The German infantry battalion featured in this episode was the result of a period of reorganization in the German Army, that sought to deal with the ever increasing manpower shortage of late 1943 by creating a ‘new type’ (neue Art) infantry division. While the biggest changes took place at the divisional level – namely a reduction from 9 battalions to 6 – there were also changes within the battalions. The battalion organization covered in this episode first appeared in May 1944 as part of the ‘Type ‘44’ infantry division. It saw use until the end of the war.

Four Minute Formation provides information-packed overviews of military organizations. Command structure, sub-units and equipment are explained using custom-made organizational charts.


PRIMARY SOURCES:
KStN 111n, Stab eines Infanteriebataillons (n.A.), 1-12-1943.
KStN 131n, Schützenkompanie (n.A.), 1-5-1944.
KStN 151n, Schwere Kompanie eines Infanteriebataillons (n.A.), 1-5-1944.
KStN 154b, Panzerzerstörerzug einer Infanterie-Panzerjägerkompanie, 1-2-1944.


SECONDARY SOURCES:
TM-E 3—451, Handbook on German Military Forces (War Department, March 1945).
Gary Kennedy, Organization of the German Infantry Battalion 1938 to 1945, http://www.bayonetstrength.uk/.
Christoph Widmann-Awender, https://www.wwiidaybyday.com/.


PHOTOGRAPHS BY ORDER OF APPEARANCE:
Bundesarchiv 101I-277-0835-16.
Bundesarchiv 101I-725-0190-24.
Bundesarchiv 101I-078-3086-31.


TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 Overview
01:30 Headquarters
02:01 Rifle Companies
03:00 Heavy Company
03:55 Medical & Transport