Großdeutschland History and About Us

In 1939 The ‘Wachtregiment Berlin ’, a pre-war guards unit used for ceremonial purposes, and volunteers from all over Germany , where amalgamated to form “Infanterie-regiment Grossdeutschland”. Thus, the name Grossdeutschland, which literally translates as ’Greater Germany’, was given to this four Battalion strong unit.

That same year Germany invaded Poland whilst the regiment was still in the process of being reorganized. Despite this, Grossdeutschland was to receive orders in the September to be transported by air to assist in the invasion. The operation was cancelled however as Russian troops, at that time on friendly terms with Germany , entered eastern Poland rendering the air-assault unnecessary.

In August of 1940, Grossdeutschland was re-designated as a motorized formation, using primarily trucks and half-tracked vehicles which were synonymous with the tactics of ‘Blitzkrieg’ (Lit. ‘Lightning War’). It was around this time that the Regiment was issued the black ‘cuff-title’ worn on the right arm. Grossdeutschland, although not involved with the initial invasion of France , was involved in fighting under the command of Heinz Guderian’s 19th Armeekorp during the later stages of the campaign.

The following year in April 1941, Grossdeutschland was actively involved in the invasion of Yugoslavia and then, in June 1941, was part of operation Barbarossa – The invasion of Russia . In this campaign Grossdeutschland distinguished itself as one of the few units to reach the outer districts of Moscow as part of the 2nd Panzerarmee. The regiment suffered a high casualty rate during the brutal fighting from Tula to Orel and the equally unforgiving winter.

Due to the high attrition rate, the regiment was re-organized several time including the addition of armoured units in April 1942. This dramatic increase in size led to the regiment being re-designated as “Infanterie-Division (mot) Grossdeutschland. The unit would continue to fight until the end of the year, taking in part in major battles west of Russias capital.

Grossdeutschland would continue to receive more re-enforcements and additional armour until, on 23 June 1943 , Grossdeutschland was re-designated as "Panzer Grenadier Division Grossdeutschland". Grossdeutschland was now a Panzerarmee in its own right, comprising its own reconnaissance units which included armoured Pioneer Battalions. During 1943 Grossdeutschland went on to fight at Kharkov , Belgogrod and Kursk during operation Zitadel.

Grossdeutschland later fought in operations in the Orel region until, in September 1943, heavy Russian attacks forced the Division and other units back across the Dneiper river to the south. Following the bitter fighting, Grossdeutschland was sent back to France for replacements and refitting.

Returning to the front the Division would continue to fight gallantly in Lithuania , Memel and Poland amongst other areas. Finally redesignated as “Panzer Korps Grossdeutschland” in November 1944, the now Panzer Korps, fought numerous retreating battles facing far superior numbers and for this received the nick-name “Die Feuerweher” (Lit. ‘The Fire Brigade).

The remnants of Grossdeutschland, surrounded in the last days of the war by Russian forces, broke out to surrender to western allied forces. Grossdeutschland had fought some of the most brutal engagements in World War II and as a testimony to the fighting, left behind over 50,000 dead including 1,500 officers. As a combat unit it received more Knights Crosses than any other German military formation, and the courage and loyalty of the men is exemplified in the units motto :

GOD, HONOUR, FATHERLAND

We mainly portray Grenadiers of the period, August 1940 – April 1942, but we are fully able to portay the complete span of the war, 1939 - 1945. We are part of the North of England WW2 Association, comprising of both new and experienced re-enactors from all walks of life. We are dedicated to the accurate portrayal of a soldier, setting high standards of authenticity for ourselves both in uniform, equipment and tactics.

As a relatively new unit we have decided to ‘start as we mean to go on’, and as such members are expected to use only historically accurate equipment and uniforms etc. Much is available as re-production however and should you decide to join we will attach you to an ‘old hand’ of the unit or ‘Alte Hase’. This member will be able to advise and guide you in the selection and purchase of the correct kit, how to look after you equipment, drill and so on.

There are many pitfalls for the new re-enactor and much equipment sold as original that is incorrect and often over-priced. Your Alte-Hase will be able to give you guidance which will save you much frustration and unnecessary expense. Due to the nature of portraying a German soldier of this period, uniforms, weapons and kit can cost up to £700, as much of the equipment is original. Your Alte-Hase will help and guide you with this. It should be remembered though, that your kit will in most cases not depreciate in value, especially as your Alte-Hase will know the best places to get your kit from. We encourage members not to make any purchases without consulting with an Alte-Hase first !

Commands are given in the original German and although you do not have to speak German, a basic knowledge of the language will only help your understanding and portrayal of a German soldier. We will provide you with a drill manual with many of the basics included in it which will help you between events to ‘brush up’ on your drill.

Drill and the ‘manual-of-arms’ was an important part of a German soldiers life and is also an essential part of our impression. New members must be reasonably fit and willing to take part in drill and drill weekends, not just battles ! The German soldier was highly disciplined and motivated. We wish to give justice to the soldiers we portray, however we do not lose sight of the reason for why we are re-enactors in the first place, to have fun !

Once you have joined, you will be put on a three-show probationary period to see if you meet the expectations of our unit and to see if you are sure you want to become a full member. Recruits will be permitted to wear the ‘GD’ epaulettes, however the Grossdeutschland cuff-title can only be worn after the probationary period is complete. During your probationary period, you will be shown how to take care of, maintain and safely use the various weapons of the unit.