13th Infantry Division (Belgium) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids 13th Infantry Division |
|
|---|---|
| Active | 1940 |
| Country |  Belgium |
| Branch | Belgian Army |
| Type | Infantry Division |
| Role | Infantry |
| Size | Division |
| Part of | V Corps (Belgium) |
| Garrison/HQ | Schoten |
| Engagements | Battle of Belgium (World War II) |
| Disbanded | 28 May 1940 |
The 13th Infantry Division (also known as 13de Infanterie Divisie) was a group of soldiers in the Belgian Army. They were an infantry division, meaning they were mainly foot soldiers. This division bravely fought against the German army, called the Wehrmacht, during the Battle of Belgium in World War II.
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The 13th Division in World War II
The 13th Division was made up of older reserve soldiers. This meant they didn't have many modern weapons. They lacked heavy guns like anti-aircraft (AA) guns and anti-tank artillery. Their infantry units used older weapons from World War I.
Because of this, the 13th Division was first placed along the Schoten-Dessel Canal. Their job was to protect the main Albert Canal line. They were meant to slow down any German advance.
The Start of the Battle
When the war began on May 10, the 13th Division was ready to blow up bridges. This would stop the German army from moving forward quickly. However, they learned that the French 7th Army would be coming through their area. The French were on their way to help the Dutch.
Even so, some bridges east of Turnhout were destroyed. This made it harder for the French troops when they arrived later that evening.
Facing the German Advance
The French army's arrival meant the 13th Division had to stay at the canal longer than planned. General Six, who led the 13th Division, worked with the French forces. Around this time, the first German scout teams crossed into Belgium.
On May 12, the 3rd Carabiniers, a unit from the 13th Division, met German forces near Arendonk. Meanwhile, General Six discovered that the bridges over the Albert Canal had been blown up. This cut off his planned escape routes.
By May 13, the 3rd Carabiniers were in a tough fight at the Schoten-Dessel Canal. As night fell, the order came to retreat to the Antwerp area. One battalion of the 3rd Carabiniers did not get the order in time. Many of its soldiers were captured.
Retreats and Challenges
After a major German breakthrough at Sedan, the 13th Division was ordered to retreat again. This time, they moved towards Ghent. Their new job was to defend the eastern parts of the city. By this point, some soldiers were starting to lose discipline.
On May 21, the 39th Regiment, part of the 13th Division, fought German scouts. But the next day, the Germans reached the English Channel. This meant another retreat was ordered, this time to the Lys River.
The 13th Division, which was weaker than other units, was again given a covering role. They took up positions in Ghent itself. While the 3rd and 39th Regiments were getting ready, German negotiators came with a white flag. They demanded that the city surrender.
Some soldiers, influenced by local people and police, surrendered. They went against their officers' orders. Only a few battalions from each regiment managed to retreat to the Lys River.
Final Stand and Surrender
The Germans broke through at the Lys River near Kortrijk. The weakened 13th Division was then sent to help near Ursel. Parts of another division had been moved to try and stop the German breakthrough.
As the 13th Division took its new position, they came under heavy artillery fire. This showed that the Germans were about to attack their area with full force.
On May 26, the German attack began. By noon, the Germans had crossed the Lys canal. They pushed towards Maldegem. The remaining soldiers of the 39th Regiment tried to counterattack, but the Germans advanced too quickly. By the end of the day, what was left of the division pulled back to Maldegem. They made a final defense of the town there.
The Belgian army surrendered on May 28. At least 101 officers, non-commissioned officers (NCOs), and enlisted soldiers from the 13th Division were killed during the fighting.
Division Structure in 1940
Here's how the 13th Division was organized at the start of the Battle of Belgium:
- Headquarters, located in Schoten
- Commanding Officer: Major-General François Duthoy
- 32nd Line Regiment
- 33rd Line Regiment
- 34th Line Regiment
- 21st Artillery Regiment (Belgium)
- 13th Bicycle Squadron (a unit on bicycles)
- 14th Engineer Battalion (soldiers who build and destroy things)
- 13th Signal Battalion (soldiers who handle communications)
- 13th Divisional Supply Battalion (soldiers who provide food and equipment)
- 13th Divisional Field Hospital Battalion (medics and doctors)
- 13th Divisional Quartermaster Company (manages supplies)
- 13th Divisional Military Police Unit (keeps order)
See also
