78th Infantry Division (Wehrmacht)
The 78th Infantry Division was a German infantry division active during World War II. It was formed in August 1939 as part of the first wave of the Wehrmacht's expansion prior to the war.
Operational History:
The division participated in the invasion of Poland in 1939, serving in the southern sector. It was also involved in the Battle of France in 1940. Following the Western Campaign, the 78th Infantry Division was transferred to the Eastern Front as part of Operation Barbarossa in 1941.
On the Eastern Front, the division fought in numerous major engagements, including the Battle of Moscow during the winter of 1941-1942, enduring heavy losses. Throughout 1942 and 1943, it remained in the central sector of the Eastern Front, involved in defensive battles and localized offensives. The division was later caught up in the Soviet summer offensives of 1944 and suffered further significant casualties.
Weakened and repeatedly rebuilt, the 78th Infantry Division continued to fight on the Eastern Front until the end of the war in May 1945. It surrendered to Soviet forces in the final days of the war.
Organization and Structure:
The division's typical organization included three infantry regiments, an artillery regiment, and supporting units such as a reconnaissance battalion, anti-tank battalion, pioneer (engineer) battalion, signals battalion, and supply units. The specific composition and strength varied over time due to combat losses and replacements.
Commanding Officers:
The 78th Infantry Division was commanded by several officers throughout its existence, including:
- Generalleutnant Curt Gallenkamp (August 1939 – September 1941)
- Generalleutnant Walter Fries (September 1941 – January 1944)
- Generalleutnant Herbert von Larisch (January 1944 – May 1945)
Notable Engagements:
- Invasion of Poland (1939)
- Battle of France (1940)
- Operation Barbarossa (1941)
- Battle of Moscow (1941-1942)
- Eastern Front Campaigns (1942-1945)
Fate:
The 78th Infantry Division was destroyed in the final days of the war on the Eastern Front and surrendered to Soviet forces.