Description
Panzer-Grenadier-Division Feldherrnhalle Brief History
The Panzergrenadier Division “Feldherrnhalle” was established on 20 June 1943 in southern France through the renaming and restructuring of the 60th Infantry Division, which had previously been destroyed at Stalingrad. The majority of its personnel were former members of the SA or individuals who had completed training within one of the twelve “Sturm Banners” located throughout the Reich.
The designation “Feldherrnhalle” originated from Infantry Regiment 271 or its 3rd Battalion, referencing the Field Marshals’ Hall in Munich, notable for its role during the 1923 Beer Hall Putsch.
During its formation phase, the division was based in the Nimes–Montpellier region. In early September 1943, it participated in Operation Achse, disarming the 8th Italian Army. By late October 1943, the division had relocated to northern France, specifically the Arras-Doullens area, and subsequently moved to the Eastern Front in early December 1943.
On the Eastern Front, the division assumed defensive positions as part of the 3rd Panzer Army near Vitebsk. In February, it was redeployed northward to participate in the Battle of Narva. It returned to Army Group Centre in May 1944 and engaged in combat against the Soviet Mogilev Offensive in June. Ultimately, the division was destroyed during the Soviet Minsk Offensive in July 1944, a component of Operation Bagration.
