31st Infantry Division (Wehrmacht)
The 31st Infantry Division was a German infantry division active during World War II. It was formed in October 1936 in Hamburg as part of the buildup of the Wehrmacht under the Nazi regime.
Operational History:
The division participated in the invasion of Poland in 1939 as part of Army Group North. It saw action in the Polish Corridor and East Prussia.
In 1940, it participated in the Battle of France, advancing through Belgium and into France.
During Operation Barbarossa, the invasion of the Soviet Union in 1941, the 31st Infantry Division was assigned to Army Group North. It fought in the Baltic states and participated in the siege of Leningrad.
The division remained on the Eastern Front for the majority of the war, engaging in defensive battles and offensives. It was heavily involved in fighting around Lake Ilmen and later in the retreat through the Baltic region.
In 1944, the division was encircled and largely destroyed in the Courland Pocket. Surviving elements were reorganized and continued to fight.
Surrender:
The remnants of the 31st Infantry Division surrendered to Soviet forces in Courland at the end of the war in May 1945.
Organization:
The division's typical organization included:
- Infantry Regiments (usually three)
- Artillery Regiment
- Anti-Tank Battalion
- Reconnaissance Battalion
- Pioneer Battalion (Engineers)
- Signals Battalion
- Supply and Support Units