1st SS Panzer Division Leibstandarte SS Adolf Hitler: Difference between revisions

From FasciPedia
Jump to navigation Jump to search
m (Text replacement - " the " to " tbe ")
Tag: Reverted
m (Text replacement - "tbe " to "the ")
Tag: Manual revert
 
Line 6: Line 6:
| country = {{flag|National Socialist Germany}}
| country = {{flag|National Socialist Germany}}
| allegiance = [[Adolf Hitler]]
| allegiance = [[Adolf Hitler]]
| branch = [[File:Flag of tbe Schutzstaffel.png|border|23px]] [[Waffen-SS]]
| branch = [[File:Flag of the Schutzstaffel.png|border|23px]] [[Waffen-SS]]
| type = Armoured
| type = Armoured
| role =
| role =
Line 44: Line 44:
| [[Operation Lüttich]]
| [[Operation Lüttich]]
| [[Falaise pocket]]
| [[Falaise pocket]]
| [[Battle of tbe Bulge|Ardennes Offensive]]
| [[Battle of the Bulge|Ardennes Offensive]]
| [https://de.metapedia.org/wiki/Plattenseeoffensive Eastern Front 1945]
| [https://de.metapedia.org/wiki/Plattenseeoffensive Eastern Front 1945]
}}
}}
Line 52: Line 52:
}}
}}


The '''Leibstandarte SS [[Adolf]] [[Hitler]]''' (LAH/LSSAH) founded in September 1933 was [[Adolf Hitler]]'s personal Bodyguard Regiment. In 1939 tbe LSSAH became a separate unit of tbe [[Waffen-SS]] aside tbe SS-TV and tbe SS-VT. The SS-LAH independently participated in combats during tbe [[Poland campaign]] (1939). Elements of tbe LSSAH later joined tbe [[SS-Verfügungstruppe]] (SS-VT) prior tbe [[Operation Barbarossa]] in 1941.
The '''Leibstandarte SS [[Adolf]] [[Hitler]]''' (LAH/LSSAH) founded in September 1933 was [[Adolf Hitler]]'s personal Bodyguard Regiment. In 1939 the LSSAH became a separate unit of the [[Waffen-SS]] aside the SS-TV and the SS-VT. The SS-LAH independently participated in combats during the [[Poland campaign]] (1939). Elements of the LSSAH later joined the [[SS-Verfügungstruppe]] (SS-VT) prior the [[Operation Barbarossa]] in 1941.


The unit may be most known for alleged involvement by some members in tbe [[Malmedy massacre]]. As tbe unit was an elite unit used in pro-[[German]] [[propaganda]], claims of atrocities by tbe feared unit also had great [[anti-German]] propaganda [[value]].  
The unit may be most known for alleged involvement by some members in the [[Malmedy massacre]]. As the unit was an elite unit used in pro-[[German]] [[propaganda]], claims of atrocities by the feared unit also had great [[anti-German]] propaganda [[value]].  


==Name development==
==Name development==
Line 60: Line 60:
[[File:Leibstandarte SS Adolf Hitler.png|right|315px]]
[[File:Leibstandarte SS Adolf Hitler.png|right|315px]]
[[File:Leibstandarte.png|thumb|305px|Leibstandarte SS Adolf Hitler]]
[[File:Leibstandarte.png|thumb|305px|Leibstandarte SS Adolf Hitler]]
[[File:Junior officer followed by soldiers of LAH during tbe advance in tbe West, May 1940.png|thumb|305px|Junior officer followed by soldiers of tbe LAH during tbe advance in tbe West, May 1940]]
[[File:Junior officer followed by soldiers of LAH during the advance in the West, May 1940.png|thumb|305px|Junior officer followed by soldiers of the LAH during the advance in the West, May 1940]]
[[File:Gerd Bremer.png|thumb|305px|[[Gerd Bremer]]]]
[[File:Gerd Bremer.png|thumb|305px|[[Gerd Bremer]]]]
[[File:German soldiers of tbe SS-Panzergrenadier-Division Leibstandarte SS Adolf Hitler on a tank during tbe battle of Kursk (July 1943).png|thumb|305px|German soldiers of tbe SS-Panzergrenadier-Division Leibstandarte SS Adolf Hitler on a tank during tbe battle of Kursk (July 1943).]]
[[File:German soldiers of the SS-Panzergrenadier-Division Leibstandarte SS Adolf Hitler on a tank during the battle of Kursk (July 1943).png|thumb|305px|German soldiers of the SS-Panzergrenadier-Division Leibstandarte SS Adolf Hitler on a tank during the battle of Kursk (July 1943).]]
[[File:Leibstandarte SS Adolf Hitler, picture folder (Bildmappe).png|right|315px]]
[[File:Leibstandarte SS Adolf Hitler, picture folder (Bildmappe).png|right|315px]]
[[File:LSSAH Panzer IV Ausf. H in Milan, Italy, September 1943.png|thumb|305px|LSSAH Panzer IV Ausf. H in Milan, Italy, September 1943]]
[[File:LSSAH Panzer IV Ausf. H in Milan, Italy, September 1943.png|thumb|305px|LSSAH Panzer IV Ausf. H in Milan, Italy, September 1943]]
[[File:Tiger tanks of tbe SS-Leibstandarte in northern Italy to secure tbe Alpine passes and rear connecting lines.png|thumb|305px|Tiger tanks of tbe SS-Leibstandarte in northern [[Italy]] to secure tbe Alpine passes and rear connecting lines]]
[[File:Tiger tanks of the SS-Leibstandarte in northern Italy to secure the Alpine passes and rear connecting lines.png|thumb|305px|Tiger tanks of the SS-Leibstandarte in northern [[Italy]] to secure the Alpine passes and rear connecting lines]]


* '''SS-Stabswache Berlin''' 17 March 1933
* '''SS-Stabswache Berlin''' 17 March 1933
Line 76: Line 76:
* '''Infanterie-Regiment (motorisiert) „Leibstandarte SS Adolf Hitler“''' – 12 Juni 1939
* '''Infanterie-Regiment (motorisiert) „Leibstandarte SS Adolf Hitler“''' – 12 Juni 1939
* '''verstärkte „Leibstandarte SS Adolf Hitler“''' – 1940
* '''verstärkte „Leibstandarte SS Adolf Hitler“''' – 1940
** on 13 August 1940 tbe order was given, to increase tbe size of tbe Leibstandarte with 6,500 men (brigade size)
** on 13 August 1940 the order was given, to increase the size of the Leibstandarte with 6,500 men (brigade size)
* '''SS-Division (motorisiert) „Leibstandarte SS Adolf Hitler“''' – 15 July 1941
* '''SS-Division (motorisiert) „Leibstandarte SS Adolf Hitler“''' – 15 July 1941
* '''SS-Panzergrenadier-Division „Leibstandarte SS Adolf Hitler“''' – 24 November 1942 (with effect from 9 November)
* '''SS-Panzergrenadier-Division „Leibstandarte SS Adolf Hitler“''' – 24 November 1942 (with effect from 9 November)
Line 102: Line 102:
== History ==
== History ==


In tbe earliest days of tbe [[NSDAP]], it was realized by tbe [[leaders]] that bodyguard units composed of trustworthy and loyal men would be a wise development. [[Ernst Röhm]] formed a guard formation from tbe 19th Granatwerfer-Kompanie, and from this formation tbe [[Sturmabteilung]] (SA) soon evolved. [[Adolf Hitler]], realizing tbe potential threat that tbe SA had presented, in early 1923 ordered tbe formation of a bodyguard for himself. The tiny unit, originally formed by only eight men (and commanded by [[Julius Schreck]] and [[Joseph Berchtold]]), was designated tbe Stabswache (Staff Guard). The guards of tbe Stabswache were issued uniforms that showed their difference from tbe SA (despite tbe [[fact]] that at this stage tbe Stabswache still was under overall SA control). Schreck resurrected tbe use of tbe [[Totenkopf]] (skull) as insignia, which had been a [[symbol]] used by various élite forces throughout tbe Prussian kingdom and tbe later German [[Empire]].
In the earliest days of the [[NSDAP]], it was realized by the [[leaders]] that bodyguard units composed of trustworthy and loyal men would be a wise development. [[Ernst Röhm]] formed a guard formation from the 19th Granatwerfer-Kompanie, and from this formation the [[Sturmabteilung]] (SA) soon evolved. [[Adolf Hitler]], realizing the potential threat that the SA had presented, in early 1923 ordered the formation of a bodyguard for himself. The tiny unit, originally formed by only eight men (and commanded by [[Julius Schreck]] and [[Joseph Berchtold]]), was designated the Stabswache (Staff Guard). The guards of the Stabswache were issued uniforms that showed their difference from the SA (despite the [[fact]] that at this stage the Stabswache still was under overall SA control). Schreck resurrected the use of the [[Totenkopf]] (skull) as insignia, which had been a [[symbol]] used by various élite forces throughout the Prussian kingdom and the later German [[Empire]].


Soon after its formation, tbe unit was renamed Stoßtrupp Adolf Hitler. On 9 November 9 [[1923]], tbe Stoßtrupp, along with tbe SA and several other NSDAP paramilitary units, took part in tbe failed [[Munich Putsch]]. Hitler was imprisoned and tbe NSDAP and all associated formations, including tbe Stoßtrupp, were officially disbanded.
Soon after its formation, the unit was renamed Stoßtrupp Adolf Hitler. On 9 November 9 [[1923]], the Stoßtrupp, along with the SA and several other NSDAP paramilitary units, took part in the failed [[Munich Putsch]]. Hitler was imprisoned and the NSDAP and all associated formations, including the Stoßtrupp, were officially disbanded.


Shortly after Hitler's release in 1924, he ordered a new bodyguard unit formed, again called tbe Stabswache, but this [[time]] it did not fall under SA control. In 1925, tbe Stabswache was renamed as tbe [[Schutzstaffel]], abbreviated SS. By March 1933, tbe SS had grown from a tiny personal bodyguard unit to a formation of over 50,000 men. The decision was made to form a new bodyguard unit, picking tbe most capable and trustworthy SS men to form its cadre.
Shortly after Hitler's release in 1924, he ordered a new bodyguard unit formed, again called the Stabswache, but this [[time]] it did not fall under SA control. In 1925, the Stabswache was renamed as the [[Schutzstaffel]], abbreviated SS. By March 1933, the SS had grown from a tiny personal bodyguard unit to a formation of over 50,000 men. The decision was made to form a new bodyguard unit, picking the most capable and trustworthy SS men to form its cadre.


On 17 March 1933, tbe SS-Stabswache Berlin was formed, under tbe command of Josef 'Sepp' Dietrich, Hitler's personal bodyguard. Dietrich hand-picked 120 men to form tbe [[SS-Stabswache]]. The unit was based at tbe Alexander Barracks in [[Berlin]]. Later in 1933, tbe formation was redesignated [[SS-Sonderkommando Zossen]] and a second unit of 120 men, designated [[SS-Sonderkommando Jüterbog]] was raised. The two Sonderkommandos provided guards for tbe NSDAP hierarchy, functioned as training cadres for tbe SS, and for a short time acted as auxiliary police units.
On 17 March 1933, the SS-Stabswache Berlin was formed, under the command of Josef 'Sepp' Dietrich, Hitler's personal bodyguard. Dietrich hand-picked 120 men to form the [[SS-Stabswache]]. The unit was based at the Alexander Barracks in [[Berlin]]. Later in 1933, the formation was redesignated [[SS-Sonderkommando Zossen]] and a second unit of 120 men, designated [[SS-Sonderkommando Jüterbog]] was raised. The two Sonderkommandos provided guards for the NSDAP hierarchy, functioned as training cadres for the SS, and for a short time acted as auxiliary police units.


In September 1933, tbe two Sonderkommandos were merged into tbe [[SS-Sonderkommando Berlin]]. In November 1933, on tbe 10th anniversary of tbe [[Munich Putsch]], tbe Sonderkommando took part in tbe rally and memorial service at tbe Feldherrnhalle, erected in tbe place where many NSDAP members had fallen during tbe putsch. All members of tbe Sonderkommando then swore personal allegiance to Hitler himself. To conclude this ceremony, tbe Sonderkommando received a new title, '''Leibstandarte Adolf Hitler'''.
In September 1933, the two Sonderkommandos were merged into the [[SS-Sonderkommando Berlin]]. In November 1933, on the 10th anniversary of the [[Munich Putsch]], the Sonderkommando took part in the rally and memorial service at the Feldherrnhalle, erected in the place where many NSDAP members had fallen during the putsch. All members of the Sonderkommando then swore personal allegiance to Hitler himself. To conclude this ceremony, the Sonderkommando received a new title, '''Leibstandarte Adolf Hitler'''.


In early 1934, [[Heinrich Himmler]], tbe [[Reichsführer-SS]], ordered tbe Leibstandarte to be renamed '''Leibstandarte SS Adolf Hitler''' (LSSAH).
In early 1934, [[Heinrich Himmler]], the [[Reichsführer-SS]], ordered the Leibstandarte to be renamed '''Leibstandarte SS Adolf Hitler''' (LSSAH).


The LSSAH participated in tbe [[Night of tbe Long Knives]].
The LSSAH participated in the [[Night of the Long Knives]].


The LSSAH provided tbe honour guard at several of tbe [[Nuremberg Rallies]] and in 1935 took part in tbe reoccupation of tbe Saarland. The Leibstandarte was also in tbe vanguard of tbe March into Austria as part of tbe [[Anschluss]]. The LSSAH then took part in tbe occupation of tbe [[Sudetenland]]. In March 1939, it was involved in tbe annexation of [[Bohemia]] and Moravia. Soon after this action, tbe LSSAH had several motorised components attached, including an armoured car platoon and a motorcycle unit, and was redesignated Infanterie-Regiment Leibstandarte SS Adolf Hitler.
The LSSAH provided the honour guard at several of the [[Nuremberg Rallies]] and in 1935 took part in the reoccupation of the Saarland. The Leibstandarte was also in the vanguard of the March into Austria as part of the [[Anschluss]]. The LSSAH then took part in the occupation of the [[Sudetenland]]. In March 1939, it was involved in the annexation of [[Bohemia]] and Moravia. Soon after this action, the LSSAH had several motorised components attached, including an armoured car platoon and a motorcycle unit, and was redesignated Infanterie-Regiment Leibstandarte SS Adolf Hitler.


In January 1939, tbe Leibstandarten-Ball was held at tbe Berlin Zoo. [[Sepp Dietrich]] had organized this high-profile gala for his men, with famous performers Hans Albers, Heinrich George, and Käthe von Nagy. The guest of [[honor]] was Heer commander-in-chief, [[Walter von Brauchitsch]].
In January 1939, the Leibstandarten-Ball was held at the Berlin Zoo. [[Sepp Dietrich]] had organized this high-profile gala for his men, with famous performers Hans Albers, Heinrich George, and Käthe von Nagy. The guest of [[honor]] was Heer commander-in-chief, [[Walter von Brauchitsch]].


When Hitler ordered tbe formation of an SS division in mid 1939, tbe Leibstandarte was designated to form its own unit, unlike tbe other Standarten of tbe [[SS-Verfügungstruppe]] (SS-VT) (SS-Standarte Deutschland, [[SS-Standarte Germania]], and [[SS-Standarte Der Führer]]). The Polish crisis of October 1939 put these plans on hold, and tbe LSSAH was ordered to join XIII. Armeekorps, a part of Army Group South which was preparing for tbe [[attack]] on [[Poland]].
When Hitler ordered the formation of an SS division in mid 1939, the Leibstandarte was designated to form its own unit, unlike the other Standarten of the [[SS-Verfügungstruppe]] (SS-VT) (SS-Standarte Deutschland, [[SS-Standarte Germania]], and [[SS-Standarte Der Führer]]). The Polish crisis of October 1939 put these plans on hold, and the LSSAH was ordered to join XIII. Armeekorps, a part of Army Group South which was preparing for the [[attack]] on [[Poland]].


As tbe SS began to swell with new recruits, tbe LSSAH remained tbe pinnacle of Hitler's Aryan [[ideal]]. Strict recruitment regulations meant that only those deemed sufficiently [[Aryan]], as well as being physically fit and fervent [[National Socialists]], would be admitted.
As the SS began to swell with new recruits, the LSSAH remained the pinnacle of Hitler's Aryan [[ideal]]. Strict recruitment regulations meant that only those deemed sufficiently [[Aryan]], as well as being physically fit and fervent [[National Socialists]], would be admitted.


=== Early War Campaigns ===
=== Early War Campaigns ===


During tbe initial stages of tbe [[Poland campaign]], tbe LSSAH was attached to tbe 17.Infanterie-Division and tasked with providing flank protection for tbe southern pincer. The regiment was involved in several ferocious battles against Polish cavalry brigades attempting to hit tbe flanks of tbe German advance. At Pabianice, a town near Łódź, tbe LSSAH fought off elements of tbe Polish 28th Infantry Division and tbe Wołyńska Cavalry Brigade in ferocious close combat.
During the initial stages of the [[Poland campaign]], the LSSAH was attached to the 17.Infanterie-Division and tasked with providing flank protection for the southern pincer. The regiment was involved in several ferocious battles against Polish cavalry brigades attempting to hit the flanks of the German advance. At Pabianice, a town near Łódź, the LSSAH fought off elements of the Polish 28th Infantry Division and the Wołyńska Cavalry Brigade in ferocious close combat.


After tbe success at Pabianice, tbe LSSAH was shifted to tbe area near [[Warsaw]] and attached to tbe 4.Panzer-Division under Generaloberst Georg-Hans Reinhardt, where it saw action preventing encircled Polish units from escaping, and repelling several desperate attempts by other Polish troops to break through. The LSSAH had proved itself an effective fighting unit during tbe campaign, though several Heer Generals had reservations about tbe high casualties which tbe LSSAH and tbe SS-VT units had sustained in combat.
After the success at Pabianice, the LSSAH was shifted to the area near [[Warsaw]] and attached to the 4.Panzer-Division under Generaloberst Georg-Hans Reinhardt, where it saw action preventing encircled Polish units from escaping, and repelling several desperate attempts by other Polish troops to break through. The LSSAH had proved itself an effective fighting unit during the campaign, though several Heer Generals had reservations about the high casualties which the LSSAH and the SS-VT units had sustained in combat.


The regiment was shifted to tbe Dutch border for tbe launch of [[Fall Gelb]], and was to form tbe vanguard of tbe ground advance into tbe [[Netherlands]], tasked with capturing a vital bridge over tbe IJssel and linking up with tbe [[Fallschirmjäger]] of [[Generaloberst]] [https://de.metapedia.org/wiki/Student,_Kurt Kurt Student]'s airborne forces, tbe ''7. Flieger-Division'' and tbe ''22. Luftlande-Infanterie-Division''.
The regiment was shifted to the Dutch border for the launch of [[Fall Gelb]], and was to form the vanguard of the ground advance into the [[Netherlands]], tasked with capturing a vital bridge over the IJssel and linking up with the [[Fallschirmjäger]] of [[Generaloberst]] [https://de.metapedia.org/wiki/Student,_Kurt Kurt Student]'s airborne forces, the ''7. Flieger-Division'' and the ''22. Luftlande-Infanterie-Division''.


The [[Battle of France]] and tbe [[Netherlands]] was launched on 10 May 1940. On that day, tbe LSSAH covered over 75 km, securing a crossing over tbe IJssel near Zutphen after discovering that their target bridge had been destroyed. Over tbe next four days' fighting, tbe LSSAH covered over 215km, and earned itself dubious fame by accidentally shooting at and seriously wounding Generaloberst Student near [[Amsterdam]]. After tbe surrender of tbe Netherlands on 14 May, tbe regiment was used to form part of tbe reserve for Army Group B.
The [[Battle of France]] and the [[Netherlands]] was launched on 10 May 1940. On that day, the LSSAH covered over 75 km, securing a crossing over the IJssel near Zutphen after discovering that their target bridge had been destroyed. Over the next four days' fighting, the LSSAH covered over 215km, and earned itself dubious fame by accidentally shooting at and seriously wounding Generaloberst Student near [[Amsterdam]]. After the surrender of the Netherlands on 14 May, the regiment was used to form part of the reserve for Army Group B.


After tbe British armoured counterattack at [[Arras]], tbe LSSAH, along with tbe SS-Verfügungs-Division was moved to tbe front lines to hold tbe perimeter around Dunkirk and reduce tbe size of tbe pocket containing tbe encircled British Expeditionary Force and [[French]] forces. Near Wormhoudt, tbe LSSAH ignored Hitler's orders for tbe advance to halt and continued tbe attack, suppressing tbe British artillery positions on tbe Wattenberg Heights. During this battle tbe regiment suffered heavy casualties.
After the British armoured counterattack at [[Arras]], the LSSAH, along with the SS-Verfügungs-Division was moved to the front lines to hold the perimeter around Dunkirk and reduce the size of the pocket containing the encircled British Expeditionary Force and [[French]] forces. Near Wormhoudt, the LSSAH ignored Hitler's orders for the advance to halt and continued the attack, suppressing the British artillery positions on the Wattenberg Heights. During this battle the regiment suffered heavy casualties.


The regiment ended tbe campaign on tbe coast near Dunkirk.
The regiment ended the campaign on the coast near Dunkirk.


=== Balkans ===
=== Balkans ===


After tbe conclusion of tbe Western campaign, tbe LSSAH was expanded to brigade size. Despite this, it retained tbe designation regiment. A FlaK battalion and a StuG Abteilung were among tbe formations added to tbe LSSAH. During tbe later months of 1940, tbe regiment trained in amphibious assaults in preparation for [[Operation Seelöwe]]. After tbe failure of tbe [[Battle of Britain]] and tbe cancellation of tbe operation, tbe LSSAH was shifted to Bulgaria in preparation for [[Operation Marita]], part of tbe planned invasion of [[Greece]] and tbe Balkans.
After the conclusion of the Western campaign, the LSSAH was expanded to brigade size. Despite this, it retained the designation regiment. A FlaK battalion and a StuG Abteilung were among the formations added to the LSSAH. During the later months of 1940, the regiment trained in amphibious assaults in preparation for [[Operation Seelöwe]]. After the failure of the [[Battle of Britain]] and the cancellation of the operation, the LSSAH was shifted to Bulgaria in preparation for [[Operation Marita]], part of the planned invasion of [[Greece]] and the Balkans.


The Operation was launched on April 6 1941. The LSSAH was to follow tbe route of tbe 9.Panzer-Division, part of General der Panzertruppen Georg Stumme's XL.Panzer-Korps. The regiment crossed tbe border near Prilep and was soon deep in [[Greek]] territory.
The Operation was launched on April 6 1941. The LSSAH was to follow the route of the 9.Panzer-Division, part of General der Panzertruppen Georg Stumme's XL.Panzer-Korps. The regiment crossed the border near Prilep and was soon deep in [[Greek]] territory.


The LSSAH captured Vevi on April 10. Sturmbannführer Kurt Meyer's reinforced Aufklärungs-Abt 1 LSSAH was tasked with clearing resistance from tbe Klissura Pass, south-west of Vevi and driving through to tbe Kastoria area to cut off retreating Greek and British Commonwealth forces. Resistance from tbe Greek 20th Division was fierce. According to some accounts, tbe SS were inspired to capture tbe Klissura Pass only after Meyer threw a grenade at tbe feet of some of his soldiers.
The LSSAH captured Vevi on April 10. Sturmbannführer Kurt Meyer's reinforced Aufklärungs-Abt 1 LSSAH was tasked with clearing resistance from the Klissura Pass, south-west of Vevi and driving through to the Kastoria area to cut off retreating Greek and British Commonwealth forces. Resistance from the Greek 20th Division was fierce. According to some accounts, the SS were inspired to capture the Klissura Pass only after Meyer threw a grenade at the feet of some of his soldiers.


Sturmbannführer Fritz Witt's I.Battalion was tasked with clearing tbe Klidi Pass, just south of Vevi and strongly defended by Australian, British and [[New Zealand]] troops. Witt's Battalion was reinforced and renamed Kampfgruppe Witt. An Australian officer wrote of tbe [[Germans]]' "insolence" in driving "...trucks down tbe main road — to within 3000 yards of our infantry", and there unloading tbe SS troops. The Germans were forced off tbe road and faced fierce resistance for more than two days. On tbe morning of April 12, tbe Germans launched a frontal assault, and by late afternoon tbe pass was cleared. I.Battalion LSSAH had inflicted many casualties and captured over 520 prisoners for tbe loss of only 37 dead and 95 wounded.
Sturmbannführer Fritz Witt's I.Battalion was tasked with clearing the Klidi Pass, just south of Vevi and strongly defended by Australian, British and [[New Zealand]] troops. Witt's Battalion was reinforced and renamed Kampfgruppe Witt. An Australian officer wrote of the [[Germans]]' "insolence" in driving "...trucks down the main road — to within 3000 yards of our infantry", and there unloading the SS troops. The Germans were forced off the road and faced fierce resistance for more than two days. On the morning of April 12, the Germans launched a frontal assault, and by late afternoon the pass was cleared. I.Battalion LSSAH had inflicted many casualties and captured over 520 prisoners for the loss of only 37 dead and 95 wounded.


With tbe fall of tbe two passes, tbe main line of resistance of tbe [[Greek First Army]] was broken, and tbe campaign became a battle to prevent tbe escape of tbe enemy. On April 20, following a pitched battle in tbe 5,000-foot-high Metsovon Pass in tbe Pindus Mountains, tbe commander of tbe Greek First Army surrendered tbe entire Hellenic Army to Dietrich. British Commonwealth troops were now tbe only Allied forces remaining in [[Greece]], and they were falling back across tbe Corinth Canal to tbe Peloponnesos. By April 26, tbe LSSAH had reached tbe Gulf of Patras, and in an effort to cut off tbe retreating British Commonwealth forces, Dietrich ordered that his regiment cross tbe Gulf and secure tbe town of Patras in tbe Peloponnesos. Since no transport vessels were available, tbe LSSAH commandeered fishing boats and successfully completed tbe crossing, despite being forced to leave much of their heavy equipment behind. By April 30, tbe last British Commonwealth troops had either been captured or escaped. The LSSAH occupied a position of honour in tbe victory parade through [[Athens]].
With the fall of the two passes, the main line of resistance of the [[Greek First Army]] was broken, and the campaign became a battle to prevent the escape of the enemy. On April 20, following a pitched battle in the 5,000-foot-high Metsovon Pass in the Pindus Mountains, the commander of the Greek First Army surrendered the entire Hellenic Army to Dietrich. British Commonwealth troops were now the only Allied forces remaining in [[Greece]], and they were falling back across the Corinth Canal to the Peloponnesos. By April 26, the LSSAH had reached the Gulf of Patras, and in an effort to cut off the retreating British Commonwealth forces, Dietrich ordered that his regiment cross the Gulf and secure the town of Patras in the Peloponnesos. Since no transport vessels were available, the LSSAH commandeered fishing boats and successfully completed the crossing, despite being forced to leave much of their heavy equipment behind. By April 30, the last British Commonwealth troops had either been captured or escaped. The LSSAH occupied a position of honour in the victory parade through [[Athens]].


Following [[Operation Marita]], tbe LSSAH was ordered north, to join tbe forces of Army Group South massing for tbe launch of [[Operation Barbarossa]].
Following [[Operation Marita]], the LSSAH was ordered north, to join the forces of Army Group South massing for the launch of [[Operation Barbarossa]].


=== Barbarossa ===
=== Barbarossa ===


Following tbe LSSAH's outstanding performance during Marita, Himmler ordered that it should be upgraded to divisional status. As such, tbe Regiment, already tbe size of a reinforced brigade, was redesignated SS-Division (mot.) '''Leibstandarte SS Adolf Hitler'''. Despite this, there was no time to refit tbe division to full divisional status before tbe launch of [[Operation Barbarossa]], tbe invasion of tbe [[Soviet Union]], and so tbe new 'Division' remained tbe size of a reinforced brigade.
Following the LSSAH's outstanding performance during Marita, Himmler ordered that it should be upgraded to divisional status. As such, the Regiment, already the size of a reinforced brigade, was redesignated SS-Division (mot.) '''Leibstandarte SS Adolf Hitler'''. Despite this, there was no time to refit the division to full divisional status before the launch of [[Operation Barbarossa]], the invasion of the [[Soviet Union]], and so the new 'Division' remained the size of a reinforced brigade.


The LSSAH was attached to tbe LIV.Armee-Korps and held in reserve during tbe opening stages of tbe attack. In August, it was transferred to III.Panzer-Korps, part of [[Generalfeldmarschall]] [[Ewald von Kleist (Generalfeldmarschall)|Ewald von Kleist's]] Panzergruppe 1. During this time, tbe LSSAH was involved in tbe [[Battle of Uman]] and tbe subsequent capture of [[Kiev]]. During this time, tbe division was involved in heavy fighting, with Meyer's Abteilung particularly distinguishing itself.
The LSSAH was attached to the LIV.Armee-Korps and held in reserve during the opening stages of the attack. In August, it was transferred to III.Panzer-Korps, part of [[Generalfeldmarschall]] [[Ewald von Kleist (Generalfeldmarschall)|Ewald von Kleist's]] Panzergruppe 1. During this time, the LSSAH was involved in the [[Battle of Uman]] and the subsequent capture of [[Kiev]]. During this time, the division was involved in heavy fighting, with Meyer's Abteilung particularly distinguishing itself.


In early September, tbe division was transferred back to LIV.Armee-Korps, preparing to launch an offensive to clear tbe Crimean peninsula. The operation was launched on 17 September 1941. The LSSAH was involved in heavy fighting for tbe town of Perekop, before advancing across tbe Perekop Isthmus to assault tbe Soviet defensive positions near tbe Tarter Ditch.
In early September, the division was transferred back to LIV.Armee-Korps, preparing to launch an offensive to clear the Crimean peninsula. The operation was launched on 17 September 1941. The LSSAH was involved in heavy fighting for the town of Perekop, before advancing across the Perekop Isthmus to assault the Soviet defensive positions near the Tarter Ditch.


In November, tbe LSSAH was transferred back to Panzergruppe 1 and took part in tbe heavy fighting for tbe city of [[Rostov]]-on-Don, which was captured in late November. During Operation Barbarossa, tbe division had penetrated 960 kilometers into Soviet territory.
In November, the LSSAH was transferred back to Panzergruppe 1 and took part in the heavy fighting for the city of [[Rostov]]-on-Don, which was captured in late November. During Operation Barbarossa, the division had penetrated 960 kilometers into Soviet territory.


Heavy Soviet counterattacks during tbe winter meant that Army Group South had to fall back from Rostov-on-Don to defensive lines on tbe river Mius. The LSSAH spent tbe winter fighting ferocious defensive battles in temperatures of down to -40°C, with minimal winter clothing and only 150 grams of rations per man per day. Despite this, tbe division held. After tbe spring rasputitsa had cleared, tbe exhausted division joined in Fall Blau, partaking in tbe fighting to retake Rostov-on-Don, which was recaptured in late July, 1942. Severely understrength and completely exhausted, tbe LSSAH was pulled out of tbe line. The division was ordered to tbe [[Normandy]] region of occupied [[France]] to join tbe newly formed SS-Panzer-Korps and to be reformed as a panzergrenadier division.
Heavy Soviet counterattacks during the winter meant that Army Group South had to fall back from Rostov-on-Don to defensive lines on the river Mius. The LSSAH spent the winter fighting ferocious defensive battles in temperatures of down to -40°C, with minimal winter clothing and only 150 grams of rations per man per day. Despite this, the division held. After the spring rasputitsa had cleared, the exhausted division joined in Fall Blau, partaking in the fighting to retake Rostov-on-Don, which was recaptured in late July, 1942. Severely understrength and completely exhausted, the LSSAH was pulled out of the line. The division was ordered to the [[Normandy]] region of occupied [[France]] to join the newly formed SS-Panzer-Korps and to be reformed as a panzergrenadier division.


=== Kharkov ===
=== Kharkov ===


The LSSAH spent tbe remainder of 1942 refitting as a panzergrenadier division. Thanks to tbe efforts of tbe [[Reichsführer-SS]], along with SS-Obergruppenführer [[Paul Hausser]], tbe SS-Panzerkorps commander, tbe four SS panzergrenadier divisions (LSSAH, "Wiking", "Das Reich" and "Totenkopf" were to be formed with a full regiment of tanks rather than only an Abteilung. This meant that tbe SS Panzergrenadier divisions were full-strength Panzer divisions in all but [[name]]. Also, tbe division received nine Tiger 1 tanks, and these were formed into 13.(schwere)Kompanie/SS-Panzer-Regiment 1.
The LSSAH spent the remainder of 1942 refitting as a panzergrenadier division. Thanks to the efforts of the [[Reichsführer-SS]], along with SS-Obergruppenführer [[Paul Hausser]], the SS-Panzerkorps commander, the four SS panzergrenadier divisions (LSSAH, "Wiking", "Das Reich" and "Totenkopf" were to be formed with a full regiment of tanks rather than only an Abteilung. This meant that the SS Panzergrenadier divisions were full-strength Panzer divisions in all but [[name]]. Also, the division received nine Tiger 1 tanks, and these were formed into 13.(schwere)Kompanie/SS-Panzer-Regiment 1.


The collapse of tbe front around [[Stalingrad]] and tbe encirclement of tbe 6.Armee meant that tbe entire eastern front was close to collapse. Generalfeldmarschall [[Erich von Manstein]], commander of Army Group Don, requested reinforcements to halt tbe Soviet attack near [[Kharkov]]. The SS-Panzerkorps was ordered east to join Manstein's forces.
The collapse of the front around [[Stalingrad]] and the encirclement of the 6.Armee meant that the entire eastern front was close to collapse. Generalfeldmarschall [[Erich von Manstein]], commander of Army Group Don, requested reinforcements to halt the Soviet attack near [[Kharkov]]. The SS-Panzerkorps was ordered east to join Manstein's forces.


Arriving at tbe front in late January 1943, tbe LSSAH was thrown into tbe line defending Kharkov itself as a part of Hausser's SS-Panzer-Korps. Facing them were tbe hundreds of T34s of Mobile Group Popov, a Soviet armoured Army sized formation which formed tbe [[spearhead]] of tbe Soviet advance. On 8-9 February, 1943, tbe LSSAH's SS-Panzergrenadier-Regiment 1 under SS-Sturmbannführer Fritz Witt, fighting alongside SS-Sturmbannführer Max Wünsche's I./SS-Panzer-Regiment 1, fought a bitter delaying action near tbe town of Merefa, halting a major Soviet attack. The division fought in many desperate defensive battles over tbe next few weeks, gradually being pushed back into tbe city of Kharkov itself.
Arriving at the front in late January 1943, the LSSAH was thrown into the line defending Kharkov itself as a part of Hausser's SS-Panzer-Korps. Facing them were the hundreds of T34s of Mobile Group Popov, a Soviet armoured Army sized formation which formed the [[spearhead]] of the Soviet advance. On 8-9 February, 1943, the LSSAH's SS-Panzergrenadier-Regiment 1 under SS-Sturmbannführer Fritz Witt, fighting alongside SS-Sturmbannführer Max Wünsche's I./SS-Panzer-Regiment 1, fought a bitter delaying action near the town of Merefa, halting a major Soviet attack. The division fought in many desperate defensive battles over the next few weeks, gradually being pushed back into the city of Kharkov itself.


Despite inflicting heavy losses on tbe Soviets, and rebuffing all enemy attacks, tbe Soviets succeeded in outflanking tbe corps. On 15 February, Hausser ignored Hitler's orders to hold tbe city at all costs and ordered tbe SS-Panzer-Korps to abandon tbe city and withdraw towards Krasnograd. Over tbe next week, tbe SS-Panzer-Korps annihilated Mobile Group Popov in a series of brilliant and hard fought battles. The LSSAH was a major participant in these battles, destroying several Soviet divisions and inflicting heavy losses.
Despite inflicting heavy losses on the Soviets, and rebuffing all enemy attacks, the Soviets succeeded in outflanking the corps. On 15 February, Hausser ignored Hitler's orders to hold the city at all costs and ordered the SS-Panzer-Korps to abandon the city and withdraw towards Krasnograd. Over the next week, the SS-Panzer-Korps annihilated Mobile Group Popov in a series of brilliant and hard fought battles. The LSSAH was a major participant in these battles, destroying several Soviet divisions and inflicting heavy losses.


Hausser now ordered that Kharkov should be recaptured. The LSSAH, Das Reich and Totenkopf were to form tbe spearhead of tbe attack. The attack got underway on 2 March. The LSSAH was formed into three Kampfgruppen which would attack towards and capture Kharkov. Over tbe next weeks, tbe LSSAH would take part in tbe ferocious battles to take tbe city. Kampfgruppe Meyer, under Panzermeyer's command, penetrated to [[Red Square]] before being cut off. Kampfgruppe Witt saw heavy fighting against a Soviet blocking force near Dergatschi before it also broke through into tbe city. Both Kampfgruppen were repeatedly cut off during tbe confused fighting, and it was not until Kampfgruppe Peiper, under [[Joachim Peiper]], broke through that tbe defenders were finally overwhelmed. By 21 March, tbe battle was over and Kharkov was back in German hands, with Peiper's Kampfgruppe having penetrated as far as Belgorod.
Hausser now ordered that Kharkov should be recaptured. The LSSAH, Das Reich and Totenkopf were to form the spearhead of the attack. The attack got underway on 2 March. The LSSAH was formed into three Kampfgruppen which would attack towards and capture Kharkov. Over the next weeks, the LSSAH would take part in the ferocious battles to take the city. Kampfgruppe Meyer, under Panzermeyer's command, penetrated to [[Red Square]] before being cut off. Kampfgruppe Witt saw heavy fighting against a Soviet blocking force near Dergatschi before it also broke through into the city. Both Kampfgruppen were repeatedly cut off during the confused fighting, and it was not until Kampfgruppe Peiper, under [[Joachim Peiper]], broke through that the defenders were finally overwhelmed. By 21 March, the battle was over and Kharkov was back in German hands, with Peiper's Kampfgruppe having penetrated as far as Belgorod.


In honour of tbe 4,500 casualties suffered by tbe Leibstandarte in tbe fighting, Kharkov's Red Square was renamed Platz der Leibstandarte SS Adolf Hitler. The division was pulled back for much needed rest and refit.
In honour of the 4,500 casualties suffered by the Leibstandarte in the fighting, Kharkov's Red Square was renamed Platz der Leibstandarte SS Adolf Hitler. The division was pulled back for much needed rest and refit.


=== Normandy ===
=== Normandy ===
{{main|Normandy landings}}
{{main|Normandy landings}}
The LAH's most crucial role during tbe [[Battle of Normandy]] would be tbe part it played against operation Goodwood. Launched 18 July, three strong British armoured divisions, with infantry support on their flanks, were to swing through tbe gap between Caen and tbe eastern heights. There they would have to get across tbe hills at Bourgibus and break through towards open ground. The operation was preceded by a three hour bombing assault by 2,500 aircraft, which knocked tbe German infantry senseless, rendered their MG-42's useless by tbe vibrations, and knocked out most of tbe Panzers on tbe ground.
The LAH's most crucial role during the [[Battle of Normandy]] would be the part it played against operation Goodwood. Launched 18 July, three strong British armoured divisions, with infantry support on their flanks, were to swing through the gap between Caen and the eastern heights. There they would have to get across the hills at Bourgibus and break through towards open ground. The operation was preceded by a three hour bombing assault by 2,500 aircraft, which knocked the German infantry senseless, rendered their MG-42's useless by the vibrations, and knocked out most of the Panzers on the ground.


Immediately afterwards tbe British tanks came rumbling on and seized all their primary objectives. 2.Kp./SS-Panzerregiment 1, located by tbe woods near Garcelles, received orders to attack tbe British at Soliers. SS-Obersturmführer Malkomes drove in tbe direction of Bourguιbus with his 13 Panthers and discovered 60 enemy tanks S-SE of tbe town. He attacked them, destroying 20, and took Soliers. Around 12:00 hours tbe entire Panther-Battalion, I./SS-Panzerregiment 1, 46 Panther, was engaged in combat with tbe 29th Tank Brigade of tbe 11th Armoured Division. The body of Leibstandarte was rushed to tbe front from Falaise, where it was in reserve. It immediately counterattacked around 17:00, together with 21. Panzerdivision, which halted tbe British offensive on tbe [[left]] front. The British withdrew to Caen, leaving behind 126 destroyed tanks.
Immediately afterwards the British tanks came rumbling on and seized all their primary objectives. 2.Kp./SS-Panzerregiment 1, located by the woods near Garcelles, received orders to attack the British at Soliers. SS-Obersturmführer Malkomes drove in the direction of Bourguιbus with his 13 Panthers and discovered 60 enemy tanks S-SE of the town. He attacked them, destroying 20, and took Soliers. Around 12:00 hours the entire Panther-Battalion, I./SS-Panzerregiment 1, 46 Panther, was engaged in combat with the 29th Tank Brigade of the 11th Armoured Division. The body of Leibstandarte was rushed to the front from Falaise, where it was in reserve. It immediately counterattacked around 17:00, together with 21. Panzerdivision, which halted the British offensive on the [[left]] front. The British withdrew to Caen, leaving behind 126 destroyed tanks.


At first, 19 July seemed to bring a discontinuation of Goodwood, as only some individual tanks assaults were carried out. But by 13:00 tbe Brits charged again, having brought up reinforcements to continue tbe attack. They quickly overran tbe forward German units and pressed on hard, a wave of tanks spearheading tbe attack. But when tbe leading Sherman/Fireflies and Cromwells approached tbe hill at Bourguιbus at 1600 hours, squad after squad was taken under fire and blown up; tbe Panthers of tbe Leibstandarte had taken up positions on tbe hill itself. Around 15:00 hours tbe first 12. SS-Pz. Div. HJ's elements arrived, which relieved tbe right front. The Brits failed to break out of their bridgehead, but Caen was now fully in their hands and their bridgehead had been expanded for 9 km. They had suffered tbe loss of 493 tanks, and 4,011 casualties.
At first, 19 July seemed to bring a discontinuation of Goodwood, as only some individual tanks assaults were carried out. But by 13:00 the Brits charged again, having brought up reinforcements to continue the attack. They quickly overran the forward German units and pressed on hard, a wave of tanks spearheading the attack. But when the leading Sherman/Fireflies and Cromwells approached the hill at Bourguιbus at 1600 hours, squad after squad was taken under fire and blown up; the Panthers of the Leibstandarte had taken up positions on the hill itself. Around 15:00 hours the first 12. SS-Pz. Div. HJ's elements arrived, which relieved the right front. The Brits failed to break out of their bridgehead, but Caen was now fully in their hands and their bridgehead had been expanded for 9 km. They had suffered the loss of 493 tanks, and 4,011 casualties.


Despite this victory, in tbe face of complete Allied numerical superiority, 5 days later tbe Americans saw tbe chance to break out of their beachhead. The weakened German defense could not keep up with tbe savage battle of attrition as little or no reinforcements had arrived, supplies were shot up, and movement by day was made impossible. They stormed into tbe open, one column headed towards Avranches, and another column making an encircling movement towards St. Lτ. Hitler, never allowing a retreat, remained true to his creed and, instead, ordered an assault to be made. Leibstandarte, together with 4 other SS-Panzer Divisions and 3 Wehrmacht Panzer Divisions went on tbe attack on 7 August after moving to tbe assembly areas on 5 and 6 August. SS-Panzerregiment 1 along with two Panzergrenadier-Battalion, one Pionierkompanie and tbe FlaK-Abt. were used. The weather wasn't suited for flying that day, so tbe attack went smoothly at first, despite tbe fact that tbe Allies knew tbe attack was coming. Das Reich managed to recapture Mortain, and a gepanzerte Kampguppe under Jochen Peiper managed to go as far Bourlopin, but was stopped by massive swarms of Allied aircraft. Another attempt was mounted tbe next day, but failed.
Despite this victory, in the face of complete Allied numerical superiority, 5 days later the Americans saw the chance to break out of their beachhead. The weakened German defense could not keep up with the savage battle of attrition as little or no reinforcements had arrived, supplies were shot up, and movement by day was made impossible. They stormed into the open, one column headed towards Avranches, and another column making an encircling movement towards St. Lτ. Hitler, never allowing a retreat, remained true to his creed and, instead, ordered an assault to be made. Leibstandarte, together with 4 other SS-Panzer Divisions and 3 Wehrmacht Panzer Divisions went on the attack on 7 August after moving to the assembly areas on 5 and 6 August. SS-Panzerregiment 1 along with two Panzergrenadier-Battalion, one Pionierkompanie and the FlaK-Abt. were used. The weather wasn't suited for flying that day, so the attack went smoothly at first, despite the fact that the Allies knew the attack was coming. Das Reich managed to recapture Mortain, and a gepanzerte Kampguppe under Jochen Peiper managed to go as far Bourlopin, but was stopped by massive swarms of Allied aircraft. Another attempt was mounted the next day, but failed.


A report from SS-Obersturmführer Preuss, 10. Kompanie/SS-Panzergrenadierregiment 2 describes tbe impossible situation:
A report from SS-Obersturmführer Preuss, 10. Kompanie/SS-Panzergrenadierregiment 2 describes the impossible situation:


: ''"It is true that one fighter bomber we shot down landed on a Panzer and destroyed it. Most other Panzer and Schützenpanzer, however, fell victim to this intensive air bombardment, which lasted hours. Those Grenadiere still able to fight had spread themselves out to tbe left and right through tbe terrain's many hedges. They were happy to see that tbe bombers swarming like bees over our heads were finding more rewarding targets than individual men. I agreed with them. I heard that Peiper had suffered a heart attack. Diefenthal (the commander of tbe III./2) lost his hearing when a bomb fell right next to him. Kuhlmann was unable to get tbe attack moving forward again. My brave messenger, Sturmmann Horst Reinicken, was killed as he tried to reach tbe command post of tbe Heer Panzerabteilung to which we were subordinated. He was trying to bring tbe Panzerabteilung tbe news that its commander and Adjutant lay dead not far from our hedge."''
: ''"It is true that one fighter bomber we shot down landed on a Panzer and destroyed it. Most other Panzer and Schützenpanzer, however, fell victim to this intensive air bombardment, which lasted hours. Those Grenadiere still able to fight had spread themselves out to the left and right through the terrain's many hedges. They were happy to see that the bombers swarming like bees over our heads were finding more rewarding targets than individual men. I agreed with them. I heard that Peiper had suffered a heart attack. Diefenthal (the commander of the III./2) lost his hearing when a bomb fell right next to him. Kuhlmann was unable to get the attack moving forward again. My brave messenger, Sturmmann Horst Reinicken, was killed as he tried to reach the command post of the Heer Panzerabteilung to which we were subordinated. He was trying to bring the Panzerabteilung the news that its commander and Adjutant lay dead not far from our hedge."''


After that it was over with tbe campaign in Normandy; Leibstandarte got encircled by tbe Americans and British in what would be called tbe Falaise pocket, but by then tbe unit was reduced to several small Kampfgruppen. Hausser, commander of 7. Armee was told by von Kluge (commander in chief West, as successor to von Rundstedt) to withdraw II. SS-Panzerkorps (Hohenstauffen and Frundsberg), his motors and his administrative personnel from tbe pocket. The [[Führer]] had still not given orders to withdraw at this point, so it all depended on tbe will of tbe units themselves to get out. Leibstandarte withdrew from tbe pocket with Unterführers and Führers each taking tbe lead of a small Kampfgruppe and smashing through tbe ring, on 22 August, after which no combat ready tanks or artillery pieces were reported. The whole campaign caused some 5,000 casualties to tbe LSSAH.
After that it was over with the campaign in Normandy; Leibstandarte got encircled by the Americans and British in what would be called the Falaise pocket, but by then the unit was reduced to several small Kampfgruppen. Hausser, commander of 7. Armee was told by von Kluge (commander in chief West, as successor to von Rundstedt) to withdraw II. SS-Panzerkorps (Hohenstauffen and Frundsberg), his motors and his administrative personnel from the pocket. The [[Führer]] had still not given orders to withdraw at this point, so it all depended on the will of the units themselves to get out. Leibstandarte withdrew from the pocket with Unterführers and Führers each taking the lead of a small Kampfgruppe and smashing through the ring, on 22 August, after which no combat ready tanks or artillery pieces were reported. The whole campaign caused some 5,000 casualties to the LSSAH.


===Ardennes Offensive===
===Ardennes Offensive===
{{Main|Battle of tbe Bulge}}
{{Main|Battle of the Bulge}}
: ''The Ardennes Offensive (16 December 1944 – 25 January 1945) was a major German thrust launched towards tbe end of World War II through tbe forested Ardennes Mountains region of Belgium, France and Luxembourg on tbe [[Western Front]]. The offensive was called Unternehmen Wacht am Rhein (Translated as Operation The Guard on tbe Rhine or Operation "Watch on tbe Rhine.") by tbe German armed forces. The 'bulge' was tbe initial incursion tbe Germans put into tbe Allies’ line of advance, as seen in maps presented in contemporary newspapers. Operation Wacht am Rhein was tbe final major offensive and last gamble Hitler was to make. [[Wilhelm Mohnke]], now in command of tbe Leibstandarte SS Adolf Hitler, was to lead his formation as tbe spearhead of tbe entire operation in tbe Ardennes. However, tbe division's high casualties had forced it to take in a large number of inexperienced replacements to add to tbe core of battle-hardened and experienced veterans. The crisis in tbe Reich meant that tbe LSSAH had dangerously low amounts of fuel for its vehicles in tbe upcoming campaign. The operation began on 16 December 1944, with Mohnke designating his best [[colonel]], SS-Standartenführer [[Joachim Peiper]], and his regiment to lead tbe push to Antwerp. In tbe north, tbe main armoured spearhead of tbe Sixth SS Panzer Army was Kampfgruppe "Peiper", consisting of 4,800 men and 600 vehicles of tbe 1st SS Division Leibstandarte SS Adolf Hitler under tbe command of Joachim Peiper. Its vehicles included Panzer IVs (PzKw IV), Panzer IIs (PzKw II Ausf.H), Panther tanks (PzKw V), Sturmgeschütz III (StuG III Ausf.G), Tiger I (PzKw VI) and Tiger II (Ausf. B). [...] With each passing day, enemy resistance stiffened and tbe advance was eventually halted on all fronts. Desperate to keep tbe assault going, tbe German High Command ordered that a renewed attack begin on 1 January 1945. Yet by this time, tbe Allies had regrouped their forces and were ready to repulse any attack launched by tbe Germans. The operation formally ended on 27 January 1945, and three days later Mohnke was promoted to SS-Brigadeführer. A short while later LSSAH and tbe I SS Panzer Corps were transferred to [[Hungary]] to bolster tbe crumbling situation there. Mohnke was wounded in an air raid where he suffered, among other things, damage to his hearing. He was removed from front-line service and put on tbe Führer reserve. In his place, SS-Brigadeführer [[Otto Kumm]] was appointed tbe new Division Commander as of 15 February 1945. During Battle of tbe Bulge, soldiers from 3./SS-PzAA1 LSSAH captured eleven African-[[American]] soldiers from 333rd Artillery Battalion in tbe hamlet of Wereth. Subsequently tbe prisoners were shot and their remains found by Allied troops two months later. The soldiers had their fingers cut off, legs broken, and at least one was shot while trying to bandage a comrade's wounds.''<ref>[https://military-history.fandom.com/wiki/1st_SS_Panzer_Division_Leibstandarte_SS_Adolf_Hitler#Ardennes_Offensive Ardennes Offensive]</ref>
: ''The Ardennes Offensive (16 December 1944 – 25 January 1945) was a major German thrust launched towards the end of World War II through the forested Ardennes Mountains region of Belgium, France and Luxembourg on the [[Western Front]]. The offensive was called Unternehmen Wacht am Rhein (Translated as Operation The Guard on the Rhine or Operation "Watch on the Rhine.") by the German armed forces. The 'bulge' was the initial incursion the Germans put into the Allies’ line of advance, as seen in maps presented in contemporary newspapers. Operation Wacht am Rhein was the final major offensive and last gamble Hitler was to make. [[Wilhelm Mohnke]], now in command of the Leibstandarte SS Adolf Hitler, was to lead his formation as the spearhead of the entire operation in the Ardennes. However, the division's high casualties had forced it to take in a large number of inexperienced replacements to add to the core of battle-hardened and experienced veterans. The crisis in the Reich meant that the LSSAH had dangerously low amounts of fuel for its vehicles in the upcoming campaign. The operation began on 16 December 1944, with Mohnke designating his best [[colonel]], SS-Standartenführer [[Joachim Peiper]], and his regiment to lead the push to Antwerp. In the north, the main armoured spearhead of the Sixth SS Panzer Army was Kampfgruppe "Peiper", consisting of 4,800 men and 600 vehicles of the 1st SS Division Leibstandarte SS Adolf Hitler under the command of Joachim Peiper. Its vehicles included Panzer IVs (PzKw IV), Panzer IIs (PzKw II Ausf.H), Panther tanks (PzKw V), Sturmgeschütz III (StuG III Ausf.G), Tiger I (PzKw VI) and Tiger II (Ausf. B). [...] With each passing day, enemy resistance stiffened and the advance was eventually halted on all fronts. Desperate to keep the assault going, the German High Command ordered that a renewed attack begin on 1 January 1945. Yet by this time, the Allies had regrouped their forces and were ready to repulse any attack launched by the Germans. The operation formally ended on 27 January 1945, and three days later Mohnke was promoted to SS-Brigadeführer. A short while later LSSAH and the I SS Panzer Corps were transferred to [[Hungary]] to bolster the crumbling situation there. Mohnke was wounded in an air raid where he suffered, among other things, damage to his hearing. He was removed from front-line service and put on the Führer reserve. In his place, SS-Brigadeführer [[Otto Kumm]] was appointed the new Division Commander as of 15 February 1945. During Battle of the Bulge, soldiers from 3./SS-PzAA1 LSSAH captured eleven African-[[American]] soldiers from 333rd Artillery Battalion in the hamlet of Wereth. Subsequently the prisoners were shot and their remains found by Allied troops two months later. The soldiers had their fingers cut off, legs broken, and at least one was shot while trying to bandage a comrade's wounds.''<ref>[https://military-history.fandom.com/wiki/1st_SS_Panzer_Division_Leibstandarte_SS_Adolf_Hitler#Ardennes_Offensive Ardennes Offensive]</ref>


===Operation Frühlingserwachen===
===Operation Frühlingserwachen===


: ''Operation Spring Awaking or [https://de.metapedia.org/wiki/Plattenseeoffensive ''Frühlingserwachen''] (6 March 1945 – 16 March 1945) was tbe last major German offensive launched during World War II and was an offensive begun by tbe Germans in great secrecy on 6 March 1945. They launched attacks in Hungary near tbe Lake Balaton area on tbe [[Eastern Front]]. This area included some of tbe last oil reserves still available to tbe Axis. The operation involved many German units withdrawn from tbe failed Ardennes Offensive on tbe [[Western Front (WWII)|Western Front]], including tbe 6th SS Panzer Army and tbe LSSAH. Almost inevitably, Operation Spring Awakening was a failure for tbe [[German Army]]. Despite early gains, tbe operation was a perfect example of Hitler's increasingly poor military [[judgement]] toward tbe end of tbe war. Its chief flaw was that tbe offensive was far too ambitious in scope. After tbe failure of Operation Spring Awakening, [[Sepp Dietrich]]'s 6th SS Panzer Army retreated in stages to tbe Vienna area. The Germans desperately prepared defensive positions in an attempt to hold tbe city against tbe fast arriving Soviets, in what become known as tbe Vienna Offensive.''<ref>[https://military-history.fandom.com/wiki/1st_SS_Panzer_Division_Leibstandarte_SS_Adolf_Hitler#Eastern_Front_1945 Eastern Front 1945]</ref>  
: ''Operation Spring Awaking or [https://de.metapedia.org/wiki/Plattenseeoffensive ''Frühlingserwachen''] (6 March 1945 – 16 March 1945) was the last major German offensive launched during World War II and was an offensive begun by the Germans in great secrecy on 6 March 1945. They launched attacks in Hungary near the Lake Balaton area on the [[Eastern Front]]. This area included some of the last oil reserves still available to the Axis. The operation involved many German units withdrawn from the failed Ardennes Offensive on the [[Western Front (WWII)|Western Front]], including the 6th SS Panzer Army and the LSSAH. Almost inevitably, Operation Spring Awakening was a failure for the [[German Army]]. Despite early gains, the operation was a perfect example of Hitler's increasingly poor military [[judgement]] toward the end of the war. Its chief flaw was that the offensive was far too ambitious in scope. After the failure of Operation Spring Awakening, [[Sepp Dietrich]]'s 6th SS Panzer Army retreated in stages to the Vienna area. The Germans desperately prepared defensive positions in an attempt to hold the city against the fast arriving Soviets, in what become known as the Vienna Offensive.''<ref>[https://military-history.fandom.com/wiki/1st_SS_Panzer_Division_Leibstandarte_SS_Adolf_Hitler#Eastern_Front_1945 Eastern Front 1945]</ref>  


==Strength (1935–1945)==
==Strength (1935–1945)==
Line 212: Line 212:
*December 1943 19,867
*December 1943 19,867
*June 1944 19,691
*June 1944 19,691
*December 1944:  22,000 ([[Battle of tbe Bulge]])
*December 1944:  22,000 ([[Battle of the Bulge]])
*7 April 1945: 57 Officers, 229 NCOs, 1,296 Soldiers and 16 operational tanks ([[Battle of Berlin]] and [https://de.metapedia.org/wiki/Schlacht_um_Wien_(1945) Battle of Vienna])
*7 April 1945: 57 Officers, 229 NCOs, 1,296 Soldiers and 16 operational tanks ([[Battle of Berlin]] and [https://de.metapedia.org/wiki/Schlacht_um_Wien_(1945) Battle of Vienna])
== See also ==
== See also ==
*[[Allied psychological warfare]]
*[[Allied psychological warfare]]
* [[List of Knight's Cross recipients of tbe LSSAH]]
* [[List of Knight's Cross recipients of the LSSAH]]


==External links==
==External links==

Latest revision as of 14:03, 28 April 2024

class="fn org" colspan="2" style="background-color: #B0C4DE; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;" | 1st SS-Panzer Division LSSAH
1. SS-Panzer-Division „Leibstandarte SS Adolf Hitler“
colspan="2" style="text-align: center; font-size: 90%; border-bottom: 1px solid #aaa; line-height: 1.5em;" | File:1. SS-Panzer-Division Leibstandarte-SS Adolf Hitler.png
Truppenkennzeichen (unit or troop insignia)
Active 9 November 1923 – 8 May 1945
Country File:Flag of the NSDAP (1920–1945).svg National Socialist Germany
Allegiance Adolf Hitler
Branch File:Flag of the Schutzstaffel.png Waffen-SS
Type Armoured
Size Division
Patron Adolf Hitler
Motto
  • Meine Ehre heißt Treue
  • ("My Honour is Loyalty")
Engagements World War II:
colspan="2" style="background-color: #B0C4DE; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;" | Commanders
Notable
commanders

The Leibstandarte SS Adolf Hitler (LAH/LSSAH) founded in September 1933 was Adolf Hitler's personal Bodyguard Regiment. In 1939 the LSSAH became a separate unit of the Waffen-SS aside the SS-TV and the SS-VT. The SS-LAH independently participated in combats during the Poland campaign (1939). Elements of the LSSAH later joined the SS-Verfügungstruppe (SS-VT) prior the Operation Barbarossa in 1941.

The unit may be most known for alleged involvement by some members in the Malmedy massacre. As the unit was an elite unit used in pro-German propaganda, claims of atrocities by the feared unit also had great anti-German propaganda value.

Name development

File:Leibstandarte-SS.png
File:Leibstandarte SS Adolf Hitler.png
File:Leibstandarte.png
Leibstandarte SS Adolf Hitler
File:Junior officer followed by soldiers of LAH during the advance in the West, May 1940.png
Junior officer followed by soldiers of the LAH during the advance in the West, May 1940
File:Gerd Bremer.png
Gerd Bremer
File:German soldiers of the SS-Panzergrenadier-Division Leibstandarte SS Adolf Hitler on a tank during the battle of Kursk (July 1943).png
German soldiers of the SS-Panzergrenadier-Division Leibstandarte SS Adolf Hitler on a tank during the battle of Kursk (July 1943).
File:Leibstandarte SS Adolf Hitler, picture folder (Bildmappe).png
File:LSSAH Panzer IV Ausf. H in Milan, Italy, September 1943.png
LSSAH Panzer IV Ausf. H in Milan, Italy, September 1943
File:Tiger tanks of the SS-Leibstandarte in northern Italy to secure the Alpine passes and rear connecting lines.png
Tiger tanks of the SS-Leibstandarte in northern Italy to secure the Alpine passes and rear connecting lines
  • SS-Stabswache Berlin 17 March 1933
    • SS-Sonderkommando Berlin – 8 May 1933
    • SS-Sonderkommando Zossen – 10 May 1933
    • SS-Sonderkommando Jüterbog – 8 July 1933
  • „Adolf Hitler“-Standarte – 3. September 1933 (two battalions)
  • Leibstandarte „Adolf Hitler“ – 8 November 1933
  • Leibstandarte SS „Adolf Hitler“ – 13 April 1934
  • Infanterie-Regiment (motorisiert) „Leibstandarte SS Adolf Hitler“ – 12 Juni 1939
  • verstärkte „Leibstandarte SS Adolf Hitler“ – 1940
    • on 13 August 1940 the order was given, to increase the size of the Leibstandarte with 6,500 men (brigade size)
  • SS-Division (motorisiert) „Leibstandarte SS Adolf Hitler“ – 15 July 1941
  • SS-Panzergrenadier-Division „Leibstandarte SS Adolf Hitler“ – 24 November 1942 (with effect from 9 November)
  • 1. SS-Panzer-Division „Leibstandarte SS Adolf Hitler“ – 22 October 1943
    • Staff (Stab)
    • 1st SS Panzer Reconnaissance Battalion
    • 1st SS Panzer Regiment
    • 1st SS Panzergrenadier Regiment
    • 2nd SS Panzergrenadier Regiment
    • 1st SS Panzer Engineer Battalion
    • 1st SS Panzer Artillery Regiment
    • 1st SS Panzer Assault Gun Regiment
    • 1st SS Panzer Tank Destroyer Battalion
    • 1st SS Panzer Anti-Aircraft Battalion
    • 1st SS Rocket Launcher Battalion (added September 1944)
    • 1st SS Panzer Signal Battalion
    • 1st SS Panzer Divisional Supply Group

Commanders

  • 15 August 1938 bis 4 July 1943: SS-Oberst-Gruppenführer und Generaloberst der Waffen-SS Josef Dietrich
  • 4 July 1943 bis 20 August 1944: SS-Brigadeführer und Generalmajor der Waffen-SS Theodor Wisch
  • 20 August 1944 bis 6 February 1945: SS-Standartenführer (as of 4 November 1944 SS-Oberführer) Wilhelm Mohnke
  • 6 February 1945 bis 8 May 1945: SS-Brigadeführer und Generalmajor der Waffen-SS Otto Kumm

History

In the earliest days of the NSDAP, it was realized by the leaders that bodyguard units composed of trustworthy and loyal men would be a wise development. Ernst Röhm formed a guard formation from the 19th Granatwerfer-Kompanie, and from this formation the Sturmabteilung (SA) soon evolved. Adolf Hitler, realizing the potential threat that the SA had presented, in early 1923 ordered the formation of a bodyguard for himself. The tiny unit, originally formed by only eight men (and commanded by Julius Schreck and Joseph Berchtold), was designated the Stabswache (Staff Guard). The guards of the Stabswache were issued uniforms that showed their difference from the SA (despite the fact that at this stage the Stabswache still was under overall SA control). Schreck resurrected the use of the Totenkopf (skull) as insignia, which had been a symbol used by various élite forces throughout the Prussian kingdom and the later German Empire.

Soon after its formation, the unit was renamed Stoßtrupp Adolf Hitler. On 9 November 9 1923, the Stoßtrupp, along with the SA and several other NSDAP paramilitary units, took part in the failed Munich Putsch. Hitler was imprisoned and the NSDAP and all associated formations, including the Stoßtrupp, were officially disbanded.

Shortly after Hitler's release in 1924, he ordered a new bodyguard unit formed, again called the Stabswache, but this time it did not fall under SA control. In 1925, the Stabswache was renamed as the Schutzstaffel, abbreviated SS. By March 1933, the SS had grown from a tiny personal bodyguard unit to a formation of over 50,000 men. The decision was made to form a new bodyguard unit, picking the most capable and trustworthy SS men to form its cadre.

On 17 March 1933, the SS-Stabswache Berlin was formed, under the command of Josef 'Sepp' Dietrich, Hitler's personal bodyguard. Dietrich hand-picked 120 men to form the SS-Stabswache. The unit was based at the Alexander Barracks in Berlin. Later in 1933, the formation was redesignated SS-Sonderkommando Zossen and a second unit of 120 men, designated SS-Sonderkommando Jüterbog was raised. The two Sonderkommandos provided guards for the NSDAP hierarchy, functioned as training cadres for the SS, and for a short time acted as auxiliary police units.

In September 1933, the two Sonderkommandos were merged into the SS-Sonderkommando Berlin. In November 1933, on the 10th anniversary of the Munich Putsch, the Sonderkommando took part in the rally and memorial service at the Feldherrnhalle, erected in the place where many NSDAP members had fallen during the putsch. All members of the Sonderkommando then swore personal allegiance to Hitler himself. To conclude this ceremony, the Sonderkommando received a new title, Leibstandarte Adolf Hitler.

In early 1934, Heinrich Himmler, the Reichsführer-SS, ordered the Leibstandarte to be renamed Leibstandarte SS Adolf Hitler (LSSAH).

The LSSAH participated in the Night of the Long Knives.

The LSSAH provided the honour guard at several of the Nuremberg Rallies and in 1935 took part in the reoccupation of the Saarland. The Leibstandarte was also in the vanguard of the March into Austria as part of the Anschluss. The LSSAH then took part in the occupation of the Sudetenland. In March 1939, it was involved in the annexation of Bohemia and Moravia. Soon after this action, the LSSAH had several motorised components attached, including an armoured car platoon and a motorcycle unit, and was redesignated Infanterie-Regiment Leibstandarte SS Adolf Hitler.

In January 1939, the Leibstandarten-Ball was held at the Berlin Zoo. Sepp Dietrich had organized this high-profile gala for his men, with famous performers Hans Albers, Heinrich George, and Käthe von Nagy. The guest of honor was Heer commander-in-chief, Walter von Brauchitsch.

When Hitler ordered the formation of an SS division in mid 1939, the Leibstandarte was designated to form its own unit, unlike the other Standarten of the SS-Verfügungstruppe (SS-VT) (SS-Standarte Deutschland, SS-Standarte Germania, and SS-Standarte Der Führer). The Polish crisis of October 1939 put these plans on hold, and the LSSAH was ordered to join XIII. Armeekorps, a part of Army Group South which was preparing for the attack on Poland.

As the SS began to swell with new recruits, the LSSAH remained the pinnacle of Hitler's Aryan ideal. Strict recruitment regulations meant that only those deemed sufficiently Aryan, as well as being physically fit and fervent National Socialists, would be admitted.

Early War Campaigns

During the initial stages of the Poland campaign, the LSSAH was attached to the 17.Infanterie-Division and tasked with providing flank protection for the southern pincer. The regiment was involved in several ferocious battles against Polish cavalry brigades attempting to hit the flanks of the German advance. At Pabianice, a town near Łódź, the LSSAH fought off elements of the Polish 28th Infantry Division and the Wołyńska Cavalry Brigade in ferocious close combat.

After the success at Pabianice, the LSSAH was shifted to the area near Warsaw and attached to the 4.Panzer-Division under Generaloberst Georg-Hans Reinhardt, where it saw action preventing encircled Polish units from escaping, and repelling several desperate attempts by other Polish troops to break through. The LSSAH had proved itself an effective fighting unit during the campaign, though several Heer Generals had reservations about the high casualties which the LSSAH and the SS-VT units had sustained in combat.

The regiment was shifted to the Dutch border for the launch of Fall Gelb, and was to form the vanguard of the ground advance into the Netherlands, tasked with capturing a vital bridge over the IJssel and linking up with the Fallschirmjäger of Generaloberst Kurt Student's airborne forces, the 7. Flieger-Division and the 22. Luftlande-Infanterie-Division.

The Battle of France and the Netherlands was launched on 10 May 1940. On that day, the LSSAH covered over 75 km, securing a crossing over the IJssel near Zutphen after discovering that their target bridge had been destroyed. Over the next four days' fighting, the LSSAH covered over 215km, and earned itself dubious fame by accidentally shooting at and seriously wounding Generaloberst Student near Amsterdam. After the surrender of the Netherlands on 14 May, the regiment was used to form part of the reserve for Army Group B.

After the British armoured counterattack at Arras, the LSSAH, along with the SS-Verfügungs-Division was moved to the front lines to hold the perimeter around Dunkirk and reduce the size of the pocket containing the encircled British Expeditionary Force and French forces. Near Wormhoudt, the LSSAH ignored Hitler's orders for the advance to halt and continued the attack, suppressing the British artillery positions on the Wattenberg Heights. During this battle the regiment suffered heavy casualties.

The regiment ended the campaign on the coast near Dunkirk.

Balkans

After the conclusion of the Western campaign, the LSSAH was expanded to brigade size. Despite this, it retained the designation regiment. A FlaK battalion and a StuG Abteilung were among the formations added to the LSSAH. During the later months of 1940, the regiment trained in amphibious assaults in preparation for Operation Seelöwe. After the failure of the Battle of Britain and the cancellation of the operation, the LSSAH was shifted to Bulgaria in preparation for Operation Marita, part of the planned invasion of Greece and the Balkans.

The Operation was launched on April 6 1941. The LSSAH was to follow the route of the 9.Panzer-Division, part of General der Panzertruppen Georg Stumme's XL.Panzer-Korps. The regiment crossed the border near Prilep and was soon deep in Greek territory.

The LSSAH captured Vevi on April 10. Sturmbannführer Kurt Meyer's reinforced Aufklärungs-Abt 1 LSSAH was tasked with clearing resistance from the Klissura Pass, south-west of Vevi and driving through to the Kastoria area to cut off retreating Greek and British Commonwealth forces. Resistance from the Greek 20th Division was fierce. According to some accounts, the SS were inspired to capture the Klissura Pass only after Meyer threw a grenade at the feet of some of his soldiers.

Sturmbannführer Fritz Witt's I.Battalion was tasked with clearing the Klidi Pass, just south of Vevi and strongly defended by Australian, British and New Zealand troops. Witt's Battalion was reinforced and renamed Kampfgruppe Witt. An Australian officer wrote of the Germans' "insolence" in driving "...trucks down the main road — to within 3000 yards of our infantry", and there unloading the SS troops. The Germans were forced off the road and faced fierce resistance for more than two days. On the morning of April 12, the Germans launched a frontal assault, and by late afternoon the pass was cleared. I.Battalion LSSAH had inflicted many casualties and captured over 520 prisoners for the loss of only 37 dead and 95 wounded.

With the fall of the two passes, the main line of resistance of the Greek First Army was broken, and the campaign became a battle to prevent the escape of the enemy. On April 20, following a pitched battle in the 5,000-foot-high Metsovon Pass in the Pindus Mountains, the commander of the Greek First Army surrendered the entire Hellenic Army to Dietrich. British Commonwealth troops were now the only Allied forces remaining in Greece, and they were falling back across the Corinth Canal to the Peloponnesos. By April 26, the LSSAH had reached the Gulf of Patras, and in an effort to cut off the retreating British Commonwealth forces, Dietrich ordered that his regiment cross the Gulf and secure the town of Patras in the Peloponnesos. Since no transport vessels were available, the LSSAH commandeered fishing boats and successfully completed the crossing, despite being forced to leave much of their heavy equipment behind. By April 30, the last British Commonwealth troops had either been captured or escaped. The LSSAH occupied a position of honour in the victory parade through Athens.

Following Operation Marita, the LSSAH was ordered north, to join the forces of Army Group South massing for the launch of Operation Barbarossa.

Barbarossa

Following the LSSAH's outstanding performance during Marita, Himmler ordered that it should be upgraded to divisional status. As such, the Regiment, already the size of a reinforced brigade, was redesignated SS-Division (mot.) Leibstandarte SS Adolf Hitler. Despite this, there was no time to refit the division to full divisional status before the launch of Operation Barbarossa, the invasion of the Soviet Union, and so the new 'Division' remained the size of a reinforced brigade.

The LSSAH was attached to the LIV.Armee-Korps and held in reserve during the opening stages of the attack. In August, it was transferred to III.Panzer-Korps, part of Generalfeldmarschall Ewald von Kleist's Panzergruppe 1. During this time, the LSSAH was involved in the Battle of Uman and the subsequent capture of Kiev. During this time, the division was involved in heavy fighting, with Meyer's Abteilung particularly distinguishing itself.

In early September, the division was transferred back to LIV.Armee-Korps, preparing to launch an offensive to clear the Crimean peninsula. The operation was launched on 17 September 1941. The LSSAH was involved in heavy fighting for the town of Perekop, before advancing across the Perekop Isthmus to assault the Soviet defensive positions near the Tarter Ditch.

In November, the LSSAH was transferred back to Panzergruppe 1 and took part in the heavy fighting for the city of Rostov-on-Don, which was captured in late November. During Operation Barbarossa, the division had penetrated 960 kilometers into Soviet territory.

Heavy Soviet counterattacks during the winter meant that Army Group South had to fall back from Rostov-on-Don to defensive lines on the river Mius. The LSSAH spent the winter fighting ferocious defensive battles in temperatures of down to -40°C, with minimal winter clothing and only 150 grams of rations per man per day. Despite this, the division held. After the spring rasputitsa had cleared, the exhausted division joined in Fall Blau, partaking in the fighting to retake Rostov-on-Don, which was recaptured in late July, 1942. Severely understrength and completely exhausted, the LSSAH was pulled out of the line. The division was ordered to the Normandy region of occupied France to join the newly formed SS-Panzer-Korps and to be reformed as a panzergrenadier division.

Kharkov

The LSSAH spent the remainder of 1942 refitting as a panzergrenadier division. Thanks to the efforts of the Reichsführer-SS, along with SS-Obergruppenführer Paul Hausser, the SS-Panzerkorps commander, the four SS panzergrenadier divisions (LSSAH, "Wiking", "Das Reich" and "Totenkopf" were to be formed with a full regiment of tanks rather than only an Abteilung. This meant that the SS Panzergrenadier divisions were full-strength Panzer divisions in all but name. Also, the division received nine Tiger 1 tanks, and these were formed into 13.(schwere)Kompanie/SS-Panzer-Regiment 1.

The collapse of the front around Stalingrad and the encirclement of the 6.Armee meant that the entire eastern front was close to collapse. Generalfeldmarschall Erich von Manstein, commander of Army Group Don, requested reinforcements to halt the Soviet attack near Kharkov. The SS-Panzerkorps was ordered east to join Manstein's forces.

Arriving at the front in late January 1943, the LSSAH was thrown into the line defending Kharkov itself as a part of Hausser's SS-Panzer-Korps. Facing them were the hundreds of T34s of Mobile Group Popov, a Soviet armoured Army sized formation which formed the spearhead of the Soviet advance. On 8-9 February, 1943, the LSSAH's SS-Panzergrenadier-Regiment 1 under SS-Sturmbannführer Fritz Witt, fighting alongside SS-Sturmbannführer Max Wünsche's I./SS-Panzer-Regiment 1, fought a bitter delaying action near the town of Merefa, halting a major Soviet attack. The division fought in many desperate defensive battles over the next few weeks, gradually being pushed back into the city of Kharkov itself.

Despite inflicting heavy losses on the Soviets, and rebuffing all enemy attacks, the Soviets succeeded in outflanking the corps. On 15 February, Hausser ignored Hitler's orders to hold the city at all costs and ordered the SS-Panzer-Korps to abandon the city and withdraw towards Krasnograd. Over the next week, the SS-Panzer-Korps annihilated Mobile Group Popov in a series of brilliant and hard fought battles. The LSSAH was a major participant in these battles, destroying several Soviet divisions and inflicting heavy losses.

Hausser now ordered that Kharkov should be recaptured. The LSSAH, Das Reich and Totenkopf were to form the spearhead of the attack. The attack got underway on 2 March. The LSSAH was formed into three Kampfgruppen which would attack towards and capture Kharkov. Over the next weeks, the LSSAH would take part in the ferocious battles to take the city. Kampfgruppe Meyer, under Panzermeyer's command, penetrated to Red Square before being cut off. Kampfgruppe Witt saw heavy fighting against a Soviet blocking force near Dergatschi before it also broke through into the city. Both Kampfgruppen were repeatedly cut off during the confused fighting, and it was not until Kampfgruppe Peiper, under Joachim Peiper, broke through that the defenders were finally overwhelmed. By 21 March, the battle was over and Kharkov was back in German hands, with Peiper's Kampfgruppe having penetrated as far as Belgorod.

In honour of the 4,500 casualties suffered by the Leibstandarte in the fighting, Kharkov's Red Square was renamed Platz der Leibstandarte SS Adolf Hitler. The division was pulled back for much needed rest and refit.

Normandy

Read more in the Main Article--> Normandy landings

The LAH's most crucial role during the Battle of Normandy would be the part it played against operation Goodwood. Launched 18 July, three strong British armoured divisions, with infantry support on their flanks, were to swing through the gap between Caen and the eastern heights. There they would have to get across the hills at Bourgibus and break through towards open ground. The operation was preceded by a three hour bombing assault by 2,500 aircraft, which knocked the German infantry senseless, rendered their MG-42's useless by the vibrations, and knocked out most of the Panzers on the ground.

Immediately afterwards the British tanks came rumbling on and seized all their primary objectives. 2.Kp./SS-Panzerregiment 1, located by the woods near Garcelles, received orders to attack the British at Soliers. SS-Obersturmführer Malkomes drove in the direction of Bourguιbus with his 13 Panthers and discovered 60 enemy tanks S-SE of the town. He attacked them, destroying 20, and took Soliers. Around 12:00 hours the entire Panther-Battalion, I./SS-Panzerregiment 1, 46 Panther, was engaged in combat with the 29th Tank Brigade of the 11th Armoured Division. The body of Leibstandarte was rushed to the front from Falaise, where it was in reserve. It immediately counterattacked around 17:00, together with 21. Panzerdivision, which halted the British offensive on the left front. The British withdrew to Caen, leaving behind 126 destroyed tanks.

At first, 19 July seemed to bring a discontinuation of Goodwood, as only some individual tanks assaults were carried out. But by 13:00 the Brits charged again, having brought up reinforcements to continue the attack. They quickly overran the forward German units and pressed on hard, a wave of tanks spearheading the attack. But when the leading Sherman/Fireflies and Cromwells approached the hill at Bourguιbus at 1600 hours, squad after squad was taken under fire and blown up; the Panthers of the Leibstandarte had taken up positions on the hill itself. Around 15:00 hours the first 12. SS-Pz. Div. HJ's elements arrived, which relieved the right front. The Brits failed to break out of their bridgehead, but Caen was now fully in their hands and their bridgehead had been expanded for 9 km. They had suffered the loss of 493 tanks, and 4,011 casualties.

Despite this victory, in the face of complete Allied numerical superiority, 5 days later the Americans saw the chance to break out of their beachhead. The weakened German defense could not keep up with the savage battle of attrition as little or no reinforcements had arrived, supplies were shot up, and movement by day was made impossible. They stormed into the open, one column headed towards Avranches, and another column making an encircling movement towards St. Lτ. Hitler, never allowing a retreat, remained true to his creed and, instead, ordered an assault to be made. Leibstandarte, together with 4 other SS-Panzer Divisions and 3 Wehrmacht Panzer Divisions went on the attack on 7 August after moving to the assembly areas on 5 and 6 August. SS-Panzerregiment 1 along with two Panzergrenadier-Battalion, one Pionierkompanie and the FlaK-Abt. were used. The weather wasn't suited for flying that day, so the attack went smoothly at first, despite the fact that the Allies knew the attack was coming. Das Reich managed to recapture Mortain, and a gepanzerte Kampguppe under Jochen Peiper managed to go as far Bourlopin, but was stopped by massive swarms of Allied aircraft. Another attempt was mounted the next day, but failed.

A report from SS-Obersturmführer Preuss, 10. Kompanie/SS-Panzergrenadierregiment 2 describes the impossible situation:

"It is true that one fighter bomber we shot down landed on a Panzer and destroyed it. Most other Panzer and Schützenpanzer, however, fell victim to this intensive air bombardment, which lasted hours. Those Grenadiere still able to fight had spread themselves out to the left and right through the terrain's many hedges. They were happy to see that the bombers swarming like bees over our heads were finding more rewarding targets than individual men. I agreed with them. I heard that Peiper had suffered a heart attack. Diefenthal (the commander of the III./2) lost his hearing when a bomb fell right next to him. Kuhlmann was unable to get the attack moving forward again. My brave messenger, Sturmmann Horst Reinicken, was killed as he tried to reach the command post of the Heer Panzerabteilung to which we were subordinated. He was trying to bring the Panzerabteilung the news that its commander and Adjutant lay dead not far from our hedge."

After that it was over with the campaign in Normandy; Leibstandarte got encircled by the Americans and British in what would be called the Falaise pocket, but by then the unit was reduced to several small Kampfgruppen. Hausser, commander of 7. Armee was told by von Kluge (commander in chief West, as successor to von Rundstedt) to withdraw II. SS-Panzerkorps (Hohenstauffen and Frundsberg), his motors and his administrative personnel from the pocket. The Führer had still not given orders to withdraw at this point, so it all depended on the will of the units themselves to get out. Leibstandarte withdrew from the pocket with Unterführers and Führers each taking the lead of a small Kampfgruppe and smashing through the ring, on 22 August, after which no combat ready tanks or artillery pieces were reported. The whole campaign caused some 5,000 casualties to the LSSAH.

Ardennes Offensive

Read more in the Main Article--> Battle of the Bulge

The Ardennes Offensive (16 December 1944 – 25 January 1945) was a major German thrust launched towards the end of World War II through the forested Ardennes Mountains region of Belgium, France and Luxembourg on the Western Front. The offensive was called Unternehmen Wacht am Rhein (Translated as Operation The Guard on the Rhine or Operation "Watch on the Rhine.") by the German armed forces. The 'bulge' was the initial incursion the Germans put into the Allies’ line of advance, as seen in maps presented in contemporary newspapers. Operation Wacht am Rhein was the final major offensive and last gamble Hitler was to make. Wilhelm Mohnke, now in command of the Leibstandarte SS Adolf Hitler, was to lead his formation as the spearhead of the entire operation in the Ardennes. However, the division's high casualties had forced it to take in a large number of inexperienced replacements to add to the core of battle-hardened and experienced veterans. The crisis in the Reich meant that the LSSAH had dangerously low amounts of fuel for its vehicles in the upcoming campaign. The operation began on 16 December 1944, with Mohnke designating his best colonel, SS-Standartenführer Joachim Peiper, and his regiment to lead the push to Antwerp. In the north, the main armoured spearhead of the Sixth SS Panzer Army was Kampfgruppe "Peiper", consisting of 4,800 men and 600 vehicles of the 1st SS Division Leibstandarte SS Adolf Hitler under the command of Joachim Peiper. Its vehicles included Panzer IVs (PzKw IV), Panzer IIs (PzKw II Ausf.H), Panther tanks (PzKw V), Sturmgeschütz III (StuG III Ausf.G), Tiger I (PzKw VI) and Tiger II (Ausf. B). [...] With each passing day, enemy resistance stiffened and the advance was eventually halted on all fronts. Desperate to keep the assault going, the German High Command ordered that a renewed attack begin on 1 January 1945. Yet by this time, the Allies had regrouped their forces and were ready to repulse any attack launched by the Germans. The operation formally ended on 27 January 1945, and three days later Mohnke was promoted to SS-Brigadeführer. A short while later LSSAH and the I SS Panzer Corps were transferred to Hungary to bolster the crumbling situation there. Mohnke was wounded in an air raid where he suffered, among other things, damage to his hearing. He was removed from front-line service and put on the Führer reserve. In his place, SS-Brigadeführer Otto Kumm was appointed the new Division Commander as of 15 February 1945. During Battle of the Bulge, soldiers from 3./SS-PzAA1 LSSAH captured eleven African-American soldiers from 333rd Artillery Battalion in the hamlet of Wereth. Subsequently the prisoners were shot and their remains found by Allied troops two months later. The soldiers had their fingers cut off, legs broken, and at least one was shot while trying to bandage a comrade's wounds.[1]

Operation Frühlingserwachen

Operation Spring Awaking or Frühlingserwachen (6 March 1945 – 16 March 1945) was the last major German offensive launched during World War II and was an offensive begun by the Germans in great secrecy on 6 March 1945. They launched attacks in Hungary near the Lake Balaton area on the Eastern Front. This area included some of the last oil reserves still available to the Axis. The operation involved many German units withdrawn from the failed Ardennes Offensive on the Western Front, including the 6th SS Panzer Army and the LSSAH. Almost inevitably, Operation Spring Awakening was a failure for the German Army. Despite early gains, the operation was a perfect example of Hitler's increasingly poor military judgement toward the end of the war. Its chief flaw was that the offensive was far too ambitious in scope. After the failure of Operation Spring Awakening, Sepp Dietrich's 6th SS Panzer Army retreated in stages to the Vienna area. The Germans desperately prepared defensive positions in an attempt to hold the city against the fast arriving Soviets, in what become known as the Vienna Offensive.[2]

Strength (1935–1945)

  • January 1935 2,531
  • January 1936 2,650
  • January 1937 3,177
  • January 1938 3,607
  • December 1938 3,626
  • June 1941 10,796
  • December 1942 20,844
  • December 1943 19,867
  • June 1944 19,691
  • December 1944: 22,000 (Battle of the Bulge)
  • 7 April 1945: 57 Officers, 229 NCOs, 1,296 Soldiers and 16 operational tanks (Battle of Berlin and Battle of Vienna)

See also

External links

Hungary 1945

References

  1. ↑ Ardennes Offensive
  2. ↑ Eastern Front 1945


Retrieved from "http:///index.php?title=1st_SS_Panzer_Division_Leibstandarte_SS_Adolf_Hitler&oldid=56879"