Battle Groups |

Battle group rosters for Combat HQ. Click on an image to download.

Early War

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.

30th Infantry Brigade

Following the outbreak of World War Two, the 30th Infantry Brigade was reformed in the United Kingdom on 24 April 1940. Initially comprising two Regular Army motor infantry battalions — the 1st Battalion, Rifle Brigade, and the 2nd Battalion, King’s Royal Rifle Corps, the brigade was intended to operate as part of 1st Armoured Division.

The rapidly evolving strategic situation in France, however, prevented this. Instead, the brigade was hastily deployed to Calais, arriving on 22-23 May 1940, to defend the port against an imminent German attack. The brigade was reinforced at Calais by the 1st Battalion, Queen Victoria’s Rifles (a Territorial Army motor battalion) and elements of the 3rd Royal Tank Regiment.

1st Panzer Division, May 1940

Formed: 15 October 1935 from parts of the 3rd Cavalry Division.

One of the original five Panzer Divisions, the 1st Panzer Division gained combat experience during the invasion of Poland in September 1939.

2nd Panzer Division, May 1940

Formed: 15 October 1935 from elements of the 3rd Cavalry Division and other motorized units.

The 2nd Panzer Division saw its first major combat action during the invasion of Poland in September 1939, where it played a key role in the rapid defeat of Polish forces. In May 1940, the division was part of XIX Army Corps of Panzer Group Kleist.

3rd & 4th Panzer Divisions

3rd Panzer Division Formed: 15 October 1935 from elements of the 1st and 3rd Cavalry Division and other motorized unit

4th Panzer Division Formed: 10 November 1938 from elements of the 1st Cavalry Division and other motorized units.

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.

6th & 8th Panzer Divisions

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

7th Panzer Division

Formed: October 1939 from the 2nd Light Division

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

9th Panzer Division

Formed: January 1940 from 4th Light Division

10th Panzer 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.