Radfahr-Wach-Bataillon 45

[Jonathan M]

I have a second issue WP in my collection to a member of the above unit but i cannot place which Division it served with. I initially thought it was 45 ID, but the unit history does not tally with the service record of this soldier, eg while the 45th ID was involved in the Tula region, the Radfahr-Wach-Bataillon 45, according to the WP, was engaged in the Donetz Basin.


Was this unit a Heerestruppen attached to a Division, or does the 'Wach' signify a security unit? thanks in advance

Jonathan

[Ian Jewison]

Jonahtan,

Yes you are correct it was Army troops:

Wach-Bataillon 45

Formed 27.11.1940 from the already existing Bau-Bataillon 45 formed 26.8.1939 in Wehrkreis V; Renamed Radfahr-Wach-Bataillon 45 on 2.4.1941; 1.5.1943 reorganised in Sicherungs-Bataillon 407.

Under: Heerestruppe, from 21.5.1941 south Russia with Panzergruppe 1, January 1943 AOK 17 and 6.4.1943 Heeresgruppe A in the Caucasus (Elbrus)

Replacements: 5 (Bau) Schwäbisch Gmünd; 16.5.1941 E 358 (Infanterie) Donaueschingen, Wehrkreis V

/Ian

[Jonathan M]

Ian

Many thanks for clearing that one up and for your informative reply.

Jonathan