Pioneer Divisions (who were they?)

[SammyT]

I have a vague understanding of WWII German Pioneers, but would like to know more about them. Were they a fighting combat unit or did they just build bridges and such? Thanks.


Sammy T.

[Gerdan]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Military_engineer


Gerdan

[jmark]

Were they a fighting combat unit or did they just build bridges and such?.

Yes to all of the above.

The built bridges, roads, defensive positions, cleared mines, but also acted as shock troops and to act as "heavy artillery" in assault groups with their flamethrowers, demolition charges, wirecutters, smoke-pots, mines, etc. There were specialised battalions that only built bridges, roads or railways, but the ordinary "pionier bataillon" that belonged to practically every division did almost everything.

Jason

[Simon O.]

As Jason says, pretty much the exact same job as engineers do in all armies past and present.

This gives you an idea of the type of engineer (pionier) units that existed

http://lexikon-der-wehrmacht.de/Glie...n/Pioniere.htm

[SammyT]

Thanks guys for the great info and links! This really helps me understand.

Sammy T.