10th Infantry Division (Belgium) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids 10th Infantry Division |
|
|---|---|
| Active | 1940 |
| Country |  Belgium |
| Branch | Belgian Army |
| Type | Infantry Division |
| Role | Infantry |
| Size | Division |
| Part of | VI Corps (Belgium) |
| Garrison/HQ | Kortenberg |
| Engagements | Battle of Belgium (World War II) |
| Disbanded | 28 May 1940 |
The 10th Infantry Division (Dutch: 10de Infanterie Divisie) was a group of soldiers from the Belgian Army. They fought against the German Army during the Battle of Belgium in World War II.
Contents
The 10th Infantry Division in World War II
Getting Ready for War
When the war started, the 10th Infantry Division was called into action. Some of its groups were already part of the army. This division was led by the VI Corps. They were sent to defend the K-W Line, a strong defense line near Leuven.
Defending the K-W Line
When Germany invaded, the 10th Infantry Division began its work. They were the only infantry unit defending their part of the K-W Line. On May 11, the British Army arrived. They took positions along the K-W Line too. There were some disagreements among the Allied leaders. This was because Belgian, French, and British forces were all on the same line. The 2nd British Division took positions south of the 10th Infantry Division.
Retreat and New Lines
Later, the Allies had to leave the K-W Line. The 10th Infantry Division began a slow retreat. They did not have many vehicles, which caused delays. The division finally reached new defense lines. Their job was to keep a connection between their forces and the British.
Facing German Attacks
The 10th Infantry Division expected a big German attack. Scouts warned them when the attack began. But the Germans focused their main attack further north. This allowed the 10th Infantry Division to fight back. Soon, news arrived that the British had left their positions. This left the south side of the 10th Division exposed to the Germans.
Final Battles and Surrender
Things became very difficult for the Allied forces. They were surrounded in Northern France and Flanders. The German pressure grew stronger, especially on the 10th Infantry Division. The Germans wanted to attack the exposed sides of the Belgian lines.
With more soldiers and strong artillery, the Germans attacked the 10th Infantry Division again. The Belgian commanders ordered a retreat. The 10th Infantry Division then had to defend a wide area. This area stretched about 11 kilometers from Ledegem to Izegem.
A German attack near Ledegem failed. But the Belgians did not have enough reserve soldiers. The Germans managed to break through the lines to the west. This caused the Belgian defense to collapse. The 10th Infantry Division had to retreat once more.
After losing most of its fighting ability, the 10th Infantry Division had to surrender. They laid down their weapons on May 28, 1940.
How the Division Was Organized in 1940
Here is how the 10th Infantry Division was set up just before the Battle of Belgium:
- Headquarters, located at Kortenberg
- Commanding Officer, 10th Infantry Division - Lieutenant-General Jules Pire
- 3rd Regiment Foot Hunters
- 5th Regiment of Hunters-on-foot
- 6th Regiment of Hunters-on-foot
- 10th Artillery Regiment
- 8th Battalion Engineer
- 10th Battalion Transmission Troops
- Cyclists Squadron 10ID (for the 10th Infantry Division)
See also
- Battle of Belgium
- 11th Infantry Division
- 5th Infantry Division
- Battle of Belgium order of battle
- British Expeditionary Force
- K-W line
