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

5th Panzer Division

The 5th Panzer Division was established on November 24, 1938, in Oppeln, then a part of Germany (currently Opole, Poland). The division took part in the 1939 invasion of Poland, though it did not play a significant role. It was involved in the southern advance toward Lwów and participated in the Battle of Lwów.

Due to a shortage of Pz-III and Pz-IV tanks, the 5th Panzer Division was below its full authorized strength in May 1940.

The France 1940 project continues with Battle Group Rosters for the 3rd and 4th Panzer Divisions.

3rd & 4th Panzer Divisions