5. Panzer Division Wehrmacht

5. Panzer Division was established in November 1938.
Components 1938-40
5. Schützen Brigade; 13th and 14th Schützen Regiments, motorized infantry
8. Panzer Brigade; 15th and 31st Panzer Regiments
8 Aufklärungs Abteilung
116th Artillerie Regiment
53rd Panzerjäger Abteilung

1939: With this Panzer heavy organization, 5. Panzer Division invaded Poland with Army Group South.
Tank Strength: 152 PzKw I, 144 PzKw II, 3 PzKw III, 22 PzKw IV.

1940: On May 10, 5. Panzer Division was part of XV Panzerkorp attacking through the Ardennes, crossing the Meuse River and making the Channel Dash.
Tank Strength: 97 PzKw I, 120 PzKw II, 52 PzKw III, 32 PzKw IV, 26 Pz.Bef.

After the fall of France, the division was re-organized. The 8. Panzer Brigade was defunct, and 15th Panzer Regiment left (to 15. Panzer Division) leaving the 31. Panzer Regiment as the main tank element. other changes: 5th Panzer Aufklärungs Abteilung, 288th Heeres Flak Artillerie Abteilung.

1941: April/May. 5. Panzer Division took part in the invasions of Yugoslavia and Greece.
Tank Strength: 9 PzKw I, 40 PzKw II, 51 PzKw III, 16 PzKw IV, 5 Pz.Bef.
June. 5. Panzer Division was made ready for deployment to North Africa. Tanks were repainted in desert colors; however the orders were rescinded, and the division was sent to Army Group Center in the Soviet invasion. The division took part in Operation Typhon (the attempt to take Moscow) followed by defensive operations against Soviet Offensives to push back the Germans from Moscow.

1942: January-May; remained in defensive operations around Gshatsk.
June-October; Transferred to 9th PanzerArmee fighting at Rzhev (a meat grinder)
November; 3rd PanzerArmee at Vyasma
Tank strength: 26 PzKw II, 55 PzKw III, 13 PzKw IV, 9 Pz.Bef.

1943: January-March; remained in Vyasma area conducting defensive action.
April-July; moved to Orel in preparation for the Kursk Offensive Operation Citadel. 5. Panzer Division was tasked flank security on the Northern sector of
the Offensive which came under heavy attack by the Soviets attempting to counterattack the exposed German forces. The Soviets forced the division
back as the operation was canceled and a general retreat ensued via Orel and Bryansk.
Tank Strength: 17 PzKw III N, 76 PzKw IV (G), 9 Pz.Bef.

1944: The Division continuously fought defensive battles and retreated throughout 1944. Gomel, Pripjet Marsh, Latvia, Poland, Courland, East Prussia.

1945: Surrendered to Soviets near Danzig in April.




Sources: Wehrmacht Panzer Divisions 1939-1945, Rosado/Bishop. Wikipedia.

work in progress