LXII Army Corps (Wehrmacht)

The LXII Army Corps (German: LXII. Armeekorps) was a German Wehrmacht army corps active during World War II. It was primarily a static occupation and security force stationed in Southern France for much of its existence.

Formation and Deployment:

The LXII Army Corps was formed on August 8, 1944, in Wehrkreis V (Stuttgart). It was initially deployed in the Toulon area of Southern France, responsible for coastal defense and security duties. Its primary mission was to oversee the coastal defenses and prevent Allied landings.

Operational History:

The corps was tasked with holding the French Mediterranean coast, a sector that was ultimately targeted by Operation Dragoon, the Allied invasion of Southern France in August 1944. The LXII Army Corps, under the command of General der Infanterie Ferdinand Neuling, found itself heavily outnumbered and outgunned. The rapid Allied advance quickly overwhelmed the German defenses.

Following Operation Dragoon, the LXII Army Corps was forced to retreat northward, engaging in delaying actions against the advancing Allied forces. The corps was involved in heavy fighting throughout the autumn and winter of 1944-1945 as it fell back through France.

Surrender:

The LXII Army Corps eventually surrendered to Allied forces in the spring of 1945, along with the general collapse of the Wehrmacht.

Commanders:

• General der Infanterie Ferdinand Neuling (August 8, 1944 – May 1945)

Subordinate Units (Example - Specific composition varied):

The specific subordinate units of the LXII Army Corps varied depending on the operational situation. However, it typically consisted of:

• Various infantry divisions, often of lower quality or depleted strength.
• Coastal defense units.
• Security units.

Area of Operations:

• Southern France (August 1944 – 1945)

Significance:

The LXII Army Corps represents a significant example of the weakening state of the Wehrmacht in the later stages of World War II. Formed late in the war and primarily composed of static defense units, it was ultimately unable to withstand the Allied advance in Southern France. Its rapid defeat contributed to the overall Allied success in liberating France.