6th Army (Germany) - Revision history

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	[[File:6th Army (Germany).~~jpg~~\|right\|450px\|]]		[[File:6th Army (Germany).png\|right\|450px\|]]
	The '''Sixth''' or '''6th Army''' ({{lang-de\|6. Armee}}) was a [[German]] field army which saw action in [[World War I]] from 1914 until 1918 and [[World War II]] from 1939 until 1945. It is perhaps best known for its involvement in the [[Battle of Stalingrad]]. It surrendered to the U.S. Army in 1945.		The '''Sixth''' or '''6th Army''' ({{lang-de\|6. Armee}}) was a [[German]] field army which saw action in [[World War I]] from 1914 until 1918 and [[World War II]] from 1939 until 1945. It is perhaps best known for its involvement in the [[Battle of Stalingrad]]. It surrendered to the U.S. Army in 1945.

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	== Commanders ==		== Commanders ==
	[[File:Rupprecht von Bayern.~~jpg~~\|right\|300px]]		[[File:Rupprecht von Bayern.png\|right\|300px]]
	===German Empire===		===German Empire===
	{\| class="wikitable"		{\| class="wikitable"

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	* General der Panzertruppe [[Hermann Balck]]: 23 December 1944 to [[8 May 1945]]		* General der Panzertruppe [[Hermann Balck]]: 23 December 1944 to [[8 May 1945]]

	~~[[Category:Articles containing German language text]]~~
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Wehrmacht

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	* General der Panzertruppe [[Hermann Balck]]: 23 December 1944 to [[8 May 1945]]		* General der Panzertruppe [[Hermann Balck]]: 23 December 1944 to [[8 May 1945]]

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	[[de:~~6. Armee~~]]
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	The Sixth Army was isolated and a major relief operation, (Operation Wintergewitter), which eventually failed, was undertaken by Field Marshal [[Erich von Manstein]]. Paulus was promoted by [[Hitler]] to the rank of [[Generalfeldmarschall]] on January 31, 1943 ostensibly in part because until that day no German Field Marshal had ever surrendered. In other words, [[Adolf Hitler]] expected Paulus to commit suicide but he eventually surrendered to the Soviet Forces, contrary to orders by his [[political]] chief. The remaining forces of the Sixth Army, under the independent command of General Strecker, surrendered three days after in the Tractor Factory, at the north of Stalingrad. That was the definitive end of the Sixth Army, and one of the worst military disasters in German [[history]]. For the first [[time]], an entire German field army had been completely destroyed/captured. Those not killed during the [[Battle of Stalingrad]] surrendered, with most the POWs then dying in the [[Gulag]] camp system.		The Sixth Army was isolated and a major relief operation, (Operation Wintergewitter), which eventually failed, was undertaken by Field Marshal [[Erich von Manstein]]. Paulus was promoted by [[Hitler]] to the rank of [[Generalfeldmarschall]] on January 31, 1943 ostensibly in part because until that day no German Field Marshal had ever surrendered. In other words, [[Adolf Hitler]] expected Paulus to commit suicide but he eventually surrendered to the Soviet Forces, contrary to orders by his [[political]] chief. The remaining forces of the Sixth Army, under the independent command of General Strecker, surrendered three days after in the Tractor Factory, at the north of Stalingrad. That was the definitive end of the Sixth Army, and one of the worst military disasters in German [[history]]. For the first [[time]], an entire German field army had been completely destroyed/captured. Those not killed during the [[Battle of Stalingrad]] surrendered, with most the POWs then dying in the [[Gulag]] camp system.

	Hitler later ordered a new German Sixth Army (A.O.K. 6) to be constituted on March 5, 1943, commanded by General [[Karl Adolf Hollidt]] and based on Army Detachment Hollidt. It later fought in [[Ukraine]] and [[Romania]] as part of Army Group South and Army Group South Ukraine. The army was again largely destroyed in a large encirclement during the Iassy-Kishinev Operation, but this time the army HQ survived. Sixth Army was the only German army to be encircled and destroyed twice.		Hitler later ordered a new German Sixth Army (A.O.K. 6) to be constituted on March 5, 1943, commanded by General [[Karl Adolf Hollidt]] and based on Army Detachment Hollidt. It later fought in [[Ukraine]] and [[Romania]] as part of Army Group South and Army Group South Ukraine. The army was again largely destroyed in a large encirclement during the Iassy-Kishinev Operation, but this time the army HQ survived. Sixth Army was the only [[German Army\|German army]] to be encircled and destroyed twice.

	In October 1944, under the command of General of Artillery [[Maximilian Fretter-Pico]], the Sixth Army encircled and destroyed three Soviet tank corps of Mobile Group Pliyev under the command of Issa Pliyev in the [[Battle of Debrecen]]. During this time, the Sixth Army had the Hungarian Second Army placed under its command, and it was known as Armeegruppe Fretter-Pico.		In October 1944, under the command of General of Artillery [[Maximilian Fretter-Pico]], the Sixth Army encircled and destroyed three Soviet tank corps of Mobile Group Pliyev under the command of Issa Pliyev in the [[Battle of Debrecen]]. During this time, the Sixth Army had the Hungarian Second Army placed under its command, and it was known as Armeegruppe Fretter-Pico.
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	~~[[Category:World War I]]~~
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	~~[[Category:Military units and formations of Germany in World War II]]~~
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	[[Category:Military units and formations of Germany in World War II]]		[[Category:Military units and formations of Germany in World War II]]
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	[[File:6th Army (Germany).png\|right\|450px\|]]		[[File:6th Army (Germany).png\|right\|450px\|]]
	The '''Sixth''' or '''6th Army''' ({{lang-de\|6. Armee}}) was a [[German]] field army which saw action in [[World War I]] from 1914 until 1918 and [[World War II]] from 1939 until 1945. It is perhaps best known for its involvement in ~~tbe~~ [[Battle of Stalingrad]]. It surrendered to ~~tbe~~ U.S. Army in 1945.		The '''Sixth''' or '''6th Army''' ({{lang-de\|6. Armee}}) was a [[German]] field army which saw action in [[World War I]] from 1914 until 1918 and [[World War II]] from 1939 until 1945. It is perhaps best known for its involvement in the [[Battle of Stalingrad]]. It surrendered to the U.S. Army in 1945.

	==History==		==History==
	[[File:1024px-Stab eines Armeeoberkommandos.svg.png\|thumb\|250px\|Flag of ~~tbe~~ Staff of an Armee Oberkommando (1871–1918)]]		[[File:1024px-Stab eines Armeeoberkommandos.svg.png\|thumb\|250px\|Flag of the Staff of an Armee Oberkommando (1871–1918)]]
	[[File:6thArmeeLogo.png\|thumb\|250px\|Insignia of ~~tbe~~ 6th Army (1939–1945)]]		[[File:6thArmeeLogo.png\|thumb\|250px\|Insignia of the 6th Army (1939–1945)]]
	=== World War I (German Empire)===		=== World War I (German Empire)===

	Command of ~~tbe~~ 6th Army (German: ''6. Armee'' / ''Armeeoberkommando 6'' / ''A.O.K. 6'') of ~~tbe~~ [[Imperial German Army]] was given to Kronprinz [[Rupprecht von Bayern]]. During ~~tbe~~ execution of [[Plan XVII]], it was stationed in ~~tbe~~ Central sector, covering [[Lorraine]].		Command of the 6th Army (German: ''6. Armee'' / ''Armeeoberkommando 6'' / ''A.O.K. 6'') of the [[Imperial German Army]] was given to Kronprinz [[Rupprecht von Bayern]]. During the execution of [[Plan XVII]], it was stationed in the Central sector, covering [[Lorraine]].

	In August 1914, in ~~tbe~~ [[Battle of Lorraine]] ([[Reichsland Elsaß-Lothringen]]), Rupprecht's Sixth Army managed to hold against ~~tbe~~ [[French]] offensive, using a feigned withdrawal to lure ~~tbe~~ advancing armies onto prepared defensive positions.		In August 1914, in the [[Battle of Lorraine]] ([[Reichsland Elsaß-Lothringen]]), Rupprecht's Sixth Army managed to hold against the [[French]] offensive, using a feigned withdrawal to lure the advancing armies onto prepared defensive positions.

	After ~~tbe~~ [[Western Front]] turned to stalemate and ~~tbe~~ opposing forces formed lines of trenches, ~~tbe~~ Sixth Army was based near Loos in [[Belgium]]. On 24 September, 1915, ~~tbe~~ Sixth Army was ~~tbe~~ target for ~~tbe~~ British Army's first chlorine gas [[attack]] of ~~tbe~~ war. Despite ~~tbe~~ horrific casualties inflicted, ~~tbe~~ British offensive became bogged down after several days.		After the [[Western Front]] turned to stalemate and the opposing forces formed lines of trenches, the Sixth Army was based near Loos in [[Belgium]]. On 24 September, 1915, the Sixth Army was the target for the British Army's first chlorine gas [[attack]] of the war. Despite the horrific casualties inflicted, the British offensive became bogged down after several days.

	In March 1917, ~~tbe~~ Sixth Army was ~~tbe~~ target for ~~tbe~~ assault of ~~tbe~~ British and [[Canadian]] forces at ~~tbe~~ [[Battle of Vimy Ridge]]. The Sixth Army, under ~~tbe~~ command of General [[Ludwig von Falkenhausen]], suffered over 20,000 casualties in ~~tbe~~ ensuing fighting and were pushed back from ~~tbe~~ ridge by ~~tbe~~ [[Canadian Corps]].		In March 1917, the Sixth Army was the target for the assault of the British and [[Canadian]] forces at the [[Battle of Vimy Ridge]]. The Sixth Army, under the command of General [[Ludwig von Falkenhausen]], suffered over 20,000 casualties in the ensuing fighting and were pushed back from the ridge by the [[Canadian Corps]].

	=== World War II (Wehrmacht) ===		=== World War II (Wehrmacht) ===

	Originally numbered as ~~tbe~~ Tenth Army, this combat unit of ~~tbe~~ [[Wehrmacht]] was formed on 10 October 1939 with General [[Walter von Reichenau]] in command. The primary mission of ~~tbe~~ 6th Army (German: ''6. Armee'' / ''Armeeoberkommando 6'' / ''AOK 6'') was to guard ~~tbe~~ western defences ([https://de.metapedia.org/wiki/Westwall ''Westwall'']) of [[Germany]] against British and French attacks during ~~tbe~~ [[Poland Campaign]]. During ~~tbe~~ invasion of ~~tbe~~ [[Low Countries]] ~~tbe~~ Tenth Army saw active service linking up with paratroopers and destroying fortifications at Eben Emael, Liège, and Namur. The Tenth Army was then involved in ~~tbe~~ breakthrough of ~~tbe~~ Paris defences on June 12, 1940, before acting as a northern flank for German forces along ~~tbe~~ Normandy coast.		Originally numbered as the Tenth Army, this combat unit of the [[Wehrmacht]] was formed on 10 October 1939 with General [[Walter von Reichenau]] in command. The primary mission of the 6th Army (German: ''6. Armee'' / ''Armeeoberkommando 6'' / ''AOK 6'') was to guard the western defences ([https://de.metapedia.org/wiki/Westwall ''Westwall'']) of [[Germany]] against British and French attacks during the [[Poland Campaign]]. During the invasion of the [[Low Countries]] the Tenth Army saw active service linking up with paratroopers and destroying fortifications at Eben Emael, Liège, and Namur. The Tenth Army was then involved in the breakthrough of the Paris defences on June 12, 1940, before acting as a northern flank for German forces along the Normandy coast.

	Renamed as Sixth Army, it began its involvement in ~~tbe~~ [[Russian Campaign]] as ~~tbe~~ [[spearhead]] of [[Army Group South]]. Shortly after being promoted to Field Marshal, von Reichenau died in an aircraft accident while being transported to a hospital after a heart attack in January 1942. He was succeeded by his former chief of staff, General der Panzertruppen [[Friedrich Paulus]]. Paulus led ~~tbe~~ Sixth Army to a major victory in Kharkov during ~~tbe~~ spring of 1942. This victory sealed ~~tbe~~ Sixth Army's destiny because ~~tbe~~ OKW designated it for ~~tbe~~ attack on [[Stalingrad]]. The Sixth Army failed to obtain a quick victory; winter came and with it [[Operation Uranus]] – ~~tbe~~ massive attack of Soviet forces on ~~tbe~~ flanks of ~~tbe~~ German corridor between ~~tbe~~ Don and Volga rivers in November 22-23.		Renamed as Sixth Army, it began its involvement in the [[Russian Campaign]] as the [[spearhead]] of [[Army Group South]]. Shortly after being promoted to Field Marshal, von Reichenau died in an aircraft accident while being transported to a hospital after a heart attack in January 1942. He was succeeded by his former chief of staff, General der Panzertruppen [[Friedrich Paulus]]. Paulus led the Sixth Army to a major victory in Kharkov during the spring of 1942. This victory sealed the Sixth Army's destiny because the OKW designated it for the attack on [[Stalingrad]]. The Sixth Army failed to obtain a quick victory; winter came and with it [[Operation Uranus]] – the massive attack of Soviet forces on the flanks of the German corridor between the Don and Volga rivers in November 22-23.

	The Sixth Army was isolated and a major relief operation, (Operation Wintergewitter), which eventually failed, was undertaken by Field Marshal [[Erich von Manstein]]. Paulus was promoted by [[Hitler]] to ~~tbe~~ rank of [[Generalfeldmarschall]] on January 31, 1943 ostensibly in part because until that day no German Field Marshal had ever surrendered. In other words, [[Adolf Hitler]] expected Paulus to commit suicide but he eventually surrendered to ~~tbe~~ Soviet Forces, contrary to orders by his [[political]] chief. The remaining forces of ~~tbe~~ Sixth Army, under ~~tbe~~ independent command of General Strecker, surrendered three days after in ~~tbe~~ Tractor Factory, at ~~tbe~~ north of Stalingrad. That was ~~tbe~~ definitive end of ~~tbe~~ Sixth Army, and one of ~~tbe~~ worst military disasters in German [[history]]. For ~~tbe~~ first [[time]], an entire German field army had been completely destroyed/captured. Those not killed during ~~tbe~~ [[Battle of Stalingrad]] surrendered, with most ~~tbe~~ POWs then dying in ~~tbe~~ [[Gulag]] camp system.		The Sixth Army was isolated and a major relief operation, (Operation Wintergewitter), which eventually failed, was undertaken by Field Marshal [[Erich von Manstein]]. Paulus was promoted by [[Hitler]] to the rank of [[Generalfeldmarschall]] on January 31, 1943 ostensibly in part because until that day no German Field Marshal had ever surrendered. In other words, [[Adolf Hitler]] expected Paulus to commit suicide but he eventually surrendered to the Soviet Forces, contrary to orders by his [[political]] chief. The remaining forces of the Sixth Army, under the independent command of General Strecker, surrendered three days after in the Tractor Factory, at the north of Stalingrad. That was the definitive end of the Sixth Army, and one of the worst military disasters in German [[history]]. For the first [[time]], an entire German field army had been completely destroyed/captured. Those not killed during the [[Battle of Stalingrad]] surrendered, with most the POWs then dying in the [[Gulag]] camp system.

	Hitler later ordered a new German Sixth Army (A.O.K. 6) to be constituted on March 5, 1943, commanded by General [[Karl Adolf Hollidt]] and based on Army Detachment Hollidt. It later fought in [[Ukraine]] and [[Romania]] as part of Army Group South and Army Group South Ukraine. The army was again largely destroyed in a large encirclement during ~~tbe~~ Iassy-Kishinev Operation, but this time ~~tbe~~ army HQ survived. Sixth Army was ~~tbe~~ only [[German Army\|German army]] to be encircled and destroyed twice.		Hitler later ordered a new German Sixth Army (A.O.K. 6) to be constituted on March 5, 1943, commanded by General [[Karl Adolf Hollidt]] and based on Army Detachment Hollidt. It later fought in [[Ukraine]] and [[Romania]] as part of Army Group South and Army Group South Ukraine. The army was again largely destroyed in a large encirclement during the Iassy-Kishinev Operation, but this time the army HQ survived. Sixth Army was the only [[German Army\|German army]] to be encircled and destroyed twice.

	In October 1944, under ~~tbe~~ command of General of Artillery [[Maximilian Fretter-Pico]], ~~tbe~~ Sixth Army encircled and destroyed three Soviet tank corps of Mobile Group Pliyev under ~~tbe~~ command of Issa Pliyev in ~~tbe~~ [[Battle of Debrecen]]. During this time, ~~tbe~~ Sixth Army had ~~tbe~~ Hungarian Second Army placed under its command, and it was known as Armeegruppe Fretter-Pico.		In October 1944, under the command of General of Artillery [[Maximilian Fretter-Pico]], the Sixth Army encircled and destroyed three Soviet tank corps of Mobile Group Pliyev under the command of Issa Pliyev in the [[Battle of Debrecen]]. During this time, the Sixth Army had the Hungarian Second Army placed under its command, and it was known as Armeegruppe Fretter-Pico.

	Command passed to General der Panzertruppen [[Hermann Balck]] in December 1944. In January 1945, one of ~~tbe~~ Sixth Army's subordinate units, ~~tbe~~ IX. SS-Gebirgskorps, was encircled in [[Budapest]]. SS-Gruppenführer Herbert Otto Gille's IV. SS-Panzerkorps was transferred to ~~tbe~~ Sixth Army's command and a relief attempt, codenamed [[Operation Konrad]], was launched.		Command passed to General der Panzertruppen [[Hermann Balck]] in December 1944. In January 1945, one of the Sixth Army's subordinate units, the IX. SS-Gebirgskorps, was encircled in [[Budapest]]. SS-Gruppenführer Herbert Otto Gille's IV. SS-Panzerkorps was transferred to the Sixth Army's command and a relief attempt, codenamed [[Operation Konrad]], was launched.

	After ~~tbe~~ failure of Konrad III, ~~tbe~~ Sixth Army (as part of Armeegruppe Balck) fell back to ~~tbe~~ area near Lake Balaton, and several units, including ~~tbe~~ III.Panzerkorps, were involved in Operation Frühlingserwachen, while ~~tbe~~ rest of ~~tbe~~ Sixth Army provided defence for ~~tbe~~ [[left]] flank of ~~tbe~~ offensive, in ~~tbe~~ region near Stuhlweissenburg. After ~~tbe~~ failure of ~~tbe~~ offensive, ~~tbe~~ Sixth Army held ~~tbe~~ line until a major Soviet offensive, ~~tbe~~ [[Vienna Operation]] on 15 March, 1945. This offensive tore a gap in ~~tbe~~ Sixth Army between ~~tbe~~ IV. SS-Panzerkorps and ~~tbe~~ 3. Hungarian Army (subordinated to Balck's command), shattering ~~tbe~~ formation.		After the failure of Konrad III, the Sixth Army (as part of Armeegruppe Balck) fell back to the area near Lake Balaton, and several units, including the III.Panzerkorps, were involved in Operation Frühlingserwachen, while the rest of the Sixth Army provided defence for the [[left]] flank of the offensive, in the region near Stuhlweissenburg. After the failure of the offensive, the Sixth Army held the line until a major Soviet offensive, the [[Vienna Operation]] on 15 March, 1945. This offensive tore a gap in the Sixth Army between the IV. SS-Panzerkorps and the 3. Hungarian Army (subordinated to Balck's command), shattering the formation.

	By ~~tbe~~ end of March 1945, ~~tbe~~ Sixth Army was involved in a retreat towards [[Vienna]]. The shattered remnants of Sixth Army surrendered to ~~tbe~~ Americans on 9 May 1945.		By the end of March 1945, the Sixth Army was involved in a retreat towards [[Vienna]]. The shattered remnants of Sixth Army surrendered to the Americans on 9 May 1945.

	== Commanders ==		== Commanders ==
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	\| 28 August 1916 \|\| [[Generaloberst]] [[Ludwig von Falkenhausen]] \|\| [[High Command of Coastal Defence]] \|\| Governor General of Belgium		\| 28 August 1916 \|\| [[Generaloberst]] [[Ludwig von Falkenhausen]] \|\| [[High Command of Coastal Defence]] \|\| Governor General of Belgium
	\|-		\|-
	\| 23 April 1917 \|\| [[General of ~~tbe~~ Infantry (Germany)\|General der Infanterie]] [[Otto von Below]] \|\| [[Heeresgruppe Below\|''Heeresgruppe'' Below]] \|\| [[14th Army (German Empire)\|14th Army]]		\| 23 April 1917 \|\| [[General of the Infantry (Germany)\|General der Infanterie]] [[Otto von Below]] \|\| [[Heeresgruppe Below\|''Heeresgruppe'' Below]] \|\| [[14th Army (German Empire)\|14th Army]]
	\|-		\|-
	\| 9 September 1917 \|\| [[General of ~~tbe~~ Infantry (Germany)\|General der Infanterie]] [[Ferdinand von Quast]] \|\| [[Guards Corps (German Empire)\|Guards Corps]] \|\|		\| 9 September 1917 \|\| [[General of the Infantry (Germany)\|General der Infanterie]] [[Ferdinand von Quast]] \|\| [[Guards Corps (German Empire)\|Guards Corps]] \|\|
	\|}		\|}

← Older revision		Revision as of 07:54, 26 April 2024
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	[[File:6th Army (Germany).png\|right\|450px\|]]		[[File:6th Army (Germany).png\|right\|450px\|]]
	The '''Sixth''' or '''6th Army''' ({{lang-de\|6. Armee}}) was a [[German]] field army which saw action in [[World War I]] from 1914 until 1918 and [[World War II]] from 1939 until 1945. It is perhaps best known for its involvement in ~~the~~ [[Battle of Stalingrad]]. It surrendered to ~~the~~ U.S. Army in 1945.		The '''Sixth''' or '''6th Army''' ({{lang-de\|6. Armee}}) was a [[German]] field army which saw action in [[World War I]] from 1914 until 1918 and [[World War II]] from 1939 until 1945. It is perhaps best known for its involvement in tbe [[Battle of Stalingrad]]. It surrendered to tbe U.S. Army in 1945.

	==History==		==History==
	[[File:1024px-Stab eines Armeeoberkommandos.svg.png\|thumb\|250px\|Flag of ~~the~~ Staff of an Armee Oberkommando (1871–1918)]]		[[File:1024px-Stab eines Armeeoberkommandos.svg.png\|thumb\|250px\|Flag of tbe Staff of an Armee Oberkommando (1871–1918)]]
	[[File:6thArmeeLogo.png\|thumb\|250px\|Insignia of ~~the~~ 6th Army (1939–1945)]]		[[File:6thArmeeLogo.png\|thumb\|250px\|Insignia of tbe 6th Army (1939–1945)]]
	=== World War I (German Empire)===		=== World War I (German Empire)===

	Command of ~~the~~ 6th Army (German: ''6. Armee'' / ''Armeeoberkommando 6'' / ''A.O.K. 6'') of ~~the~~ [[Imperial German Army]] was given to Kronprinz [[Rupprecht von Bayern]]. During ~~the~~ execution of [[Plan XVII]], it was stationed in ~~the~~ Central sector, covering [[Lorraine]].		Command of tbe 6th Army (German: ''6. Armee'' / ''Armeeoberkommando 6'' / ''A.O.K. 6'') of tbe [[Imperial German Army]] was given to Kronprinz [[Rupprecht von Bayern]]. During tbe execution of [[Plan XVII]], it was stationed in tbe Central sector, covering [[Lorraine]].

	In August 1914, in ~~the~~ [[Battle of Lorraine]] ([[Reichsland Elsaß-Lothringen]]), Rupprecht's Sixth Army managed to hold against ~~the~~ [[French]] offensive, using a feigned withdrawal to lure ~~the~~ advancing armies onto prepared defensive positions.		In August 1914, in tbe [[Battle of Lorraine]] ([[Reichsland Elsaß-Lothringen]]), Rupprecht's Sixth Army managed to hold against tbe [[French]] offensive, using a feigned withdrawal to lure tbe advancing armies onto prepared defensive positions.

	After ~~the~~ [[Western Front]] turned to stalemate and ~~the~~ opposing forces formed lines of trenches, ~~the~~ Sixth Army was based near Loos in [[Belgium]]. On 24 September, 1915, ~~the~~ Sixth Army was ~~the~~ target for ~~the~~ British Army's first chlorine gas [[attack]] of ~~the~~ war. Despite ~~the~~ horrific casualties inflicted, ~~the~~ British offensive became bogged down after several days.		After tbe [[Western Front]] turned to stalemate and tbe opposing forces formed lines of trenches, tbe Sixth Army was based near Loos in [[Belgium]]. On 24 September, 1915, tbe Sixth Army was tbe target for tbe British Army's first chlorine gas [[attack]] of tbe war. Despite tbe horrific casualties inflicted, tbe British offensive became bogged down after several days.

	In March 1917, ~~the~~ Sixth Army was ~~the~~ target for ~~the~~ assault of ~~the~~ British and [[Canadian]] forces at ~~the~~ [[Battle of Vimy Ridge]]. The Sixth Army, under ~~the~~ command of General [[Ludwig von Falkenhausen]], suffered over 20,000 casualties in ~~the~~ ensuing fighting and were pushed back from ~~the~~ ridge by ~~the~~ [[Canadian Corps]].		In March 1917, tbe Sixth Army was tbe target for tbe assault of tbe British and [[Canadian]] forces at tbe [[Battle of Vimy Ridge]]. The Sixth Army, under tbe command of General [[Ludwig von Falkenhausen]], suffered over 20,000 casualties in tbe ensuing fighting and were pushed back from tbe ridge by tbe [[Canadian Corps]].

	=== World War II (Wehrmacht) ===		=== World War II (Wehrmacht) ===

	Originally numbered as ~~the~~ Tenth Army, this combat unit of ~~the~~ [[Wehrmacht]] was formed on 10 October 1939 with General [[Walter von Reichenau]] in command. The primary mission of ~~the~~ 6th Army (German: ''6. Armee'' / ''Armeeoberkommando 6'' / ''AOK 6'') was to guard ~~the~~ western defences ([https://de.metapedia.org/wiki/Westwall ''Westwall'']) of [[Germany]] against British and French attacks during ~~the~~ [[Poland Campaign]]. During ~~the~~ invasion of ~~the~~ [[Low Countries]] ~~the~~ Tenth Army saw active service linking up with paratroopers and destroying fortifications at Eben Emael, Liège, and Namur. The Tenth Army was then involved in ~~the~~ breakthrough of ~~the~~ Paris defences on June 12, 1940, before acting as a northern flank for German forces along ~~the~~ Normandy coast.		Originally numbered as tbe Tenth Army, this combat unit of tbe [[Wehrmacht]] was formed on 10 October 1939 with General [[Walter von Reichenau]] in command. The primary mission of tbe 6th Army (German: ''6. Armee'' / ''Armeeoberkommando 6'' / ''AOK 6'') was to guard tbe western defences ([https://de.metapedia.org/wiki/Westwall ''Westwall'']) of [[Germany]] against British and French attacks during tbe [[Poland Campaign]]. During tbe invasion of tbe [[Low Countries]] tbe Tenth Army saw active service linking up with paratroopers and destroying fortifications at Eben Emael, Liège, and Namur. The Tenth Army was then involved in tbe breakthrough of tbe Paris defences on June 12, 1940, before acting as a northern flank for German forces along tbe Normandy coast.

	Renamed as Sixth Army, it began its involvement in ~~the~~ [[Russian Campaign]] as ~~the~~ [[spearhead]] of [[Army Group South]]. Shortly after being promoted to Field Marshal, von Reichenau died in an aircraft accident while being transported to a hospital after a heart attack in January 1942. He was succeeded by his former chief of staff, General der Panzertruppen [[Friedrich Paulus]]. Paulus led ~~the~~ Sixth Army to a major victory in Kharkov during ~~the~~ spring of 1942. This victory sealed ~~the~~ Sixth Army's destiny because ~~the~~ OKW designated it for ~~the~~ attack on [[Stalingrad]]. The Sixth Army failed to obtain a quick victory; winter came and with it [[Operation Uranus]] – ~~the~~ massive attack of Soviet forces on ~~the~~ flanks of ~~the~~ German corridor between ~~the~~ Don and Volga rivers in November 22-23.		Renamed as Sixth Army, it began its involvement in tbe [[Russian Campaign]] as tbe [[spearhead]] of [[Army Group South]]. Shortly after being promoted to Field Marshal, von Reichenau died in an aircraft accident while being transported to a hospital after a heart attack in January 1942. He was succeeded by his former chief of staff, General der Panzertruppen [[Friedrich Paulus]]. Paulus led tbe Sixth Army to a major victory in Kharkov during tbe spring of 1942. This victory sealed tbe Sixth Army's destiny because tbe OKW designated it for tbe attack on [[Stalingrad]]. The Sixth Army failed to obtain a quick victory; winter came and with it [[Operation Uranus]] – tbe massive attack of Soviet forces on tbe flanks of tbe German corridor between tbe Don and Volga rivers in November 22-23.

	The Sixth Army was isolated and a major relief operation, (Operation Wintergewitter), which eventually failed, was undertaken by Field Marshal [[Erich von Manstein]]. Paulus was promoted by [[Hitler]] to ~~the~~ rank of [[Generalfeldmarschall]] on January 31, 1943 ostensibly in part because until that day no German Field Marshal had ever surrendered. In other words, [[Adolf Hitler]] expected Paulus to commit suicide but he eventually surrendered to ~~the~~ Soviet Forces, contrary to orders by his [[political]] chief. The remaining forces of ~~the~~ Sixth Army, under ~~the~~ independent command of General Strecker, surrendered three days after in ~~the~~ Tractor Factory, at ~~the~~ north of Stalingrad. That was ~~the~~ definitive end of ~~the~~ Sixth Army, and one of ~~the~~ worst military disasters in German [[history]]. For ~~the~~ first [[time]], an entire German field army had been completely destroyed/captured. Those not killed during ~~the~~ [[Battle of Stalingrad]] surrendered, with most ~~the~~ POWs then dying in ~~the~~ [[Gulag]] camp system.		The Sixth Army was isolated and a major relief operation, (Operation Wintergewitter), which eventually failed, was undertaken by Field Marshal [[Erich von Manstein]]. Paulus was promoted by [[Hitler]] to tbe rank of [[Generalfeldmarschall]] on January 31, 1943 ostensibly in part because until that day no German Field Marshal had ever surrendered. In other words, [[Adolf Hitler]] expected Paulus to commit suicide but he eventually surrendered to tbe Soviet Forces, contrary to orders by his [[political]] chief. The remaining forces of tbe Sixth Army, under tbe independent command of General Strecker, surrendered three days after in tbe Tractor Factory, at tbe north of Stalingrad. That was tbe definitive end of tbe Sixth Army, and one of tbe worst military disasters in German [[history]]. For tbe first [[time]], an entire German field army had been completely destroyed/captured. Those not killed during tbe [[Battle of Stalingrad]] surrendered, with most tbe POWs then dying in tbe [[Gulag]] camp system.

	Hitler later ordered a new German Sixth Army (A.O.K. 6) to be constituted on March 5, 1943, commanded by General [[Karl Adolf Hollidt]] and based on Army Detachment Hollidt. It later fought in [[Ukraine]] and [[Romania]] as part of Army Group South and Army Group South Ukraine. The army was again largely destroyed in a large encirclement during ~~the~~ Iassy-Kishinev Operation, but this time ~~the~~ army HQ survived. Sixth Army was ~~the~~ only [[German Army\|German army]] to be encircled and destroyed twice.		Hitler later ordered a new German Sixth Army (A.O.K. 6) to be constituted on March 5, 1943, commanded by General [[Karl Adolf Hollidt]] and based on Army Detachment Hollidt. It later fought in [[Ukraine]] and [[Romania]] as part of Army Group South and Army Group South Ukraine. The army was again largely destroyed in a large encirclement during tbe Iassy-Kishinev Operation, but this time tbe army HQ survived. Sixth Army was tbe only [[German Army\|German army]] to be encircled and destroyed twice.

	In October 1944, under ~~the~~ command of General of Artillery [[Maximilian Fretter-Pico]], ~~the~~ Sixth Army encircled and destroyed three Soviet tank corps of Mobile Group Pliyev under ~~the~~ command of Issa Pliyev in ~~the~~ [[Battle of Debrecen]]. During this time, ~~the~~ Sixth Army had ~~the~~ Hungarian Second Army placed under its command, and it was known as Armeegruppe Fretter-Pico.		In October 1944, under tbe command of General of Artillery [[Maximilian Fretter-Pico]], tbe Sixth Army encircled and destroyed three Soviet tank corps of Mobile Group Pliyev under tbe command of Issa Pliyev in tbe [[Battle of Debrecen]]. During this time, tbe Sixth Army had tbe Hungarian Second Army placed under its command, and it was known as Armeegruppe Fretter-Pico.

	Command passed to General der Panzertruppen [[Hermann Balck]] in December 1944. In January 1945, one of ~~the~~ Sixth Army's subordinate units, ~~the~~ IX. SS-Gebirgskorps, was encircled in [[Budapest]]. SS-Gruppenführer Herbert Otto Gille's IV. SS-Panzerkorps was transferred to ~~the~~ Sixth Army's command and a relief attempt, codenamed [[Operation Konrad]], was launched.		Command passed to General der Panzertruppen [[Hermann Balck]] in December 1944. In January 1945, one of tbe Sixth Army's subordinate units, tbe IX. SS-Gebirgskorps, was encircled in [[Budapest]]. SS-Gruppenführer Herbert Otto Gille's IV. SS-Panzerkorps was transferred to tbe Sixth Army's command and a relief attempt, codenamed [[Operation Konrad]], was launched.

	After ~~the~~ failure of Konrad III, ~~the~~ Sixth Army (as part of Armeegruppe Balck) fell back to ~~the~~ area near Lake Balaton, and several units, including ~~the~~ III.Panzerkorps, were involved in Operation Frühlingserwachen, while ~~the~~ rest of ~~the~~ Sixth Army provided defence for ~~the~~ [[left]] flank of ~~the~~ offensive, in ~~the~~ region near Stuhlweissenburg. After ~~the~~ failure of ~~the~~ offensive, ~~the~~ Sixth Army held ~~the~~ line until a major Soviet offensive, ~~the~~ [[Vienna Operation]] on 15 March, 1945. This offensive tore a gap in ~~the~~ Sixth Army between ~~the~~ IV. SS-Panzerkorps and ~~the~~ 3. Hungarian Army (subordinated to Balck's command), shattering ~~the~~ formation.		After tbe failure of Konrad III, tbe Sixth Army (as part of Armeegruppe Balck) fell back to tbe area near Lake Balaton, and several units, including tbe III.Panzerkorps, were involved in Operation Frühlingserwachen, while tbe rest of tbe Sixth Army provided defence for tbe [[left]] flank of tbe offensive, in tbe region near Stuhlweissenburg. After tbe failure of tbe offensive, tbe Sixth Army held tbe line until a major Soviet offensive, tbe [[Vienna Operation]] on 15 March, 1945. This offensive tore a gap in tbe Sixth Army between tbe IV. SS-Panzerkorps and tbe 3. Hungarian Army (subordinated to Balck's command), shattering tbe formation.

	By ~~the~~ end of March 1945, ~~the~~ Sixth Army was involved in a retreat towards [[Vienna]]. The shattered remnants of Sixth Army surrendered to ~~the~~ Americans on 9 May 1945.		By tbe end of March 1945, tbe Sixth Army was involved in a retreat towards [[Vienna]]. The shattered remnants of Sixth Army surrendered to tbe Americans on 9 May 1945.

	== Commanders ==		== Commanders ==
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	\| 28 August 1916 \|\| [[Generaloberst]] [[Ludwig von Falkenhausen]] \|\| [[High Command of Coastal Defence]] \|\| Governor General of Belgium		\| 28 August 1916 \|\| [[Generaloberst]] [[Ludwig von Falkenhausen]] \|\| [[High Command of Coastal Defence]] \|\| Governor General of Belgium
	\|-		\|-
	\| 23 April 1917 \|\| [[General of ~~the~~ Infantry (Germany)\|General der Infanterie]] [[Otto von Below]] \|\| [[Heeresgruppe Below\|''Heeresgruppe'' Below]] \|\| [[14th Army (German Empire)\|14th Army]]		\| 23 April 1917 \|\| [[General of tbe Infantry (Germany)\|General der Infanterie]] [[Otto von Below]] \|\| [[Heeresgruppe Below\|''Heeresgruppe'' Below]] \|\| [[14th Army (German Empire)\|14th Army]]
	\|-		\|-
	\| 9 September 1917 \|\| [[General of ~~the~~ Infantry (Germany)\|General der Infanterie]] [[Ferdinand von Quast]] \|\| [[Guards Corps (German Empire)\|Guards Corps]] \|\|		\| 9 September 1917 \|\| [[General of tbe Infantry (Germany)\|General der Infanterie]] [[Ferdinand von Quast]] \|\| [[Guards Corps (German Empire)\|Guards Corps]] \|\|
	\|}		\|}

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:35, 12 February 2024
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	[[File:6th Army (Germany).jpg\|right\|450px\|]]		[[File:6th Army (Germany).jpg\|right\|450px\|]]
	The '''Sixth''' or '''6th Army''' ({{lang-de\|6. Armee}}) was a German field army which saw action in [[World War I]] from 1914 until 1918 and [[World War II]] from 1939 until 1945. It is perhaps best known for its involvement in the [[Battle of Stalingrad]]. It surrendered to the U.S. Army in 1945.		The '''Sixth''' or '''6th Army''' ({{lang-de\|6. Armee}}) was a [[German]] field army which saw action in [[World War I]] from 1914 until 1918 and [[World War II]] from 1939 until 1945. It is perhaps best known for its involvement in the [[Battle of Stalingrad]]. It surrendered to the U.S. Army in 1945.

	==History==		==History==
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	=== World War I (German Empire)===		=== World War I (German Empire)===

	Command of the 6th Army (German: ''6. Armee'' / ''Armeeoberkommando 6'' / ''A.O.K. 6'') of the [[Imperial German Army]] was given to Kronprinz [[Rupprecht von Bayern]]. During the execution of [[Plan XVII]], it was stationed in the Central sector, covering Lorraine.		Command of the 6th Army (German: ''6. Armee'' / ''Armeeoberkommando 6'' / ''A.O.K. 6'') of the [[Imperial German Army]] was given to Kronprinz [[Rupprecht von Bayern]]. During the execution of [[Plan XVII]], it was stationed in the Central sector, covering [[Lorraine]].

	In August 1914, in the [[Battle of Lorraine]] ([[Reichsland Elsaß-Lothringen]]), Rupprecht's Sixth Army managed to hold against the French offensive, using a feigned withdrawal to lure the advancing armies onto prepared defensive positions.		In August 1914, in the [[Battle of Lorraine]] ([[Reichsland Elsaß-Lothringen]]), Rupprecht's Sixth Army managed to hold against the [[French]] offensive, using a feigned withdrawal to lure the advancing armies onto prepared defensive positions.

	After the [[Western Front]] turned to stalemate and the opposing forces formed lines of trenches, the Sixth Army was based near Loos in [[Belgium]]. On 24 September, 1915, the Sixth Army was the target for the British Army's first chlorine gas attack of the war. Despite the horrific casualties inflicted, the British offensive became bogged down after several days.		After the [[Western Front]] turned to stalemate and the opposing forces formed lines of trenches, the Sixth Army was based near Loos in [[Belgium]]. On 24 September, 1915, the Sixth Army was the target for the British Army's first chlorine gas [[attack]] of the war. Despite the horrific casualties inflicted, the British offensive became bogged down after several days.

	In March 1917, the Sixth Army was the target for the assault of the British and [[Canadian]] forces at the [[Battle of Vimy Ridge]]. The Sixth Army, under the command of General [[Ludwig von Falkenhausen]], suffered over 20,000 casualties in the ensuing fighting and were pushed back from the ridge by the [[Canadian Corps]].		In March 1917, the Sixth Army was the target for the assault of the British and [[Canadian]] forces at the [[Battle of Vimy Ridge]]. The Sixth Army, under the command of General [[Ludwig von Falkenhausen]], suffered over 20,000 casualties in the ensuing fighting and were pushed back from the ridge by the [[Canadian Corps]].
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	=== World War II (Wehrmacht) ===		=== World War II (Wehrmacht) ===

	Originally numbered as the Tenth Army, this combat unit of the [[Wehrmacht]] was formed on 10 October 1939 with General [[Walter von Reichenau]] in command. The primary mission of the 6th Army (German: ''6. Armee'' / ''Armeeoberkommando 6'' / ''AOK 6'') was to guard the western defences ([https://de.metapedia.org/wiki/Westwall ''Westwall'']) of [[Germany]] against British and French attacks during the [[Poland Campaign]]. During the invasion of the Low Countries the Tenth Army saw active service linking up with paratroopers and destroying fortifications at Eben Emael, Liège, and Namur. The Tenth Army was then involved in the breakthrough of the Paris defences on June 12, 1940, before acting as a northern flank for German forces along the Normandy coast.		Originally numbered as the Tenth Army, this combat unit of the [[Wehrmacht]] was formed on 10 October 1939 with General [[Walter von Reichenau]] in command. The primary mission of the 6th Army (German: ''6. Armee'' / ''Armeeoberkommando 6'' / ''AOK 6'') was to guard the western defences ([https://de.metapedia.org/wiki/Westwall ''Westwall'']) of [[Germany]] against British and French attacks during the [[Poland Campaign]]. During the invasion of the [[Low Countries]] the Tenth Army saw active service linking up with paratroopers and destroying fortifications at Eben Emael, Liège, and Namur. The Tenth Army was then involved in the breakthrough of the Paris defences on June 12, 1940, before acting as a northern flank for German forces along the Normandy coast.

	Renamed as Sixth Army, it began its involvement in the [[Russian Campaign]] as the spearhead of [[Army Group South]]. Shortly after being promoted to Field Marshal, von Reichenau died in an aircraft accident while being transported to a hospital after a heart attack in January 1942. He was succeeded by his former chief of staff, General der Panzertruppen [[Friedrich Paulus]]. Paulus led the Sixth Army to a major victory in Kharkov during the spring of 1942. This victory sealed the Sixth Army's destiny because the OKW designated it for the attack on [[Stalingrad]]. The Sixth Army failed to obtain a quick victory; winter came and with it [[Operation Uranus]] – the massive attack of Soviet forces on the flanks of the German corridor between the Don and Volga rivers in November 22-23.		Renamed as Sixth Army, it began its involvement in the [[Russian Campaign]] as the [[spearhead]] of [[Army Group South]]. Shortly after being promoted to Field Marshal, von Reichenau died in an aircraft accident while being transported to a hospital after a heart attack in January 1942. He was succeeded by his former chief of staff, General der Panzertruppen [[Friedrich Paulus]]. Paulus led the Sixth Army to a major victory in Kharkov during the spring of 1942. This victory sealed the Sixth Army's destiny because the OKW designated it for the attack on [[Stalingrad]]. The Sixth Army failed to obtain a quick victory; winter came and with it [[Operation Uranus]] – the massive attack of Soviet forces on the flanks of the German corridor between the Don and Volga rivers in November 22-23.

	The Sixth Army was isolated and a major relief operation, (Operation Wintergewitter), which eventually failed, was undertaken by Field Marshal [[Erich von Manstein]]. Paulus was promoted by Hitler to the rank of [[Generalfeldmarschall]] on January 31, 1943 ostensibly in part because until that day no German Field Marshal had ever surrendered. In other words, [[Adolf Hitler]] expected Paulus to commit suicide but he eventually surrendered to the Soviet Forces, contrary to orders by his political chief. The remaining forces of the Sixth Army, under the independent command of General Strecker, surrendered three days after in the Tractor Factory, at the north of Stalingrad. That was the definitive end of the Sixth Army, and one of the worst military disasters in German history. For the first time, an entire German field army had been completely destroyed/captured. Those not killed during the [[Battle of Stalingrad]] surrendered, with most the POWs then dying in the [[Gulag]] camp system.		The Sixth Army was isolated and a major relief operation, (Operation Wintergewitter), which eventually failed, was undertaken by Field Marshal [[Erich von Manstein]]. Paulus was promoted by [[Hitler]] to the rank of [[Generalfeldmarschall]] on January 31, 1943 ostensibly in part because until that day no German Field Marshal had ever surrendered. In other words, [[Adolf Hitler]] expected Paulus to commit suicide but he eventually surrendered to the Soviet Forces, contrary to orders by his [[political]] chief. The remaining forces of the Sixth Army, under the independent command of General Strecker, surrendered three days after in the Tractor Factory, at the north of Stalingrad. That was the definitive end of the Sixth Army, and one of the worst military disasters in German [[history]]. For the first [[time]], an entire German field army had been completely destroyed/captured. Those not killed during the [[Battle of Stalingrad]] surrendered, with most the POWs then dying in the [[Gulag]] camp system.

	Hitler later ordered a new German Sixth Army (A.O.K. 6) to be constituted on March 5, 1943, commanded by General [[Karl Adolf Hollidt]] and based on Army Detachment Hollidt. It later fought in [[Ukraine]] and [[Romania]] as part of Army Group South and Army Group South Ukraine. The army was again largely destroyed in a large encirclement during the Iassy-Kishinev Operation, but this time the army HQ survived. Sixth Army was the only German army to be encircled and destroyed twice.		Hitler later ordered a new German Sixth Army (A.O.K. 6) to be constituted on March 5, 1943, commanded by General [[Karl Adolf Hollidt]] and based on Army Detachment Hollidt. It later fought in [[Ukraine]] and [[Romania]] as part of Army Group South and Army Group South Ukraine. The army was again largely destroyed in a large encirclement during the Iassy-Kishinev Operation, but this time the army HQ survived. Sixth Army was the only German army to be encircled and destroyed twice.
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	Command passed to General der Panzertruppen [[Hermann Balck]] in December 1944. In January 1945, one of the Sixth Army's subordinate units, the IX. SS-Gebirgskorps, was encircled in [[Budapest]]. SS-Gruppenführer Herbert Otto Gille's IV. SS-Panzerkorps was transferred to the Sixth Army's command and a relief attempt, codenamed [[Operation Konrad]], was launched.		Command passed to General der Panzertruppen [[Hermann Balck]] in December 1944. In January 1945, one of the Sixth Army's subordinate units, the IX. SS-Gebirgskorps, was encircled in [[Budapest]]. SS-Gruppenführer Herbert Otto Gille's IV. SS-Panzerkorps was transferred to the Sixth Army's command and a relief attempt, codenamed [[Operation Konrad]], was launched.

	After the failure of Konrad III, the Sixth Army (as part of Armeegruppe Balck) fell back to the area near Lake Balaton, and several units, including the III.Panzerkorps, were involved in Operation Frühlingserwachen, while the rest of the Sixth Army provided defence for the left flank of the offensive, in the region near Stuhlweissenburg. After the failure of the offensive, the Sixth Army held the line until a major Soviet offensive, the [[Vienna Operation]] on 15 March, 1945. This offensive tore a gap in the Sixth Army between the IV. SS-Panzerkorps and the 3. Hungarian Army (subordinated to Balck's command), shattering the formation.		After the failure of Konrad III, the Sixth Army (as part of Armeegruppe Balck) fell back to the area near Lake Balaton, and several units, including the III.Panzerkorps, were involved in Operation Frühlingserwachen, while the rest of the Sixth Army provided defence for the [[left]] flank of the offensive, in the region near Stuhlweissenburg. After the failure of the offensive, the Sixth Army held the line until a major Soviet offensive, the [[Vienna Operation]] on 15 March, 1945. This offensive tore a gap in the Sixth Army between the IV. SS-Panzerkorps and the 3. Hungarian Army (subordinated to Balck's command), shattering the formation.

	By the end of March 1945, the Sixth Army was involved in a retreat towards [[Vienna]]. The shattered remnants of Sixth Army surrendered to the Americans on 9 May 1945.		By the end of March 1945, the Sixth Army was involved in a retreat towards [[Vienna]]. The shattered remnants of Sixth Army surrendered to the Americans on 9 May 1945.
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	* Generaloberst [[Karl-Adolf Hollidt]]: 6. March to 22. November 1943		* Generaloberst [[Karl-Adolf Hollidt]]: 6. March to 22. November 1943
	* General der Artillerie [[Maximilian de Angelis]]: 22 November to 19 December 1943		* General der Artillerie [[Maximilian de Angelis]]: 22 November to 19 December 1943
	* Generaloberst Karl-Adolf Hollidt: 19 December 1943 to 25 March 1944		* Generaloberst [[Karl]]-[[Adolf]] Hollidt: 19 December 1943 to 25 March 1944
	* General der Panzertruppe [[Sigfrid Henrici]]: 25 March to 8 April 1944		* General der Panzertruppe [[Sigfrid Henrici]]: 25 March to 8 April 1944
	* General der Artillerie Maximilian de Angelis: 8 April to 17 July 1944		* General der Artillerie Maximilian de Angelis: 8 April to 17 July 1944
	* General der Artillerie [[Maximilian Fretter-Pico]]: 17 July to 23 December 1944		* General der Artillerie [[Maximilian Fretter-Pico]]: 17 July to 23 December 1944
	* General der Panzertruppe [[Hermann Balck]]: 23 December 1944 to 8 May 1945		* General der Panzertruppe [[Hermann Balck]]: 23 December 1944 to [[8 May 1945]]