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MGs in German infantry units

Discussion in 'German Weapons Used thru out WWII' started by Carronade, Jan 13, 2020.

  1. Carronade

    Carronade Ace

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    Does anyone have TO&Es for German infantry companies or battalions? I am particularly interested in where machine guns were assigned other than the LMGs in squads. Danke!
     
  2. RichTO90

    RichTO90 Well-Known Member

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    What period?
     
  3. harolds

    harolds Member

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    According to George Forty in his book "German Infantryman at War 1939-1945", a German infantry div. had 378 lmgs. and138 heavy mgs. As you said, each squad had a lmg, This was broken down with platoon having 4 lmgs, (12 total in the company) with the BN having an additional 12 heavy mgs in the MG company. I'm sure the BN and REG. hqs would have additional MGs as replacements. I suspect a few more were scattered around in other DIV units, such as pioneers.
     
    Last edited: Jan 13, 2020
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  4. Carronade

    Carronade Ace

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    I was thinking early war, but that brings up another question - the number of battalions in divisions were reduced as the war went on, but how much did the battalion and lower organization change?
     
  5. harolds

    harolds Member

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    Referring to my above post, this was in a "first wave" division. I was going to include that info but forgot. Sorry!
     
  6. RichTO90

    RichTO90 Well-Known Member

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    Actually, an 1. Welle division had 435 lMG and 110 sMG.
    2. Welle had 345 and 114.
    3. Welle had 559 and 150.
    4. Welle had 343 aand 114.
    And after that it really got confusing... :D

    The 1939/1940 Infanterieregiment had 115 and 36.

    There were a LOT of variations, so it depends on the exact period and unit.
     

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