319th Static Infantry Division (Wehrmacht) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids 319th Static Infantry Division |
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319th Division insignia.
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| Active | 15 November 1940 – 8 May 1945 |
| Country |  Nazi Germany |
| Branch | Army |
| Type | Static infantry |
| Role | Coastal defence |
| Size | Division |
| Garrison/HQ | Guernsey |
| Engagements | Granville raid |
The 319th Static Infantry Division was a special kind of German Army division during World War II. It was called "static" because it was meant to stay in one place to defend an area. This division was formed in November 1940. It was created using soldiers and equipment from three other German army groups.
In April 1941, the 319th Division took over the job of defending the Channel Islands. These islands, located between Britain and France, were occupied by Germany during the war. The 319th Division stayed there, guarding the islands, until the end of the war. They surrendered to British forces in May 1945.
Who Led the 319th Division?
The 319th Static Infantry Division had a few different commanders during its time. These leaders were in charge of all the soldiers and operations of the division.
- Generalleutnant Erich Müller was the first commander. He led the division from November 1940 until September 1943.
- Generalleutnant Rudolf Graf von Schmettow took command next. He was in charge from September 1943 to February 1945.
- Generalmajor Rudolf Wulf was the final commander. He led the division from February 1945 until it surrendered in May 1945.
How Was the 319th Division Organized?
The 319th Static Infantry Division was made up of several different units, each with a specific job. This is how the division was set up between 1943 and 1945, while it was defending the Channel Islands.
- Command: This was the leadership group that directed the entire division.
- 582nd, 583rd, and 584th Grenadier Regiments: These were the main fighting units, made up of infantry soldiers.
- 319th Artillery Regiment: This unit used large guns to fire shells over long distances.
- 319th Engineer Battalion: Engineers helped build defenses, clear obstacles, and sometimes destroy things.
- 319th Antitank Battalion: This group specialized in fighting enemy tanks.
- 450th Fast Battalion: This unit was likely designed for quick movements or responses.
- 319th Signals Battalion: They handled all communication, like radios and telephones, for the division.
- 16th Machine Gun Battalion: This unit, which was attached to the division, provided heavy machine gun support.
- 213th Panzer Battalion: This was a tank unit, also attached to help with defense.
- Army Coastal Artillery Regiment 1265: This unit operated large guns specifically for defending the coast from attacks by sea.
Images for kids
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German soldiers in King Street, Saint Helier, Jersey in August 1941.
