Announcement

**Panzer Rob** · 04-14-2012, 12:50 AM

On 30.June, the 2./s.Pz.Abt.504 was attached to Panzer-Division Hermann Göring and Panzer-Abteilung 215 was incorporated into the recently renamed 15.Panzer-Grenadier-Division which had just been formed earlier that month south of Palermo. With this, Wieland was officially transferred to Panzer-Abt.115 and assigned to the unit’s Stabskompanie. The Abteilung was stationed in Western Sicily, near Salemi:

Operation Husky, the Allied amphibious and airborne invasion of Sicily, began on 9.July 1943 and marked the beginning of the Italian campaign.

For more info on Operation Husky see here.

Here is some information about the 15.Panzer-Grenadier-Division and the fighting it saw in Sicily during the months of July and August. 1943:

“In July 1943 a new 15th Panzergrenadier Division, commanded by Generalleutnant Eberhard Rodt, as formed by redesignating the Sicily Division and incorporated remnants of the former 15th Panzer Division. It was not long before it saw action again, this time in Sicily. As the Germans retreated from western Sicily (as a result of the Allied invasion, code-named Operation Huskey) they halted and began setting up defences in the vicinity of the town of Troina along Highway 120, perched high on the hilltops. This was to become a linchpin of the Etna Line. In pursuit was the US 1st Infantry Division icknamed "The Big Red One", commanded by Major General Terry Allen. A six-day battle ensued from August 1–6, 1943, at the end of which, fearing encirclement, the 15th Panzergrenadier retreated down Highway 120 toward Cesaro and later Messina to be evacuated from the island.”

More on the 15.Panzergrenadier-Division, taken from here:

“Obwohl die Division noch nicht vollständig aufgestellt war, wurde sie bereits am 10. Juli 1943 zur Abwehr der 7. US-Armee (General Patton) im Raum Gela bei Comiso gegen die 82. US-Fallschirmjäger-Division eingesetzt.

Das verstärkte Panzer-Regiment 115 geht gemeinsam mit der "Gruppe Schmalz" aus dem Raum Catania am Südhand des Ätna gegen den britischen Landekopf bei Syrakus/Ausgusta zum Gegenangriff über.

Der Großteil der 15. Panzer-Grenadier-Division marschiert aus dem Raum Salemi in den Raum Enna, wo sich der Gefechtsstand des italienischen AOK 6 befindet.

Am 11. und 12. Juli wird die Division in Valguarnera (südöstlich Enna) als Armee-Reserve gehalten.

Das verstärkte III./Panzer-Grendier-Regiment 129 (mit Tiger-Kompanie) unternimmt mit der Panzer-Division "Herman Göring" Gegenangriffe nördlich von Gela, wo sich der Landekopf an der Südküste Siziliens befindet. Als Teile der 7. US-Armee in Richtung Norden vordringen, kommt es bei Serradifalco zu Verteidigungsschlachten.

Am 12. und 13. Juli deckt die verstärkte Schnelle Abteilung 15 in Höhe der Strasse Palermo-Canicatti die weit offene rechte Divisionsflanke gegen nach Norden vorgehende, starke motorisierte Feindkräfte. Am 15. Juli muss die Einheit auf den Abwehrraum Gangi-Leonforte-Agira, nördlich von Enna, ausweichen.

Bis 24. Juli folgt die Verteidigung im Raum Nicosia-Leonforte.
Die verstärkte Schnelle Abteilung 15 wird westlich von Cefalu, beiderseits der Küstenstrasse von Palermo nach Messina, in Abwehrkämpfe verwickelt. Bis 28. Juli golt die Verteidigung um Agira.

Am Monatsende folgt der Rückzug auf die "Troina-Stellung" (nördlich Adrano, südwestlich des Ätna). Bis 7. August Verteidigung bei Troia-Mistretta. Danach unternimmt die Division im Verband des XIV. Panzer-Korps einen planmäsigen Rückzug auf den Brückenkopf in Messina. Es folgt die Räumung Siziliens zwischen 8. und 16. August 1943.”

For his participation in the fighting on Sicily, Wieland received the Iron Cross 2nd class and the award was entered onto page 22 of his Soldbuch on 7.August 1943. The next day, the 15.Panzer-Grenadier-Division began its evacuation of Sicily across the Strait of Messina, which lasted until 16.August. Once across, the 15.Panzer-Grenadier-Division reassembled and began moving north.

**Panzer Rob** · 04-14-2012, 12:50 AM

In September the Division found itself performing coastal protection duties in Formia and elements of the division participated in counterattacks against the US forces who had landed at Salerno during Operation Avalanche:

Taken from: http://www.history.army.mil/books/ww...germancntr.htm

“By August 17, 1943 the 15th Panzergrenadier along with the 29th Infantry, the 1st Parachute, and the Hermann Göring Divisions would escape across the Strait of Messina to the mainland and participate in the Italian Campaign. Beginning on September 9, 1943, the Allied invasion of mainland Italy, (code-named Operation Avalanche), at Salerno and along the beaches to the southeast, found the 15th Panzergrenadiers among the principle defenders. On September 11, elements of the British 46th Infantry Division encountered stiff resistance from the 15th Panzergrenadier and Hermann Göring Divisions around Salerno itself and to the east."

On 30.September 1943, Panzer-Abteilung 215 was re-designated Panzer-Abteilung 115 and shortly after, from 29.October to 13.November 1943 Wieland was granted some much needed leave. Upon his return to Pz.Abt.115 in mid-November Wieland was issued a MP40 and was back fighting on the front lines in Italy.

“By mid-November 1943, the 15th Panzergrenadier Division had fallen back to help defend the Bernhardt Line in the vicinity of Mignano along Highway 6. On December 7, 1943, two battalions of the 15th Panzergrenadier, commanded by Captain Helmut Meitzel, held strong defensive positions in the town of San Pietro Infine and on the vitally important and strategic Monte Lungo to the southwest. Elements of the 71st Panzergrenadier Division eld the German left flank on the heights of Monte Sammucro to the north, while the 29th Panzergrenadier Division held the rear near the town of San Vittore, two miles to the northwest. The 36 Infantry Division of the US National Guard, commanded by Major General Fred L. Walker, launched flanking attacks on their right, while the 1st Italian Motorized group attacked the left up Monte Lungo. The Battle of San Pietro Infine ensued. After ten days of intense attack and counter-attack, the Allies finally succeeded in gaining the high ground on both flanks. With the advantage lost, the 15th Panzergrenadier and its supporting units fell back to defensive positions in the vicinity of San Vittore in the early hours of December 17; they would hold these positions for the next three weeks. Between January 20 and 22 1944, two battalions of the 15th Panzergrenadiers repulsed an ill-conceived assault by the US 36th Infantry Division when the Allies were attempting to establish a bridgehead in the vicinity of the town of Sant' Angelo launch attacks on the Gustav Line near Monte Cassino.”

As stated above, from mid-November 1943 through January 1944 the 15.Panzer-Grenadier-Division was involved in heavy fighting on the Gustav line in the area of Casino. Here is a photograph of one of the Panzer IVs from Pz.Abt.115 taken during the fighting around Casino, the crew working desperately to try and repair a thrown track. You can clearly see the unit’s white star insignia on the rear of the hull:

From January through July 1944 the 15.Panzer-Grenadier-Division was involved in the battles for Cassino, fought against the US forces who had broken out from the beachhead at Anzio-Nettuno during Operation Shingle, Aprillia, and the heavy defensive battles in the Liri valley as the Division retreated north past Rome andmtowards Tuscany where it eventually reassembled south-east of Florence.

“On May 11, 1944, the Allies launched Operation Diadem which finally resulted in the collapse of the Gustav Line and the capitulation of the German defenses along the Winter Line. From May 15–19, the 15th Panzergrenadiers fought a retreating battle through the Aurunci Mountains gainst the 3rd Algerian Infantry and the 4th Moroccan Mountain Division of the French Expeditionary Corps commanded by General Alphonse Juin."

At the end of July 1944 the 15.Panzergrenadier-Division was transferred south-east of Paris and in mid-August was fighting against the Allied forces who had landed during Operation Dragoon and had pushed rapidly northeast towards Patton’s 3rd Army which was heading south-east from Normandy, the two eventually linking up near Dijon on September 11th 1944.

“Ende Juli wird die 15. Panzer-Grenadier-Division beim AOK 10 herausgelöst und per Bahntransport zum OB "West" verlegt. Mitte August versammelt sich die Division im Raum südlich Paris-Troyes und steht dem AOK 1/Armeegruppe G zur Verfügung. Dort gibt es Abwehrkämpfe und Gegenangriffe in Lusigny (Abwehrschlacht um Lothringen) im Raum südostwärts Verdun und in Bar le Duc, wo das Panzer-Grenadier-Regiment 104 kämpft.”

It was during these battles that Wieland was awarded the Heeres-Flakabzeichen while serving in the Flakzug of the Stabskompanie as a crewmember on one of its two SdKfz.7/1, armed with the four-barreled 2cm Flakvierling 38. The award was entered into his Soldbuch on 10.August 1944.

Seeing as how Wieland had been promoted to Unteroffizier earlier in May and was issued binoculars (on 17.July) it is quite possible that he may have commanded one of these vehicles. Here are a few images of some SdKfz.7/1 halftracks with the 20mm Flakvierling. In the last two images you can see the commander of the vehicle standing watch with his binoculars at the ready:

The entry for Wieland's Army Flak Badge on page 22 of his Soldbuch:

**Panzer Rob** · 04-14-2012, 12:51 AM

In October the Stabskompanie received two 3,7cm Flakpanzer IV “Möbelwagen” which replaced the SdKfz.7/1s. Here are a few images of the 3,7cm Flakpanzer IV “Möbelwagen” and it is quite possible that Wieland wound up crewing one of these vehicles.

The TOE for Pz.Abt.115 shows that both were still operational as of 1.November 1944, the date of Wieland's death.

The last image is a shot of a Möbelwagen from Panzer-Regiment 15 (11.Pz.Div.) taken in Lyon, August 1944.

In September the 15.Panzer-Grenadier-Division was fighting against elements of Patton’s 3rd Army in Lorraine, and by the middle of the month found itself engaged in heaving fighting in Lunéville against the US 2nd Cavalry group:

On September 14th elements from A company, 37th Tank Battalion overran part of 15.Panzer-Grenadier-Division’s command post and in a battle that ensued shortly after in Valhey US Sergeant Joe Sadowski was fatally wounded while trying to rescue one of his crew members from his burning Sherman and as a result was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor:

“On 13 September 1944, the M4 tanks of the 37th Tank Battalion knifed across the Moselle River as part of General George S. Patton's continued thrust through France. The 37th Tank Battalion, along with Company A, was assigned to the 4th Armored Division, part of Patton's Third US Army. On 14 September 1944 overran the rear Command Post of the 15th Panzer Grenadier Division at Arracourt and, in Valhey, caught the same division's forward echelon Command Post before it could displace rearward. It was at Valhey that Sergeant Joe Sadowski of Company A won his Medal of Honor. This Non-Commissioned Officer from Perth Amboy, New Jersey was commander of the second tank column as the 37th rolled into the French town. The lead had swung north around a corner as Sadowski's M4 clattered into the village square, where a German armor-piercing round found its mark and set the Sherman afire against the town's water trough. Sadowski had his crew dismount and got them to shelter behind a building after running a gauntlet of machine gun and small arms fire in the square. When noses were counted the bow gunner was found to be missing. A glance at the burning tank showed the gunner's hatch still closed tight. The history of the 4th Armored Division states succinctly: "The Sergeant ran back to his tank, clambered up the smoking front slope plate and tried to pry open the gunner's hatch with his bare hands. He stood on the smoking tank and strained at the hatch until he had been hit so many times he could no longer stand. He slid from his medium and died in the mud beside its tracks. His father and mother were given his posthumous Medal of Honor."

Taken from: http://louisdimarco.com/2ndcavalry.htm

On 18.September, along with Panzer-Brigade 111, Panzer-Brigade 113 as well as the 11. And 21.Panzer-Divisons the 15.Panzergrenadier-Division fought against elements of the US 4th and 6th Armored Divisions in the Battle of Arracourt which, until the Battle of the Bulge, was the largest tank battle the US Army had ever fought.

Here’s a paragraph that talks about combat actions on 19.September, taken from http://www.privateletters.net/featured_arracourt.html

“The 111th Panzer Brigade, supposed to be north of the canal that morning, was misdirected along the way by a patriotic French farmer and did not make contact with the 113th Panzer Brigade at Bures until late in the afternoon. The 111th Panzer Brigade did not reach Krueger in full strength. Some of its tanks had not yet come up from the depots, and low-flying American planes had inflicted much damage on the column during the march north. Over to the west the security line set up along the Mortagne by the 21st Panzer Division, and the remnants of the 112th Panzer Brigade, had been pierced at several points by the forward columns of the XV Corps, and during the night of the 19th this defensive line was withdrawn to the east bank of the Meurthe. The 15th Panzer Grenadier Division, in the north, was trying desperately to set up a blocking position between the Meurthe and the town of Einville, on the canal. With the XLVII Panzer Corps thus heavily engaged General Luettwitz had to tell his superiors that he had no troops to attack north of the canal."

The section “Counter the Attack; Panser-Brigade 111 and 113” on this page also tells about the battle of Arracourt: http://www.panzerworld.net/oob-pzb

“The back of the Fifth Panzer Army attack was broken on 29 September; nor was there any further possibility of creating a new force for a continued effort to reach the Moselle River. During the afternoon, while the remnants of Manteuffel's armored task force were being hunted down around Bures by the fighter-bombers, General Balck made a personal visit to Rundstedt's headquarters at Bad Kreuznach. He told the C-in-C West that he still intended to wipe out the Pont-à-Mousson bridgehead and recover the Moselle defense line, but that he would need a "minimum" of three additional divisions, forty or fifty tanks, twenty or thirty assault guns, fifty antitank guns with prime movers, four battalions of heavy artillery, and four battalions of engineers. Rundstedt had no troops to give Army Group G, for Hitler and Jodl had decided to throw the few reserves still available on the Western Front into an attack against the Second British Army, at this time driving forward to surround the Fifteenth Army between the Rhine and the Maas. Balck, therefore, had no choice but to order the Fifth Panzer Army to go over to the defensive.”

**Panzer Rob** · 04-14-2012, 12:52 AM

On 6.October Wieland was issued gear through the Stabskompanie/Pz.Abt.115 and also received some pay. One of the entries in the Soldbuch which I find quite interesting is the pay entry recorded on page 8, dated 11.October 1944, but with a Panzer-Abt.215 stamp; the unit had been redesignated Panzer-Abt.115 a year earlier! Clearly the unit’s Zahlmeisterei continued to use its old stamps!

Wieland's gear entry:

A few weeks later, Michael Wieland would be dead, killed while fighting along side the 9.Panzer-Division against elements of the American 7th Armored Division in the battle of the Peel Marshes in Holland. The following text provides an overview on 15.Panzergrenadier-Division’s participation in the German attack in the Peel Marshes and the fighting in which Wieland was killed:

"The Commander in Chief West issued orders on 25 October to the effect that two days later 9th Panzer Division with attached elements of 15th Panzer Grenadier Division would jump off from the line Maasbree - Beesel to gain a line extending from a point northwest of Helenaveen - southern periphery of Liesel - southeastern periphery of Asten - Wessem-Nederveert Canal - Rooven.

The main body of 15th Panzer Grenadier Division would cross over to the western bank of the Maas and stand ready to exploit initial successes won by 9th Panzer Division.

The German attack began on 27 October 1944 in the area of Nederweert – Meijel – Liesel, with the primary initial attack coming through the town of Meijel, although attacks were made on other places along the front as well. The attacked was defended by 7th Armored Division, numbering roughly 10,000 men. But the reality was that the area that was attacked was held only by widely spread elements of 7th Armored Division's 87th Cavalry Reconnaissance Squadron, which had a total of about 900 men. In fact, at Meijel, there was only one troop (C) of 87 Recon, whose Morning Report on 26 October 1944 (the day before the attack) showed 5 officers and 127 men in position to defend against what would be an attack of an entire armored division (9th Panzer) of 11,000 men.

Thus the initial attack overwhelmed the few scattered American defenders. More elements of 7th Armored Division were moved into the battle on the first day, but another German division – 15.Panzergrenadier-Division - with 13,000 men was also moved into the battle, thus pitting 24,000 concentrated German troops against about 10,000 initially scattered but later concentrating American troops on the first day (27 October)."

Sitrep, Army Group B to OB WEST, 1130 on 27 Oct 44, OB WEST, KTB.

The entire 15th Panzer Grenadier Division had completed its move across the Maas and was fully assembled in the attack sector. As planned, Field Marshal Model immediately directed the division to exploit the initial success gained by 9th Panzer Division. General Luettwitz committed the 15th Panzer Grenadier Division in the northern half of the XLVII Panzer Corps attack sector while shifting the northernmost elements of 9th Panzer Division to the southern half.

The Commander in Chief West endorsed Model's plan and issued orders on 25 October to the effect that two days later 9th Panzer Division with attached elements of 15th Panzer Grenadier Division would jump off from the line Maasbree - Beesel to gain a line extending from a point northwest of Helenaveen - southern periphery of Liesel - southeastern periphery of Asten - Wessem-Nederveert Canal - Rooven. The main body of 15th Panzer Grenadier Division would cross over to the western bank of the Maas and stand ready to exploit initial successes won by 9th Panzer Division.

The attack started as planned at 06:15 on October 27 with the 9.Pz.Div and the 15.Panzergrenadier-Division. A diversionary attack was launched north of the main attack with parts of the 15.Panzergrenadier-Division and by the morning of October 28 they reported being two miles southeast of Liesel. The reconnaissance battalion of 9th Panzer Division was not far from

Overnight on 27-28 October, the British had moved into the battle's northern area, allowing the US 7th Armored Division to concentrate on the south. By afternoon of 28 October Allied resistance had stiffened considerably. There were no indications -- according to German G-2 - that any Allied forces had been shifted eastwards from the Fifteenth Army front. Droves of Allied aircraft attacked the XLVII Panzer Corps and LXXXVI Corps rear areas, bombed Maas bridges vital to German supply and raided the city of Venlo. In the evening the Germans already had their hands full replulsing Allied armored counterattacks.

In spite of strong Allied fighter-bomber activity on 29 October, the
Germans were able to gain additional ground. While 15th Panzer Grenadier Division penetrated Liesel, 9th Panzer Division advanced to within one mile of Heusden.

The attackers were not able to push further west on 29 October, but they held their own ground against Allied counterattacks. While the Luftwaffe -- in a minor revival of earlier glory -- flew 53 sorties in their support, German panzer forces wiped out an Allied penetration southeast of Liesel and repulsed new Allied counterattacks. But the cost continued to mount. Nevertheless Field Marshal Model requested authorization to continue the attack, at least for a short while longer. The original objective of relieving pressure against Fifteenth Army, was considered unattainable, and was abandoned. In its stead, the continued attack was to accomplish a far more modest mission: gaining some ground. Runstedt gave permission to continue the attack until the evening of 30 October.

On 30 October 1944 Fifth Panzer Army (General der Panzertruppen Hasso von Manteuffel) assumed command of XLVII Panzer Corps, LXXXVI Corps and Corps Feldt, thus carving out a new German army sector between First Parachute and Seventh Armies. Command of Fifteenth and First Parachute Armies was unified under the provisional Army Group Student, still under the Army Group B, but destined, two weeks later, to become the third Germany army group (H) under OB WEST.

Allied resistance against XLVII Panzer Corps continued to increase. In the morning of 30 October, aided by 140 Luftwaffe sorties against Allied ground forces, General Luettwitz' panzer divisions made slight gains. But by afternoon Allied resistance and counterattacks had grown so powerful that Field Marshal von Runstedt insisted on his order for cessation of the attack.

Consequently XLVII Panzer Corps withdrew to its line of departure during the night from 30 to 31 October and prepared to defend its positions. The 9th Panzer Division temporarily remained in the line. The 15th Panzer Grenadier Division was disengaged immediately to revert to its status as Army Group B reserve.

Belatedly -- and wrongly -- the Germans concluded that the spoiling attack had accomplished their original purpose, after all. For their G-2 identified the 15th British Infantry Division and the 4th British Armored Brigade, opposite XLVII Panzer Corps, two units which the Germans had previously identified on the Fifteenth Army front. The Germans did not know that these units had accomplished their missions on the western front of the "MARKET-GARDEN Corridor", and that it was no hardship or embarrassment for the Allied Command to shift them to the Peel Marshes.

For another day or two the Allies continued their attacks against XLVII Panzer Corps. Then the sector lapsed into stagnation again. The 9th Panzer Division was disengaged during the first week of November; Headquarters XLVII Panzer Corps returned to Krefeld to continue its training functions. The sector southwest of Venlo reverted to control of 180th Division and Parachute Training
Division Erdmann."

Taken from Surprise Attack in the Peel Marshes
by Lucian Heichler

Here's some more interesting reading about the battle Taken from: Engagements of 9. Pz.Div. in the Netherlands 1944

“The first attack took place on 01.10.1944 in the area of Lower Rhine and Waal with the aim to capture Elst south of Arnheim.

The second attack took place from 27.-31.10.44 to the west of Venlo in order to take pressure from 15. Army which was in a bad shape due to constant attacks by 1st Canadian Army. Although 9. Pz.Div. and 15. Pz.Gren.Div. were ordered to attack into the direction of Asten, only 9. Pz.Div. actually started the attack as the German High Command only wanted to commit 15. Pz.Gren.Div. after the initial breakthrough by 9. Pz.Div. succeeded. On the first day of the attack elements of 9. Pz.Div. reached Meijel, de Donk and the area to the southeast of Liessel. The left wing of the attack was supported by elements of 344. Inf.Div. The burden of the attack laid on Pz.Gren.Rgt. 10 and Pz.A.A. 9 because II./ Pz.Rgt. 33 first became available during afternoon when the Germans managed to build a bridge over the Deurne canal. Pz.Gren.Rgt 11 was also missing due to incompetence of the commanding officer. He was dismissed the same day and Major von Bockhoff, former commander of Pz.A.A. 9, took over the regiment. The opponent, 7th US Arm.Div., was taken by complete surprise but in the afternoon the American recovered from the shock and started to reorganize their defense. They were supported by fighter-bombers and the fact that the Germans could only make use of the roads in order to attack to the west. Furthermore, mine fields in this area disabled at least five Jagdpanzer from Pz.Jg.Abt. 50.

The next day 15. Pz.Gren.Div. attacked north of 9. Pz.Div. and reached the area east of Liessel by the end of the day. Pz.Gren.Rgt. 10 reached the wooded area east of Asten but couldn’t gain more ground. The attack of Pz.A.A. 9 which was advancing on the road from Meijel to Asten also couldn’t overcome the American resistance. During the afternoon the Americans started their first counterattacks which were repulsed by the Germans. It became clear that the Germans had lost the moment of surprise and first considerations were made to call off the attack but as 15. Army still was under heavy pressure the Germans prepared for another attack on 29.10.44.

The next day 15. Pz.Gren.Div. took Liessel and 9. Pz.Div. attacked in force on the road leading from Meijel to Asten. By noon the OB West called off the attack of XXXXVII. Pz.K. after 9. Pz.Div. had taken bitter losses. At least two Panthers were lost and quite a number of infantry-men lost their lives. Model asked for a final attack of the corps on 30.10.44 and in the end the OB West gave the order for this attack. The attack stalled right from the beginning. Especially Pz.Gren.Rgt. 10 had high losses because the Americans counterattacked. During the night 30./31.10.44 the Germans went over to the defense and two days later 9. Pz.Div. was withdrawn behind the Deurne canal. While the total losses of 9. Pz.Div. are unknown II./ Pz.Rgt. 33 lost seven Panthers during the offensive.”

**Panzer Rob** · 04-14-2012, 12:53 AM

Lastly, here’s a link to a great website with very detailed and extensive information and maps on the fighting that took place in Meijel, taken from: http://www.blikopdewereld.nl/Ontwikk...ij-meijel.html

The German consolidation

"Beginning September 1944 stagnated the Allied advance. But that was only partly due to the logistical problems faced by the Allies by the ever lengthening supply lines to camps were: as to Germany approached, took the opposition to the defense of "Heimat" was for many German soldiers still powerful source of inspiration.

In order again to get a grip on the fight, took the German side a reorganization of the command relationships place and new units were formed. Feldmarschall G. von Rundstedt was on September 5, 1944 Oberbefehlshaber West. (On 1 July 1944was von Rundstedt as Oberbefehlshaber West dir Hitler relieved of his command and evrvangen Feldmarschall by G. von Kluge) Feldmarschall W. Model, after the suicide of von Kluge on August 19, 1944 this function was observed, could again entirely to the army group B consecrate. 15. Army commanded by General G. von Zangen withdrew under pressure from First (CAN) Army along the coast in the direction of Zeeland back.

With the defense along the Albert Canal from Antwerp to Maastricht was the 1. Fallschirmarmee commanded by General Oberst K. Student charged. On the left flank of Army Group B operated the 7. Armee. With great difficulty did the advance of the Student 21 (BR) Army Group at the Meuse-Escaut and the Albert Canal to halt. Along the West Wall was the front is now stabilized.

The attention of design focused mainly on two problems: he had an American breakthrough in Aachen and prevent the Allies access to the port of Antwerp deny 9 the port of Antwerp wa suds September 4, 1944 in Allied hands undamaged cases). The battle, which then in North Limburg and North Brabant would develop to be completely against the background of these two problems are seen. Although in line with expectations was that the Allied advance until finally the Meuse would be stopped, the German troops were commissioned under any circumstances to give ground. Accordingly, the Allied units are such that the bound 15. Army had more opportunities to organize the defense of Zealand.

The Allied airborne operation "Market Garden" brought the German army command only briefly confused. After several days she had the matter already under control. As the Allied corridor to Nijmegen the front in two parts had been cut, was on 20 september 1944 by Feldmarschall Model a new zoning decisions (see also Figure 1).

15. Army got Zealand and the area west of the corridor assigned, and the 1. Fallschirmarmee was responsible for the defense of the line Nijmegen Roermond. Immediately after the Allied airborne landings on 17 September 1944, the II. Fallschirmkorps mandated defense east of Nijmegen to organize. South of that corps stood the LXXXVI. Army Corps.

Since it is on the right flank of the XXX (BR) Corps attacking VIII (BR) Corps insufficient momentum and had also, as previously mentioned, the Peel to the Americans was assigned, the Germans are in this for the defense eminently suitable terrain without major problems to maintain. The LXXXVI. Army Corps under the command of General von Obstfelder would the Allies in the Peel still big trouble.

Montgomery was now under great pressure from Eisenhower concluded his successful attack on Venray on 16 October in order to break himself completely to the struggle in New Zealand to concentrate decided Feldmarschall W. Model to carry out the attack against Allied forces in order to bind and press 15. Armee reduction. The place of action was called for access Meijel chosen.

The execution was the General Command XLVII taxed, so that the 9. Panzer Division and 15. Panzer Grenadier Division under the command was given (XLVII The General Command of the two divisions under the command set vomde the XLVII. Panzer Corps). To reach the line of attack was Liesel Asten-elected.

The German counterattack

On 25 October 1944 by the Oberbefehlshaber West, Generalfeldmarschall G. von Rundstedt's Army Group B to the permission given to conduct a counteroffensive in Meijel. The XLVII. Panzer Corps, under command of General der Panzertruppen H. von Luttwitz, the attack would initially only with the 9. Panzer Division perform. The OB West, however, gave command at the earliest possible stage, the 15. Panzer Grenadier Division to the struggle. In addition to reducing the pressure on the 15. Armee was also expected that the German offensive action the allied advance in the area of Nijmegen Sittard considerably more difficult.

15. Panzer Grenadier Division remained in a waiting area east of the Meuse. The 9. Panzer Division consisted of the Panzer Grenadier Regi Mente 10, 11 and 33, the Panzeraufklarungsabteilung 9 and other division troops (the staff strength was 12,000 men; devisiecommandant wa General-Major Frhr H. von Elberfeldt The regiments were each consisting of two battalions. From Panzer Regiment 33 were the regimental staff and a battalion still in St. Pölten, so this unit to fight in Meijel only by Il. / Panzer Regiment 33 was involved. The C-Cav platoon of 87. Ren. Sq. Mecz. - 43 man strength - stood at Meijel on two farm complexes, respectively, in Court and Donk.

Meijel appeared regularly in German reconnaissance patrols so that the American locations on the German side were well known. On warning of local resistance fighters, that there may be a German attack was coming, by the Americans paid no attention.

On 27 October at 06.15 (see also Figure 3) the attack was opened with a bombardment by German artillery, which was in the America, and had sufficient ammunition. The first German aanvalsechelons tasks without problems driving down the Deurne Canal and Noordervaart about. There were three attack strikers. Panzer Grenadier Regiment 11, II. / Pz. Gren. Rgt. 11 on the right and I. / Pz.Gren.Rgt. 11 on the left flank, fell to Heitrak. At 09.00 was the attack on the eastern edge of that place down. The Americans immediately went to the counter-attack and urged Pz.Gren.Rgt. 11 in defense. Only at 17.45 hours, this unit made contact with the advancing north from Meijel Pz.Gren.Rgt. 10. Meijel, after the initial shooting, attacked by Pz.Gren.Rgt. 10 and Pz.AA 9. The Vieruiterstenbos north of Meijel was at 08.00 hours. It was also beaten a bridge where the Deurne Canal crosses the road Meijel-Beringen. The Pz.AA hit 9 in the morning against a U.S. attack, while five U.S. tanks were destroyed.

In namidag Meijel and Donk were firmly in German hands. After the Roggelse destroyed bridge a temporary bridge had been beaten, it was II. / Pz.Rgt. About 33 to Pz.Gren.Rgt. 10 sent. That regiment, under command of II. / Pz.Rgt. 33, Meijel put out the attack in the north continued and made contact with Neerkant Pz.Gren.Rgt. 11.

After repelling the American counterattack resumed Pz.AA 9, under the command I. / Pz.Gren.Rgt. 10, the attack in the direction Asten but was about 2 miles west of Meijel by the Americans halted.

To support the attack Meijel exceeded combat units of the 344. Infantry Division at the Nederweert Noordervaart (344 Infantry Division belonged to the Army Corps LXXXVI). Waas Camp Street and Winner were taken without much difficulty. With the growing American opposition there was little further progress be made. Until 28 October after heavy fighting Ospel was in German hands.

As the conduct of the attack initially looked favorable, received on October 27, 15. Panzer Grenadier Division assignment is to the western side of the Meuse to move and then by the 9. Panzer Division successfully achieved expression.

On October 27 around 23:00 this division fell Pz.Gren.Rgt. 105, High Bridge in the direction of Tabernacles. Her assignment was to take Liesel. The vakgrens with the 9. Panzer Division was just south of the road in High Bridge Cabins northwest.

Then on 28 October the German attack was continued, showed only how well the Americans had recovered. Despite two attacks - to 03.45 hours and 14.45 - managed enhanced Pz.AA (especially the fight at Liessel arose on October 29 on the German side a shortage of artillery ammunition) in the direction Asten not penetrate.

With great difficulty could the Germans against American attacks Liesel and Moostdijk turn. German attacks and Heitrak Neerkant Asten walked toward the woods southwest of Asten fixed. During the fighting was both Allied and German side made heavy use of artillery support.

On 29 October at 11.15, before the presence of the 15 Scottish Division was established, gave von Rundstedt command to abort the attack. "At the request of Generalfeldmarschall Model, however, was given permission to the attack until October 30 to continue. After fierce battles finally fell on 29 October Liesel in German hands. 9. Panzer Division, which had suffered heavy losses, posted on this day very little territorial gain. The front line was only "stützpunktartig" occupied. The Ie (G2) of the Army Group B reported on the progress of the battle on 29 October:

On the German side it was estimated that at 27, 28 and 29 October, 85 U.S. tanks were put out of action. On the night of 30 on 31 October, the XLVII. Panzer Corps to the defense. If it was the first 15. Panzer Grenadier Division from the battle taken (October 31). Then came the 9. Panzer Division on the night of 1 to 2 november finish the fight. The next night was this division exceeded the Meuse. In Meijel was only a small bridgehead occupied.

On October 22, 1944 was Combat Command B of the 7 (U.S.) Armored Division joined the Deurne Canal at the height of Griend Veen where a small bridgehead was formed. The 87 Cav.Sq.Mecz. conducted along the Deurne Canal and the North Channel between Liesel and provide protection Nederweert a task. In this unit was located Meijel the C-squad.

Nederweert lying south of the Combat Command A in the front line. The Combat Command R was reserve division and was located west of Asten, halfway between Eindhoven and Nederweert. On October 25 would Combat Command B Combat Command R to be repaid (According to the A proud Act ion Report 7 (U.S.) Armored Division was the redemption on October 25 completed. In the course of the battle shows that this was not the case . Presumably one on October 25, ordering the repayment received on 27 October and this was yet hardly begun.

Besides patrolling activities by the division completed a training program, focusing on the individual combat training and tactical actions of small units (group, platoon and company level).

There was little enemy activity reported. This ended on 27 October at 06.15 uureen abrupt end by the German preliminary artillery bombardment in Meijel. The C-squad was by the attacking Germans, who after the artillery crossed the channel, rapidly westward from Meijel expelled. An attempt with the support of the B-squad then Meijel to retake, by the Germans, the bridgehead expanded rapidly, thwarted. In Heitrak was Dpeloton of U.S. reconnaissance company attacked. Also there had to be withdrawn under German pressure. By Combat Command R was with Task Force Wemple support to the D-platoon granted.

By order of the commander of the VIII (BR) Corps Combat Command B was by the 11 (BR) Armored Division relieved that the Americans through a counter-attack the Germans could dispel. This redemption was completed 27 October at 20.45.

On October 28 would then Combat Command B from Liesel simultaneously with Combat Command R from Asten, in the direction Meijel attacks.

The A-squad, which is in the sector was Nederweert, was on October 27 westbound reduced. By the evening, this unit supported by Combat Command A Task Force with Nelson. The counterattack by 7 (U.S.) Armored Division on 28 October was carried out fairly quickly came to a halt. Task Force Wemple (CCB) was not much further than the way of Liesel to High Bridge. Task Force Chappuis (CCR), mid-Meijel Asten and Task Force Nelson (CCA) ran at Horik fixed in the enemy's fire. The initiative was again taken over by the XLVI1. Panzer Corps. The Americans were expelled on 29 October from Liesel. Using artillery support could just be prevented that Asten was to be abandoned.

The poor of the embankment also played a not insignificant role. The Allies decided the 7 (U.S.) Armored Division to repay by the 15 Scottish Division. This redemption was on 30 October at 02.00 complete.

Combat Command B Combat Command A then fired off. Combat Command R was division reserve while Combat Command A was preparing for the counter attack, conducted in collaboration with the 15 Scottish Division, the Germans eventually from Meijel and environs should dissipate.

The commander of the 7 (U.S.) Armored Division, Major General LM Silvester, on 30 October was relieved of his command and replaced by Brigadier-General RW Hasbrouck. On 27 October 1944 Tilburg by the 15 Scottish Division and the 6th Guards Tank Brigade liberated. Once there on October 28, the last German resistance nests were removed, the Scots were getting ready in liberated Tilburg participate in the festivities. However, little of it came right when the division was ordered to the German counterattack at Meijel to repel. On 28 October at 12.00 received the 227 (Highland) Brigade, commanded by three Scots Guards Armoured, the command to move. In the early morning of 29 October they reached where they are to defend Asten inrichtten. The 131 Field Regiment RA had already arrived and had to Heusden along with 25 Field Regiment RA position is taken and fire on the enemy opened (25 Field regiment RA was already on 28 October by General O'Connor, the commendant of VIII (BR) Corps , supporting the 7 (U.S.) Armored Division deployed).

This created the odd situation that two artillery divisions for their own frontline battle with the need for better enemy. Around the same time was 44 (Lowland) Brigade south of Deurne in the defense (During this operation was 44 (Lowland) Brigade, temporarily under operational command of the 1 (BR) Armoured Division made).

For the Allies, the situation was extremely sad and confused. The 7 (U.S.) Armored Division seemed defeated and the Germans threatened Liesel. During a discussion Someren, on 29 October 1944 at 06.00 hours between the commanders of the VIII (BR) Corps, 7 (U.S.) Armored Division and the 15th Scottish Division was held, they decided the whole Scottish Division in the fray . It was feared that if the Germans once Liesel would have conquered it by the road-Liesel Asten the 227 (Highland) Brigade would cut. Thereupon the 44 (Lowland) Brigade, except the 7 King's Own Scottish Borderers who have roadside Deurne-Liesel deployed were from Deurne to Asten sent, the 46 (Highland) Brigade took the box from Deurne on (The 46 (Highland ) Brigade had the 7 King's Own Scottish Borderes under the command and got the 2 on the Glasgow Highlanders 44 (Lowland) Brigade).

On 29 October at 18.00 hours were 8 and 6 Royal Scots Royal Scots Fusiliers the southern edge of the forest located south of Liesel occupied. The 2 Glasgow Highlanders nestled in the northeastern edge of the forest. By occupying the line Asten Leensel-Deurne had the 15 Scottish Division advance the possible paths of the XLVII. Army Corps could now be sealed off and started to push back the enemy. The 7 (U.S.) Armored Division exceeded by the 15 Scottish Division and moved into a collection area north of Nederweert to prepare for the attack that finally would drive the Germans back.

The next morning (October 30), the Germans attacked from the Final positions of the Glasgow Highlanders, whose platoon front fulcrum quickly lost. In the woods south of Leensel developed a confused fight. By two companies of the Royal Scots and a squadron of 4 Armoured Grenadier Guards in the afternoon the Germans were expelled from that place. Next, the Royal Scots Fusiliers from the northwest in the direction of Liesel on the attack, which was repulsed by the Germans. In the evening, finally beat the Royal Scots Fusiliers using aanvalsechelons the front of the 46 (Highland) Brigade, which marched to Liesel, another German counter-attack.

The 46 (Highland) brigade. after the King's Own Scottish Borderers by having exceeded without direct combat with the enemy on 30 October with the 7 Seaforth Highlanders Loon reached. The 9 Cameronians attacked from the north to the left flank. The heavy German flak however, brought the 46 (Highland) Brigade to stand just north of Liesel. The 7 Seaforth Highlanders were on their right flank contact with the Royal Scots Fusiliers, they helped in repelling the aforementioned German counterattack and then dug themselves into.

“On the night of 30 on 31 October, 15. Panzer Grenadier Division from the battle taken and replaced by the Fallschirmjagerregiment Hubner. On October 31, captured the 46 (Highland) Brigade Liesel and Final. The attack on Liesel took place with two battalions in front line. After a preliminary bombardment attacked the Seaforth Highlanders and two companies of, a company followed the path of wages Liesel while the other is through the open area east of Liesel forward moisture. The Royal Scots Fusiliers supported this attack from the west to attack Liesel. When Liesel was taken, was the attack by the King's Own Scottish Borderers with two companies in the direction of Castle continued. On October 31 at 15:00 by paces they, along with a squadron of 4 Armoured Coldstream Guards, the positions of the 7 Seaforth and marched on to lock with two companies in front line on both sides of the road. After two German tanks are destroyed, they went just south of Castle in the defense. The reconnaissance platoon of the Coldstream Guards cabins nudged just past the German defense line, which ran Small Heitrak to High Bridge. The Scottish attack was aborted, however.

During the night were heavy German artillery fire on Liesel and Final stationed there place so that the Scots had little rest. On November 1, huts made by the King's Own Scottish Borderers, without meeting enemy resistance. Further happened on this day not much. The point of attack of 44 (Lowland) Brigade for 2 november was Moostdijk. At 09.30 hours the attack by the Glasgow Highlanders on the right and the Royal Scots Fusiliers on the left flank deployed.

A Churchill flail tanks and three were lost by mines. After 10.30 am Heitrak was recaptured, were the Glasgow Highlanders from the battle and taken back under the command of the 46 (Highland) Brigade made. Their positions were taken over by the Royal Scots, while the Royal Scots Fusiliers by the King's Own Scottish Borderers were redeemed. In Moostdijk came the attack to a halt. The 46 (Highland) Brigade had already taken defensive positions along the Deurne Canal in the rents of the road-Slot High Bridge.

The German flak from the eastern bank of the canal and because the flat terrain had to be about a kilometer from the canal remain. In the frontal part of the 227 (Highland) Brigade, which remained on the defensive, on this day were only minor skirmishes with German patrols instead."

**Panzer Rob** · 04-14-2012, 12:54 AM

Michael Wieland’s death remains a mystery. There is no information for Wieland in the German war graves registry and according to two separate death cards that have surfaced, Wieland died on 1.November 1944 in St. Hubert, however according to Chapter 10 of The Sigfried Line Campaign by Charles MacDonald, the 15.Panzer-Grenadier-Division was pulled out of combat on the night of 30/31.October and replaced with Fallschirmjager-Regiment Hübner.

“In the meantime, the Germans also were making adjustments. During the night of 30 October, the 15th Panzer Grenadier Division withdrew to return to its earlier status as Army Group B reserve. The 9th Panzer Division disengaged during the first week of November.”

I have not been able to establish if Wieland was killed on 1.November (Jabo attack?) or if he was wounded earlier in the fighting and succumbed to his wounds on November 1 st in St. Hubert. If the information on the death cards is accurate, and I have no reason to believe it is not, it’s quite possible that Wieland was in St. Hubert at the time of his death– perhaps at an aid station? I believe that St. Hubert was in allied hands by 1.November, perhaps someone can confirm or deny this?

Hopefully those of you who are still reading this got some enjoyment out of the thread. Needless to say I am extremely happy to have finally been able to acquire this wonderful little “Holland ’44 KIA” set from the former owner - Thanks, Henner! I’ve really enjoyed researching the battles Wieland’s unit fought in, in particular because they fought in so many significant battles and so often against the US Army - the 7 th Armored Division in two different countries in two campaigns- and because there is just SO much detailed information available on so many of these battles; it really helps paint a clear picture on exactly where this Soldbuch has been and what it has been carried through. This is also the first Soldbuch I’ve owned to a member of a Panzer unit who served in a Flak zug and received the Army Flak badge, and the portrait photo in the Soldbuch is just killer. It’s a true gem and I couldn’t be happier with it.

As I stated earlier, the research I’ve collected is from a wide variety of sources and while I believe it to be accurate and correct, if anyone happens to see anything that needs correcting please let me know. I’d also like to know if anyone might be able to provide more details on Wieland’s death.

Hope you’ve enjoyed the thread and I welcome any and all comments.
Rob

**hennep11** · 04-14-2012, 02:56 AM

Nice research Rob.
I like it lot.

**Bobbe** · 04-14-2012, 04:52 AM

Wonderful soldbuch and wonderful post with much informations.

Compliments

I love particulary the 504th heavy tank battalion because it fought in my town in Tuscany with the lost of the Keitel's tiger.

Best regards,
Roberto

**Eric JB** · 04-14-2012, 05:11 AM

Great presentation, loaded with information.

yours friendly

Eric-Jan

**JUNGCO** · 04-14-2012, 05:35 AM

Nice work Rob!
Jeff

**mufasa** · 04-14-2012, 06:08 AM

great presentation and great soldbuch!!!

**Ian Jewison** · 04-14-2012, 06:51 AM

Very interesting Rob!

I wish I had the time to do this sort of research on some of my Soldbücher but the kids ensure I do not

Interesting for me also with you showing the 3,7cm Flakpanzer IV “Möbelwagen”, I have some photos of these and never really looked into what they were....forget the unit but the crews bodies are draped in flags of them.

Incidentally I had a trawl through the Volksbund and tried different combinations and a phonetic search but no luck. Checked the Vermisstenbildliste and of course he is not in there but worth a look.

/Ian

**Erwin L** · 04-14-2012, 07:04 AM

Congrats Rob

It is a super soldbuch which you finally have been able to pull out Henners' collection. Great research you have done and written. Great presentation job

Regards

Erwin

**Floris** · 04-14-2012, 07:27 AM

Great research!
Thanks for showing

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Soldbuch to Michael Wieland, s.Pz.Abt.504, Pz.Abt.115, KIA in Holland 1944

Soldbuch to Michael Wieland, s.Pz.Abt.504, Pz.Abt.115, KIA in Holland 1944

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