over short fered
had
i(
behind the line. Henschel 126.— 1\\^ Iln. !3C (fig. 174). two-seater, lias been the standard Air Force artillery spotting phme since the beginning of the war. It is a siow, lightly armed, [lai'usol-wing monoplane. No further improvements are expected and the plane can now be conwdered as obsolescent. Tt will contimie to be used in first-line Army cooperation units, however, bul in decreasing nnmhers. (g) FocJce-Wulf 189.—'VU' F.W. IRO (fig. 17-5). which is also a specialized short-range reconnaissance type. wa= introdnror! in 19-11 and now forms a substantial part of the Air Force Army cooperation units. It has twin tail booms between which is carried the cabin micelle. This cabin is almosi enlirely glass -en closed and affords excellent visibility, both because of its construction and because of its position. But like the oilier standard Army cooperdiyCanc(!S
(J)
ation types, the F.W.-
lf^!i is
functionally vidnerable because of
its
low speed and light armament. Nevertheless, it has performed well in operations and is expected to remain in service for some time. {d) Ficsclcr Starch 7-7/';.— This plane (tig. 176) has pi'oved to be one of the most versatile short-range reconnaissance planes in the Air Force. The transparent cabin and roof provide excellent visibility for artillery spotting and {ihsi'rvaliim. 'I'he plane is inherently stable with a low flying speed, and can consequently be
flown by pilots of euin]iaratLvely little training: and experienceAlso, it is able to o])erate from any small, open, and reasonably level area because of its low landing speed and short take-off run. It is thus an ideal jdane for use in the forward zone of operations, particularly for liaison and courier service,
and limited
artillery spotting.
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290
command
observation,
— GERMAN
FiSQrc
174.
IteiatcheL
126
(j^Eaitdard
AIR FORCE
Army
imibsiLnre nni]
cDO|ii?ta1JDn
urUlkTy
^91
plani-,
109
used for facticnl
rtcoii-
sii
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109
Figure
ilAXIHiOUlC
l7!j.-^^Facke-}\'ntf
IS9
OX GElUiAX MILITARY FORCES
fihort-raTige
cooueralLon).
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292
reconnaissance
plane
for
Army
— GBRMAK
Figurt
ITfi.
Ficftcitf
Sttirch
AIR FORCE
I6U (sin^Lt-enfEint sihorl'iun^t
2i)3
109
ubjiiTVJititin
iitnnL'
fur
Arm^
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HAXDBOOK OX GERMAX MILITAKY FOECES
109
(8) Co'^-^f'j?.—'Vhv cquipiiiciit of Ail Force coiistal iinits ited almost entirely to
two
One
Arado
is
lim-
which is the stiiiidiird catapult, plane used ahoiiid Gfiinaii fthip^; and \rhicli Jiiiiy be t!qiiip[>L'd with siuirle or twin floats. It is iiorinally employed as a fighter, but is also widely used for reconnaissance aii<] nccasiouaily used for
lijrlit
ty[)es.
in
the
The other
bombiujr.
19(1.
coastal type
is
the
BU}hm-Yo>:H 138 flyir.;,' boat. This [)Liiu-, armed with bombs or torpedoes. wai5 designed primarily for loufr-raiifre coastal reconnaissance, bnt has also been used for freight transport
The B.V. 13^
marine supply.
is
and sub-
piobably the most iiupurtaut
coastal plane in the Air Force today. h.
Glhlera.
—
f
1)
— Tbe Germans liave greatly increased
Geucriil.-
orfranization by the u.^e of lowed Unlike the conventional .soaring plane, low gliders re.-;emb[p a gtnrdily built monoplane without the molor or conventional landing gear. AViieels are usually used foi' take-off: ihen they either are retjMcted into the fuselage or are jettisoned after the craft is airborne, in which case the glider lands on a
the efficiency of
theii- ti'ausport
gliders.
Tow glidei's are also equi|>[iei( witli dive brakes, and both navigation and lauding lights. arlvaniages of these gliders are numerous. They are rebitively
spring- na(k'd central skid. 1
landing
Tbe
flaps,
ju'oduce. and the use of a tug allows a greatly Fnrlhermore, gliders can use a small lauding ground and ai'e excellent for operations in forward areas. Of the three types of gliders now in sei'vice, only oiie, the D.F.S. 230, has been used with FVicfin'korps XI for aii'-laudiiig operations. (2) D.FM. -iSO.— i:\ns glirler (fig. 177), which i.s t!ie product of the Deii.tsir'hp Forxrh'uiin.'O'vxtolt fHf Secielfiif;. was for a long time the standard troop-carrying glider of tbe Air Force and was used foj- air-landing operations in the capture of Fort Elien Fniael in Belgium and used also in Crete. Its nornuil biad is 10 men (including the pilot) with full battle equipment. Up to tbree of these giiders can be lowed at one time by one Ju. -52, although only one has been towed at a time in actual operations. The D.F.S. I-H) can also be towed by the Hs. 126. the Jv. S7, and other smaller aii'ci'aft, ea.sy
and cheap
ti>
increased load.
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294
— CERMAX
FiRuiT 177.
D.F.-S'
2^Q
(j^lnndni'd
nWAw.
Aid I'OaCE
rlt^i^ntd (o carry 10
VqUiiiiiii'fiO
"4 ^s."l 2*
—
4a
20
29.T
109
men with
full battle
-
RESTRICTED
HANDBOOK
109
and 1
it is
OTf
GERMAN MILITARY FORCES
with such tugs that
it
has
Ih'oh piicounterod
jjinsporting personnel, equipment,
and
most rcccutlv Hussia ;ind
sup^jlies in
the Me{Uti^rranean.
Gotha
(2) i7'J)
with
.Ji2
its
afd
:3if..—This
twin-boom glider
(tigs.
178 and
useful load of fj-OOO -pouiids became the standard
freight-carrying glider of the Air Force during the spring uf (inchidliig a ciew of 2) or a S-'S men
It can alternately carry
11141. 3-1
on
lank, and the rear part of the fuselage is hinged at the top to permit the loiiding of bulky materials. Aruianiont consists of 2 machine
Armoi' ]U'olectiou is proviiiod for the |)ilot. The Go. 2!^ can be towed by a Ju. 52 or a He. Ill and has been used regularly in both the Russian and Mediterranean theaters. This plane is the powered version of (3) Me.^.iersi-Iuii//t -.l-i-). was identified on the Mersebur^ airfield tow glider which the large for time as the Mei-schwg glider. faiown some in mid-lMl and gnus,
—
It is
now known
as the G'igouf. or
Mp.
-Ul.
Apparently
this
tow
version which required 2 large or 3 small aireraft as tugs either proved uneconomical or involved too many technical difiiculties.
The
6-cngiiie
jmwered version known as the Mi-. -U-S was then introduced in late 1942 in the Mediterranean theater.
developed a]Kl The Ml'. j23 can
over 100 troops in ils 2-deck fuselage; or 1aid-;s can lie loaded thr
motor
cai'ry
vehicles or small
—
ment has been toward an
increase in ])owe!' at rated altiludes.
recent development of twin-row radia! engines suggests that the Air Force is seriously interested in air-cooled engines and that
The
an increasing proportion of Gei-maJi aircraft ivill be powered by such units. It is expected that the use of direct fuel injection will continue and that designers will not Tevert to the cmhuvetor system formerly used. The three main Gci'man aero e]igines are the
RESTRICTED
296
— GERMAN
Figure 178,
Galha 24Z
(BljLiidar
ATR FORCE
109
frpijjht-carrymg glider, wilh a useful lond of pounda).
a. 300
297
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—
109
ITANDHOOK OX
Figurt 179.
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(IKlilMAX TiliUTATiY
GolliH 241 <(roo])-ciirr;ing
298
gliili^',
similiir
JORCES
Iti
(he Golhii ilij.
GERiUX
AIR FORCE
109'
DaimJer-Benz (D. B.).ihc Bayerhclu- Moforen Werke (B. M. W.), iiitc] the Junkei'g {Jumo). Kugiiies Lised in Aii' Force combat planes in mid-194;i were the following:
Argui
(1)
with
its
take-off.
JilO.
—Tliiw 12-cylinder, air-cooled, inverted
yinglc-speed siiperchiUgec It
was designed
trainers, but
is
now
is
V engine rated at 450 horfiepowei' for
for light coniraiinications aircraft
also nsetl in
some
Army
and
cooperation types
189) and gronnd-attaek ])lanes {Hx. 12.9).
(/'.IF.
—
F.M.W.
1-J-i. Older aiid coin|iai-atively slow transports, Home Army cooperation typos are now the only operational planes which use this 0-cyIinder. air-cooled, Ladial engine.
(2)
seaplanes, and
F.MAV. 1-'I2 is fitted with a carburetor, models but the newer have direct fuel injection. There are thus The
older version of the
The maximum
several different rated altitudes for the engine.
power rating
about 10,000 feet. /i.il/.lF. 14-cylinder, twin-row, air-cooled, ra801. This (3) dial engine is comparatively new to the Air Force and is the first engine of i(s type to be produced in series. The models in service Iiorsf[>()wor at
is 8(K)
—
hiive a single-stage, two-siieed .snpeixharger
and
direct fuel in-
A
novel feature is tlie engine-driven cooling fan mounted immedialely behind the propeller. This fan is used primarily to cool the engine during laxying and take-off. The li.M.W. 801 ji'clion.
lias
several subtypes di'signecl to use fuels of different octane
rating.
It is
now
installed in the
F.W. 100 and Do.
217.,
and
is
also expected to rejilace the engines currently used in other types,
such as the Jn. 88.
The power output has been
raised
original 1,480 horsepower to about 1,000 horsepower
from the
more. (4) D.B. 6'a7.— Since Ihe beginning of the wiir the D.B. GOI in its several versions has powered most of the (icrman single- and twin-engine fi^fbters (except tlie t'.W. l.'IO). The original /.K/J. (H'
A and B series which were used in 1940 are now obsolescent and have been superseded by the ne«-er N, E, and F series. All are
001
12-cylinder. inverted V, liquid-cooU;d types with direct fuel injection.
The majority
are fitted with an automatically controlled, hy-
299
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109
HANDBOOK
OJC
GERMAN MILITARY
draulic-coiiplctl supercharger.
Each new
FOIiCES
series
has further in-
creased the power output, eitlier by hicreasing the compreKsioji series, or by improving the indnctinn system ratio as in the series. The ejHnder scavenging as in the introthiciug and reduction gear ratio. The an improved heheved to liave series is
N
F
K
maximum emergency ratinfj obtained from the fiJ and F series has been in the neighborhood of 1,400 hoi'sepower at about 14,000 feet. Further development of the engine is expected to increase the power output as well as the rated altitude. (5) D.B. 6'05.—Thh engine, which ap])ears to he an imjiroved version of the D.B. 60JE, is one of the newest Air Force engines to
come
into service.
It is a 12-cylinder, inverted V, iiquid-cooled
unit with a somewhat larger bore than the D.E. GOIE.
The D.B.
605 has been identified only on the Me. 109G to appear before long in the Me. 110 and Me. BIO twin-engine to date, but is expected
fighters.
—
D.B. 000. This 24rcylinder, inverted V, liquid-cooled engine is composed ot two D.B. 001 units driving a single reduction The engines are coupled by a clutch which enables the gear. (6)
pilot to cut out one of the 1'2-cyliiider units in case of
damage
to
one unit or to conserve fuel. Thus It is believed to protified on only one plane type, the He. 177. duce a maxinnnu of 2.600 horsepower at around 15,000 feet. (7) Jumo 207.—Thi^ Junker-': Diesel euffine is a development of the earlier Jumo 205^ which was the first successful opposed-piston enjrine to be flown. The Jumo 307 is a two-stroke, opposed-piston, It uses an enliquid-cooled engine with compression ignition. gine-driven blower for scavenging, and an exhaust -driven, turbosupercharger for take-off and high-altitude operations. The Jymo W7 is installed in tlie high-altitude Ju. SOP bomber and reconfar, this engine has been iden-
naissance planes,
—
Since 1939 this engine has been the most widely (8) Jumo 211. used type for bombers and is fitted in both the He. Ill and the Ju. 88. As with the D.B. 601, the basic design of the Jumo 8J1 is
RESTRICTED
300
GERMAX well
known
war.
AIR
109
I'OllCE
jind has diaujred very little durinir Hie course of the
It is a l^-cyHiHlei'. iineiteil V. linuii -cooled iiidl. I
The most
notable inipiovenietUs have been the fitting of itiduction air coolers and a new supercharger. The B am! F) series were used in 1940
and are now
obfjolescent.
The
G
and
H series
are similar to the
pump. The newest series are the F and /. The F liab a higher compi'cssion ratio and develops almost 1,100 horsepower at about 13,000 feet. The J has the new induct ion air cooler and develops almost iJOO horsepower more than the F at approximately the same altitude. The Germans started the war with I'elatively few d. Aiimiment. types of aircraft annameut, in order to slandardi/e manufacture and achieve larfre-scale production. As the wai- progressed, however, improvements became imperative, and, beginning with 1942. noliceable changes have appeared. The main trends have been (oward a more ra|)id rate of tire, greater muzzle velocity, and earlier modeJ-s except for a modified fuel
—
Other innovations have been electro-magnetic and electric detonation. Armament used in German operational aircraft in mid-1943 consisted of the follarger calil>ers.
cocking and
firing,
lowing:
M.G. 15.-—^Since the begimiing of the war this 7.9-mm drum-fed gun liab been tlie standard Air Force rifle-caliber free gun for all types of aircraft except single-engine fighters. It has undergone no material alleralioii during its service and is now being largely supersedi'd by the newer M.G. 81. (2) M.G. 17. ^Tliis fixed-gun version of the M.G. 16 is of T.9-mni bore, but is Vielt-fed. The M.G. 17 also has been in use since the beginning of the war and is still the standard rifle-caliber fixed gim on all single- and twin-engine fighters, on the figliter versions of twin-engine bombers, on dive bombers, on ground-attack planes, and on the He. 111. (3) M.G. 5/.— This 7.9-mm belt-fed gun is the newest Air Force rifle-caliber fre.e gun. It is nf very compact construction and light weight, and has a very rapid rate of fire. It is the first air(1)
—
SOl
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HANDBOOK OX GKRMAX MILITARY FOECES
109
c-i-afr giiii to Up usftl in a twin mount ami is installed as siirli in both the Jv. SH and the new Ju. 87. The M.(7. .9/ has iili^eady replaced the M.G. Jo in many planes and is expected to become the standnrd free jrnn rti this caliber. -Mounted sinfrlv or as a twin e:uii in turrets, (4) .!/.(?. JJJ.
—
this
13-mm
beit-fed
Mavier gnn appeared in early 1942 and is weapon on (jerman Jimlti-
rapidly becominj>; the staiifjard defense seat
aircraft, particularly the
It is also used in I'our-
Do. ^17.
engine bombers and for the novel rear defense, in fhe M''. \210. Not only is the M.Q. JSl light in weight and of compact design, hilt also
it
incorporates one of Ihe newest
German
features in air-
craft armament, eiectro-magnetic firing and electric detonation. (5) OfvUko-n FF.—'\\\]'ii German version of Ihe Swiss i!()-inni explosive-shell cannon has been used wiHiout substantial altera-
tion since ihe begiiming of the war. Until the M.G. 151 was the standard fixed or engine introduced, the Oerl'ikov
FF
of this calibei' in
all
single-engine fighters.
It
is still
was gun
used as a
and .=ome F.W. ;.Ws, and as a free gun fixed gun in the It is eitlier drum- or clip-fed and i]] most of the German bombers. has a much lower nUe of fire than the M.G. Wil. 'Jliis belt-ted Mauser cammen has two versions, (6) M.fi. 151. one of 15-mm (fig. 180 )and the other of 20-inin caliber (fig. 181). These versiims are liot the same gun with interchangeable bai-rels, as is sometimes re]5orted, but are two distinctly different guns with -l/c. -//i^
—
The 15-mm version is installed as a gmi in the nope of the Do. il7 and lis. 129, and as a single or twin gun in the turrets of several flying boats. It has lieen
several variations in design. fixed
superseded fighters,
other
types,
version,
which
several
in
by the 20-mm
particularly is
single-engine
easily synchronized with
the propellor because of its elpctro-magnetic loading and firing mechanism. In fact, the M.G. 151 is rapidly becoming the stand-
ard armnment of this caliber on practiciilly all German singleengine fighters, This 30-nnn gim is the largest caliber armnment (7) M.K. 101.
—
to be used operationally
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on German aircraft up to iind-1943.
Zm
It
GEHMAX
AIR FORCE
303
109
RESTRICTED
HAXDBOUK ON GERMAN
109-110
iVULlTARY FORCES
iippoared in late .1942 on the Hf. l'£9 frrouiid-al 1 ack plane aK an
bomb load and was hitended pcimarily for antimay also be used on the Me. }J0 and a Do. 217 suband may possibly appear as an antiahipping gun on the
iiJtcrnative to the
tank use. series,
It
He. 171. ^Thc armor protection In German planes vai-ies in e. Amwr.thickness from 4 to 13 mm. Tlie total weight per plane may be less than 100 pounds for some Army cooiieration types to over 1.000 pounds for a ground-attack plane. The pres.eiit tendency is to increase the total weight of armor per plane with particular
—
emphasis on providing protection for accessories
as well as for the
craw. Armor protection for the engines was alm{>st nuuexisteut in German planes in the early days of the war. In 194-2, however, a policy was adopted of protecting the engines of fighters against attack from ahead and the engines on bnmbei-s against attack from
and oil radiators have also received Crews, as a rule, are amply protected. The pilot usually has a plate on his seal and another fitted to his back and curved over the top of his head. Giniiiers, bombardiers, and observers are norma] jy protected by plates on the sides and iloor of
More
astern.
recently coolant
ai-mor protection.
the plane.
—Air
110. Training.— «. G-cnerd.
Force training
is
the re-
sponsibility of the Air Ministry Training Inspectorate headed by
General dcr F]U-
known
Luflgau within
is the]i
its area.
responsible for the admini.stration of training
At the
individual flying schools
all
training, both
under (he control of aLe/irffaiif/i/eiter, who is also responsible for the maintenance of training planes. All men who join the Air FoiTe go directly &. Ri'innt irahihff. to a FLAM. {FHegcrauAhUiJinigny<-ghneiit) where they receive their initial training as soldiers and their jneliaiinary mechanical training in aviation. This recruit course was shortened from 12 theoi'ctical
and praciical,
is
—
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304
GERMAX
AIR FORCE
110
was further sliorlened t(i 2 months shurlly after war was cleciareil. In 1942. however, the course was loiifrthpiied again to 3 or 4 months to pei^iiiit more to 5 mniitliy prior to the war, antl
actual c.
liattJe
training in.stead of the fornitr
—
Pi/of triiimng.
(1)
— All
General.-
infantry
sinii)le
drill.
pilot caiidid;ttes arc sent
from ihL' Fl.A.R. lo a pool known us (lie Fl ur/aiiwiirtt^ rkompame, whfre they await their assigmnent to a flying school. Although this pool provides a certain drill,
amount of physical
and aviation iMckgi'ound.
training, military
purpose
])riniary
it
is
to regidate
Thus the length of the course actually cU'pends upon the rate at which the flying schools can absorb new stmleiits. The aroragt' time spent at the flow of personnel to the elfinentary flying schools.
FJ iic/an wiii-fe rkoiii jkiii'k' thus far has lx;en ahoul (2) The actual Air Force flight training begins
the
tary flying schools
known
as
the elemen-
Fhigseugfiihi'ci:'
F.Z.S.A./D. where students receive the so-called
A
2 months. at
A/B
A/B.
or
training,
training consit^ts of dual and some solo flying and lasts about 3 B traiiiing is divided int
months. ing in ship^. in
tiie
At
Bl
school
tilt! S:.'
is
on the more advanced
tyiies of single-engine
course students receive their advanced training
na\igation anil are introduced to twin-engine types.
time during the
A/B course pilots
take a
At some
Kl
{Kuns-ffvg) course in elementary aerobatics. The total flying time at A/B schools averages lUO to 200 hour^ and takes aliout 6 t(] 9 mouths. Prospective lighter pilots normalfy receive more flyiug time than bomber candidates.
UiJon completion of the
A/B eours*;
the pilots receive their
Air Force pilot eei-tihiales and are ready lo start their specialized training on the particular aircraft types to which they are assigned. (3) Pilots M-ho have been stdected to fly bombers, twin-engine fighters, and bomber reeoiiiinissanee planes go from the A/B school to an advanced training school known as the Flugseugfliln'erschuJi€. or F.Z.S.G. Tbis school specializes in multiple-engine types and provides a course which is conniionly known as ihe (' training. This course lasts from 2 to 6 months and includes 50 305
RESTRICTED
H.\XDBOOK OX GEHMAN" MILITARY FORCES
110
and obsolescoiU on wliich tlicy arc to specialize. Bomber camlidates work up to the Ju. S8 and H''. IJL All pilots at llie G school also rw-eive Mime 1(1
70 hoiu-s of
(oiiibat
flyiitfr.
typew uikI
Pilots begin on the
gr;idiiiilly
advance
/)/.
-'I'Z
Lo llic operational types
training in instrument flying. leaj'U to use ihe direct lon-Iin
known
as the BlnK^fiigf^i-kulc.
Tiie course here lasts
from 4 to 6 weeks and iixcludes 10 hours on the Lmh trainer plus some 35 lu 60 hours of flying. This course is abo given to wireless telegrapli o])erators wlio are lo
fly.
upon completion of their blind flying course, (5) usually go to an advanced bomber school known as the Gro-'^akampffllegersckiih,, whei'o they meet the other members of their
Bomber
pilots,
These crews- are nsuHlly kept togetJicr for their traijiing and are eventually stationed with the same operational unit. The 3 months spent at this school are devoted to erew training and include 40 to 60 hours of flying. Upon completion of the course the pilot with his crew is posted to an Ei-f/iiiizinir/sf/fuppc. The total bomber pilot training thus amounts lo Vi to 'tl monlliK with crews.
to 300 honi's of flying. Single-engine flgliter pilots
some 240 (6)
go directly
school to a flghter specialist school known or J.F.S. The conrse here lasts 3 to 4
;\s
honi the
J/B
a Juiidf-cgei-^chnk,
months and includes hours on types leading up to the Mf. JOO.
an average of 30 flying Guimery and formation flying receive special attentioi\. Upon completion of the J.F.S., pilots go to a fighter operational training pool. When the Jfigdfir.gf'rKckvJcn are too fnl] to take on new students, pilots are sent from the A/B school to an intennediate school
known
as the Jagd-fliegervorschiile to await an opening. is primarily designed to care for the
This intermediate course
overflow of pilots destined for the J.F.S.. but it does sometimes offer a maximum of yome 15 hours of flying. Thus, by the time the single-engine fighter pilot has completed the J.F.S. training, he
KESTRICTED
306
GEKMAX had 9 to-13
lias
AIR FORCE
niontliH of trainiii<>: wifli ISO (o
'rwiii-ciijiiiio liirhli'i' piloly
(T)
sjwcialized twiii-eiigiiu'
iir<'
xchvle.
Tlio tniiniiifr \wiv lasls 2 fo
and tncgcl
and
w^
flvin
scliool lo a
(
'/.ii->-toii v-
ilii'
])iii>l
niccls
liis:
on
witcici;?
he doey most of his liiiiuinj?;. II' (he pilots nd heir opera tiM>- aresi^nl nnlii there is an oi>i'niiii>:. Al'ler couisi
sent to a Whi'lftuiKfhiili- for
I
crow (jiili)! and wireless operllu' 4-week blind tlviiiir i-imrse
then jmsled to a twin-eLiglne
is
hours of
Mu'
whom
plelinjr the Zerxtorer tniiniiiff, earh is
llii'
full,
J/iffi/ffirf/r/-roi'xr/n(/('
ator)
2,")0
rrniii
iiKniths aLid coiu'cnlraU'w
V,
Ilt'ic also
Ilif^lUs,
telegraph operator with tho Zi'f^fi//'t'i'!i<--/tii//'V arc
si'iil
wchnnl kiuiwn
fiijlileu
giiniipi'y
to a
110
lif>;hter
operational
li'aininj;;
JKJO].
Dive-honiher pilots
jn'oceoi! fi'iwi the A'li schools to the whieh is a specialized dive-iionilii-r school. Diviiij!; practice is started almost immediately at some schools, but is not pprmitte devoted to aeciii'aey of boinbinff in the dive approach, but also inehides some n;i vibration ;iii
(8)
Shirzl-tnii p-fff ie(/i' r--^rIiiiJc
.
I
-I
ETgihisut^gnf/mppe of snrap opcrjttional nnit. (9)
Lonir-i'aniri' reconmiissaiice
school to the
C
weeks of blind
flight Iraiiiiiig.
reconnaissance school their equivah-nt schools.
pilots arc sent
course iiud thence to
Upon
known
From aP Ihc
of the specialized
c
are posted to an
of
thi'
tlio
from
thi'
lilhulfiitiKrJnih- for 4
here they go to
it
J t
// (i
specialized
which i^ advanced hoinber ur liiihler
l'\'niiiii(h'lii:-ri''
FermivfkJiirernehith' the sdidents
l''i(i^-Fii'))iinfl-I{ii-}nirisgr}ij)iii-.
(Ill) Army e()ii[jeia(i(m and short-riiuge ivcoimaissaMco pilots arenot believed to receive any specialized training after coiuph'titig t\\e-
A/B course.
—
Observer c^mdidates ;tre sent from the c. Obi^rrrcT framhig. Fl.A.R. dejiot to a specialized observer school known iis an Avfl'liirungfichvle. or A.K.S.. I'oc a 9- to 12-mnnth spcci;disi
mi
RESTUTCTKD
HANDBOOK OK GERMAN MILITARY TORCES
110
Training: includes navifration,
course.
photography, hombijig, gunnery, and 3 little
of the work of each
kamp-fjiieg&TschuIe,
coui'se
Ihc
reading,
Students thus leain of the ci'ew, including some
momher may replace
actual flying, in order that they
After completing this
map making and
laorics.
a
observer
wounded crew mate. is
sent to a Gross-
wheru he meets the remainder of his crew for
crew training. d. Wireli'-'is
operator training,
— I'rospective
wireless telegraph
operators pi'oceed dii'ectly from the Fl. A. R. to a Luftnachrichtenschule for 9 months of specialist training in ground wireless recoiv-
ing and transmitting. The sludeut is supposed here to attain a speed of 100 lettei's a minute, become familiar with the use of iuatnuneuts, and learn some elementary navigation. Those ojDerators
who
are to become
members of
aji
aircrew arc
tlion sen|. lo aiuilher
school for actual flight practice and training in navigation,
map
reading, and radio direction finding. The operator is then ready for his crew training and a gunnery course at the GiossJcainpfjliege rschuJe.
Ah
guwner fntinhif/.—Ah guinier candidates are sent from to a FJii'garschiifzen>idnih'^ which is a specialist scliool in air gumiery. This 5-month course includes ground firing practice willi sniall arms and machine guns, elementary navisvntion, camera gnn jjractice on a trainer plane, aii'-to-air firing practice with machine gnns. and elementary instruction in aircraft eiigines. e.
the
FJ-AM.
The ail' gumiei' is then transfci'red to a member of a crew. Air giuuicr.'^
a GrossJcianp-ffl.ieger-'ieh.ule as
;ire also leoruited from the wastage of the A/B schools and from ground pei'sonuel. /. Flight eng/'uetr frammg.—F]\ght mechanics go from the Fl. A. R. to a technical school knowji as a FliegcrtechirheheKclivle. Here they receive some theoretical training on the gasoline engine and elementary aerodynamics, followed by practical work on engines. Tlie students are sometimes sent to a nearby airplane factory for this pi-actieal training, .^f'ter completing this eoui'.-je the
prospective flight engineer goes to a GrosHl-'imp-jfUegerscMiHe for
RESTRICTED
308
.
tilLUMAX lii.^
t'lTw
trai-iiing'.
FdRCE
AIll
a jjiiniHTv coiirsr.
110
iiiul finssihl y wuiiic
olonicnliiry
wirelesr. tt'legm [>hy insf iiicliiiM. g. C'retr frahihic/.
—
has been iiienlioned
^As
of the bonihor cvowti
iiK'iuljprs
mto
oonsjiHtinjr
Hight
cnirinei'i'.
and
"f
n ])ilr>t, !in obHci'vi'v.
;i
'I'laiiiing hefc^ aiiiuiinls
iil)o\'i\
H|)i'riiilis(
VLirious
llic
lidnihcr sdianl
I'lTsntmcl
U-iiiiuiii;.
is
and
wii'i-h-ss i)|)i'i-jl()f, t:)
4U In
CI) luini'w
(m
a
fiist-
In several recent instiuices have liecn lakcn over
iisnaily lasts 3 luonlhs.
tho fnnetionH of (he
by
the
seveciil conipuiiirs, Piii'h di' v.liicli is sniHlividod into
tTPMs
line types
iil
for Ihcir «:rcw
((ri-a!'s/,-aiii/'fffv',"(/<-rxf-/iii7i-)
(lividpd
nu'i')
Oi'0-'^Kl-(iiiiffHri/n:''ehnh'ii
tlie Krgiiii-ini{/'igni]>ppn.
Opnafioval trahring schoolii.-~\]\i{m nanpletinn of he ronrse
h.
(
at the bonihec.fifrhtcf. orreeoniiaispaiuespei'iidist sehooi, personnel
are usnaily sent lo an o[ieralinuai irainiiii! school Id await posling to an oi)ei'atioiiul unit. These sciiools arc a jiarl of liic Air Force traininji system nnit.
A
and
aJ'e
his instrtiction on fi'om a fen-
iianitsof
hi.s
merely
special aircraft type and
a conlinHaiicc of
may
last
anywhere
days to several weeks, depending' npoii the reqnire-
tlieopei'iiticji!;)) nnils.
of persoiHiel receivinir (o a eoinhat nnit.
many
not attached to a pailicnlai' iipeL-ath>nal
pik)t"s li'ainiujrat Ihe school is
In
i'lirihei'
1S140.
'I'lie
schools (hiis aiiu)nnl lo
inslrm-tionaslhey
when
llieiv
of ihe schools wei'e replaced
liy
was snpeiflnity of the
;i
pool
a wail ussij>:nnienl
pilots,
Eiyiiiisiiniisiii-iipjH'ii
Moi'e recenlly, houe\er, as Ihe supply of flying (see i, below). personnel has dwindled, some of Ihe specialist schools have nol been tnrjiing oiil enoHf;li Irainod piluls In kee]i the Kiyi'i/iSiiiKjx-
gnrppni fnll. There has therefore been a vovorsion to tlie operational trainintf school system for cei'lain types, particniaciv sinirle-engiiie fighters,
and
pilots are posted direct
lo the operational nnit withoul
any
E I'gilntmiriKg nippe i.
Ergiwsiiinj^r/ryppc {Rexer-re
part of
iy4l).
when
wide margin, the
pilot onlpiit
from Ihe school
infeniieiliate (raiiiinji; in
an
—
Tmim'ng Unit). In the early was exceeding pilot losses liy a
tipej-ational iT-aining school svsleni I'ouhl not en-
B09
RESTRICTBD
— HANDBOOK
110-111
OiV
GERMAN" MILITARY FORCES
Hrely accnmniodirte the larjrc niimhcrs of personnel siMaitinp; assipnEach (ifeschirdilcr wiis tlioi'i'foii? onlei-od o Dient to eonibat niiit. foi-m its own opecational training unit to be bno^vn as an fgib>sv/iu;!
ii
E
conditions that wei'C as identieal as possible to actual combat cojiditioiis. The Siaffd was also to oli'er instniction in the j)articular tactics in
which the Gesali'wader .specialized. The amount of lime would depend on the replacement require-
to be spent in the Stuffel
As the supply of pilots continued to increase, the Staffel soon expanded to the size of a Gnifpe, and became known as an Er
regular comhat personnel of the Gcxchwader and are ojily tempofrom the strain of combat duty. As mentioned in Ihe foregoinji; piii'agraphs, these Ergibi-
rarily assigned to instructing as a relief
zangsgruppen soon replaced many of the operational training schools and, except for the single-engine fighler pilots,
Furthermore,
in long-range
bomber
fiainiiig,
still
do.
which has become
somewhat disorganized because of a fuel sliortage for training purposes and the withdrawal of bombers for transport use, the functions of the GroKaharnp'fff'f.gci-schi.den have also been taken over by some of the ErgdnfLWigHgntppiui. 111. Tactics. a. Geiieral. The German air war doctrine is
—
predicated on close cooperation with the Army and Navy in order to expedite and increase the effectiveness of combined land-sea-air operations. Thus, to quote the Supreme General Staff. "The Air i'orce, as an independent arm. is not ca]le{l upon to conduct an independent ivar apart from the Army and Navy. * * * The Air Force, Army, and Navy form a single unit within the frame-
KESTRICTED
310
IH
GERMAIC AIR FORCE ivork of the.contlnct of total
wiiv.'' Air Force tuctics have been evolved with this doctrine in mind. h. Lcrcl hoii.hing, Althoiifrli tlic Air Force hits probably created the greater sensation through its dive bombing, it lias not
many
failed to realize the
possibilities of level
bombing, that
is,
the
bombs while the plane is in level flight. Air Force tactics for level bombing have mulergone considerable change during the course of the war, and in mid-iy43 consisted mainly of the release of
folloiving:
—
The usueiI tactics employed for level lioiub(1) III foitnation. ing in formation is to sejid up a Sta-ffiil of 9 aircraft flying in a large V composed of 3 Ketten. The 'A aircraft of each Kette are also in V formation. Sometimes the .i>tiiffii numbers 12 planes, in which case the fourth Kette flies behind and in line with the leadinjr Kette and thereby creates a diamond-shitjied formation. AVhen oi^erations involve an entire Gi-uppe of 27 to 36 planes, the 3 Staffly in a V witli some 200 to -300 yards between each
Jeln usually Staffel.
Altliougli the close formation
is
usually preferred for the
V of 9 planes and Oruppe formation then takes the shape of 3 large stepped-up Vs. In formation level bombing, the rank and file of the forniiition do not aijn individually, but release their bombs at a signal from tile leader of the formation. Planes generally approach at Giu/jpe, eacli Staffel will occabionalfy form a
the
10,0(KI to 13.000 feet
and take continuous evasive action by changing
course and altitude.
If the attack is being made at night, 2 or 3 planes are sent ahead to drop flares on the target. This type of formation attack is u.sually undertaken only by long-range bombers and is now almost, entirely confined to night operations, particularly over Britain. (2)
Shigh/.
— {a)
The isolated
"hit-anil -rtm," or "pirate," attack
importance in German level-bombing tactics. In these attacks the planes approach the target individually, and the time, altitude, and (lii'ection of approach are left to the discretion of the pilot. Most of the attacks are made fiom a low level. is
a.'fsuming increasing
54SSS2"—1.^
21
m.
RESTRICTED
HANDBOOK OX GERMAN MILITARY FORCES
Ill
The
lojie
raiders .are usually sent out in a steady stream against
with rarely more than three planes heing dispatched afi'ainst tiie same objective. Both loiig-ruiige bombers and single-eiijfine fighters carrying bombs are used for isolated raids, but wilh somewhat different tactics. (h) Long-range boinbor.s, when sent on individual raids, usually operate in dayllgbt and are sent against a specific target. These tai-gets are selected well in advance of the raid and are generally The favorite targets have been isolated and lightly defended. Experienced crews are used, railways, airfields, and factorii'S. and the routes are, carefully worked out to avoid, as far as possible, any hills or other natural or artificial obstructions. Approach is generally made mider cloud cover, and the pilot waits until the target is reached before dropping to a low level and releasing the bombs. By thus coming ou( of tbe cloiicis only long enough to make a short run to tlie target, the planes are less likely to be engaged by antiaircraft artillery. Single long-range bombers are Tsictics for aiitishipping attacks also being used against shippiiig. are to fly at a low level, using oloiid cover, if possible, or along the coast with land as a protective background until the target is reached. The beam approach is preferred for attacks agains^t unescorted ships, while allacks agaiiisi a convoy are usually along wiiiely scattered targets,
the length of the ship or from the qn:irter. Single-engine fighters acting as bombers have been respon((?) sible for most of the "pirate" atfacks during recent months. These raids usually occur during daylight and are almost always con-
ducted at extremely low altitudes. In small attacks the fighters operate in pairs. The rear plane nets as cover and no other escort is
provided.
When
larger forjnations, or five to eight planes, are
used, however, fighter protection
mally
flies at 3,000 to 4,000 feel to
is
necessary.
draw
oflf
This escort nor-
ground
These
tactics
and fighter ground level.
fire
opposition, while the fighler-hombers continne at
have been best defined in operations over Britain.
Here the planes
cross the
RESTRICTED
Channel
at
313
sea level to avoid radio inter-
GERMAN oeptioii, iind
continue nt low
AIR FOECE
111
aititiKlcf; to tlip lavgct.
After
rek-af;-
their bomhs, they strafe iUiy ohJK^ct M-liidi may iijjpciir. Tlie favorite primary targets for tliese j'aii.Jers liave hocii railways, iiig
power
fttafioiiH, gas works, and service instaUations. Fvequeiitly. however, the pilots are not dispatched to any specitic objective, but are merely instructed to bomb and strafe anything which might
Night attacks of hghter-bomhers by niooiiwere intrndnced over Britain in the spring of 1943. In these raids visnal navigation was used, and the ])lanes operated in [iair>. making their approach iiiid bomb-release at 20,000 feet or higher, (c) Dive iombii'f/.—{l) The Air Force is not believed to have a .-nfficieiitly accnraie bumbsight to permit extensive high-altitude level precision bonjbing. and hay therefore nsed dive bombing {that terrorize the people. light
is,
the release of
bombs while the plane
agaijist those targets
where accnracy
is is
in a dive or steep glide)
of priiiiai'y imi)ortiiiK-e.
Dive bcjmbiiig has been particularly valuable from a tactical point of view when nsed in the close support of ground troops to strike the first heavy blows at troop columns, lines of coiiimiinicatioii^. load crossings, bridges, bunkers, tanks, forts, etc. Almost as important tactically has been its employment against enemy airdinmes (especially buildings and hiingars). shipping, ports and harbors, and small industrial or concentrated targets. (2) Dive-bombing raids are generally concentrated on a single 'ibiective, with methods of attack varying with the type and accesr^iliilily of the target. Targets are usually located within 100 miles of the base airport, and since the dive bomber rarely «)perates
beyond the
ra]]ge of its fighter protection, the maximnm distance flown per sortie seldom exceeds 200 to 250 miles. Each pilot is
generally assigned an individual target. (3) The basic unit of the dive attack
is the Kffh' of 3 planes formation, or i planes flying in 2 pairs {Rotten). The latter formation provides greater protection against enemy fighters and is usually employed in small raids where fighter protection is ill
V
lacking.
The
basic units
may
then be formed into larger Gnippe
813
RESTRICTED
HANDBOOK ON GERMAN MILITARY FORCES
Ill
formations of 80 to 40 planes
vritli
escorts 1,000 to 2,000 feet above.
from the
.sun at 14,000 to
target to 6,000 foet.
10 ov
more
Hingle-ciigim' fightei'
The bombers
usiiatly
17,000 feet and descend
Upon
approach
when near
reaching the target they "peel
tiie off''
from t.he formation one by one, line up the targets in their sights, and make the actual attack iiiilividnally. (4) In dive-bombing attacks against sliippiiig the approach is made at between 5,000 and 15.000 feet, but usHnlly at about 8,000
The plaii'^s ger.erally dive in flights of thi'ee "in line ahead" and attack alternate ships up or down a column of the convoy. SiiC(^eeding waves of bombers then concentrate on the column farther ahead or astern. (3) The two planes used mo.'jt frequently as dive bombers are the Ju. 8i, which was designed as a dive bomber, and the Ju. 88, which can be easily nindified for dive bombing. The Ju. Si dives at 70 to 8() degrees, and the Ju. 88 at 50 to 60
—
I
direction-finder apparatus.
RESTRICTED
The
prefei'i'e^
314
time for torpedo
at-
GERMAA" AIR FORCE
bright moonlight, or dawn, or dusk. The formation very similar to that employed by low-level bombers, that Email, tigbf V of about 30 planes.
tacks
used is,
a
111
is
is
(2)
The
foHnatiiuis
ffeneraily
approach the targets
at
sea
about 150 feet for the actual release. Usually the planes fly on a parallel or reciprocal course to the ships, at a range of a mile or more, until they have a favorable bearing an the bow or beam. They then turn in to make the final approach. Most attacks are delivered in a steady level approach from the beam or broad on ibe bow. The average height of torpedo release i.s between 40 to 150 feet, depwiding upon the type of torjiedo. The average range for the actual release is about 900 yards. {3) Aerial torpedo attacks ;ire also being used in conjunction with level and dive bombing. These attacks are carefully synchronized and the torpeilo atlaek follows the bombing by a matter of jninutes. The low-level or dive bombing is intended to confuse level
and
rise to
and distract the defenses. The torpedo planes then come in headon at sea level, usually fi'oni the same direction as the bombers, to delivei- the attack. e.
Fiffhters.
— (1)
— Almost
General.
all
are based on the Botte formation, that
Air Force fighter tactics two planes flying oiie
is,
behind ihc other and shghtly .iffside. This formation allows the leader to concentrate on the attack while the second plane acts as cover and protects the rear. Two RotUm may be combined to form a fighter Schioaf-m of four planes. Larger formations are then composed of a series of Rotten, and although each Rotte always stays intact, the over-all formation is not a rigid one. Thus when aerial combat develops. Ihe ina^s formation can quickly break up into Rotten with each pair oper;rting as a unit. (2) As a rule. German fij^bters enter combat only when the advantage is with the Germans either in numbers, altitude, or direction of attack. Their characteristic tactics arc to "shadow" their targets from above and at a distance and then dive down on them when conditions are f avor;ible. The preferred attack is from
—
Sie
RESTRICTED
HANDBOOK ON GERMAK
Ill the sun. fighters
The
fast rate of climb
have made
this
method
lillLITAEY
and high
FORCES
service ceiling of
quently, Gei'initn fttrhlers raiely attack from the their opposition.
Tiie favored
German
of attack very effective, and, conse-
same altitude as
iiiiinciivor in a iiiiisa
enemy and
attack
is to
send
Schwann
the main body After diving on the or Stafel to attack from above and hehhid. rejoin the main formation. opposition tliis section climbs hack to of fighters over the
Another maneuver frequently tics to hire ot^posiiifi;
eneouiitei-ed
is
planes out of f ortnation.
leave a
the use of decoy tac-
The decoy
is
usually
a Roite flying beneath and at right yngles to the line of flight of When the enemy turns to attack, he is in turn the enemy. attacked from behhid by the main German force which w^as flying above. (3) German fighters employed as bomber escort may fly either as a direct escort or as a "distiint" protection. The direct escort is made up of four groups of fighters which fly, respectively, on
both sides of the bombers, above them, and behind and below. This distribution permits the escort gronp which is between the bomber.s and the atlackers to turn ancl engage the opposition while one of the other escurt groups moves over and takes the place of the first group. The usual ratio for the direct escort is two or three fighters per bombei-. "'Distant" escorts fly ahead and frequently out of sight of the bomber formation in order to divert any
attackers before they can reach the bombers in force. for dive bombers, as at Malta, usually splits into
estrort
The two
fighter grou))s.
at a high altitude as a protective cover and the other dives with the bombers. This maneuver provides protection for the bombers during the pull-out from the dive, which
One group remains
of greatest vnlnenibility for a dive bomber. In single-engine -fighter attacks on ground forces (as distinct friim Jabo attacks) the planes usually fly at extremely low altitudes until the target is sighted. They then climb to around 1,500 feet and make a dive attack ahmg the troop or transport cohimns. Tanks arc attacked in shallow dives, preferably from is
the
moment
(4)
RESTRICTED
316
:
GERMAX
/,JR
FORCE
111
Twiii-eiigiJi.' fifriiteis^, however, goiierally approach at about 1,000 feet in a wide V f oimaf ion and break into an irregular niele onTside the peiimetcr of tlie target. The atitnal at Ciick i& then
the rear.
made
at low allitudes by individual planes or by small pronps of two or three planes Avhich break awny from the others, mac-hinegun the targets, a]id then rt'lnni tn the formation. German paraeJiute und air-landing troops /. Airhonie troops. were used as early as May 1940 in the Flanders Campaign. Para'hntists were used again in April IMl on the Islhmns uf Corinth. Bnt the German combined attfick on Crete in May 1941 waw the first airborne invasion and capture of strongly defended enemy terj'itory across a body of water. It al«o defined the German tactics for airborne combat along llie followijig lines (1) Airborne attacks are preceded by short, intensive low-levei bombing, dive bombing, and machine-gnnning of enemy antiaircraft gmis. airdrome defenses, and troop posiliotis. This acli(m ceases in the areas which have been selected for the descent of air-
—
borne
troop.'-- as- soon as the tToojis ai-rivo, but continues In ihose areas surrouiubng the ubjeciive which are still held by enemy
forces. (2) Glider-borne shock troops are the first to be landed. These troops disi'npt conmmnications and silence batteries and antiair-
craft positions in preparation for the landing of paraclnitists.
In Crete the gliders preceded the paracJmtiHts by 1.5 minntes. Shock troops normally operate in companies. They are able to go into action almost immediately, since they caiTy their arms with them in their gliders and do not become dispersed in landing, (;1) Parachule troops are next dro])[)ed to capture an airdrome or landing ground in preparation for the air-landing troops. Paraclnitists are dropped in depth around the area .selected for attack instead of on the site itself. The transport planes fly in Ei'ften of three aii'craft each in tight V formation. Troops are released from .^00 to 500 feet altitude. Descents are usually made at several points from 1 to 20 miles apart. The time for descent averages 10
3iT
RESTRICTED
HANDBOOK OX GERMAN MILITARY fOBCES
Ill seconds.
The troops then need another
10 to 15 ininntes to collect
assemble fheiiiselves before they are i-eady ioiCompanies promptly contact tho.ir battalions and regiaction. ments and then operate as a normal infantry unit. In Crete the pai'achntc troops were dropjied at a density of one buttalion per efiuipiiient
uiid
square mile during the first, day of attack. (4) Air-landinjr troops are finally landed in theii transport
planes at a spot as near as possible to their final objective. Although they are usually landed on a captured airdrome, airlanding troop.^ may be expected to descend on any i-easonubly flat area within 3 miles of the objective. The infantry and engineers are usually landed first, and the heavier units with the antitank and antiaircraft artillery follow. The first move of air-landing troops The is to contact and reinforce the parachute and shock troops. operations by commanders all is usually a.ssumed the command of of the air-hiiKling Army units, and the entire airborne force sets out to block the approach of enemy reserves, block defenses from llie rear, seize and clear a harboring area for their own armored
and draw off reserves. The Gcnuans have also dropped parachutists and landed
foi'ination,
(5)
Any may be
glider-borne Iriiops in conjunction with land operations.
number from
a
platoon to
a battalion of
parachute troops
landed behind enemy lines to disrupt communications and to seize key points such as railroads, roadbeuds, bridges, power stations,
ammunition dum])S. etc. 'i'hey also do a good deal of sabotage. Piiracbntists employed on these missions are generally expected or a day at the to hold their positions for a few hours only most— before they are relieved by their advancing ground forces. This technique lias been demonstrated in Eussia. where parachutists have been dropped from 5 to lo miles in advance of oncoming tanks to entrench themselves in a village or hilltop and prepare the way for the annored units. In using glider-borne troops, one lo three D.F.S. 230 gliders are sometimes sent over enemy lines and landed in isolated spots. The troops leave the gliders as soon
—
RESTRICTED
318
— 111-H2
TACTICS
as possible, ani], after condLiutiiifr tlieir sabotage {goiionilly, df-
M ruction of bridges or liieir
own
raillieatlfi),
try to
work
their
way back
to
lines.
Section
XVI
TACTICS Paragraph Doptritie
iy>
Ri'c'onnaissauep
113 114 115 116 117 118 119 120 121 122
Mnrohes
.
Mei'liiiK eiigagiMiient i'lviiiii'ntiiHis
for nttai-li
ArTiK-k Piii-hiTiit
Defenso Delyjiiig aeiiuns
Breaking
off cunibiit
Wilh(lraw:il
—
112. Doctrine. a. Qmeral. German tactical doctrine is based on a well-trained Officer Corps, a tliorongbly disciplini'd enlisted personnel, and years of aggressive philosophy. The (jernian always sees the solution of his tactical problem in attack. Wlicn the situation is not clear, he usually attacks, for he believes that hostile weaknesses are disclosed in surh actions, upon which the,
commander may
b. Forfi-fii'atiiftix.
capitalize
—Although
and which he jnay then exploit. their main taclical policy is cen-
tered on their century-old doctrine of the oifcnsive, CJcnnany's
aware of the powers of modern defense by virtue of automatic fii'e])o\v«-, long-range artillery, and steel and conci'ete fortifications. In their construction of the vast system of defense along the northwestern coast of Europe and in
militai'y leaders are fi.dly
'Norwa.y, as well as by their earlier consti'uction of the
West Wall,
they have fully exploiled the advantafres of defense.
—
(Jerman tactical docti'ine stresses the responand (he initialive of suboidi nates. The German Army is no iuachinc where "'oiililary ihiiiking" is cojifincd to and c.
Re-vponmbility.
sibility
GHQ
319
RESTRICTED
— 112-113
HANDBOOK OX GERMAN" MILITARY FORCES
where every move. of a hattalion or pliitoon is regulated by written orders of sui)eriors. Eeceiit Gorman military history is full of examples Avhere aubordiiiate commanders have seiz(?d opportuni-
on their own responsibility. It is recognized that there are dangers in permitting subordinates so nnich indei)endence. but these dangers are accepted as a price worth payties to exploit situations
ing in order to obtain an offensive spirit in the Army. The tierbelieve that the offensive alone can bring about decisive
mans
myth of the miichine-like woodenness of tlie one that soldiers of the United Xatioiis caimot An aggressive, daring leadership which carefully
success; the old-lime
Gerimui
Army
afford to hold.
is
weighs the situation and executes a bold decision has played and will play the dominant role in German warfare. When the leadership was excellent, Germany triumphed; when it was only mediocre, Germany was decisively beaten. d. Principles of iactk-f^. -The following paragraphs contain the basic principles on wdiich all German tactics are based. Tlicir api)liciilioii inity be slightly modified to suit varying situations, such as night lighting, figiiting in wooded areas, river crossings, or similar operations, as weil as to fit the various arms, such as infantry, iU'lillery, Panzer units, or engineers. 113. Recoimaissance. o. Type-f. The terms which the Ger-
—
—
mans
use to indicate the dillerent types of reconnaissance are
from those which are employed in the U. S. -\rmy, but the principles involved are identical. The Germans classify reconnaissance as operational, tactical, and combat. In carrying out recounai.ssance missions, German air and ground units slightly different
pay special attention to terrain, noting carefully the road net, tiie number of roads and their condition, roadblocks, mines and demoh'tions, and similar features which will round out the reconnaissance picture.
—
Operational reconnai.ssanc« penetrates over (1) Opernfional. a large area in gi'eat deptii and provides the basis fur strategic
planning and action.
RESTRICTED
Thiti type of reconnaissance is
320
intended to
TACTICS (hitevitiine wjicre
Air Force
the
enemy
rwuniiiii.'JHiiiicp
113
forcos are located. .sqii.nhoiis
and by
It is carried out
iiiotorizod
by
recon-
naissance battiilionfi. I'iintugriipliic and direct observation is maintained over march and transport movements of \argt', forces on ruiids, railroads, and walerways; over the iisseml)]y and IninslVr of liirf^e bodies of troops and over Ihe construction and iinprovenieni ;
of
fortifi(-alionfi, positions,
and other military iiislalhitions and and the traiiic network,
repairs on military buildings (2)
row
Ti'ctical.
—Tactical reconnaissance
i\m\ mission of the tactical
the
is
carried out in the nar-
area behind Ihe operatioiiai reconnaissance.
reconnaissance
is
'I'he
direction
often dei>endent iijion
of the operalional reconnaissance.
Air Force recojiand motorized ballalions are also nsed for "tactical reconnaissance. Theii' mission is to discover from which direction the enemy is approaching and where contact with the enemy will be established, as wl'II as to determine the organization, disposition, strength, and flanks of the enemy deployment. This information pi-ovidcs ihe basis for the commitment of troops. In tactical rei'onnais.sance, i)hotoj>;i'aphic and direct observation is niajnlaiiied over asseitiblies and march nioveiiiciits of the enemy before contact is established, as well as over the main concentration [SchvH:r/mnIH) and deployment of enemj' forces. Sinjilar observation is maintained on enemy preparations and the activities of enemy aii-forcc nnits. Keconnaissance of advance terrain by resiills
naissaiice sijnadrons
is coordinated with these tasks. Divisional reconnaissance battalions seldom operale more than 1 day's march (18 miles) in front of the division. The reconnaissance is carried out by means of small reconnaissance detachments or patrols (Sp/'h-
groiuid units
tru]>pcn).
These reconnaissance detachments of the juoforlzed
units are nol allowed lo operate
miles) aw'ay from
Combat
tlieir units.
more than
1 hour's distance
(20
—
reccnn/mHanr:/'.. All troops participating directly carry out combat reconnaissance through patrols, arlilleiT observation posts, observation battalions, and air reconnaissance
(3)
in bailie
321
RESTRICTED
—
;
HAKDBOOK ON GERMAN MILITARY FORCES
113-114 squadrons.
The
inionnatioii obtained on the organization and
strength of the enemy provides tiie basis for die conduct of tlie This reconnaissance is supplemented by interrogation of battle. prisoners, reports of agents, signal reconnaissance (interception of i^nemy radio niesisages and bearings from enemy transmitters), and captured maps and documents. There sire five specialized types of reconnaissance b. Units. units in the German Army: the reconnaissance battalion of the infantry division; the reconnaissance battalion of tiie motori7.e{I
—
division; the reconnaissance battalion of the Panzer division;
tlie
mountain division and the mounted (Detailed organization and |>ltttoon of the infantry regiment. ciimpDsition of these units will be found in sees. V, Infantry, p. ni VI, Cavalry and Reconnuissance Units, p. 61: and IX, Panzer' Troops, p. lOS.) In addition to the above, Air Force Kecomiaissance units are attached in war to ail larger tTtrnian units to conrecoiniaissance battalion of the
duct reconnaissance missions. 114. nVCarches. a. Gem-ral.
;
—Where
possible,
marches
are
preceded by a careful reconnaissanct- of the routes to be followed. The march is undertaken on one load or on several roads simultaneonsly. depending upon the road net and tlit tactical situation. Motorized units, with the exception of those eanployed on reconnaissance or security missions, are organized into one or more motorized detachments and follow the march column, advancing
by bounds, or Kcpai'ate road.
else
move
as a motorized
march eohnnn along
a
—-March
columns are divided into the advance guard and the main body, in order to protect them against attack. Although the size and composition of the advance gnard is deterb.
Secvr'dy.
jnined by the connuinider on the basis of the tactical sitmition, it usually consists of from one-third to one-sixth of the infantry of the marching force, with additional units attached from the engicolumn neer, antitank, and iirtillery components of the column.
A
may
also
have Sunk guards and
RESTRICTED
a rci^ir
822
guard.
TACTICS c.
Mi'^s'tons.— It
enemy
is
the mission
114
the advance giiaid to oveiTome
resistance speedily, to clear the road for the
at times to render possible the enti-ance of the
muin body, and main hody into
Flank guards are organized when scouting patrols are they are formed in a manner similar to the advance A rear guard proleels withdrawals, retiring by bounds j^uai-d. and thus insuring a systematic disengagement of the main body from the enemy. As a rule, the rear guard in a withdrawal is stronger than the advance jjnard in a forward movement because it cannot rely itpon the support of thf main body. i.'
)iut sufficient;
d.
Defense against air attack.
—In
the event of
an air attack
from great heights, the column continues to march. Only when the column is attacked by low-flying aircraft, do the troops lake cover and organize a defense. Night marches are interrupted only when flares are dropped. Air-defense safety intervals are maintained between the platoons of marching troops and between the vehicles of motorized trowps in ai-eas where they might be threatened by air attack.
—
e. March preparation-'^. The equipment of motorized and horsedrawn troops is made ready for movement 2 hours before the
start of the niMrch.
Kest periods of about 2 hours are provided for food, adjustment of harnesses and saddles, and feeding and watering of liorses so as to conserve their effectiveness.
—
Contact during march.- Rinmers, or in exceptional cases maintain contact between sections of the march column. The division signal battalion advances along the road, installs the main trunk line, and markK the call stations by flags. Construction of the line is kept abreast of the advance party. The following road space is necessary for g. Road di-stanci'x. each of the several German units: f.
officers,
—
Jards
company Machine-gun company Kifle
130 290 760
Infantry battalion
323
RESTRICTED
HAMDBOOK ON GERMAN MILITARY FORCES
114-116
Yai'ds
Infinitiy Iiifiiiiti'y
2.815
rcjiiiiiciit.
liowilztT coiiipiiiiy
41!")
Bityule coinpaiiy
2i)U
Battery
325
Lii>:hl artillery
battalion
1.085
115. Meeting' engagement. obscurity and vagnenoss dc^cipioiis
—Tlie
Gt^rmans believe thai
tlie,
given sitnation will usually require and actions which nnist lake into account all factors of
uncertainty.
The
i>f tlie
ineeliiig
engagement may take any of several which develops u]i(m
courses, dependin^f njion tlu' (iictical situation first contiu't.
German
taelicians state that the
first
Cimtact of the
most advanced sections with the enemy has a strong influence, on the development aiid progress of the battle. When both adver-
from march eohmms, the decisive factors jnnior officers and the calnmess and In the ineeliuj; engagement the advantage
saries attack innnedialely
are
the
iniliative of the
efficiency of the troops. lies
with the side which succeeds first in making effective pre[)at!ie attack and thereby deprives the enemy of his freedom
rations for
The senior connnunder must quickly coordinate the independeni actions underlidten by his junior officers, while various the advance giuird Fecnres for liini freedom of action and the opportuiiily for a speedy deployment of his artillery and infantry. Once Ihe iidvance guard has compleled Ibis mission, it merges willi the main body. If ihe c
deployed his main forces, but to attack directly from march colnmns, his order to attack will dissolve the march disposition of Troops employed from the l(^ar nmst immediately the main body. recomioiter the situation in Ihe sector immediately to their front
ami their flanks to jU'evenl surprise by (he enemy, 116. Preparation for attack.—<;. 2'he ijrde?\—Tl\e
man
Gerorder for an attack generally contains the objectives of the
attack, the disposition of Ihe infanlry. the zoties of action
and
boundaries, the dispositions ami support missions of the artillery,
RESTRICTED
324
— 116-117
TACTICS ihc reserves and their lociitions, and the time of attack.
The order not drawn up in iiccordancc witli any stereotyped form, but iibiially tissiimes llie following pattern; (1) Position of the enemy. (2) Own objectives, adjacent nnits. and the time of iittack. (3) Instructions for rear services (medical service and ammuis
]iition repiacenient).
(4)
command
Location of the
post,
—Before the beginning of
Neutralisation of ememy (irtillcry. the attack, the previously reconnoitere
enemy artillery should be neutralized or destroyed by German artillery. Immediately before the advance of the infantry, the artilh'ry fire is shifted to the enemy infantry
lines. In the course of this action, newly discovered batteries are fired upon. c. Defloyine.nt of troops. The movement of ti'oops into action consists of two phases: liie first, wlicre ihey are deployed tactically, with the platoons remaining together organized in depth;
—
and the second, the development of the attack, in which they are formed into lines of skirmishers. 117. Attack.- a. General. German infantry works itself forward clo.'^e to the cneniy, avoidinjr (i]>en terrain with a careful
—
and movement (ligs. 182 and 183) and with fire and heavy infantry weapons. When (he infantry reaches a point close to the enemy lines, the fire of the supporting weapons is lifted to more distant targets. Fire is concentrated on points of resistance the location of which has been e^^tahlished in advance, in order to destroy them. The breakthrough may be executed uniformly on a wide front, or at single coordination of
fire
support from artillery
penetration points. tion of
enemy
lines.
The attack i~^Jnce
finally culminates in the penetra-
a rolling barrage closely follows
tiie
penetration of the infantry, advanced firing posilions are established or at least reeoiinoifered before the attack. The attack is earried through as a pejuij'aiion unlil
reached.
enemy
artillery positions are
Once these have been overrun, the German reserves that 325
RESTRICTED
HAKOBOOK OX
llT follow the front.
first
Enemy
Ihoiit;!] if
tiJ^HMAX MILITARV FORCE*
wavos turn to the tusk oi' nilliiiff op ilio enemy which escape euc ire! omen t must lie pui'snwl,
iioilw
Geiman
foire.s in the
aiea are not aJequnIo
task,
foi- ill is
they take up defensive posilions in the newly eon(|nered aiva. b.
Frontage.
—The width of the front which inf
cover (iepeods upon the ])r{>ljaMe
Fieurf^ ll^2.^1Ji;hT
Tiv:icliiju-'itiin ri-iiin, ii»iiiix Uiir
iiiLtLtH^ULV,
\w\\ US Hie inission,
ing
fire,
ami
streniitJi
llie
(lie terL'uin.
ill
lyiiivQl
T,^2-mm dllack
of
(iie
aid ry units
enemy
niachijio cull
f.V'f.',
must
Idrees as
'JD vitli
drum
taclicif-
eomb;it slreni^tli of ihe unit, the support-
An
on tiuth between 400 and 1,000 yards wide,
int'anfiy ballalion Mt[iporU'U
sides iLsnally atlacks on a front
Mhile a divisiuLi alhieks on a front frum 4,000 to 5.000 yai'ils wide. Against a sirongly fortified jmsilioti, however, a division cannot attack on a front more than 3,000 yards wide. Zones of action are prescribed to eliminate overlaiipinfi of units and prevent them
RESTRICTED
;ytj
TACTICS
from are
bohifj impcilpcl
s(!{>aralc(l
c.
Tnirn
Allack p'om-
(.omnia lulo IS lliat
117
hy each other wlu'ii tliey )k'|)lay. zones bj' iioiiiitiiii'y lines.
lifst'
zotn'h
ailjiiceiit
ii-'
ai-cii.
enemy has
—
Wiii'ii
tk'iid.
ii
it
(tp]ieaff^
to Geniiiin
to ileri'iid his jwfiilioii nr
Ihat he has a considerable advuntage in his preparation for combat, tfci-inaii tr<>oi^K 'I'crraiTi
(or
llie
are
and made ready
first d('|iloyod
assiembly of
tlic
infand'y
193'— ;(7'mni nillilank sun *\\\\ cr^-iv in Russian Ukraine
FJEUrc
wlieii there
is
is
pD:>iliDn
foi Die attack.
considiTed
diiTiilq
i'avoi'alile
lighiinii
:>lrect
in
tlic
Sj.'clor.
cover and cunceulmeiit ami
when
it
can be a^siiuied
the protection of heavy snpportin^ weapons, will advance easily. Tlic Gni'inans believe that terrain tliat
the infitntry.
which
is
inidcr
suitable either
nrast be seized as soon as
i'nr fit'velopiiieiit it
moves
into
its
or for observation posts
assembly position.
mati infantry must uiideitake [ecoiiuaissaiice missions.
infantry
is
deploying, the artillery
548832°— 43-
327
is
brought up.
Ger-
While the
Observation
RESTRICTED
HANDBOOK OX
117 posts
(jEKMA^N MILiTAKY FORCES
and firing positions are chosen
concent nit ion of
comnmnicate
may
all
\vi tii
the idea of possible f ntnre
against cTecisivf targets. 'I'he infantry must details of the attack to the artillery so that the
fire
prepared to give the advancing units fn!l support. assembly mnst be accomplished in such a manner that the various missions which arise during the attack will he fulfilled artillery
The
Ije
initial
from the first posilions occupied. d. Attack on posiiion.— (\) In attacking an enemy position frontally. the
Germans
believe the exocution of the assault should
employ his forces and supplies Thus if his resources are insufficient in regard to objective penetration, the must be limited. The requirement for a the nature and strength of an attack will depend upon for such order to. make sure that the main weight the enemy defenses. In those directed against points of the enemy lines of the attack is depend upon
hoAv the ;tttacker can
time and
where possession
space.
will be a deteciuining factor in the battle, the
the necessity for careful and complete reconbefore The mass of attacking innaissance the action begins. outside the range of enemy artillery. fantry nmst remain
Germans
stress
Strong forces of infantry are concentrated against the most important points in the enemy's lines. The Germans believe that points of penetration should not he too narrow, i]i order that their troops may not be exposed to too concentrated a fire by enemy forces. The stronger the enemy is, the more the action mnst be (2)
divided into several successive attacks with limited objectives. Since enemy artillery is already in place and ready to fire, the initial assembly of German artillery is undertaken with the greatest care.
The German commander's plan of attack provides the basis for the detailed use of the 6up]iort vveajrans. The firing charts for both the artillery weapons and the infantry support weapons (3)
must be coordinated, and one of the most important features
known
is
the
blocking the attack. Such consideration of obstacle, revealing themselves during obstacles, as well as any new all
RESTRICTED
obf;tacies
328
TACTICS
iir
must be overcome.
the course of the attack
German
tactical
doctrine emphasizes that in the course of attacks against positions, artilleiy and infantry will aIi>iost ahvHys alternate. Germans use combat engineers during assaults for the destruction of obstacles,
including the removal of mines. The closest contact is maintained with the retreating enemy, and combat engineers and artillery aie brought forward at once to t-xploit any successes which may be achieved.
—
Devclopm-ent of ottaclf. -Accouding to German training regulations, once the attack has been undertaken, either from a meeting engagement oi" out of an assembly area, it may assume one of the five following forms: (1) Frontal otiack.- The frontal attack is directed against an enemy front line and is the most frequent form of attack. It BSlially leads to hard fighting and almost always requires cone.
—
siderable superiority.
—A successfully conducted frontal attack pro-
Penetration. duces a penetration. (2)
Through rupture
complete break-through,
it
may
of tlie
enemy front
after a
lead to great success.
—
Enveloping attack. An enveloping attack is directed The deeper the attack ligaiiist the wings and flanks of the enemy. (3)
against the flanks or the rear of the
enemy is carried, the greater The envelopment of both
are the possibilities of destroying him.
wingB requires considerable supei'iorily. (4) Fhnhiiig attach.- The flanking attack develops either from the direction of the approach nuirch or through a turning movement. Tlie enemy must be surprised and deceived. Under unusual circumstances, an attack from the rear may result from the approach march or the turning moxemeiil. Such an attack, if launched as a surprise and with strong forces, may be even more effective than the flanking attack. The attack with a limited ob(5) Limited objective nttack.
—
—
jective strives to bring about
a
success of limited extent in a
Its execution
is
not diflerent from that of other
particular area.
forma of attack. 329
RESTRICTED
— 118-119
GERMAN MILiTAHY FORCES
HA>;iDEOOK OX
118. Pursuit.
a.
(JencmZ.—German
tactical doftrjiie stresses
the necessity for boldness, rutiiles.sness, and frequently complete independence of aotinn, even by jimior officers, in carrying out pursuit missions. In order to win complete success, Germiin commanders are taught to start pursuit immediately, even if their
troops are exhausted. In pursuit, particular attention is paid to reconnaissance so that the commander may he informed at all limes of the situation at the most advanced lines. Special emphasis is placed upon keeping the commander informed as to the
commitment of supportin
aj'tillery
and
aii'
imits.
Fast-moving
troops, preferably motorized units, are used in pursuit wherever possible. h.
M'mions of units
enemy,
in
—
pursuit.
Tlie
infantry scatters the
and leaves their final destruction to units following in the rear. Part of the artillery pounds all avenues of escape, while other guns are advanced to a point where they can effectively shell enemy rear areas. Combat ougijieers
ontfliinks strongpoints,
who
tlie enemy is using damaged roads and speed the
are not used to block roads which
to escape are
employed
to repair
arrival of fresh troops, ammunition, materiel,
signal battalion
cxieiids
the trunk
lines
up
and
rations.
Tlie
area immediately behind the most advanced front hues in order that the commandei' may conduct operatitins accordinir to plan, Ci'ossing of boundary lines' between units should not halt the pursuit; to
the
it can be halted only on the express orders of the task force commander. 119. Defense.— ff. Main position. —The Germans call the area in which troops defend themselves the position {Stellmig)^ while the section of the front in width is called the sector [Ah'ichnitt) The main part of the position is known as the main zone of resistance {Hmiptkampfiehl)^ which is limited toward the .
front by the most important part of the defensive position, namely, the main line of resistance {E'uiptkampf.inii'^ or HKL). German
troops have orders to hold this line until they are overrun and
RESTRICTED
330
119^130
TACTICS
destroj'ed qv until they receive specific orders to retreat.
The
defense of the main zone of resistance is secured by the organizalion in depth of all coinniillod Iroops so that the enemy wil! not be able to overcome their firepower by concentrating his own on
Although the
vary
in width, the
Gerby tviiops in defense sliould be about twice the width which the same troops would occupy if they were attacking.
massed
mans
h.
targets.
believe that the width
Forvard defensive
forwardpart
sectors
of the sector occujiied
pOfUion-n.
—-The
Germans organize the
of the positions into twfi sect iuns: the conibal outposts
(Gefechtsvorposten) immediately in froni of the HKL. and the forward position (forge&chohene '^fe/h'i'fr) beyond it. The area in front of rliis last position is known as the forward area {Vorfeld).
—
HKL
The is strongly fortified c. Orf/amsofion of position^. with trenches, barbed-wire entanglements, and obstacles distributed in depth. of resistance the
The most advanced
tniist
heavy infantry weapons, and of
ated in such a
installations of the
main zone
be well in advance of the ohsefvation posts of
manner
tJie arliliery,
and must be
situ-
that they surprise the attacking enemy.
German advance positions are planned to preveiit the seizure by enemy of important terrain features and ar the same time to provide good observation points for artillery. They ai'C intended to deceive the enemy as to the. location of the HKL. In order to njake the enemy deploy his forces prematurely, German advance the
positions are equipped with heavy machine guns, armor- piercing
weapons, and light field gims. Such outposts nnist hold up the time t« enemy long enough to give the troops manning the prepare for action. In order to confuse the enemy as to the dis-
HKL
])osition
and &trength of the
made
dummy
of
Particular
artillery in defensive positions, use is
batteries, slight fire activity,
.stress is
laid
upon keeping the
130, Delaying actions.
—
a.
General.
and
moijile batteries.
artillery mobile.
—The Germans make ex-
tensive use of the delaying action {hhihaltender Widerstond).
331
RESTRICTED
120-123
H.lJiDBOOK OX
GERMAX MILITARY FORCES
their defensive positions in great depth whenever and fall back slowly from forvcard positions, making the possible possible price for each individnal nest o±' highert enemy pay the uverrnn, so that if they finally reach positions le.sistance which they prepaj'cd or which are natupreviously M-hich the Germans have weakened that they may not be able to j-ally strong, they are so defeni^e is strengtliened by stioiigpoints on Die stonn them. Sndi
They organize
flanks of the successive defensive lines, equipped with light artillery or heavy machine gnn; and known as Aufnahini'.Ktellungeii (rally-
ing points). The Germans believe in continual counter6. Counterattacks. attacks to slow down the progress of advancing enemy forces, and these are usnaily delivered against the flanks of hostile troops. 131. Breaking off combat. In engagements where the Geiniaiis break off coiiibai in oi'der io withdraw, they make great use
—
—
of delaying positions in order to faciiitale the movement of the main body of their forces, particularly if the latter are involved in
The Gei'mans often engage in hi'ief actions in order to cover such withdrawals, thereby winning the freedom of action which they regard as vital for such an operation. They akso often wiihdraw during (he night so tlmt their movements can be heavy fighting.
by darkness. 1S2. Withdrawal. ". (?«/"/')?.— German commanders withdraw only when they feel Ihat every possible chance of success has
covei'ed
—
been exploited, or when the cost of holding a certain area is out of In order to facilitate all proportion to the possible adva]itages. withdrawals, the Germans enforce absolute march discipline on the retiring coJnnms, They also use their mobile troops, particularly antitank units, to keep the enemy from pressing them too hard. Traffic on roads is controlled
by
specially detailed traffic officers,
reduced to a miiiimum in order to hiiuier the enemy from ijitercepting orders which would give him a clue as to
while radio
traffic is
troop movements. h.
—^After the
Disengagement.
RESTRICTED
infantry has been disengaged on
332
PERMAKiENr FORTIFICATIONS ii
wide front,
of arti1iei-y
it
123-123
takes advantage of the road net and
The heavy
fire to retire.
tlio iiiotectioii
wilhdniwn first, rear guard covem
batteries are
while the ligh: batteries are the hist to go. Tlie tlie disengagement of llie mahi body, feigning the occtipatioji of former positions. Onee this mission has been fulfilled, the rear guard withdraws to the delaying positions. ,.
Section
XVII
PERMAXENT FOKTiFIOATIONd Pa r.i graph 123 124 125
Basic priiiciDlPs
West Wail Beach
rjofenses
1S3. Basic principles.— c.
Gen-eral.
—An
integral element in
Gerniuiiy's concept of warfare is the provision of strong fortifications.
The German
permanent empharather than
doctrine, however, has always
sized that these fortifications are in fact offeusive
defensive in ctiaracter, since they
make
it
possible to concentrate
a relatively large proportion of the field forces for action at any
given point. b. Organisation of terram.
which German permanent
—The
fundamental principh' upon
fortifications are designed
is
organiza-
This includes extensive use of obstacles, covering the teri'ain l)y tire f r{>m fortified woi'ks, employment of additional artillery fire fi-om open emplacements, and provision for antiaircraft defense. A comparison with the French Maginot Line shows that the German permanent fortifications are organized in much greater depth and generally use a larger number of smaller works. In any Gerniiin system of fortifications the obstacles are umisually formidable and much of the fire is delivered from fortified works. Carefully planned counterattacks by battion of the terrain in great de[)th.
talions,
units from concealed, shellproof an important element of the defense.
regiments, or larger
shelters are considered
333
RESTRICTED
—
:
HAKDBOOK
124
OS"
GERMAK
MII.ITARY FORCES
—
124. West Wall. a. General. -The classic example of the GeriJiaii system of permanent I'ortiticiitJoDS is the West Wall. HoAvever, I'ortiticatiims similar to those of the West Wall have on occasion been constructed on a smaller scale in other localities, as, for example, along the former (Jerman -Polish border. Construction of ihe West Wall itself was begun in 193S and was almost completed within a period of 1 year. TliiK rapid construction was
made
possible both by a concentration of all the constructioD
Germany and by the fact that the Wall itself consists of relatively small individual works, h. Defensive helU. The We.st Wall protects Germany's western frontier from about the point where the Rhijie River flows into Holland lo the Swiss frontier. The total depth of the fortified area varies from 8 to 15 miles. The "air defense zone," in which are located the antiaiicrafl defenscf;, includes the first and second resources of
—
and extends tii the rear an additional 10 to 30 miles. Considered from front to rear, the Wall consists in general of the following defeJisive belts: (1) An area of field fortifications, including trenches, barbedwire entanglements, machine-gim emplacements, observation posts, and artillery emplacements. (See figs. 184 and lf-5.) (2) A fortified belt from 2,000 to 4,(W0 yards deep, consisting of fortified works and artillery emplacements. In general, this belt of fortified works is from 5 to 8 miles to the rear of the field fortified belts
fortifications.
Another fortified belt similar to, but in general not so as, the forward belt. There is a gap of from 8 to 10 miles betw^een the two belts, with isolated fortified works located at (3)
strong
critical points. c.
Typical section of fortified
fortified belts of the
helt.
—A
section of one of the
West Wall involves the following
series of
fortifications
(1)
A continuous band
{2)
One
en'
of antitank obstacles.
more continuous bands of wire entanglements.
RESTRICTED
334
PERMAKKNT FOKTIFICATIONS
A
deep zone of fortified works, (3) the obstiiclcK and all the terrain. (4)
(See
Fortified shelters, withoiil fig.
tlie fire
124
from which covers
armament, for quartering troops.
186.)
(5) Artillery
empkcements. Thickness
of
roof
3'4
Entrance
^ 19'
8"
Loopholes in
this
wall
23'0"-
:--;--i^^^Sfi^^^^^^^^-^^Sv FiB:ur« IS4.
d.
Individual dcfemef^.
commonly used antitank
—Underaround
— (1)
eiuplaceinciit.
AnfHtmk
obstacle of the
called "dragon's teeth" (fig. 187).
The most
oJ.'.fKc/e.s-.—
West Wall
This consists
of,
is
the so-
four to eight
rows of trunciited pyramids made of reinforced concrete, cast in a single-block base. The truncaled pyramids increase in height from front to rear, and an additional "tooth" is placed in each interval of the rear row. On occasion, the obstacle is reinforced by an antitank ditch dug immediately in fi-ont of it. Tlie dragon's teeth obstacle has been developed as the result of experience.
Originally
it
consisted only of four rows of "teeth": additional
335
RESTRICTED
124
HANDBOOK
-
O^"
—
UKKMAX MiLITARV FORCES
13'
0"
SECTION
A-A
® Figuri^
RESTRICTED
IJ^rj.
— Emplacemtnl
am
wllli a fank tarrct'
A
PEKMAKENT FORTIFICATIONS
—
1S4
3a*:
.Ventilating
vJ-
ctiimney-
" .-.L^? ^^^4-
^Arms rocks
??
23'
P
^ mm
.
O-
39" i
Ventilating
chimney
PLAN
Emergency
escape ladder. 39"
Kei i^r':"-^^;;
-:
V> ,^V ^^.V^-^^^ V^-"^^V^^---.
;
.
r
M'-'^
i
te 39"
SECTION
A—
®
337
RESTRICTED
HANDBOOK ON GERMAU MILITARY FORCES
124
lowFJ. the antitank ditch, and the "tooth" between each of the rear intervals were added in order to witlistand improved models of
The
tanks.
obstacle
may
be overcome by bridyiiijr, by demolitions,
The gunfire method may be applied by tank miits About 5 to 10 rounds per tooth from a 75-mm gun
or by gunfire.
themselves.
would bo required
in order to effect a passage for tanks. Tlie other type of aiililank obstacle used extensively in the West Wall is the so-called "angle-iron grill" consisting of a continuous row
of frames
made up
The fotward face of the which cannot be climbed by a tank. The curved-frame obstacle may be destroyed by engineer demolition or by guiifire. of steel sections.
obstacle presents a concave wall
—
enfanglemcnts. The standard German wire entanglesimilar to, but lower and wider than, the U. S. donbleapron fence. The wire entanglements of the AV(-sf Wall are placed immediately in the rear of the antitank obslacles. W/'i'e
(2)
ment
is
— The fortified woj'ks in
ihe West Wall are variations in detail. In general, the works are designed to deliver fire both to the front and to the (3)
Foiii-fied works.-
of several types with
many
In this respect they differ from French works in tliat flie were often designed for fire to the flank only. The Gerworks are rarely provided with turrets, ami such turrets as
flanks.
latter
man
they have, unlike thof^e of the Maginot Line, are of the fixed {nonrevolving, nondisappearing) type. The German works are located so as to be mutually supporting.
nels leading
of tunnels
They
from defiladed points
may
serve
many
are usually entered
in the rear.
by tun-
The same system
individual works,
—
cmplaGemenU. The bulk of the artillery used to defend the West Wall would be held mobile so as to be employed for mass effect at decisive points. Artillery positions are pre(4) Artilhu-y
pared throughout the defended zones. These positions are constructed in order to afford some protection for personnel and ammunition, ajid are pvDvided with an undergjcund communication system.
Obsei-vation posts are located in permanent works, usually tui'reted bunkers.
RESTRICTED
338
PERMANENT FORTIFICATIONS
Pigui-L-
IS".
— Driifton's
ieelli anliljtiik
339
124
uh^lAclt^,
RESTKICTED
HANDBOOK
124-125
0]S"
GKUMAX MILITARY FORCES
(5) Inter-mediate worl-.'^.—Thv individual fortifications located between fortified belts are similar to the works described
in the area
above. (6) \A''est {ii)
They
are also protected by obstacles on
Antia'ircraff
—The
defense.
Wall inclnde the Antiaircraft
antiaircraft
all
sides.
defenses of the
followinjr:
lisleninji; devices.
(h) Antiiiircrafi seaix'hlight batteries. (e) ((?)
Aircraft warniiijr service. BalhiOii biiiTage system.
alarm
{e)
Aii'-)'aid
(/)
Smoke
{(/)
Antiaircritft jnms of
service,
screen facilities. all
calibers.
(A) Piirsuil aiix'raft.
—
All fortifications, em placements, and other (7) Camoiffoge. parts of the West Wall system are carefully camouflaged accordinfr to the most modern ijiethods.
125. Beach defenses.
—
-'.
General..
—The Germans have built
or are biiildinf: fortifications and defensive works all the way along the Atlantic coast line from North Cape to the Bay of Bi.scay. These works vary greatly, depending on local topography and the relative inipoi'lance of the areas in Mhicli they are located.
Jn addition to the defense works in the wesf the Germans are strengthening the coastal defenses of southern France and the Balkans, as well as those of the island of Crete. For many months, tens of .
thousands of men have l>een employed on the coastal defenses of Ein'ope in an effort to place insnperable difficulties in the way of Allied landings. In general, beach defenses are characterized by the use of obstacles, road blocks, pillboxes, and gun emplacements, ranging from small defense works contaijiing only a machine gun and its crew to vast concrete structures equipped with heavy, longrange artillery and jn'otected by a series of outer works and antiaircraft batteries, aircraft towers.
some of which are mounted on concrete antiPlans and pictures of various types of coastal
defenses are shown in tigures 188 to ISl.
RESTRICTED
340
perma;
125
—
—
and Jjeach oh-'^taclea.- (!) Steel sfakes. A.t h. UnderiaafeT beaches where the Germans feel tiiiit hmdiiig attempts in:iy be iLiadf, they hitvt' driven rows of steel stakes off the shore line with tlu' tops of the stakes pointing out to sea. Additional stakes are set in conci'ete
tanks from
emplacements on the beaches themselves to prevent
laudiiis;.
- Loophole
Beach
PLAN -Manhole
SECTION
®
® Fiefurt
HB,
—PromciiBdE
in
promenade einjilactnipzit dp&iEriTi'cl for f lEfilHtlmji fire.
— In
shallow water at threatened beaches the and wire fences disembarking from landing ciaft. On the beaches to impede troops wire entanglements consisting of extra themselves they have used heavy wive strimg in aprons, with concertina-type coils- and trip wires placed in front of it. Additional wire fences and coils of (2)
lieoA'k wire.
(jiermaiis liave placed thick belts of wire, trip wire,
341
RESTRICTED
HANDBOOK ON GERMAN MILITARY FORCES
125
ivire are used to block ravines and gulleys leading from beaches to higher land to prevent their use by advancing troops {lig. 1!J2).
FRONT
ELEVATION .
®
Barbed wire on concrete
irlng
Figure 189.
— Emplacement in
trench
Ihe sand dnnes in the
W»Bsen»Bt
dialrict of the
Netheilanda.
—
(3) Mines.- The Germans have planted mine fields on beaches which might be nsed liy landing troops. These are believed to consist mostly of mines of the 19-pound Teller type. In addition,
RESTRICTED
342
SERMMsEUX FOHTlFICA'nONS
125
Loopholes
PLAN
Loophole
®
Seclion A-A.
Fisare 190.— Cliff
S^SBSS"—
ja— 23
343
pilllioi.
RESTRICTED
JrLANOBOOK US tiElKMAN aULlTAKV FORCES
125
iintiper:^oniici luincs iind booljy
of iTiiioviiig
t!ie
bo covered by fire
traps are
from
artillery
ii-scil
I" liiiidcr the
Tlie
mine
and machine
yinis,
larger type of mines.
fields
work
may
alsi)
—Near
fhrcatened beitcties the Gei'inaiis antitank ohstacles, such as "dragon's teetii," which would prevent tanks from maneuvering, while additional antitank olistaeieshlodc I'oads leading from nding beaches. (4)
Ofhci' ohnfiiclci.
luvve constructed concrete
1 it
Figure
t'Jl,
—Gun
cntijJacLriEU'iir
on a bi^ach
|iri»terlcd
hy Eiaihed vite.
guarded by antitmik guns as wyll as by machineprevent their removal by per.sonnel. Reinforced concrete wallH have been built o\\ the shore side of beaches to make doubly certain that no attacking tanks reach open country. (5) Fortification of comtoJ. towns. The Gei'mans have turueil many of the liflle towns along the French coast into semifortre.'fses. They have walled up the windows and doorways of houses ihat Sucli blocks are
gun
iiests to
—
RESTRICTED
344
PERjrAX'KNT KOETIFI CATIONS looked out OTer the sea, placed
1S5
rtiinl'orcetl cdiicretp
machiiio-giin
emphicements almij^ lliu ([iiays, and const viicted between houses across most streets leading ivom the walls concrete other ai'cas in tlie town. Sti'eetw whirh are section to waterfront which provided Mitii "ohevanx-de-fri&e," walls are not blocked by moment's notice. can be moved into place at a Further iidand or on cliffs overlooking (C) Heavier (Ufensi's. the sea and possible landing beaches the Germans have built treuihI antitaiik-gLiii
—
—Anillank obslacles
Figurc 191.
«i Ihf chtvaui-clt-riisc Irtsllc Ijiic.
inendous reinforced-concrete ^ini eniplacenients holding l.mgrange artillery of the hc;tvicst calibers. Some of these enijilaoemenls have ihick reinforced concrete roofs and are protected by elaborate outworks, including concrete antiaircraft towers, foui'bai-reled 20-nnii
uJit
iaircraft
guns {VierUng.-ifah) mounted on
vators, open concrete einiilacements for
Army
artiliei'y,
ele-
and. near
the benches, concrete emplacements for antitank guns as well as light lield artillery.
345
REPTRICTED
— 136
:
HA>."'DBO0K
0^""
GERMA>; MILITARY F0ECE5
XVIII
Section
COINAGE. WEIGHTS, AND MEASURES r'arngreyti
Cunvjicy Weights
123 127
Mciisiives
12S
:
—
1S6. Currency. a. Geixeral. There have been changes in the composition of Gennjni cni-reiicy during the war. Tliese chiinges have been cansed by the scarcity of certain metals: l)y the demand for certain denomiiiistions owing to the increased munber of small income earners; by the change.s in trading prstctices; and by the
rationing system, which tends to increase the frequency of purchases and to reduce the ajnonnt of eacli individiuil purchase.
The
net effect of tliese changes
the 2
Pferiiiifi
ment of
1
RM
trary to the policy pursued under lite
the complete disappearance
is
of-
and the 500 ReichimaTh note, and the replacecoins by notes. It is interesting to note tliat, con-
coin
German
pressure
in
many
satel-
countries, the circulation of silver coins has. as yet. not been
interfered with.
—
Table of equh'alenis. The Reichsmarh, which is equivalent to 40 cents in U. S. currency, is the standard unit of money in b.
Germany. German
V. S. equivalent
Copper and zinc coins: 1 Pfennig
0.4 cent.
2 Pfennige
0. 8'
5 Pfennige
2 cents.
10 Pfennige
4 cents. 20 cents.
50 Pfeimige
cent.
Nickel and silver coins: 1
Reichsmark
40 cents. 80 cents.
2 Reichsmark 5 Reichsmark Paper currency 10 Reichsmark
RESTRICTED
%2.
fiO.
$4. 00.
346
— COINAGE, WEIGHTS, AND MEASiURES
1S7-128
127. Weights.- ~a. HoIMh. v. R. (iqiiivulimt
Gcriiiuii
(jranini
15.43
Milligiamm
OMU-i'd
Zf lit ij!;i'iii] 1111
'l.l;)43i* jiniin.
jji'niiis
tniy.
*;i'ain.
iX'ziyriiniiii
L.MS
Dck;igraiiin)
(3.-13
Jleklogrninni
:!.ri27 (itini'ew
Kilograium ZentiHT
2.)i<)4
DoppGlzentnci'
220.4 poiniilH avoirdupois.
Tonne
0.9842 (on (2,000 pounds).
{jciiiiis.
pci
my weight. avoirdupois.
pounds avoirdupois. IWiM pounds avoirdupois.
b. Li'p'.idK.
Liter
1.7^9
Zentiliter
0.017 pint.
Deziliter
0.17 pint.
Dekaliter
2.20(5 gallons.
Hektoliter
22.00 gallons.
138. Measures.
a.
"
Linear.
Kilometer Meter
^
!_.!___ 3,28(1.8 feet. '
Millimeter Zentimeler
',
3.^808 feet.
0.393701 inch.
^
3.0370 inches.
.
Sf/iiare.
Quadratmeter Quadra tKentimoter
O.l.'i^^OO
Ar
ilO.(iO
l.]!)(SO
Hektar c.
'
0.03!I370 inch.
Dezimeter ft.
|)JTits.
Cvhic.
square yards. square inrh.
square yards,
2.4711 acres. " -
-
Knbikmeter
1.3079 cubir- yards.
Knbikzentinieler
0.06100 inibic inch.
847
RESTRICTED
HANDBOOK ON GEKMAN MILITARY FOECES
128
d. CallherK of guna.'
Gi'imnv
U. S: eqjih'olent
nun
1
M^:i
7.i)2 luni
•10
mm mm
.393 inch.
13.2
..^8 inch.
cm 3.7 cm 4.7 cm
,79
7.5 i-m
2.35 inches.
2
.
Sec
inch.
1.4->
inches.
1.85 iiichfs,
cm 8.1 cm 8.8 cm 10.5 cm 15 cm 17 cm 21 cm 28 cm 7.7
;!.o;i
inches.
3.1C inches. 3.46 inches.
4.14 inches. 5.91 inches.
C.69 inclics. 8.26 inches.
11.02 inches.
36 cin 38 cm
14,96 inches.
cm
16,53 inches.
42 '
iiidl.
inch.
.;iil
|.,
"',,
"nte
!:!.78
1,
aud
RESTRICTED
|iai-, Ti'i,
348
inclics.
INDEX ParsEraph
Active service
21 14
Adj.iiiaiU'.s Offico
and staff: Cojnmatul in War Organ b,at ion of subordinate coJiiinauds Regional uigajiiKation Administration Office
Paco
27 19
Admijiisl.ral.ioii, coniniaiKi,
Orgailiiatioii of Higli
AdmiiiislraLion Service Aerial boiiiha
Aerial defense systiem Aerial spray
Agents, chemical. „_
Airborne forces Airborne troops
14
16
16
2]
Hi
24
14
21
94 92 107 S2
217
92
HiO 244 190 JSS
107
25;!
111
317
lOS
294 294 294
Aircraft:
Arado IS6, etaiidanl cataiMiit plane Blokm-Voss 138, flying boat___
i.
!09
D.F.S. ^30, gU(.]er ._ Dornier SI7, long-range bomber-. Fiesder Sliirch lUti, short-range reconnaissance plane. Focke-Wulf 189, short-range reconnaissance plane
109 109
Focke-WulJ 190, single-engiiie (igiiter Focke-Wulf 200 Kurier, long-range bomfjer
109 109
271
Goika US, glider__ _ Oolha U4, giifler Heinkel 111, twin-engine modiiim bomber Heinkel 177. long-raJige l)omber Heiischel 128, Army coojieral.ion plane
109 109 109 109 100 109 109 109 109 109
290
IJenschel 129, groiind-aliaek ])laiic
Junkers -52, trans]Kirl plane Junkers S~ (Stuka), iU\f. homhp.r Junkers SS, long-range iiomi)er. Junkers S8C, twiii-engine lighter
.
,
S49
109 109
2M 290 290 2Sfi
2% 2.S2
280 290 2S0 270 270 2S4 270
RESTRICTED
INDEX Aircraft- -Cantinued.-
Para^iapb
Paco
Afesscrtichmilt 109. single-engine fighter
109
Measerschmilt 110, Iwin-puftinc figlitei' Messerschmiti BIO, twin-engine fighter Afessei-schmitl 3^3, glider-transport
109 100 109
270 273 273 29G
armament: M.G. 15. standard
Aircraft
gun gun M.G. SI. newest rifle-caliber free gun MX!. ISl, standard defense weapon M.G. 151. Manser cannon M.K. 101. 30-inn> gun Oerlikon FF, standard fixed gun ride-caliber free
_^_
^/.G. 17. standard riflo-calii.er fixed
__
Air defense
109 109 109 109 109 109 109 107
301 301 301
302 302 302 302 244
Air Force: Aircraft.
-
_
Anns and services Army and Navy cooperation Cliain of comnmnd Equipment
__-
Pightiue units General Stafl^ .
.
Iligii
Conunand
_
_
Orsianixalion
Paraclnile -,
j.;
Rear
and airborne troops
eclielon
Reconnaissance units Supply Tactics
Training
Uniforms and insignia Air gunner training Air Ministry Air raid precautions Air Signal Service Air transport
_
_
Ammunition supply
109
2fl0
107 lOS 106 109 107 105 105
243 264 232
104 107 105 113 105 111 110 32 110 105 107 107 107 55, 62, 68, 92
2li9
257 228 228 227 253 229 322 229 310 304 43'
308 228 247 249 257 82, 102,
128, 200
Antiaircraft defenses
107, 124
;
243, 310
Aiitigas etjiiipmeiit
91
186
Anlipersonne! traps and mines
78
154
RESTRICTED
350
.
MDEX Antitank; Baltailons Miiies_
Obstacles Units
-
104
7R, 7!>
153, ISri
104
75,120 294 299
48
80 63
70
12!)
38
55
57 _ _
Infantry battalion Infantry division Infantry regiment Light division
riSr,
53, tiS
109
Bicycle battaiions
ISS,
f)4
109
Artillery regiments (divisional)
Engineer battalions.
64 79, 124
-
-WeaponsArmto 196, standard eata])iilt plane Argus iW, i2-cy\'\i >Ai:t airplane engine Armament:
9
11
37
53
Motoriy.ed antiaircraft maeiiine-ttun ballalioii
13 42 44
59 60
Motorized infantry division Motorized infs-ntry regiment Motorized infantry regiment
10
11
39 40
67 58
Motorcycle batl alien
,
Page
PnniErEiih
-
(A/»(.) (
Pan scr- Grenadier)
Mountain division Mountain infantry regiment Panzer division Hcconnaissanee battalions Signal battalions
Tank units Armament of signal personnel Armed Forces.. Armed Forces GHQ signal regiment Armed Forces High Command Armed Forces Operations Staff
II
13
47 84
62
163 104 167
14
16
83 14
162 16
14
17
7
7
67 67
118
107 6
243 8
15
23
8
7
111
troopB.)
Attaciied officers
GHQ
13
58
86
_
Armored cars Armored combat vehicles Armored division. (iSee Panzer Arms and services (Air Force) Arms and services (Army) Army:
12 41
64
Annies
13
allotment
351
RESTRICTED
-
I
INDEX Army 1
— Coiitinueti. 1
Pacagrsiijli
.
Pai and allowances
27 20, 29
Reciiiil.nient aiirf inoliiiizatioii
Types of armies Uniforms _ Army and Navy eoo)>cralioii
(Air Force)
Army antiaircraft hatlalion (GHQ) Army allxiliarip^ Army corps and \i'ehrl;ieise Army General Staff Army GIIQ signal rogimeiifc Army group (lleerengruppe) Army High Command Arlillcry.
{See.
commanders
Artillery
emplacements
7,
7
30
3S 2C4 100
16
9211 C,
24
m
14 83
_
37
7
59 103
Artillery gas shells
_
.„
staff—
Badge
7
1C2 7
14
IS
58 124
33S
As.^iilt boats
57
86
92 58
191
96 49 144 135
71
olficers
^.
.
_.»............._
Attacks, kinds of Automatic small arms-
_
lo
23
117 52
325
33, 103
Anxiliary organisations
Bangalore torpedoes
96
35 75
,,
AwKaiilt detacliments
AtUclied
35 27,
108
Artillery regiments
Artillery
41
Field Artillery.
Artillery
Assault
ra;;a
31
isig] lia
80
^
69 44,
225 157
Battalions:
Antitank '
"
-
i
Bicycle
..
Cliemical warfare
Engineer
GFIQ_ Infantry "
59,
-.
42 44
Signal
Tank
—
_
352
70 65.71
38
_
Motorcycle Motorized antiaircraft mac-hine-guii Motorized machine-giui Reconnaissance
RESTRICTED
64 48 90
43 47 84 64
107
63 184 129 97,108.
135 55 50 60 60 62 163 104
INDEX Bayonets Bieycle baltalions Blister gases
Bhhm-Voss 138, flying boat-B.M.W. 801, 14-c.vlintler airplane engine Boats training---
81
144, 151,
71
Bridging columns trestle
equipment
Calibers of guns
Camouflage-.-
Campaign decorations Cantonments Carbine
..-.
Cartograpiiic baUalions Cavalry and recoiuiaissanee units:
bicycle battalions Mounted cavalry nnjts
'
Reconnaissance battalion Chain of command Chemical aerial bombs Chemical (smoke) reginicntK Chemical warfare troops:
77
153
70, 71
131, 135
75 128 124 35
144 348 340
2fi
34
--
Defense E
-
fi7
59
100
4S 49 47
63 02 232
92 90
184
91
91,92 92
Organization and administration
90 00
30 92 83
Weapons Chief of Hignal Comninnications
333
64
lOfJ
Offensive warfare
Regiments Uniform
49
51
90
Battalions
144
75.76,
92 92
Bridge cohimn trailers Bridges
63
189 294 300 305 311 190 200 332 135 158
121
(tactics)--
Bridge-buikiing battalions
ponton and
68 340
HI
Bombs, aerial--Bombs, incendiarj' Breaking ofl' combat
B
Paso
51
125 48 92 109 109 75 110
Bpacli defonses
Bomber crew Bombing
Paragraph
190
185 185 180, 190 188 183
184 40 190 161
RESTRICTED
INDEX Chief of the Mobile Troopa
11 92
ClioliiiLg gast^s
Cipher
S7
equiiJiiieiifc
Classification (active
and reserve)
i
21
Coast defense Coinage, weights, and measures; Giinency-. Measures Weights
109, 125
-.
Colors
Combat Combat
engineers
(GHQ)
rocoiiiiaissance
Comljat vehicles Commander-in-Chief of the Air Force Comninnications, (See Signal troops.) Composition and Strength. (See Armament, Personjiei,
]79 27 294, 340
12S 127 31, 32 71 113 67 105
346 347 347 41, 43 135 321 111 228
74 72
142 139
12(i
_
21 189
Transport.) Com|jreshor.'<
Construction troops Corps.
7, 8,
6, S,
84 120 75 110 35
23, 165
101
225 340 154 118 300 300 187 185 137
15,
Counterattack C ponton and trestle equipment
Crew
,-,,„
training (Air Force)
Crimea
Stiield
Criminal Investigation Police Currency _ C. V. F. 1 antitank mine (Hungarian) Czeeli CZDVSH tank D.B. 605. I27cylinder aiqilane engine.-D.B. eOH. 24-oylinder airplane engine Decontaminating material Decontimiiuation Ijaltalion Decontamination vehirlc-s Decorations and awards Deft'iisivc bcll^ (fortifications)
Delaying actions (tactics) Deniolition equipnient
Deployment
of troops
91
90 91
35 124
120 73 116
_
Detectors, gas
91
D.F.S. S30, glider
RESTRICTED
126 78 67 109 109
109
354
332 118
309 50
47
334 331 140 325 188 294
1
rnriif^rflpb
S7
11
PflRfl
J)ivebombers'___
109
Dive bonibiiiB
111
172 43 276 313
S7
S6
Direction finders
3), 32
Dirfin^iiwhiiij; colors
Divi^icua] artillery
41,
DiviRioiiM:
7,49
Cavalry
6,
64
y
li,
1
13
6,
13
Frontier guard
6
7
Infantry Liyht Mobilization
7,
7,
6
7
Motorized
7.
10
6, 1
Mountain
7,
12
6,
13
Panzer Reserve
7,
1
6,
13
-
7 7
Security Special duly
.:
Do-Oerai
Dogs
-
Diial-jjnrpose
6
32
191
J*5
166 17 284 148
7S
-^..
Draft procedure Dragon's teeth
J
machine gun
East Medal 80-nim mortar
6
7
14 109
Donitz, Karl Dornier £17, loni'-range bomber D ponton and tresUe equipmeiit
6
22 79 52 35 52
28 156 72
50 74
5
3
74 78 100
142 154 222
BattalionsConstruction troops
79 70 72
155 129 139
Demolition equipment Electrical and mechanical equipment Fixed bridges Floating equipment
73
14(1
74 76 75
142
GHQ
71
135 163
Einheit prijieiple
and mecha7iical equipment Elementary booby traps Elite Gnard Electrical
Enjjiiicers;
Antitank obstacles
units
Mines—
78
355
151
144
RESTRICTED
INDEX Eagineers
— Continued.
Paracrjii.U
71
71
J37
(i<*
Portahlp Lank bridges Special ei^uipment for use in assault
77 80
VeliiclesL_
81
-
-
Engineer lauding companies Engineer parlc>i Engineer specialist companies Engines Euvelopiug attack (tactics)
-
-
Fas:.'
128 153 150 158 136
OrKBiiixalU^ii...
71
138
109 117
20C 329
Equiiiinent: lOfl
269
_.. 91.92
186, 190
73 74 73,74, 75
142
Air ('orco
Clicmical warfare
_
Demolition Electrical and meclianical Engineer
_.
_
HO 1-10,
142, 144
Floating Personal Signal troops... Exploders- __ Explosives Felled trees
Female Ferri'
sifiiial
75 _
_
144
30
3(1
87
67 142 1
73 73 79
140
operations battalion
83
183
hattaliotih
71
13(i
62 58 57 59
102
61
102
60 56 30 30
101
coii,'>t ruction
ISPi
field artillery:
Amiuunitiou Couiniauders and
siiaffs
Divisioual
GHQ
units
Methods
—
of fire
Nomenclature OrganiKation Field
hioiL^ie
_._
Field ca|)
Field generating sets Field I'ostal Service
Field scarclilight projectors pieid uniform-. Fieseler Storck 156, short-range reconnaissance plane
RESTRICTED
9'i
8G 97
83 39 39
74 97 74
220 142
30 109
290
142
38
iKDEX Page
FataEraph
50-mm
antitank gun, Pul- SS
_
53 52 111 107
315 257
80, S 2
166, 194
G5 117 106 106 106 110
108 329 234 238 233 308
_
SO-uim mortar Fighter tacfies Figlitine iniits (Air Force)
Firepower.
(See
Armament.)
Flame-throwers Plaiiie-tlirower
GHQ
tank
bflttalioti
Flanking attack Fiiegerdividon (Air Force)
---
Fliegerfiihrer
FUegerkor-ps
-_.
_
Flight engineer training Floating eqnipiiient
F.M.W.
ISS, 9-cy!indcr airplane engine
75 109 109 109 109
_
Foeke-Wvlf 189. ?hort-rai)ge reconnaissance plane Fockc-Wulf 190, single-engine tighter Fockc-Wuif SCO Kurier, long-range bomber...
Food
Formation of staffs Fortified works Fortress engineers
1-11
299 290 271 .
(GHQ)
Frontages Frontal attack Fnel supply Fuzes
.„.._._.
28ii
215 118
93 67
rations
Foreign tanks
Ga= Gas Gas Gas Gas Gas Gas
78 73
15
22
124
33,S
71
139
117,119
325,330 329
117 93 73
1
„-
21
li
141
92
92
188 185 188 192
masks
91
18t>
mines
92
protective ointment
91
194 188 187 225 20
-
91
defense training detectors
91
_
grenades
_.
91 101
(ladiii
Gendarmerie General Army Office General principles of organization General 8S General Staff German Cross
14
14,
5
3
100 105
222 22S 48
35
357
19,
RESTRICTED
—
ikdd;k Pari«rai>U
Page
#
German time-delay railway mine Gewehr 4i, 7.92-mm rifle 41
GHQ
7S 51
troo|>s:
Army
8
allotment
59 48 90
Artillery units
Bicycle battalion Clieniieal warfare units
_
Corps allotment Engineer units
(i
97 63 184
8
S
71
135
Organization
8
7
I'aiiMr units
63 83
103
Signal nnits
Tank
-
65 109 14 109 109
units
Gliders
Goring. Hermann Golha 2/,S. ellder Golhd 2U. glider
80 51,92 40 80
Grenade charo;e Grenades Grenadier, motorized infantry (Panzer) (rro/,
154 68
medium-weight flame-thrower
109
Ground-attack planes
Ground
87 106 57 81
listening 5ets__«..
GrupvK
-
Guns, artillery Half-track tractor (engineer)___ Hand grenades,
Heavy Heavy Heavy Heavy Heavv Heavy
antitank baU.alio:i
_
51
(GHQ)
65
artillery
chemical (smoke) regiment machine gun tank haltaiion (GHQ) tanks Hem\:d ill, twin-engine medium bomber__ Heinkcl 177. long-range bomber
Helmet
.
-
Henschel !SH,
Army
eoO|ieratiou piano
Hcnschd 1S9, ground-attack plane Herbert bridge_
High Command Higher
14,
units, organization of
RESTRICTED
358
161
108 294 17
296 290 157 68, !92
58 157 280 172
236 91
158 68 108
60 90 52
101
65
108 118 282 286 39 290 280 149
67 109 109 30 109 109 75 105 7
184 71
16.228 6
LN'DEX Parai'rapli
Himmler, Heinrich llitlef,
Hitler
99
_
U
Adolf__
Youth
103
Hollow (iciiiolitioii ehargos Hollow ring charses
80
HorsR
91 26
SO
jirotecfcioii
Iloushit;
Howitzers Identili cation,
means
S4 34 34
of
Identification tag
Igniters
Imjiro vised bridges
Incendiaries
Independent eheniical warfare battalions Independent signal comiianies
Page
222 17
227 157 158 183 34 80
45 45
73 7G
141
S2 90
200 184
33
162
55 38
82 55
153
Infanlrv:
Ammunition Infantry battalion Infantry divij^ion infantry i"egiment Motorcycle battalion
Motorized Motorized Motorized Motorized ^
antiaircraft maeliine-i^nn battalion
infanlry regiment (Mel.)
—
9
11
37 42 44
53 59 60 67
,
30
infantry regimen! (Pamer-Grenadier)
40 43
58
Mountain infantry regiment
41
58
Organization Security regiment
36 45
52
TiO
6fi
65 35 38
48
64
107
machine-gun battalion
Weapons Infantry ammunition Infantry Assault Badge Infantry battalions Infantry divisioni _„_
ATilitanlt liattalion...
Armament
60
61
82 55
9
II
Artillery regiment
57
87
Engineer battalion Infantry regiment
70 37
12!>
9
II
Orsanizatioci
Personnel
,_-
Reconnaissance battalion
rAss32'-i::—2i
359
53
9
II
47
62
RESTRICTED
INDEX Infantry division
— Continued.
aisnal battalion
Transport
FsmBraph
Pace
M
]63
_
9
1]
47 37 54
62 53 80
55
82
53 52 5k
69 80
51
65
Air Force
32
43
Army___
31
41
.
iTifaiitry divisional
reconnaissance
Infantry rcfiimr'nt Infantry snpporl artillery Infantry weapons:
Anununition Antitank weapons AntomatJc small anns and mortars Infantry support artillery Small arms and hand grenades
75
Insignia;
Militarized
and
auxiliary organizations
National Socialist Aviation Corps National Socialist Motor C-orps
Rank. Ecicli Labor Service Storm Troopers Technical Emergency Corps
33
44
33
46
33 31,32 33
„
Unit Waffen-SS Inspectorate of Cadet Schools Inspector of Signal Troops 1 III preoption receivers Iron Cross Jumo 207. airplane engine Jumn S!l, airplane engine Junkers SB, transport plane Junkers S? ("Stiika"), dive bomber Jiinkeis SS, long-range bomber Junkers 8SC. twin-engine fighter
33
44 42,43 45 44
33
45
31
41
33
44 21 361
14
_
83 87 35 109 109 109 109 109 109
ITItl
47 300 300 276 276 284 276
Keit
Wilhelm
14
17
Kholm
Shield
35 80
50 156
.
Kleif, light-weight flanie-tlirower
Korten, Giinther
K
ponton and Labor service
trestle
14 75 33, 103
equipment
LtindwehT units
RESTRICTED
21,
360
28
17
148 45, 226 27, 37
INDEX Level bomhiiia Lifilit
division-
_
Liglit
machine
jtiiti
Liplit signals
Fara^rapb
Page
lU
311
-
supiwrt weapons Linlit (auks LighL-wc-i^ht Kieif. flame-thrower Lif(lit
Iv^iiiS-raiige air rpcoiinaissftiice
Loiiu-raii^e Itomiiers
L.F.Z. antitauk mine LvflfioUe
Luflgav
Luger
pistol
42, 7.'92-imii
dual-purpose
Maiuteiiaiiee of tanks.
Maneuvers- _ March-comhat gnnips Marches (tactics) Mauser carbine, model 98
K
Means of identificatioti Measures--
-
equipment
Medal!:i_
Medical Service
-
Medium arliilerjMedium tanks Medhmi-weiglit Grof, flame-thrower Meeting engagement (tactics) Meisel. Wflheliii__
Memel Medal-Memorial Medal Message tlirowers and projectors Me?isensers Messerschmilt 109, single-engine fighter
HO,
twin-ciigitie fighl.er
Messersckmill 210,
twiii-eiigiiie figliter
Messerschmitl
361
—
180 69 111 156, 194
87 108 109 78 106 100
ISO 267 280 153 233 239
51
65 151
52 52 66 25
_.
Si, 7.92-iinn
Mecliariieal
71
76
bridge Macliiiic guns:
L.7..
M.G. M.G.
13
52 87 52 67 92
80,
I,ine coiist-iuctioii
13
71
72 108 33
5
5
114 51
322
34 128
45 347
74 35 95 00 67
142 47 213
80 115 14
157 324
35 35 87 85 !09 109 109
67
10!
113
17 51 51
180 166 270 273 273
RESTRICTED
INDEX
Messerschmitl SSS, glider- transport Meteorological services Methorfs of fire M.G. IS, standard Air Force rifle-caliher free gmi M.G. 17, standard Air Force rifle-caliber fixed gun M.G. 34, 7.92-mm macliine gun M.G. 4^, 7.92-mm dual-purpose machine sun M.G. 81, newest Air Force ri He-tali l>er free gun M.G. 131, standard Air Force defense weapon
M.G. 151, 15-min aircraft cannon Militarized and auxiliary organizations
Page
]09 ]07
296 262
61
J02 301
109 109 52 52 109 109 109 33, 103 102 16 98
_
Militariaed police..-
Military districts Military Police
Pflraarapb
_
Military service law
18
Mine detectors.. Mine exploding nets
74 SO -- 78,79, 125
.
Mines Minister of Aviation...
M.K.
101, 30-nini aircraft
105
_
gun
109
Mobile laundries
-
Mobilization
28,
Model 98K, Mauser carbine Mortars Motorboats Motorcycle battalion Motorized antiaircraft. mB.cliine-gun battalion Motorized antitank battalion Motorized artillery regiment.. MotoriKcd decontamination companies Motorized engineer battalion Motorized infantry division: Antitank battalion
—
.
Armament
91
_
strength
Artillery regiment
Engineer battalion Infantry regiment Motorcycle battalion Organization
RESTRICTED
.
29
301
302 302 44,225 225 24 221 26 142 158 153, 155,
342 228 302 187 37
70 64
107
52 81
42 44 64 57
90
10
Jl
57 70 39
93 131 57
10
11 11
10
362
71
72
67 73 158 59 60 107 93 185 131
61
-
301
IKDEX
—
Motorized infantry division Continued. Paiiwr battalion Panzer recocmaissance battalion
PataKfipli
Personnel strengtli Sisjiial
battslion
TrauMpovt
Mo tori Mr!
s'.rengtii
infantry regiment (Mot.)
Motorized infantry regiment (Panzer-Grenadier) Motorized machine-gun battalion Motorized reconnaissance battalion
Motor transport. (See Transport.) Mouniain anlitauk battalion Mountain artillery regiment Mountain bicycle battalion Mountain division: Antitank battalion...
Armament
'
lOG
47
63
10 81 10 39 40 43
__
_
Baee
61
11
164 II
57 58 60
47
62
64
57
107 94
48
64
64
107
12
13
Artillery regiment
57
94
Bieyfile battalion
48
64
Engineer battalion Infantry regiment Organization Personnel strength
70 41 12 12
133 58
84
165 13 40 133 58 165 64 49
s-treiigth
.'
Signal bftttalion
_
Trans[>ort strengtli
12
Uniform Mountain engineer battalion Mountain infantry regiment
30
70
cavalrj' units
Narvik Shield National National National National National
13,
41
liounlain signal battalion
Mounted
13
_.
colors
81 49 35
'
devices
31 31
rosette
31
41
33.103
45,227
33, 103
44, 22r>
Socialist Aviation
Corps.. Socialist Motor Corps
Navy High Command NebeliBerfer
(smoke weapon)
Neutralization of
enemy
artillery...
9-mtn sEibmachine gnn, Schmeisser M.P. 38 9-Jiim submachine gun, Hchmeisser M.P. Jfi
363
41 41
14
10
92 116 52 52
191 32;"
69 69
RESTRICTED
INDEX ParagTHph
Page
Nitrogen mnstarde
92
189
Nomenclature of G(;r7nan artillery N on commissi on ed Offiter Corpa-. Normal military training
60
10]
24
81
25 65 92
108
Normal type Nose gas;es_
GHQ
tank battaliou
^
Observer Corps Observer training
107 110 79, 124
Obstacles, sDtitank Officer
24
Corps___
105-mm giiii 105-mm gnn-howitzer 150-mm gun ]50-mm gim-howitzer 150-mm infantry howJUer
57
57 57
_
Operational reeonriaisance Operational training school Order for attack
57 54 113 110 116
-
Ordnance
14 64
Organic tank units Organization; Air Porcc
104 47
_'--_
Cavalry and reconnaissauce units Chemical warfare troops
46,
90
32 189 246 307 155, 335 30 93 87 92
S9 80 320 30!)
324
20 J
04
227 61,
62
Kjigineer troops
M
183 128
Field artillery
56
SH
GHQ
8 14 7 36
troops...
High Command Higher units Infantry division
9,
Light division Motorized infantry division
Mountain
.
division
Principles Signal troops
6 11,
52
13
13
10
11
12
13 13
11
Panzer diviKJon
7
16
5
3
83
161
Subordinate comma:)ds
15
21
Tank
64 80
104 156 77 78
\inits
Pack flame-thrower 37, 37-mra antitank gun 38, 50-mm antitank gun
Pak Pak
RESTRICTED
:___ -
364
_
53 53
INDEX Pan/pr division:
ParnarMiiii
"
page
Aiifitaiik liat.talion
154
107
Armament
11
13 93 132 5S
Hiienf!.tli
Artillery regiment
Engineer battalion Motorcycle liaUalion Motorized infantry brigade
57 70 42 40
Organization
11
I'cr.'jOiinel Kti'enf,'tl[
11
13
Reconnaissance battalion
47
Signal balt^lion
84 64
64
62 103 106 104
II
13
68
120
07
11!
(15
108.
64 66
10^ 108 40 253 35 46
Tanli battalion
Tanl; regiment TranS|)Ort strengtli
...
Pamer-Grenadier regiment. {See regiment {Patizer-Grenailkr) .j Panzer troops; Antitank weapons. Arniored combat vehicles GHQ tank nnits Organic tank unitK Tank maintenance Uniform _._
Motorized
13
infantry
30
Paraclinte troops. ._
Pay ^ Paybook Permanent fortifications:
58
30, 32, 107 40, 44,
___. _
27 34
,
Baiic principles
123
Beacti defenses
125
333 340
West WalL__
124
334
67
86
48 70 38
129 55
I
Personnel strength: Ai-iillery regiments Bicycle bat-alions Engineer battalions. Infantry liattalion Infantry division Infantry reftinieiit Light division
9
37 13
Motorcycle battalion Motorized ant.iaiiovaff maehitte gun battaUon Motorized iiifaiitr.v division Motorized infantry regiment (Mat.) .
363
42 44 10 39
63
H 55 13
60 60 II
57
RESTRICTED
— index: Personiipl
strength— Con timicd.
Pnragrapb
Motorizc^il infantry rofiimeiit (Panzer-GTenadier)
40
Mountain tiivisioii Mountain infantry regiment
12 41 11
Panxcr diviyion Reconnaissance battalions Signal battalions Tank units Pilot training Pislole 08 (Liiger)
—
47 84 64 110
J---
51
Page
58 13
68 13 62 168 104 305 65 65
PisioU 38 (Walther)
51
Pistols
51
66
Pneumatic boats
75
144 157
80
Pole charge Police.
(See
iS'.S',
police,
and other
militarized organiza-
tions.)
75 77
Pontons Portable tank bridges Power tools___ Premilitary training Preparation for attach--
—
74 25
116
Principles of organiaatioii
Professional cadre
Projectors
Protection of horses Protective ciolhins
Pursuit (tactics) Pz.B, 38, 7.92-mni antitank Fz.B. 39, 7.92-mni antitank
Pz.Kw. Pz.Kw. Pz.Kw. Pz.Kw. Pz.Km.
1
{Sd. KJz. 101), lit^httar.k
3
80
Radio Railway bridges Railway engineer parks Railway engineer units R.ailwav mines
188
91
'^
67 67 -
67 82,87 76 71
71
78 14,24,31
Kanks
§66
191
91
67 67
II {Sd. Kfz. 121), light tank Ill {.S(L Kfz. 141), medium tank IV {fid. Kfz. 161), medium tankV, heavy tant Pz.Kie. F/, heavy tank
RESTRICTED
6
53 67
rifle
32
324
24 92
118 53
rifle
144 153 142
330 75
75 111 111
113 114 111 118 161, 167
153 139 138 154 16,30,42
lA'DEX Paragrapli
Ration supply system
Rear echelon Recoiiiiaisharice
_
214 229 26G, 320
47 113
322
Rcooiiiiaisaanoc battalions ReeoLiiiaissaiicc iinitM
RccruitLuciit and
Pegs
93 105 lOS, 113
<)2
tiioliilizatioii:
Active and reserve categories Houfiiug, can ton men ts, and training areas
21
Pay and allowances
27
27 34 26 37 35
Period of service Present [irinciples of mobilization Profcwional cadre
19
26'
29
Recruitment jiroccdure Replacement tB»ining system
20 23
37 30 27
Training
25
28 32
22
28
Artillery
57
Chemical warfare
90
80 183
Military service law MobiliKation in the past
Wartime modifications
26 18
_
2S
2J
of draft procedure
Regiments;
Infantry...
37 39
_
Motorized infantry (Mot.) IVIotorized infantry (Pamer-Grenadier)
40
Mountain infantry
41
Socnrity Signal
__
-.
Tank Regional organisation Regular police Reich Labor Service Rcplaconicnt tra^nin^ system Reserve Training Unit Reserve units, mobilization Ricochet fire
i6
101 33, 103
23 110 21 6i
Riiles
_
Road decontamination
battalion
Rural Police Schmeisse/ SckmeKKBi-
M.P. M.P.
8S, 40,
45 83 64
9-mm submaetiine gun 9-mm submachine guu
Sea Rescue Service
51
90 101 52
52 107
36r
53 57 58 68 61 161
104 24 225 45, 226 28 309 27 102 67 185 225
69 69 261
RESTRICTED
INDEX
Security Po!iee_ Security regiuieiU Self-propelled guns
_
S ponton and trestle ei|iiipmciit (Sec Supply and administrative setviceE.) Services. _ 7.92-nim antitank rifle, Pz.B. SS 7.92-mni antitank riHe, Pz.B. 39.7.92-nim dual-piirpoac machine gun, M.G. 42. 7.92-mn] machine gnu, M.G. 7.92-mni Manser carbine 7.92-mm rifle -tl (Gewehr 41)
_
PsragrBpb
P«e«
101
225
iH 59, B7
100, 111
75
149
63
75 75
53
S/,
75-mm infantry howitzer 75-mm mountain lioivil/er 75-mni McH-propelled gun
52 52
72
51
67
-^
Signal battalions
71
51
68
54 57 59
SO
84
94 100 266 154 163
85 86 84 87
166 167 163 167
S3
161
88 86 109
182 167 270 50 65 192
108
Sliort-range air reconuaissance
Shrapnel mines
til
78
Signal troops:
communication methods of signal personncLComposition and allotment of units Acklitional
Armament
.
Equipment
—
OrganiKfltion
—
Traiisportation
Weapons Single-engine fighters
Sleeve
Band
35 51
for Crete
Small arins__ Smoke mortals
Smoke Smoke
92 92 92 67 30 80
screens units
Sojiiua tank (French)
Special duty uniforms
Special equipment for use in assault SS, police, and other militarized organizatioDs; Elite
100 102 103
Guard
Mililarined police
OrganiKations used as
Army
auxiliaries -
Poiice_:
8S
RESTRICTED
101
100
Security Service Staff control of supply
93
368
200 198 118 40 156 222 225 225 225 225 201
INDEX Parngraph
Staffd (Air Force unit)
106
Staff oif!aiiizat.iaii
15
State Police.-
101
„,_..-
Steel lieliuct
30
Storm troopers StreiiRlli,
(.S'l-f
Submacliine
33, 103
237 22 225 39 44, 227
Armament, Personnel, Transport.)
guiia:
Sckmeisser M.P. SS, 9-iiim Schmeisier M.P. 40, 9-mm Subordiiiate commands
52 52
Medal Supply ami administrative services:
35
15
Stidetcu
.'_
Pagi'
94
Administrative Service Field Postal Service Medical Service.
97
95
_
Military Police
98 93 90
Supply _ Veterinary Service
'.
Supply columns Supply of ammunition Supply of fuel and tires
93 93 93 93 93 93
._
Su])ply of rations
Supply labor unite Supply repair uuitB Supply services Supply service units Supply staff contml Supply storage units Supply transportation officers Supply transport, units Supply troop commander Survey and cartographic battalions Switchboards
93
:
93 93 93 _.
93 93 93
59
Tactical reconnaissance
09 69 21 51
217 220 218 221 201
219 205 209 215 214 207 208 204 204 201 207 204 206 203 101
87
175
113
320
Ill
310 325 332 330
Tactics:
Air Force. Attack_._ IJreakinsi; off
117
_
combat
121
Defense Delaying actions Boetrine
_._
369
_...
119 120 112
331
319
RESTRICTED
INDEX Tactics— Continued. Marches Meeting eiigagenient Preparation for attack Pursnit
Reconnaissance Withdrawal
--
Tank Badge Tank battalions Tank maintenance Tank regiment
--
-
---
---
Pampmnh
paaa
114 115 116 118 113 122 35
323 324 324 330 320 332 ^8 108 108 104
M,
65 66 64
lOti,
Tanks: Foreign
Heavy__
-
_
-
Light
--
Medium Tank
.
nnits
67 67 67
118 118
67 64
113 104
in
Tai^k force
14
17
Technical battalions Technical Emergency Corps Telegraph Telephone--Tcllcnnine 37-mm antitank gun, Pak 37 Time-delay railway mine
71
136 226 175 177 163
--
....
Tires
Todt Organization Torpedo bombing Tractors Trailers
HI 81
^
103 87 87 78 63 78 93 103
—
81
77 154 2J5 225 314 '58 158 32,183,304 34 32
-Training Training areas TraininR recruits Transportation officers-
25,90,110 26 25 93, 14
Transportation, signal Transport planes- _ Transport: Artillery regiments
88 109
276
67
86
48 70 38
63 129 65
.
Bicycle battalions Engineer battalions
Infantry battalion
RESTRICTED
--
-_-
370
204, 19
182
:
Transport
—
Continiievi,
PsruEniph
Infantry divi-^icin Infanlry regiment Li^lit division
_
Motorcycle hallalion Motorized antiaircraft macliiJie-Kiin battalion Motorized infantry division Motorized iufantry regiment (Mot.) Motorized infantry regiment (Pamer-Grenadier)
-
Pwe
9
11
37
53
13
13
42 44
59 60
10
H
39 41>
57 58
Moiinlaiii division
12
13
Panzer division
II
13
Reconnaisisance liattalions Sinnal battalions
47
62
Tank
uniE?^
Traps and mines (antipersonnel) Trestle
equipment
Tross (train)_
_
Triick.s
Twin-engine
figiiters
linger bridge
Uniforms, insignia, and identifications: Army uniforms
Army
insinnia
.
and insigiua Decorations and awards Air Force iinLforms
Means
iif
idc-nl.iticaiion
Uniforms and insignia of
niiliiarized
and
81
IfiS
(14
104
78 75
J54
144
5
3
81
109 77
158 272 163
30
38
31
41
32 35
43 47
34
45
'AS
44
auxiliary
organizations Vehicles
Armored combat veliicles Decnaiaminating vehicles Gas detection car
fi7
111
!ii
9r>
187 188 182 182 118 158 158 158 219
87 100
223
OL
Light teleiilKine limbered wagon Signal limber (horse transport)
_
_
S8 88
Tanks
117
Tractors
^\
Trailers
81
Trucks
81
Veterinary Service Visual
equipment
Wa^en-SS
__
_
371
179
RESTRICTED
ITSTDEX Paiagrapb
PflBf
Walther pistol__
51
65
War
35 25
47
Merit
Cros.';
War-time training of recruits Weapons: (See also Armament.) Air Force___
Antitank-
109
2fl9
53, tl8
75, 130
-.- 57.
Artillery
(iO
Automatic small arms Bayonet
52
Cliemical warfare
Engineer
92 80
Hand
51
51
i^reiia^les
64 52 52
Infajitry support artillery
^lachine Runs
—
Mortars Pistols
Sisual troo|is
Small arms Subniacliiiie guns
Wer/er, Id-cm, 41 (smoke weapon) :
Zeitzler,
Kurt___
o
RESTRICTED
372
15ti
68 SO 71
92
191
51
_,-
86 51
67 167 65 69
52 92
35 14
__
69 68 190
51
124 110 122
1
101
73 65
16 127 112, 124
Weftrfcrnse.^— Weiglits___ 1 West Wall Wire 11 an gl laments Wireloss operation training WJlhiirawal (tactics) Wonii'l BadfiO
Sfi,
-
Projectors- -_ Eifles_._
33
191
24
347 319,334 338 308 332 49 17
f
\
.
.
——
.
.
German Army rank
.
-
CorrespondlnE U- S, rank (sccordiQE
Army
LIli?ra[ traGsrjitLoTi
^
.
,
German Navy rank
.
German
.
.
Medical Corps
Air Force ranlc
.
.
Veterinary Corps
Bandmasters
lo function)
fienent IfddmaTsuMU
,_^,-
QeneTahbeT^t,^...
__
QiTieT(ddef InfaniSTte^.. ArtUi£tic. KavtllFTie.
_
General Field Mtirshal Colonel General General of Infjtntry
-
______^_
—
—
(None) General Lieutenant Geaeral.
ffeichsmarschall Gffnfirfl IfEldmarschaH Generaloterat... .^ Oen&Toltkr FUeger...
Oroisadmirai GfnefQladmiTaL. Admiral... ^.^...
OiaeraUEfitJiaiU-^iner(7^major__... Oberst
Coiflnel
Ob&rsHeutnajU-^-.. MajiiT .___
,__.^_-^___^
Lieutenant Colonel—
-
--
JiafiptmftiiH-----
.
QeneraloterdobaveteTiadr,
LuflntichTichtPt-
Armoroii Troops, etc. LEeutcnant General___^___-^ Major Gentral -,,.-
._
QeTuralobtrstabsaTzL
Luflwafft.
En j^ineers. fitc^
_,—
Fiakartitlerie.
Artillery. C ay airy-
Pan zeiiriippe,
^
Major General— Brigadier GeQeral.,,
KnnUTad miral.
Cobnel
See,.___. ICajjitnn FregtiUcnkapiian.—.^/^nrFfUenftnpi^B . JCap it&nieuiTiata ......
-
,,---
CaptHin.
^^—
___.^.-_-.. Uuutenant ---Lieutenant StafT Serjeant Cavalry Stai! Spirant. Staff Ordnance Sergeant. Stat! Fort Rerffpant. Staff FertiQcation EciginecT
.
-
z'tr
Lieutenant ColoneL
Major
——
ViztadmiTol
Major Captain.
trupp&n, ate. QeneroUsutJiani-.--..^ _._.CenEralmajor---. Oberst Oberstl&ul'tant-^-,------
Major Hariptmann
_^...,
GeneralstabBarit^ Qsneraiarzl
GeneTalilabaeetaiJtdr,. Gentralr/^ermar _.___. ObEtatoeierindf- ---,,_. OberfcldBeUriit ar ----Oberst abavetermdr SiabsBeterindr.._.____.
,^-
Of)eTstaTzi
Oberjetdant OberatnbiaTzi Stdbaarzt
ObBnnuaii:iiispiz ient.
Mtt^ik inspi zieni , _ _ , Sttjbimuttk'meisteF-..
Captain of Cftvalry.
EUlmeiBtfT. OberliutTtant,.-
Lesdnant....^.
_
Sifbs/eUlinebel
_
_
Stn'isfi^er luerker. Walisinbsjeitlmeiiel
FlfEt
First LicatenfiJit,..
Second Lieutenant Master Sr-i^eant — ....
Leufnajit zJtr Sfis Sabaoberfeidvretnl
Regimen lal Sergeant
Oberleuinant— _---__., Lcuinanl...
AsahienzaTzt.
Sfaii&fddwebfl
SnJiitdtstahsfatdjoebeL,
ObEfhTijbeschaglEhrTsieiater. IlafabsachlagUh t mtistrr. Stabibesch las^eiatEr.
Simitaisoberfeidwiful .
OberbRachlaffmeisUr
OhetaTit....
ObeTVEteriUQT - Velerindr
Stti!)SiiiifChtTneisfeT.
3iaifs}eu£rw£TkeT .
Mflior.
.
Obermnaikratiater. Miislkne\sieT. .
ScracanC. Stobsfunkmeisler. Stfifi^TlefKiJibEnniiistsr.
StahsscfiiTrmGint^r ..._,-.-_-Huupl.ffl/ltvifid, Ilaiiptjeachtweister.
Oberfddmebil
—
._
-
Btal! Itadio Sergeant. Stair Carrier Pigeon BfrKeaut Staff MatntunanceEo^eant. Ciller SerEeant __
First Sergeant
Oberfildwebe/ .
ITQujrtfddw^el,
Master Sergeant .
StatafEldwibel.
Oberfildwitel
Chief Cavalry Sec^oant. First Scrpant—
ObeTfahnrkk. Obei/£U£rfniTl:er.
OberfuTsk^dfiET, Oberbriefiaubtmn etstef^
First Fort Scr^OftfltFlrst EortlScation: Engineer Sergeant. First Rjidio Serceant. First Carrier Pigeon:
ObefichiTTTimsitf
First Maintenance:
WauoberffldJirebii Ftstu-nfjupiomersberfeldwebei.
...
OberwafMmdaUT.
Cavalry Sergeanl, Ensign (olUccr eandlijate). First Ordnanee Sergeant. First
Oln'ifachtineistir.
Haupitnai^ht-
TIUlStiT.
-_
.
Unierifeterindr.
UiitErattl.
oherfiHermeTkef. ObeTfdhnricii.
SergcontSergeant, -_,,Sergeant-.-Cavalry Sergeant,
Fddwebei..... _ . WachtTP-eliter.
Technical Sergeant.
Fddweftei.
FddJBibel Wachtmeister. Feuenoerker.
(Officer can (liilatfl)
(None)
Fahnrich zur Sft-
FdhnviEh--
Junior Sergeant, Junior Cavalry
J^;taff
ObtJTiiajd.^_
UsiiErfeldwebel.— . --. -^----. Unleru' achtjneiaier.
---.
Ordnance Sergeant.
Fevenvarker. Waiifeldwcbd. FEstuJii;sj> hJi lerfsldicebel.
SanUdtsfiidteebet
-
ISeachiaomeister-.
Fort Sergeant, Fortification Eoslneex: Serfioiint.
iLadio Sergeant, Carrier Pigeon Sereeant.
Fv.nkTTieiste'-.
Maintenance Sorecaat.
SthiTr-nieiater.
Fahnrich . - . - . l/Hlerfeidmsbel,
.
C7iteTwaclilJitei&-
Sergeant
Sergeant.
ter.
Uvicroffi iUt, FahnenSunkir-XJida'-
Noncoinxnissloned Officer Cadet
Sergeant.^
J^aof—
_-_
TlnieroffiiieT..
Lance Corporal. ^Chief Lance Corporal-,
(None)
[laj^ptffefrsiler^
HajiptaCfreiUr
ObeTQiiiEiier,.-
OberffefreitsT
l.ancc Corporal J unior Cadet,
Acting Corporal
Qefiieiter
Qefniter
-
....
tjn
SaitUata-KorpS-
P''dhnjich
im
VeteriTtdr-Korpi-
SnniS&isuaterfeldJifebEi ....
Bc3chiaifsi:h'mieilurUErwachtmeiat6r
SanildlswiiteroJfizieT.-
BeschiagaahTniedMnteroffi zier^ ._
SamtalsobsTifefreiter. SanitdUffcfTelter
Bcsi:hla{fxck-inied{tfjergefTeiUr
Fahnenjunker- Vnt^ojfiiiEf.
offi lief.
Stah&gefTtiUT ObergeiTEitef .___ QejieiteT,
Fahnrich .
FahnenjunkeT'OefreUer
Ober grenadier Obsrjager. Oberteiter.
Obarkanonisrw Oberpionier. OberfuTtkET, Oberfakier. OberkTaftfahrer. QreiladitT
StflfT
-,
Infantryman
Private
Chasseur,
Cavalryman. Gunner,
Fnnker,
Radlornan.
Fahrer.
Driver. Motor Driver. Knaincct.
_..
_-_.-___,,,-.-..
.
BESChlagachmiedg&freiUT.....
Ftihitinjanker- Qefrater.
Private, First Class-.
Usher. Kanoniet.
Pionier. Schutze^
Cor|x>ral. ..-^^._
Chief Infantryman CLiet Chasseur. Chief Cavalryman. Chief Gunner, Chief Kngiueer. Chief Radioniiin. Chief Driver. Chief Motor Driver.
Jdger.
KtfififahTtr.
__,
Gberbe^chtogaEhmiEdsctiiltze.. OberbescfUa^schjitiedTiiUr.
Matrtai^
Fliwer Kanonier.
Stniildlasoldat..
BeSChtngaChmindscMtie Beachlagachm iedriElcr.
-
FvJikir.
Rifleman. Fiaure 13.'-Kanl^in the
German Armed Forcea
(icviscd JiLnc 1913J.
RESTRICTED
Name p!.Kvi. I (Sd. Kfz.
Country
Weight
Typo ObAulctCf but
mny
stOI
of
origin
Ligb(_
Armor [mfliimum)
9 tons.
Qernianr..
*>mi"
(Sd.
Light_
12 tons
Qeimauy.-
33-mm.
.
Kft. Ill) aut A.
eoeh
Engine
Road speed
Spanning
Radius
ability
O-cyl
May-
bach
Light mo-
Ifl.Btona..
Ciechoslo-
one
vakla.
diinn.
Hv MQcoHv MQ
axinlly mounted, ona to left of driver.
Pt.Ki
medium.
Lii^bt
iS-20
tOM.
QetroBny.
fij-mm...
One 50-mm gun, one l^iy
one
Giimhinf
ability
ability
Suspension system
25mph..
I2S tnilea.„.
4ttllhi
1ft II in...
2
ft
8 in
34
mph..
165 miles....
4fHlh]
IftUlQ...
2
ft
a hi
27
mph.
77 miles
7 ft 6
3ft3iQ
SftSln.
46°.
air-
6 wheels; older type has 4 small bc^cs, 3 connected by girder.
l.SOO
of
rds.
SAA, gals of
large bogles, i retutn rollers.
3S
oil.
traok
One 4V-mm sun,
3fi.mm
Fording
cooled.
guard.
CZDVSn Pz.Kvi.
Vertical obstacle
veti clc
Hv Md.oneLMG. One LMQ, two flamy-tbrowBTs mounted on One 20-min
im. Pz.Kw, IIF
Anunuidcion
Arroainent
be used ^reconnaissance, Uaisan^ and oouimaud
101).
Fz.Kvi. nl.Si.Kfz.
Orew
LMO eon^mounted, LMQ ia
•0
rounds
for
MS hp V3..
m
41°
47 -nun gun, 3,000 tor Hv
a bogie wheels. 1 independent; 4 pairs of boglKS each with seml^lllpiic lC3f springing bearer girder.
MQ'S. 320 hp V121 water-cooled
28
mph.
100 miles....
5(t7hi
2(t
B
ft
Latest type with 6 small rubber bogies, independently sprung, (h) 6 small bogie wheels, (c) S small bo-
11 In lap-
fa)
prodmately).
gies iu i pairs with 1^1 springing^ but all have 3 return rollers.
hull.
Pi.Kw.tV(Si.Kli.
Medium.. 2Stons
Qennanr-.
Brtmin..,
lei).
One 75-mm gun, one I-MG co^ifially
one
Somua
(S. iO)
/j.Jftu.VJ ("Tiger")
Medium.
i8 tons
Frnnce
4l>mm
.
.
Sii-fl2tons.
GBrnnsiiy.
ir^-mm..
320 hp VI21 walcr-eooled
2limph.
ISO hp watercooled.
29
mph..
140 miles....
7
680 bp
22
mph..
75 to ES miles.
3 small boeie wheels, 4 pairs with leaf springing.
2tt3in..,
3
10 in..
2 ft 11 Iu_.
SftShi...
40°
Onknowa
Uutuown
Unituown.
Unknowu.
Bft
tt
fl
hi.
mounted, LM (1 on
bail mount to right of driver. 47-inm, one
One
MO. Heavy...
connected by outside
One 88-mm, two MQ'S, one MO
ft
small bogies protected by plating with 2 return rollers.
&
axles, 24 side-
ChrMie-type wheels
armor oti
each
torigbt of driver,
others fiioiiutcd coaxially, three
smoke grenade dischargers.
Figure SI.— Ohoracterislica of Unba.
548832°— 4K
(Face p. 110)
RESTRICTED
Aircratlnttinurac-
GERMAN RADIO TBANSMITTEKS—Continued Range
Wave band Translation of
apparolus mnnenclature
Pn. 18
SE
Power
S])n>chera." spt for
Radio
sound -ranging
AntDnii;&
in an-
tenna (watt5)
Meters 0.63-57
dm.—
Radio telephone " F Lid Inn k
Fa
Transmitters und tubes
6
transmiltor
I
10.
i-n
HV 12 P TOOO. RL 12 1' 10.
lor
W
Corps
aO-wntt Willi
radio
Voice
No
S26, 31027. 5-25.
8
Short 1
,000
wave ohms
or red; best.
Local
voiec
Converter U 20 a, S with 12-volt starve
for
transmitting survey
details are available.
Cscd
as
U
F
II
telephone for
RCN in forward echelon.
16031 1.009J
battery.
results.
26,00027,300
Iratisinitlcr
rn-eRL12T15.
posilion.
Transmliipr
IC
60^,000
Paelc
Remarks
Source of energy
CW
Kc
Similar lo Signal
(miles)
Worlting tnethods
!l.6-ll
20-walt transmitlflr..--
27,20031,20tl
use in tanks.
7-Ioot
rod with eoun-
Looai keyinE and
m
(?)
m
(?)
(!)
12-voit storage battery
and roolor generator.
voice.
Mrpoise.
Circriir.— Crystal oscillalor, heterodyne oscillator, mixer, power is semillesible, stage; aerial witli "Bef at any random angle, if hit; can ba straight-
ened by hand.
AKS2E.
26-100
2ft-watt Iransmitl^-^..
3,00012.0011
antonnn on one 33-I(it]t inasi; coun-
33-fnDt
Local keying and
Wdrilit.—i& poinids. radio fretitiencj' staires— la) Master osc ill iitor. bulTcr nnijiH(b) Neutralized
CSrc!if/.—Three
(?)
voice.
terpoise four 33-root wires.
fter. (c)
Neutralised push-pull
am-
plifier.
Modulation
S'wul.t transmitter..
S switch provided lo
3, out)
re-
1!)
m
no-volt battery and 2.4-volt Edison pell.
Quasi-
Quflsi-
Quasi-
2-volt lead storage
optical path.
optieiil
path.
optical path.
Two CO-voli
1251?)
12511)
Local keying and send /revoiw; ceive operated by [lush button in radiotelephone.
1,000-
duce power
brw-
grid
of
power
amplifier tube; keying in grid circuit of Ell stages, Divisions, infantry and artillcrv regiments. Ci rem* .—Two stages, master oscillator and power amplifier; grid mod ula lion in Intier; used with receiver Scriol No. 14, helom; to be standard (2) portable set lor forward ami mobile troops. TVunsraiHtr.— Weight, ahotlt 2S pounds; siiO 24 by IS by IS inchea. Weight, about 2S pounds Jfecerner^ size as lor transmitter. Used with receiver aerial No. Ifl, (n) (2) licloiv, in five boies, USfS.
100-300
in
—
—
triira high freQuency
4I1-B0m.w
.69-.W
transmitter with two Aeom 1>. S.
454,000508,000
wilh highly
203/2.
Two
Saw-tooth antciiaa Local or remote keyingandvoiee; (double d iamand re fleeter);
ICW,
direct ion Bl.
battery. plate bat-
teries.
K. L.
Transmitter and receiver, (6)
Accessories,
(c)
Stand,
plate
Not sendnr (F t o a L a b Rescue seil
1
Crystii]
K,
I..
conlrolled 2 (Osc.ii Mod.).
otc.
tuned Hartley; modulation throu^^h 1:1 by keying transformer; modulator lube, which acts as A. P. oseillolor. fl.2W into antenna CircitM.— Series
6O0
6UC
260 feet stainfes stpe wire on balloon, or felto.
Auto,
keyman
and manual CW.
OERMAN RADIO RECEIVERS
250
Hand tor.
driven genera-
MOW
SCR
5V8
