Infanteriedivision Theodor Körner

Berlin: German

Infanteriedivision Theodor Körner

XX Korps, 12. Armee, Heeresgruppe Vistula 

The Infanterie-Division Theodor Körner (Reichsarbeitsdienst or RAD Division 3) was formed on 4 April 1945 at Truppenübungsplatz Döberitz (Döberitz military training area) from surviving elements of 215. Infanteriedivision and 7500 men from the Reichsarbeitsdienst (RAD, National Labour Service). 215. Infanteriedivision, after fighting in Courland Pocket, was transported by ship across the Baltic Sea from 22 February 1945 to West Prussia. There they were destroyed during the defensive battles around Gotenhafen-Oxhöft (now Gdynia in Poland). The division staff then was transported via Swinemünde (Swinoujscie) to Berlin.

The RAD was to supply up to 1500 lower ranks, 2500 auxiliary trainers and 3500 recruits for each of the three RAD divisions that were ordered to be formed at this time. The auxiliary trainers were former RAD recruits who had remained in the RAD for an additional six or twelve months to train new recruits.

The division was ordered renamed Infanteriedivision Theodor Körner on 9 April 1945. The division was named after Carl Theodor Körner, a German poet, playwright, and a German patriotic figure from the Napoleonic Wars who was killed fighting with the Lützow Free Corps in 1813. 

The elements of the division were assembled on 10 April and it was ordered to be combat ready by 15 April. Its young RAD recruits has seen a level of basic military training and discipline while doing their RAD service, and they had all received at least eight weeks basic training with Military District III before joining the division at Döberitz for final infantry training. Added to these RAD recruits were officer cadets from the Döberitz military school, as well as convalescents and troops on leave who were unable to return to their regular units. 

The division departed for the front on 18 April. The division took up defensive positions facing the Americans approaching the Elbe River to the southwest of Berlin. During the Ninth Army’s breakout from the Halbe Pocket they took part in the Twelfth Army’s attacked towards Belzig, Beelitz, and the breakout. They surrendered to the Americans after crossing the Elbe in May 1945 near Tangermünde.

Berlin Offensive

Commanders

Generalleutnant Bruno Frankewitz
(6 April 1945 - 8 May 1945) 

Area of operations

Germany (April 1945 - May 1945) 

Order of battle

Grenadier-Regiment Theodor Körner 1

Grenadier-Regiment Theodor Körner 2

Grenadier-Regiment Theodor Körner 3

Divisions-Füsilier-Bataillon Theodor Körner

Panzerjäger-Abteilung Theodor Körner

Artillerie-Regiment Theodor Körner (1 Battalion)

Pionier-Bataillon Theodor Körner

Berlin

In Flames Of War

You can field this division using the Volksgrenadier Company from Bulge: German.


Last Updated On Monday, March 6, 2023 by Wayne at Battlefront