Fallschirm-Panzer-Division 'Hermann Göring’: A History of the Luftwaffe's Only Armoured Division, 1933-1945
Richard Overy, Lawrence Paterson
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The Fallschirm-Panzer-Division ‘Hermann Göring’ was formed in 1933 as a small police unit, Landespolizeigruppe ‘General Göring,’ tasked with protecting Hermann Göring, the head of the Prussian Police. Initially, it was a political force with a strong nationalistic and political motivation, reflecting Göring's desire to create a private army. The division was intended to be a symbol of National Socialism and a force to rival both the SS and the Reichswehr. The soldiers were volunteers, many of whom were former members of the Hitler Youth, and the division was known for its high political motivation and strict physical standards. Over time, the division expanded and was eventually incorporated into the Luftwaffe, but it remained a unique force with a strong sense of identity and loyalty to Göring. The division's formation was driven by political ambitions, a desire to create an elite force, and a strong nationalistic ideology.
The 'Hermann Göring' Division, initially a police unit, evolved into a versatile force with a reputation for aggressive combat tactics. Key operations included defending the Maginot Line in 1940, participating in the invasion of Poland, and the Battle of France. In North Africa, the division fought in the Tunisia Campaign, where it was nearly destroyed but later reformed and fought in Sicily and Italy. The division's tactics often involved aggressive assaults and counterattacks, which earned it a fearsome reputation. However, its involvement in atrocities, such as the burning of villages and murder of civilians, stained its image. Despite these issues, the division's resilience and combat effectiveness contributed to the German war effort, though its strategic decisions and over-ambitious tactics sometimes led to setbacks.
The 'Hermann Göring' Division faced several significant challenges throughout the war. Firstly, it was under the dual control of the Luftwaffe and the Army, leading to organizational confusion and a lack of clear strategic direction. Secondly, the division often operated with inadequate training and equipment, particularly during its initial formation and deployment to North Africa, where it suffered heavy losses in Tunisia.
To adapt, the division frequently relied on reassigning experienced Fallschirmjäger units to bolster its ranks and improve its combat effectiveness. After the Tunisian defeat, the division was reorganized and rebuilt, focusing on training and equipment improvements. Despite these efforts, the division continued to face logistical challenges, including shortages of ammunition, equipment, and food.
Strategic setbacks, such as the loss of Sicily and the retreat to the Gothic Line, further strained the division's resources and morale. However, the division's soldiers demonstrated resilience and a willingness to fight in difficult conditions, contributing to its reputation as a formidable fighting force. Despite these challenges, the 'Hermann Göring' Division remained a significant presence on the battlefield until the end of the war.
The 'Hermann Göring' Division, though initially part of the Luftwaffe, operated in a complex relationship with other German military units. It was often seen as a 'private army' due to its close ties with Hermann Göring and its unique status within the Wehrmacht. The division's relationship with the Luftwaffe was strained, as it was expected to provide ground troops while the Luftwaffe focused on air operations. This led to competition for resources and personnel, with the division frequently receiving less support than other units.
The division's interaction with the Heer was also complex. While it was under Luftwaffe control, it was often treated as a separate entity, leading to tensions and a lack of integration. However, the Heer did provide some training and equipment, which helped the division develop its combat capabilities. The division's relationship with the Waffen-SS was similar, with both units facing criticism for their brutal tactics and perceived lack of discipline.
Commanders like Paul Conrath and Wilhelm Schmalz played crucial roles in shaping the division's identity and performance. Conrath was known for his aggressive tactics and was respected by his men, while Schmalz was instrumental in transforming the division into a more conventional Panzer division. Despite their differences, both commanders were committed to the division's success and worked to overcome the challenges posed by its unique position within the Wehrmacht.
The 'Hermann Göring' Division's legacy after World War II was complex and multifaceted. Its veterans faced varied experiences. Some, like Paul Conrath, were able to surrender to Western Allies and were released after the war. Others, like Erich Walther, were captured by the Red Army and died in Soviet camps. The division's role in post-war trials was significant, with lower-ranking officers being prosecuted for war crimes, including atrocities in Italy and the suppression of the Warsaw Uprising. The division's reputation was tarnished by these events, but it also had a military prowess recognized by its foes. The collective memory of the German military during the war was impacted by the division's dual nature—its elite status and the atrocities it committed—making it a symbol of both heroism and horror in the German military narrative.