126th Infantry Division (Germany)
Encyclopedia
The 126th Infantry
Division (German: 126. Infanterie-Division) was a German
division
in World War II
. It was formed on 15 October 1940 in Münster
.
Infantry
Infantrymen are soldiers who are specifically trained for the role of fighting on foot to engage the enemy face to face and have historically borne the brunt of the casualties of combat in wars. As the oldest branch of combat arms, they are the backbone of armies...
Division (German: 126. Infanterie-Division) was a German
Germany
Germany , officially the Federal Republic of Germany , is a federal parliamentary republic in Europe. The country consists of 16 states while the capital and largest city is Berlin. Germany covers an area of 357,021 km2 and has a largely temperate seasonal climate...
division
Division (military)
A division is a large military unit or formation usually consisting of between 10,000 and 20,000 soldiers. In most armies, a division is composed of several regiments or brigades, and in turn several divisions typically make up a corps...
in World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
. It was formed on 15 October 1940 in Münster
Münster
Münster is an independent city in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. It is located in the northern part of the state and is considered to be the cultural centre of the Westphalia region. It is also capital of the local government region Münsterland...
.
Commanding officers
- General der Infanterie Paul LauxPaul LauxPaul Laux was a highly decorated General der Infanterie in the Wehrmacht during World War II who commanded the 16. Armee He was also a recipient of the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves...
, 15 October 1940 – 8 October 1942 - Generalleutnant Harry HoppeHarry HoppeHarry Hoppe was a highly decorated Generalleutnant in the Wehrmacht during World War II who commanded several divisions. He was also a recipient of the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves...
, 8 October 1942 – 3 May 1943 - Generalleutnant Friedrich Hofmann, 3 May 1943 – 8 July 1943
- Generalleutnant Harry Hoppe, 8 July 1943 – 28 November 1943
- Generalleutnant Gotthard FischerGotthard FischerGotthard Fischer was a highly decorated Generalleutnant in the Wehrmacht during World War II who commanded several divisions. He was also a recipient of the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross. The Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross was awarded to recognise extreme battlefield bravery or successful...
, 28 November 1943 – 14 February 1945 - Generalmajor Kurt HaehlingKurt HaehlingKurt Haehling was a highly decorated Generalmajor in the Wehrmacht during World War II. He was also a recipient of the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross. The Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross was awarded to recognise extreme battlefield bravery or successful military leadership...
, 14 February 1945 – 8 May 1945