GD Page 6

Großdeutschland History

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

ABOUT US

8th Kompanie Grossdeutschland was formed in May 2004 and next to the British Paratroopers, formed the foundation of the Northern WW2 Association. Since then, the unit has grown considerably both in numbers and quality to become the leading German re-enactment unit in the North of England.

8th Kompanie, or GD as it is more popularly known, is a unit of friends who have come together with a common interest in portraying this prestigious wehrmacht formation.

In homage to the origins of Grossdeutschland and to do justice to the memory of the men who fought for their comrades and country, GD constantly strives to be the very best in our accurate portrayal of the German soldier of the 1939-1943 period.

GD’s cornerstones are friendship, honesty, authenticity and quality. We are a unit which has earned respect and commendations from other Societies both here and abroad. We have received praise from german veterans, disappointed by the usually poor portrayal of their fellow soldaten by the film industry or the uninformed re-enactor.

When GD was created, it was with specific goals in mind. They are to have an accurate and authentic camp, to accurately portray through authentic kit and uniforms the typical Grossduetschland soldier, to have members learn the period rifle and combat drills, to be honest, respectful and open in all dealings with each other.

In 2008, GD became associated with another re-enactment society, predominantly based in the North-East of England – Yesterdays Heroes. Returning to its original goal to promote re-enactment in the North East, this gives GD members the flexibility to attend local shows and larger events farther afield with the Nww2a.

All GD members are encouraged to be open and up-front. We understand that some ‘politics’ is inevitable in any group and combat this by engendering an atmosphere of understanding, friendship and honesty. Members are asked to speak openly about any ideas or issues they may have and decisions are fairly decided by unit votes.

Like a real military formation, GD has a chain of command which helps guide and protect the unit. In return, members are expected to behave at all times in such a way that will promote the good name of the unit.

GD is a forward thinking unit and always looks towards ways of improving the camp, our equipment, weaponry, uniforms and the inclusion of vehicles. Besides this, GD members find that the sense of belonging, of being in a group of friends who have a common interest, takes the hobby beyond a weekend away towards a rewarding, involving interest that will last a lifetime.