The 1st Armoured Division deployed to France without its assigned Royal Horse Artillery regiment, which had been allocated to the British Expeditionary Force (BEF) in October 1939. Additionally, the division’s Support Group, consisting of the 30th Infantry Brigade, was detached and sent to Calais along with one of its armoured regiments. These deployments significantly weakened the division by depriving it of vital infantry, artillery, and armoured support. As a result, the division operated at a severe disadvantage, reducing its overall combat effectiveness and limiting its ability to function as a cohesive and fully equipped armoured formation.

Commonwealth 1st Armoured Division

The 10th Panzer Division was formed on April 1, 1939, in Prague, incorporating units from the 20th Motorized Division, the 29th Motorized Division, and the 3rd Light Division. During the invasion of Poland, the division was still in the process of formation and primarily served in a reserve capacity.

10th Panzer Division

Formed: January 1940 from 4th Light Division

The 4th Light Division was established in April 1938 in Vienna, shortly after the Anschluss, which marked the annexation of Austria into Nazi Germany. The division emerged from the transformation of a mobile division of the Austrian Bundesheer (the Austrian Army), reflecting Germany’s growing emphasis on the use of highly mobile and mechanized forces in preparation for future military campaigns.

In 1939, during the Invasion of Poland, the division operated on the right flank of Army Group South. Launching its offensive from Slovakia, it advanced rapidly, crossing the San River on September 10 and capturing the town of Krakowiec on September 12. It was reorganized into the 9th Panzer Division on January 3, 1940.

9th Panzer Division

Formed: October 1939 from the 2nd Light Division

The 7th Panzer Division is equipped with Czech 38t tanks.

7th Panzer Division

Converted Light Mechanized Divisions
Following the invasion of Poland, the German light divisions were seen to lack the firepower needed for large-scale, armoured breakthroughs. As a result, several light divisions were converted into full Panzer Divisions, with a more balanced mix of tanks, motorized infantry, and artillery.

The 6th and 8th Panzer Divisions are equipped with Czech tanks, and are part of XLI Army Corps of
Panzer Group Kleist.

6th Panzer Division: 35t tanks
8th Panzer Divisions: 38t tanks

6th & 8th Panzer Divisions, May 1940