181st Infantry Division (Wehrmacht)
The 181st Infantry Division was a German infantry division that fought during World War II. It was formed on December 1, 1939, as part of the seventh wave (7. Welle) of mobilization. The division was initially composed of men from the Wehrkreis VIII (Silesia).
Operational History:
The division participated in the invasion of Norway in April 1940 (Operation Weserübung), forming part of Group XXI under General Nikolaus von Falkenhorst. Following the successful occupation of Norway, the 181st remained stationed there for a prolonged period, primarily engaged in occupation duties and coastal defense. Its area of operations included Trondheim and areas further north.
The 181st remained in Norway throughout much of the war, facing a challenging environment of harsh weather conditions, difficult terrain, and the constant threat of Allied raids and resistance activities. While primarily focused on security duties, elements of the division were also involved in anti-partisan operations.
In the later stages of the war, as the Eastern Front deteriorated for the Germans, units from the 181st Infantry Division were gradually redeployed to other fronts. Some elements were transferred to Finland in 1944 during the Lapland War against the Finnish forces after Finland signed an armistice with the Soviet Union.
The remaining elements of the 181st Infantry Division continued to fight in Norway until the German surrender in May 1945.
Organization:
The division's typical organization included:
- Infantry Regiments (numbered within the division's sequence)
- Artillery Regiment
- Pioneer Battalion
- Anti-Tank Battalion (Panzerjäger)
- Reconnaissance Detachment
- Signals Battalion
- Supply Troops
Commanders:
The 181st Infantry Division had several commanders throughout its existence, including:
- Generalleutnant Kurt Wuth (1939-1942)
- Generalleutnant Michael Becker (1942-1943)
- Generalleutnant Eugen von Chappuis (1943-1944)
- Generalleutnant Wolfgang Lange (1944-1945)
Notable:
The 181st Infantry Division’s prolonged service in Norway distinguishes it from many other German infantry divisions that saw action on multiple fronts. Its role in the occupation of Norway and subsequent operations in the Arctic Circle makes it a notable example of the Wehrmacht’s deployment strategies and challenges in diverse theaters of operation.