156th Infantry Division (Wehrmacht)

The 156th Infantry Division was a German infantry division of the Wehrmacht during World War II. It was primarily a training and replacement unit, not a front-line combat division for most of its existence.

Formation and Purpose:

The division was formed in February 1945 from elements of other units, including the Division Nr. 156, a training division that had existed since 1939. Its primary purpose was to provide trained replacements for other depleted infantry divisions fighting on the Eastern Front. The Division Nr. 156 had been stationed in various locations and was responsible for training new recruits and retraining experienced soldiers returning from leave or recovery.

Deployment and Activities:

Due to the deteriorating situation on the Eastern Front in 1945, the 156th Infantry Division was briefly committed to combat in the final months of the war. It saw action in defensive battles, particularly in the region of Silesia, as the Red Army advanced. However, its effectiveness was limited due to its hastily assembled nature and lack of heavy equipment. The division suffered heavy casualties in these engagements.

Surrender:

The remnants of the 156th Infantry Division surrendered to Soviet forces in May 1945, at the end of World War II in Europe.

Organization:

The division's organizational structure in 1945 would have been typical of a late-war German infantry division, albeit likely with reduced manpower and equipment. It would have theoretically included infantry regiments, an artillery regiment, and supporting units such as pioneers (engineers), anti-tank detachments, and signal companies. However, the actual strength and composition likely varied significantly depending on availability of men and materiel.

Commanders:

Specific commanders of the division are not readily available in all historical records, reflecting its primarily training-focused existence. Further research is needed to ascertain the complete list of commanding officers, especially during its brief period of combat deployment.