We represent the 1.Zug (Platoon), 5.Kompanie (Company), II. Bataillon (Battalion) of Grenadier Regiment 916 of the 352.Infanterie-Division. The 352.ID was a regular army infantry division

As of 01 March 2018

www.wwiirc.org www.352-inf-div.org

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Introduction ........................................................ 3

Reenacting .......................................................... 4

Reenactor Guidelines ................................................ 6

Important Things to Keep In Mind ........................................ 6

Personal Goals .......................................................... 6

Requirements ............................................................ 6

Appearance .............................................................. 7

Safety .................................................................. 7

Vehicles ................................................................ 7

General Information ..................................................... 7

Casualty and POW Rules .............................................. 8

General Rules ........................................................... 8

Chain of Command .................................................... 9

Unit History ....................................................... 10

Division Composition ................................................... 10

Division Formation ..................................................... 13

The Atlantikwall ....................................................... 13

Battle in France ....................................................... 14

Battle in Holland ...................................................... 16

The 352nd Volksgrenadier-Division and the Ardennes Offensive ........... 16

Battle in Germany ...................................................... 17

Ranks and Insignia ................................................. 19

Military Courtesy .................................................. 22

Behavior towards Superiors ............................................. 22

Saluting ............................................................... 25

Basic German Commands .............................................. 27

The Gruppe in Combat ............................................... 30

Requirements ....................................................... 32

Uniform and Equipment .................................................. 32

Uniform and Equipment Tier Level Requirements .......................... 33

Awards, Decorations and Promotions ................................. 38

Medals, Badges, Ribbon Bars and Award Criteria ......................... 39

Awards and Decorations Summary Table ................................ 40

Miscellaneous Awards and Award Criteria ................................ 41

Award and Decoration Process ........................................... 41

Award Precedence and Method of Wear .................................... 41

Promotion Criteria ..................................................... 42

Songs .............................................................. 43

Documentation ...................................................... 46

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Introduction

Willkommen! Thank you for your interest in joining the

352.Infanterie-Division. I'd like to welcome you to our unit and

to reenacting! Reenacting is a great hobby that can be a lot of

fun. It's totally up to you how much time and effort you'd like

to put into it, but I can almost guarantee that if you like

WWII, camping and soldering, then you are going to have a great

time. But above all, we do this to honor the veterans - not

only those from the U.S. Armed Forces, but all veterans who

fight, sacrifice and die for their country.

We represent the 1.Zug (Platoon), 5.Kompanie (Company), II. Bataillon (Battalion) of Grenadier Regiment 916 of the

352.Infanterie-Division. The 352.ID was a regular army infantry division of the

German Wehrmacht during WWII. The Division is most known for their defense of

Omaha Beach during D-Day.

The 352.Infanterie-Division is a part of the WWII Reenacting

Corps (wwiirc.org), which, in turn, is an official division of

the WWII History Center (wwiihistorycenter.org), a non-profit

organization. In order join our unit, each new Rekrut (recruit)

must become a member of the Corps. Membership is $35 a year,

due on June 1 each year. The money you pay to join goes to

support the Museum, to help put on reenacting events, and to

cover insurance costs.

The 352.Infanterie-Division is the German portion of the WWII

Reenacting Corps. The Mission of the Reenacting Corps is to fulfill the WWII

History Center's Vision: "To remember a generation, to honor their sacrifices, and

to educate future generations." Membership in the Corps

means you are a volunteer for the museum. Supporting the

Museum and its mission is our primary objective.

The 352.ID, the Reenacting Corps and the WWII History Center

do not, in any way, condone or support any political

ideologies of any of the combatants of World War II. The

352.ID will not tolerate any members who wish to join to

relive the Nazi ideology, past or present. Our reenactors

exist to educate the public about the life of German

soldiers serving in the German Army, which, for the most

part, had nothing to do with the Holocaust or Nazism.

Once you’ve become a member of the Museum, you will become a Rekrut. You have one

year from your join date to obtain your uniform and required gear. Once you have

all of your required items, you will be promoted to the rank of Grenadier

(Private). From there, it is up to you. You can acquire more gear, or work on

your knowledge and leadership skills to get promotions.

The 352.ID is a unit that has strong member ties. Our goal is to help each other

grow within the unit, to stay as authentic as possible and to bring others into the

hobby, all while building unit camaraderie. Our first priority is to honor

veterans – but to go along with that, we want to make sure that each person enjoys

what they are doing and is having fun.

Again, welcome to the 352.ID. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel

free to contact the Unit Commander.

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Reenacting

World War II reenacting started in the

1970s, and is a relatively unfamiliar

hobby to many people. One of the main

purposes of reenacting is to educate

the public about the history, heritage,

memorabilia and traditions of combat

soldiers of WWII.

As a reenactor in the 352.ID at events,

you will dress, act and think like a

German soldier in 1944. There are four

types of events we will participate in:

training, public displays, public

battles and tacticals.

Training is put on about once a month

by the WWII History Center. Its

purpose is to teach reenactors basic

tactics, German mannerisms, and to keep

our unit active. You do not have to

have all of your uniform/gear to

participate in these events. The

subject matter and material covered at each of these events varies, as determined

by the Unit Commander.

Public Displays are when we dress in full gear and display all of our equipment for

the public. We typically have public displays at gun shows and military shows.

You do not have to have all your gear to participate, but you can't wear a partial

uniform to these events. On the other hand, if you have an alternate impression

(e.g. – Fallshirmjager, Panzersoldaten, etc...) you can wear that to these events –

the only requirement is that your display is complete and accurate.

Public Battles are staged battles for public viewing. Usually, these battles are

planned out, and we, as Germans, always lose. Usually, after the battle has ended,

the public comes out onto the battlefield to talk to the reenactors. You have to

have all your gear to participate in these events.

Tactical Events are real-time events where either side can win. The Germans have

their own camp, and the GIs have their

own camp. Battles can happen anytime and

anywhere (even in the middle of the

night). These usually take place on

large plots of land. You have to have

all your gear to participate in these

events.

You are also encouraged, but not

required, to either make up a persona of

the soldier you are reenacting, or learn

about the life of a real German soldier

of WWII. Most people find that by taking

on a persona, the hobby become more

personal and meaningful.

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The following excerpt is from an article by Edward Franzosa in Frontlines Magazine,

written in back sometime in the 1980s about German reenacting. It offers three

simple answers to the question, “Why are you reenacting a German soldier?”

In past years there has been some claptrap about the motives of

people who portray German soldiers. And, more regrettably, there also

has been a revival of the false propaganda malarkey that questions

the motives of the common man who fights for his country and the

society he grew up in. No one has the right to judge the motives and

emotions that cause a man to serve his country in military duty. Here

are the facts as I see them: If his country is at war, a young man joins

the military for three basic reasons:

Duty and Patriotism

Anyone with their head screwed on right feels a love for their own

country and a duty towards protecting their homeland. It is much like

your family-protect it first and ask questions later.

Comrades

When your friends are all going off to fight the enemies of your

country, you want to do the same. In many cases a whole group of

friends would enlist together on the basis that they could stay

together and fight together. The US Army in WWII made special

provisions for this. Many men grow up in families where military

service is an expected duty of each young man; I know, for my family

was of this kind.

Adventure

War is the most exciting business there is. Nothing, nothing at all, can

compare to the feelings that one experiences in combat. (If you haven't

been there, you just don't know what I am talking about. I have and I,

like other veterans, will never forget--Ed Franzosa)

A young man in Germany felt the same emotions that a young man in

the US or England or Russia felt. His motives for fighting for his

country were just as right, just as pure, and just as proper. If you were

NOT there at the time, then you do not have a good basis for

questioning his decision now. Monday morning quarterbacking 50

years later smacks of hypocrisy. When I was in Vietnam we had a

drinking toast from an old Navy legend--"My country. May she always

be right; but right or wrong--My Country!" It was valid in 1969, it

valid today, and it was valid in the 1940's too. Reenacting should be

viewed in the light of a young German man going to fight for HIS

country-doing what he felt was best for him and his country. There

should be no recriminations against him and the choices he made in

1939-45. He followed the path of his duty to his country at that time.

--Edward Franzosa, Welsh Guards

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Reenactor Guidelines

The following is a list of guidelines that WWII Reenacting Corps members must abide by.

Important Things to Keep In Mind

A. Remember first and foremost that when you are in uniform, no matter where you are, you are

representing an honorable soldier. Always be on your best behavior and do what you can to bring

honor to yourself and those you are trying to portray.

B. Remember that you are a re-enactor because you care about the history and educating others, not

because you like to carry guns around, look cool in uniform, or get some “trigger-time” with a

machine.

C. Remember that as reenacting units under the banner of the World War II History Center, we will be

held to a higher standard and we expect you to do your best to help us maintain that higher

standard of historical accuracy, even when participating in tactical events.

Personal Goals

A. To learn all you can about the time period, the life of the particular type of soldier you are

portraying, the theater of combat in which he served, and his unit’s history.

B. To acquire as soon as possible, the minimum required uniform/equipment/weapons necessary to fulfill

your particular soldier’s impression.

C. To learn basic military discipline including rules for saluting, addressing higher ranks, following

orders and all of the other typical rules of order common to military life.

D. To become completely familiar and comfortable with the use and arrangement of the uniform,

equipment and weapons of the combat soldier which you are portraying, including equipment and

weapons utilized by other soldiers in your unit, such as machine guns and vehicles.

E. To help others achieve the goals above.

F. To recruit others to enter the world of World War II re-enacting, thereby increasing our numbers

and adding more to our effort to educate the public about life as a soldier during WWII.

Requirements

A. If you are portraying a soldier from a nationality whose primary language is not English, you are

requested to learn basic military commands in the native tongue of the nationality which you are

portraying.

B. If you are portraying a soldier from a nationality other than that of the United States, and if you

are capable, try to speak in an accent of the nationality which you are portraying when speaking to

the public

C. While in uniform, you will be expected to act as a soldier and follow the military code of conduct.

Officers will be saluted (unless in combat conditions), higher ranks will be addressed by rank, and

you will follow the orders given to you. Your best guide would be to acquire a copy of a 1941 or

later U.S. War Department Field Manual entitled “Soldier’s Handbook”. This will teach you

everything you need to know about being a WWII soldier. You can usually find good condition

original copies on eBay for as little as $5.00. The World War II History Center’s Research Library

also has a few copies that you can check out.

D. The minimum age to participate is 16 but the maximum age is dependent upon you. If you are

physically capable of portraying a soldier, then you will be allowed to participate. If you are

over 45, depending on how old you look, it may be better for you to portray a German soldier as the

German Army conscripted older men towards the end of the war, or you may be asked to be a vehicle

driver as an American soldier. There were very few infantrymen over 40 during WWII in the U.S.

Army.

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Appearance

A. There must be no visible tattoos or piercings of any kind that are visible while you are in

uniform.

B. Hair must be kept short and above the ears. Sideburns must be kept no longer than the middle of

the ear.

C. Facial hair is limited to trimmed mustaches that must not hang over the lip, and cannot be any

wider than the corners of the mouth. “Five o’clock shadows” are permissible, unless you are an

officer.

D. You must keep yourself in at least average physical condition, able to walk at least a few miles

per day while carrying weapon and equipment. You will not be expected to do 50 pushups and run a

timed mile, but you have to be able to keep up on a march without the potential for a heart attack.

Beer guts are not only not allowed, but you won’t find any equipment that will fit you.

Safety

A. Safety is the number one priority! If you see an unsafe condition, no matter what the situation

(even in the middle of a public battle), do whatever it takes to make the situation safe before

doing anything else.

B. Never bring live ammunition to any event where you will be carrying a WWII-era weapon. If you must

bring a weapon for self-defense, bring one that uses ammunition different from that used in your

weapon. For example, if as an American soldier you carry a .45 auto, bring a firearm for self-

defense that uses a .38, .40 or 9mm caliber. The idea is that there will be no way that you will

accidentally load a live round into your WWII-era weapon.

C. Live ammunition is strictly prohibited on World War II History Center grounds, even for personal

defense. If you bring any by accident, you will be expected to put it in your POV immediately.

D. Pyrotechnics are to be handled strictly by authorized personnel only. The only exception to this

rule is any grenade, mortar or cannon shell simulator approved by the event Safety Officer.

E. Never aim a weapon of any type, loaded or unloaded, real or fake, at any person ever. The old rule

of shooting, “only aim at what you plan to kill” applies here. During combat, always aim at the

ground in front of the person or off to the side or over his head. In case the worst should happen

and you do have a live round loaded, this will save someone’s life.

Vehicles

A. Only trained personnel, approved by a vehicle’s owner, are allowed to drive any vehicle other than

POV’s at any time, whether during an event or not. Training for vehicle drivers will be handled

strictly by the owner of said vehicle, or other person as designated by the vehicle owner.

B. Vehicle owners (or their designee) are responsible for the safety of their own vehicle, and any

riders, at all times. If there are any particular safety rules for the vehicle, it is up to the

vehicle owner (or their designee) to explain any and all safety rules to the riders prior to

movement of the vehicle.

C. Security of vehicles is the responsibility of the vehicle’s owner or their designee. The World War

II History Center and any event organizers are not responsible for any damage to, or theft from

vehicles, that may occur.

D. All of the above rules also apply to POV’s.

General Information

A. Advancement in rank will be decided much the same as it is in the real military. Decisions will be

made by your CO or NCO and will be based on your experience, skill, historical accuracy and the

need for higher ranks. Participation in events will also play a role in your rank designation. We

will never have need for any rank higher than a Major. Refer to the Unit Structure guide to see

how many of each rank were typically found in each unit.

B. Training for our units will be conducted as if none of our members have ever served in the

military. For those that do have military service, we will ask that you be patient with us and the

inexperienced, and do what you can to help both.

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Effective Range of Weapon Types

Pistols – 10 yards

Submachine guns – 25 yards

Rifles – 50 yards

Machine guns – 75 yards

Sniper rifles – 100 yards (longer

if referees are present)

C. For those of you who have prior military experience (in the real world), please keep in mind that

some things were done different during World War II and some terminology was different. You will

be expected to learn the “WWII way” of doing things as you will be portraying a WWII soldier. We

are not doing this to minimize your honorable service to our country, but merely to be as

historically accurate as possible.

D. Smoking is generally allowed outdoors, unless otherwise prohibited for safety concerns. It is a

fact of the WWII soldier, from any nationality, that smoking was pretty much the only way to relax

during the war. However, if you choose to smoke, you are required to use either un-filtered

cigarettes or cigarettes with a white filter. You must also use a type of normal-looking cigarette

similar to Camels or Winstons. No Virginia Slims or other exotic-looking types. Cigarettes did

not have filters during WWII. Cigars and pipes are also allowed, although pipes would only have

been used in camp.

E. Anyone trained in Emergency Medical Response or as an EMT will be encouraged to portray a Medic.

This way you could actually carry real medical supplies and you would be on the scene instantly if

any real injuries occurred. Real gunshot wounds may be non-existent, but scrapes, cuts, burns,

turned ankles and the like are fairly common.

F. Training for our units will largely revolve around how to portray a WWII combat soldier, squad-

level tactics, marching, rifle drill, and field problems. Training will include minimal shooting

of blank rounds due to the cost of the ammunition; however you will be given a chance to shoot

blank ammunition prior to an event if it is your first time. Live Fire target shooting events can

be organized if enough interest is shown.

Casualty and POW Rules

The following is a list of guidelines that WWII Reenacting Corps members must abide by.

General Rules

The “Honor System” will largely be used during tactical

reenactments. NCO’s and officers will also serve as umpires

for their own forces and will serve as the final word for

disputes. They will not, however, cross the battle line to

force the opposing force to take a casualty. If an enemy

soldier is not taking a “hit”, continue firing until he looks

in your direction. Sometimes soldiers cannot tell where firing

is coming from.

“Hits” will not be called out across battle lines. If an NCO or officer witnesses his own soldiers

call out a “hit”, he must force that soldier to retreat behind the lines 50 yards and wait for 5

minutes before returning to the line.

A soldier is deemed a “casualty” if at least 1/3 of his body is exposed to direct enemy fire.

A soldier is deemed a “casualty” if a grenade lands within 5 yards of his position, unless he is in a

foxhole. If he is in a foxhole, the grenade must land in the foxhole to cause a “casualty”. Used

grenades will be picked up by the soldiers that the grenade caused to be casualties, and will be

returned to the opposing force at the end of the day.

If a single soldier is crossing open terrain and a machine gun fires on him, he is automatically a

casualty. If two or more soldiers are crossing open terrain and a machine gun fires on them, half of

the group are automatically casualties.

Snipers may only operate as “snipers” and with a dedicated umpire that can verify “kills”, and can

radio the opposing force to communicate the kill.

Do not fire upon anyone within 10 yards. If you surprise someone at close range, take them prisoner

by calling out “hands up” or Hände hoch! (in German).

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Chain of Command

Presently, there are only enough men for one Gruppe. The unit leader is a

Leutnant, who is also the commander of the WWII Reenacting Corps. Therefore,

1.Gruppe makes up the Unit at this time. Once more people have joined, and the

Rekrut class gets promoted to Grenadiers and beyond, the Division will slowly start

to grow.

1.Zug

Zugführer: Leutnant Erik Runge (UNIT COMMANDER)

1.Gruppe

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Unit History

The 352.Infanterie-Division was an infantry division in the

Wehrmacht during World War II serving on the Western Front. The

unit is known for its defense of Omaha Beach during the D-Day

Invasion on 6 June 1944.

The 352.Infanterie-Division was formed on 5 November 1943 at St.

Lô under the command of Generalleutnant Dietrich Kraiß, as part

of the Wehrkreis XI (Military District XI), headquartered in

Hannover. A majority of the Division's soldiers came from

decimated Divisions from the Ost Front, especially those in the

battle at Kursk. The 352nd was placed in Armeegruppe B under the command of Field

Marshal Erwin Rommel. Rommel was in charge of protecting the Atlantic coast from

and Allied Invasion. Despite the fact that much of the German leadership believed

that the main Allied invasion would take place at the Pas-de-Calais, Rommel was

convinced that Normandy would be the location of the invasion. Rommel placed the

strong 352nd at Normandy to push the invading force back into the sea.

Division Composition

The makeup of the 352nd was as follows:

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INFANTRY

914. Grenadier-

Regiment

2 x 15 cm sIG 33

6 x 7.5 cm leIG

3 x 7.5 cm PaK 40

915. Grenadier-

Regiment

2 x 15 cm sIG 33

6 x 7.5 cm leIG

3 x 7.5 cm PaK 40

916. Grenadier-

Regiment

2 x 15 cm sIG 33

2 x 7.5 cm leIG

3 x 7.5 cm PaK 40

The 352.ID had three Infanterieregimenter (infantry regiments), each with three

Infanteriebataillone (infantry battalions). The 352.ID was considered a large

Division because it retained the standard nine battalions, while a majority of all

other German Divisions at the time had been reduced to 6 battalions. All infantry

battalions had 60 light machine guns, 3 heavy machine guns and twelve 8 cm mortars.

Each infantry regiment had one infantry gun (IG). The 914th and 915th Regiment’s

IG company had two 15 cm and six 7,5 cm infantry howitzers. The 916th Regiment’s

IG company had two 15 cm and two 7,5 cm infantry howitzers. Each Regiment had a

PaK (Anti-Tank) company with three 7,5 cm PaK 40 Anti-Tank guns.

ARTILLERY

352. Artillerie Regiment

1-9.Batterie - 36 x 10,5 cm leFH 16

10-12.Batterie - 12 x 15 cm sFH 18

Batteries 1-9 of the artillery regiment had four 10,5 cm howitzers each. Batteries

10-12 had four 15 cm howitzers each. None of these batteries were motorized. The

artillery all had one basic load of ammunition. The 10,5 cm guns had 225 rounds

per gun, and the 15 cm guns had 150 rounds each.

ANTI-TANK/TANK HUNTER

352. Panzerjäger Abteilung

14 x Marder II and Marder III variant Panzerjäger

10 x StuG III Ausf. G assault guns

9 x FlaKPanzer 38 Self-Propelled Flak

The Panzerjäger Abteilung had 14 Marder 38, 10 StuG III and 9 motorized 3,7 cm FlaK

guns.

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COMBAT ENGINEERS

352. Pioniere Bataillon

20 x Flammenwerfer

6 x Granatwerfer

The Pioniere Battalion had three companies, with 37 machine guns, 20 flame throwers

and six mortars.

FUSILILIER

352. Füsilier Battalion

1. Kompanie was bicycle mounted

The Füsilier Bataillon was light infantry/recon. The 1. Company of the Füs.Btl was

bicycle mounted. This battalion was located in the rear, away from the beaches

and was more mobile than a regular infantry battalion. They were equipped the same

as a regular infantry battalion, with 60 light machine guns, 3 heavy machine guns

and twelve 8 cm mortars. In a defensive position, like the 352.ID was, the

Füsilier Bataillon would most likely protect the Division's most vulnerable flanks.

FIELD REPLACEMENT

Feld-Ersatz Battalion

6 x 8 cm Granatwerfer 34

1 x 5 cm PaK 38

1 x 7,5 cm PaK 40

1 x 10,5 cm Feldhaubitze

1 x Infanterie Geschütz

2 x Flammenwerfer

The Feldersatz Bataillon (field replacement battalion) had five companies with 62

machine guns, six 8 cm mortars, one 5 cm PaK 38 AT gun, one 7,5 cm PaK 40 AT gun,

one 10,5 cm howitzer, one infantry howitzer and two flame throwers.

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Division Formation

The Division cadre was formed from the remnants of the following units serving on

the Ost Front:

268.Infanterie-Division

Wehrkreis VII (Munich)

468th, 488th and 499th Grenadier-Regiments

History:

1939: Reserve Unit, activated

1939-1940: Saar Front

1941-1943: Ost Front - Battle of Yelna Bend, Moscow, Rzhev and Kursk - Elements fought at Cholm and Demyansk

321.Infanterie-Division

Wehrkreis XI (Hannover)

588th, 589th and 590th Grenadier-Regiments

History:

1940: Activated at Abberville

December 1942: Ost Front – Army Group Center - Suffered heavy losses at Kursk

546.Grenadier-Regiment

Part of 389.Infanterie-Division

Wehrkreis XII (Hesse)

History:

1941-1942: Ost Front - Winter Drive across Don River, Volga River, Stalingrad

The survivors from the 546.Grenadier-Regiment formed the cadre for the 1st and 2nd

battalions of the 916.Grenadier-Regiment of the 352.Infanterie-Division. Because

most of the members of the 352nd were Ost Front veterans, they were hardened

soldiers - from the officers down to the newest enlisted men. A large number of

Volksdeutsch recruits were also a part of the Division. These Volksdeutsch

recruits included Polish and Czech Germans, Alsatians (French Germans), and

Russians (White-Russians, or POA).

The Atlantikwall

The 352nd was the backbone of Armeegruppe B (Army Group B). Organizationally, the

Division was better off than most other divisions at the time – it still had its

full complement of nine infantry battalions, while other divisions were reduced to

eight. Rommel placed the 352nd at Normandy, between the 709.Infanterie-Division at

Cherbourg and the 716.Infanterie-Division at Caen. Armeegruppe B’s armored reserve

was the 21.Panzer-Division, located near Caen.

The 352nd began its coastal duty improving the defenses of the Atlantikwall as

directed by Rommel. They placed beach obstacles, to include mined stakes and anti-

landing craft timbers. They cut the timber from the woods, transported it to the

beach, and drove it deeply into the sand.

Rommel wanted over 10 million mines to cover the length of the Atlantikwall, but

only 10,000 were available. Of the 10,000 mines placed, many were not

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waterproofed, so by the time the D-Day invasion occurred, many of those mines had

rusted and corroded because of the salt water, and no longer worked.

The first row of obstacles was Belgian Gates

which were about 250 yards from the high tide

water line. Belgian Gates (or C-Elements) are

heavy steel fences about three meters wide and

two meters high used as anti-tank obstacles.

The second row of obstacles was a band of mined

stakes and log ramps, meant to tip or tear out

the bottom of landing craft.

Finally, the third row of defenses was Czech

Hedgehogs– static anti-tank obstacle defenses

constructed of angled iron.

Further up the beachhead, the 352nd occupied slit

trenches, eight large concrete bunkers, 35

pillboxes, six mortar pits, 35 Nebelwerfer launch sites and 85 machine gun nests.

The main defenses were clustered into strong points.

Parts of the 916.Regiment was located near Omaha Beach. One battalion from the

716.Infanterie-Division was subordinated to the 916.GR. The 915.Regiment was in

reserve southeast of Bayeux, and the 914th was deployed around Isigny.

Because a most of the Wehrmacht’s supplies were being sent to the fight on the Ost

Front, by March 1944, the unit only got to execute three live fire events and each

Grenadier was only able to throw two grenades. Many of the vehicles the Division

used were foreign, so when they broke down, there were little, if any, spare parts.

There was little driver training because of a shortage of fuel.

Battle in France

Once the D-Day invasion began on 6 June 1944, the 352nd immediately absorbed all

troops within is sector, to include Luftwaffe Flak troops and Labor Service (RAD)

personnel. When it became clear that this was the main Allied invasion force, all

available units were rushed to the front. Hardened bunkers (Winderstandsnest) on

or near the beach opened fire and continued to fire until they depleted their

ammunition or all the men inside were dead. 352.Artillerie-Regiment and

1275.Artillerie-Regiment had pre-sighted every inch of the landing areas on the

beach and rained shells down upon the landing Allied forces. They, too, continued

to fire until they had run out of ammo or were in danger from being encircled.

The following excerpts are from U.S. soldiers fighting the 352nd on the beaches on

D-Day:

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The Division took heavy losses, both in causalities and being captured, from the

oncoming ground attack as well as from enemy Jabos (Fighter-Bombers). The Jabos

would attack any daytime ground movement, even individual men unfortunate enough to

be out in the open. Soldier-for-soldier, the Germans were equally matched, or

superior, to their Allied counterparts, but the Allies’ air and material

superiority were just too much for the German defenders.

The 916.Grenadier-Regiment saw action on D-Day opposing the 1st and 29th U.S.

Divisions at Omaha Beach. The 352nd fought for several hours, inflicting many

casualties, before being overwhelmed and overrun. The 916th retreated on the

morning of 7 June after Regiment Commander Oberst Ernst Goth couldn’t hold the

positions regained on the previous night. The rest of the Division saw heavy

fighting in the bocage (hedgerow) country while defending St. Lô.

According to wartime documents, the losses suffered by the Division on 6 June were

as follows: 200 killed, 500 wounded, 500 missing. The Division retreated to and

remained in the area southeast of Isigny.

Because of constant fighting after the invasion, most of the Division wasn’t able

to eat or sleep until 10 June. A total absence of motorized transport meant that

all movement was by foot or bicycle. By the time the Allies had put armor on the

beaches and started their advance, there wasn’t much the 352nd could do to stop it.

By this time, most of the fighting ability of the Division was either killed or

captured. A few isolated units continued to fight, or were absorbed into other

neighboring units.

On 16 June, the Division suffered 3,000 casualties. From 6 – 24 June, casualties

were 5407 officers and men. Despite these heavy losses, the Division kept

fighting, and continued to lose men. By 11 July, the 352nd incurred 2,479 more

casualties, and from 1 – 25 July, the Division had 123 officers and men killed, 464

wounded, and 110 missing.

By 30 July, the Division was in very poor shape. The Wehrmacht declared all

battalions of the 352nd abgekämpft (no longer combat worthy) on that date, which

means that each battalion had less than 100 combat-ready men. By the time the

Division had been disbanded, it had subordinated the following units, all of which

ended up worse off than the Division’s original units:

Three battalions from 266.Inf.Div.

Two battalions from 353.Inf.Div.

One battalion from 30.Brigade

One battalion from 275.Inf.Div.

One battalion from 343.Inf.Div.

One artillery battery from 343.Inf.Div.

One artillery battery from "Autun" Artillery Battalion

Some members of the Division ended up being caught in the Falaise Pocket at the end

of July and the beginning of August. They, along with members of the 2nd -Panzer

Division inflicted heavy casualties on the Polish 1st Armored Division while in the

pocket, but were eventually beaten back. The Pocket ultimately was sealed

off. Approximately 15,000 Germans were killed in fighting in the Pocket and about

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50,000 were taken prisoner. The collapse of the Falaise Pocket was a major turning

point in the battle on the West Front - two major German Armies were captured and

destroyed in the pocket, severely depleting German strength in the West.

After the 1 August, the what was left of the Division was withdrawn to refit in the

area southeast of Alençon. The Division was only there for a little over a week

before American forces closed in. Elements of the Division engaged in rear guard

action along the axis of Le Mans and Dreux. Generalleutnant Dietrich Kraiß, the

352.ID commander, was injured in an attack on 4 August 1944. He died of his

injuries two days later. Oberst Heyna was the interim commander of the Division as

they pulled out of the front lines in France.

Battle in Holland

Despite their condition and circumstances, the 352nd fought well in France against

much larger and much better supplied Allied Troops. The 352.Infanterie-Division

was sent to Denmark for refitting after being pulled out of the front lines in

France.

While refitting, the 352nd was called back into action during Operation Market

Garden. The Division was attached to the 10th- and the 363.Infanterie-Division.

Together, they prevented the Allied XXX Corps from linking up with the British 1st

Airborne Division, which landed at Arnhem, Holland. Elements of the 352nd engaged

the U.S. 101st Airborne at Nijmegen.

The 352.ID was not a completely refitted Division while in Holland, and was

withdrawn to Germany to be refitted and reformed once again.

The 352nd Volksgrenadier-Division and the Ardennes Offensive

The remnants of the 352.Infanterie-Division was merged with the remnants of the

581.Volkgrenadier-Division and a few Marine detachments (formerly coastal

artillery) to form the 352.Volksgrenadier-Division on 4 September 1944, under the

command of Oberst Erich Schmidt.

Volksgrenadier-Divisions are slightly different than regular Infanterie-Divisions.

These Divisions had only six infantry battalions instead of the standard nine

battalions of a full Infanterie-Division; this was already a common occurrence in

most other Infantry Divisions at the time. Volksgrenadier-Divisions emphasized

defensive strength rather than offensive strength. Standard infantry weapons

typically consisted of light machine guns, light automatic weapons, and the

Panzerfaust (single shot anti-tank weapons). The Züge (platoons) and Gruppen

(groups) of Volksgrenadier-Divisions were formed around hardened veterans to

inspire and properly lead whatever personnel were used to fill out the Division.

The bulk of these Divisions were commonly filled out with "jobless" Wehrmacht

personnel from the Kriegsmarine (Navy) and Luftwaffe (Air Force), wounded soldiers

returning to duty, as well as men and boys considered too old or young for

peacetime military service.

The 352.Volksgrenadier-Division itself was made up of several "jobless"

Kriegsmarinemänner (Navy men). Their morale was high, but their limited experience

in ground operations as soldiers showed in their poor fighting and maneuvering

ability. The newly reformed Division had the same three Infanterieregimenter -

914., 915., and 916.Infanterie-Regiements, but with only 6 Infanteriebataillone

total.

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This newly reformed Volksgrenadier-Division was a part of LXXXV. Armeekorps, and

fell in with the 7.Armee. The 7.Armee was under the command of General der

Panzertruppe Erich Brandenburger. The 7.Armme makeup consisted of:

7.Armee

LXXXV. Armeekorps

5. Fallschirmjäger Div.

352. Volksgrenadier Div.

LXXX. Armeekorps



LIII. Armeekorps

Festungs Infanterie Bataillon 999

Festungs MG Bataillon 44

The 7.Armme made the southernmost push during the Ardennes Offensive (the Battle of

the Bulge) towards Luxembourg. The main objective of the southern push was to

reach Luxembourg and protect the flank from any Allied counterattacks. The three

Infantry Divisions of 7.Armme pushed west four miles before meeting stiff

resistance from the U.S. VIII Corps. The 5.Fallschirmjäger-Div. managed to get 12

miles west on the inner flank of the push. There was no armored support for

7.Armee, so the initial advance was stopped fairly easily by American troops.

The 352nd Volksgrenadier-Division's major engagements in the Offensive occurred in

Diekirch and Ettelbruck.

The push in the south, although stopped initially, managed to move again by the

second week of the offensive and posed a threat to Allied lines. On 23 December

1944, there was heavy fighting in Mezig,

Luxembourg, and a large portion of the Division

was captured or destroyed. Only when the U.S.

80th Infantry Division was reinforced with armor

from the U.S. 702nd Tank Battalion were the

Germans defeated on the southern front of the

Offensive.

Ultimately, the Ardennes Offensive as a whole

failed, and again, the 352nd was decimated by

losing men to casualties and being captured as

prisoners.

Battle in Germany

After the defeat in the Ardennes, the 352.Volksgrenadier-Division was recalled to

Germany to be refit and resupplied. It was then placed under the command of

General Bazing. It was refitted with men from the 66.VolksGrenadier-Regiment, 99th

Security Regiment and what was left of the 9.Infanterie-Division. Its next

deployment was to defend the area around Trier (Germany) and Moselle (France).

Fighting and Allied bombing effectively destroyed what was left of the Division

again by mid-March 1945. Only a small remnant of the Division escaped across the

Rhine at Worms as American forces advanced.

The 352nd was partially reconstructed one last time as a small battle group in mid-

April and deployed to defend Darmstadt, south of Remagen. Its last battles were

during a part of the Rhineland Campaign, as the Allies pushed in the south to reach

the Elbe. The 352.Infanterie.Division’s career as a fighting unit ended in the

Rhineland at the end of the War – they surrendered to American forces near

Nuremberg in May 1945.

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Ranks and Insignia

The following section outlines the ranks and insignia of infantry units of the

Wehrmacht and the Waffen-

Enlisted Men

Wehrmacht/Heer Waffen-

Breast Eagle:

Shoulder Eagle:

Collar Tabs

(Litzen)

Shoulder

Boards

Smock

Sleeve

Rank

Collar Tabs

(Litzen)

Shoulder

Boards

Smock

Sleeve

Rank

(none)

Private Grenadier/Schütze

-Schütze

(none)

Senior Private Obergrenadier

-Oberschütze

Private First Class Gefreiter

-Sturmmann

Senior Private First Class Obergefreiter -Rottenführer

Senior Private First Class

(Administrative) Stabsgefreiter

n/a n/a n/a

Any

EM

rank

NCO Candidate Unteroffizierbewerber

n/a n/a n/a

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Junior Non-Commissioned Officers

(Unteroffizier ohne Portepee)


Collar Tabs

(Litzen)

Shoulder

Boards

Smock

Sleeve

Rank

Collar Tabs

(Litzen)

Shoulder

Boards

Smock

Sleeve

Rank

Corporal Unteroffizier

-Unterscharführer

Sergeant Unterfeldwebel

-Scharführer

Ensign/Officer Candidate Fähnrich

-Standartenjunker

Senior Non-Commissioned Officers

(Unteroffizier mit Portepee)


Collar Tabs

(Litzen)

Shoulder

Boards

Smock

Sleeve

Rank

Collar Tabs

(Litzen)

Shoulder

Boards

Smock

Sleeve

Rank

Staff Sergeant Feldwebel

-Oberscharführer

Sergeant First Class Oberfeldwebel -Hauptscharführer

Master Sergeant Stabsfeldwebel -Sturmscharführer

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Company Officers

(Kompanie Offiziere)


Collar Tabs

(Litzen)

Shoulder

Boards

Smock

Sleeve

Rank

Collar Tabs

(Litzen)

Shoulder

Boards

Smock

Sleeve

Rank

2nd Lieutenant Leutnant

-Untersturmführer

1st Lieutenant Oberleutnant

-Obersturmführer

Captain Hauptmann

-Hauptsturmführer

Field Officers

(Feld Offiziere)


Collar Tabs

(Litzen)

Shoulder

Boards

Smock

Sleeve

Rank

Collar Tabs

(Litzen)

Shoulder

Boards

Smock

Sleeve

Rank

Major Major

-Sturmbannführer

Lieutenant Colonel Oberstleutnant

-Ober-sturmbannführer

Colonel Oberst

-Standartenführer

n/a n/a n/a Senior Colonel

Oberfuhrer

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Military Courtesy

The German Military from 1935 to 1945 was called the Wehrmacht, which included all

branches of armed forces, to include the Heer (Army), the Luftwaffe (Air Force) and

the Kriegsmarine (Navy). The Waffen- was autonomous and existed in parallel to

the Wehrmacht. All armed forces were under the command of the Oberkommando der

Whermacht, OKW (Armed Forces High Command) or the Oberkommando des Heeres, OKH

(Army High Command).

The Wehrmacht are heirs of a long, proud Prussian military tradition. Military

courtesy is taken seriously by all German soldiers, and strict military discipline

was maintained throughout, and up to the end of the War.

The Wehrmacht and Waffen- rank structure are broken down into four basic classes:

Enlisted Men (EM) – Grenadier, Obergrenadier, Gefreiter, Obergefreiter

Junior NCOs (Unteroffizier ohne Portepee) – Unteroffizier, Unterfeldwebel, Fähnrich

Senior NCOs (Unteroffizier mit Portepee) – Feldwebel, Oberfeldwebel, Stabsfeldwebel

Officers (Offiziere)

Behavior towards Superiors

Just as parents, teachers and mentors help shape the life of a boy into a young man

while he is at home, sergeants and officers shape the young man into a soldier once

he enters the German Armed Forces. Formality and a high level of respect of

superiors are demanded of enlisted men. At the same time, superiors are to train

and protect the men under their command. The following information is taken in

part from Regulations for Garrison Duty – a German Army Manual. [Ref. 4]

Act with Due Modesty & Restraint:

Do not interrupt superiors who are talking with someone else or who are busy by speaking to them. Instead, stand at attention to indicate that you have

something to ask or to communicate.

If the superior with whom you wish to speak is speaking with someone of even higher rank, the person of higher rank must be asked for permission to speak,

e.g., "Captain, request permission to speak to Sergeant Mueller."

On beer nights or other occasions, do not invite a superior or drink to him first. If a superior toasts a subordinate, the subordinate rises & drinks while

standing at attention. Do not follow civilian beer-drinking customs, such as

shouting "Cheers!” clinking glasses, etc.

A subordinate always walks to his superior's left. When a subordinate accompanies a superior on horseback, he remains in the rear until he is told to

ride forward.

When conversing with a superior, do not interrupt him. Do not insist that you are right.

In all cases, a good soldier will adhere to the limits prescribed by his tactfulness & good breeding. Overdone courtesy & subservience are unsoldierly.

Do not try to curry favor with your superiors. However, this does not change

the old soldier's rule that any soldier can openly & trustingly confide in his

superior in cases of personal or service-related difficulty. His superior

desires to help him in every situation, & can do so.

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Military Speech:

Speak loudly & clearly. Do not use strange, long sentences or foreign words

when German words would do.

Instead of saying “Yes," say "Yes, Sir!" (“Jawohl!”)

Instead of saying "Excuse me," stand at attention.

Instead of saying "Please explain," say "Please explain, sergeant." (“Bitte

erläutern, Unteroffizier.”)

When called by a superior officer, instead of saying "Yes?" say (for example)

"Sergeant?" (“Unteroffizier?”)

Even when "at ease," do not use hand movements or other unsoldierly gestures to

emphasize your own words.

Behavior When a Superior Enters or Leaves Quarters:

Shout "Attention!" (“Achtung!”) or "On your feet!" (“Auf deine Füße!”) Everyone should stand at attention facing the superior. (see also the next section,

Saluting)

The barracks leader reports, e.g., "Barracks 35 occupied by one Lance Corporal & ten men." (“Kaserne 35 besetzt von einem Obergefreiten & zehn Mann.”)

All duty personnel announce themselves, e.g., "Private Müller on barracks duty." (“Grenadier Müller Kaserne Pflicht.”) As soon as the superior commands "As you

were!" everyone continues his activity while avoiding any inappropriate noise

(whistling, arguments).

When the superior leaves the barracks, "Attention!" (“Achtung!”) or "On your feet!" (“Auf deine Füße!”) is shouted again. Open the door, but do not block

the way while doing so.

Behavior When You Meet a Superior (In doorways, on the stairs, etc...):

Make way for your superior!

If several soldiers are standing together, one shouts "Attention!" when a superior approaches.

If a superior is blocking the way, ask for "permission to pass." For example, "Sergeant, request permission to pass!" If several superiors are standing

together, ask permission from the most senior.

Behavior in the Vicinity of a Unit on Duty under the Supervision of a Superior:

Avoid inappropriate noises (whistling, loud speech).

Pass the unit at an appropriate distance.

Never pass between a superior & his unit or pass through a unit.

No member of the unit may speak without the leader's permission. Ask the leader, e.g., "Sergeant, request permission to collect the keys to the bomb

sight room from Lance Corporal M."

Behavior When Given an Order by a Superior:

Ref 1

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Repeat the order without being asked. This is the only way that the superior knows whether his order has been understood. For example: "I am to go to the

stable & inform Staff Sergeant M. that there will be a meeting of NCOs in the

orderly room at 11:15."

Carry out the intent of the orders (act independently).

Example The soldier who was sent to the stable does not find the staff sergeant there. Wrong: Report to your superior the "Staff Sergeant M. is not in the stable." Right: Inquire where Staff Sergeant M. went & go find him there. Then report to your superior. For example: "I found Staff Sergeant M. at the smithy. I delivered the order that an NCO meeting will take place in the orderly room at 11:15."

Behavior if a second order is issued while the first is being carried out.

Example On the barracks steps, the soldier who was sent to the stable is ordered by the duty officer to immediately take the drill-hall keys to the sentry. Wrong: "I don't have time because I have to find someone." Right: "I report that the Sergeant ordered me to summon Staff Sergeant M. to the orderly room." If the duty officer orders you to carry out his order first, then naturally this order must be obeyed. In principle, the soldier carries out the last order received. However, he must then report the reason for the delay to the superior who gave him the first order. Report the execution of each order. Wrong: "Order obeyed." Right: "I have given the gunnery field manual to Sergeant B."

Assisting Superiors:

Hold your superior's coat, offer him a light, pick up dropped objects, offer him your place in crowded areas such as public transportation & shops, carry his

luggage.

Behavior When Entering or Leaving a Superior's Quarters:

Have your uniform in order. (Straighten your jacket before entering the quarters.)

If possible, announce yourself & the reason you are there.

Remove your hat.

Do not be shy if the superior asks you to sit or offers a cigarette, etc.

If the superior rises, do likewise.

When leaving the room, stand at attention again but do not about-face. Close the door quietly.

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Special Circumstances:

When a superior offers a subordinate his hand (e.g., to wish him a happy birthday or to offer a prize for sports or shooting), the subordinate should

stand at attention. Do not bow.

Displaying good manners toward temporary superiors is an especially comradely duty.

The same rules apply for behavior towards a superior wearing civilian clothes.

Saluting

Saluting is a matter of honor among soldiers and a

show of respect from subordinates to superiors.

The following information is taken in part from an

English translation of Regulations for Garrison

Duty – a German Army Manual. [Ref. 1]

Senior NCOs and Officers are saluted. EM and

Junior NCOs are not saluted, and do not salute

each other.

Saluting is the first basic rule of military

etiquette. When saluting, come to attention (body

straight and upright), if you have headgear, bring

your right arm up, palm flat, with your middle

finger slightly touching the brim of your helmet

or hat. If you are not wearing headgear, you

perform the same motion, but your middle finger

will slightly touch your eyebrow. The salute

should be made sharply and crisply. You should

not have anything in your mouth when saluting.

Nothing should be in your right hand while

saluting. When walking, the salute begins five

steps prior to the superior and ends two steps

past. When not in motion, the subordinate holds

the salute until the superior has returned the

acknowledgement.

The customary military salute will be the only salute performed during any

reenacting event. Before 20.July 1944, without headgear, the German Greeting

(‘Heil Hitler!’) was used as a salute. After 20.July 1944, the customary military

salute was banned, and every salute was to be the German Greeting. However, due to

its political connotations, it will never be used as a reenactor.

Each salute will be completed without the subordinate initiating a verbal greeting.

If the superior returns the salute (for example, with “Heil!” or “Guten Morgen!”)

the subordinate will answer the greeting with the same wording, and add the

superior’s rank and name (if the superior is a member of the Heer, Luftwaffe or

Kriegsmarine), or just the superior’s rank (if the superior is a member of the

Waffen- ).

If being saluted by members of foreign armed forces, the most senior member of the

group you are in can voluntarily return the salute.

The rules for when and how to salute are summarized in the following paragraphs.

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Individuals will salute the following people and in the following situations:

The Fuehrer & Chancellor of the Reich, Supreme Commander of the Wehrmacht.

The Minister of War, Commander-In-Chief of the Wehrmacht, all superiors in uniform, including counterparts in the regional police, as well as former

members of the Wehrmacht, the old army or the old navy who are in uniform.

The banners & standards of the old army & the former seagoing battalions.

The battle flags of the old navy as determined by the Commander-in-Chief of the Navy, & the banners of the regional police.

If the soldier is prevented from saluting because of carrying objects, the salute is presented by coming to attention, walking past at attention and

acknowledging the superior.

Uniformed civilian Wehrmacht officials

Military chaplains in vestments.

National banners and ensigns are paraded.

During the German National Anthem or the Horst Wessel Lied.

At all funerals.

At reenactments, reenactors in uniform (regardless of nationality) will come to attention and salute during the U.S. National Anthem, or when the American flag

while it is being raised, lowered or as it passes in a parade.

Groups in uniform will salute the following people and in the following situations:

In all indoor buildings (not to include offices), when an officer or Senior NCO enters, the duty officer calls the room to Attention! (Achtung!) Everyone

stays at attention until the superior puts everyone at ease or leaves the room.

Whoever is the first to notice a superior approaching informs his comrades so that all can salute at the same time.

If in a formation, the leader of your formation will salute for the formation. Each member of the formation will be instructed to turn their eyes towards the

superior, and when Attention! (Achtung!) is given, begin the Parade Step (a.k.a.

Goose-Stepping). Keep eyes turned until the command Forward March! (Marsch!) is

given.

The following situations in which saluting is not required and forbidden:

While driving or assisting in driving of a vehicle, or while driving a bike.

By soldiers in training or on combat duty. Salutes in this situation will be rendered by simply coming to attention and acknowledging the superior.

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Basic German Commands

The following table provides the Rekrut the basic German words and commands that

should be understood and used whenever possible. Speaking German at reenacting

events will greatly add to your experience, and the experience of others around

you.

IN FORMATION/MARCHING

English German Pronunciation Fall in! Angetreten! ahn-ge-tray-ten or Fall in! Antreten! ahn-tray-ten Same as in the US Army. Gruppenführer establishes the right side of the formation. The rest fall in to his left in a straight line. Angetreten = Fall in at attention. Antreten = Fall in at ease Attention! Stillgestanden! shtill-ge-shtan-din Body rigid and heels together, toes at 45 degrees, hands flat with palms flat against upper thighs, elbows out slightly and eyes front. At close interval, dress right, fall in! Aufschiessen! Angetreten! owf-she-sin, ahn-ge-tray-ten Turn head sharply 45 degrees to the right, left hand to a fist and put on left hip, dress on Gruppenführer. Wait for “Augen gerade, aus!” Dress right dress! Nach rechts, richt euch! nahch rehshts, risht oych!

Turn head sharply 45 degrees to the right, left hand straight out to side parallel to ground, dress on Gruppenführer. Wait for “Augen gerade, aus!” In one row, fall in! In linie zu einem Glied, Angetreten! in lee-nia tsoo eye-nem gleed , ahn-ge-tray-ten Fall in shoulder to shoulder. Regular interval = one arm’s length. Close interval = one elbow’s length. In marching column, fall in! Marshkolonne, Angetreten! in marsh-ko-loh-neh, ahn--ge-tray-ten) Fall in one behind the other. One arm’s length interval. At Ease! Rührt, euch! rooehrt, oych Move left foot slightly forward of the right, at shoulder’s width, arms hanging with hands cupped and relaxed. Head and eyes straight. Right, face! Rechts, um! reschts, oom Same as US Army. Two movements. Pivot on right heel, push with left toe. Snap heels together.

Left, face! Links, um! links, oom Same as US Army. Two movements. Pivot on left heel, push with right toe. Snap heels together. Column left, march Links schwenkt, Marsch! links schvenkt, marsh Same as US Army. Called on left foot. Next right foot, front row performs movement. Next right foot, second row performs movement, etc… Command execution depends on size of marching unit. Column right, march Rechts schwenkt, Marsch! rechts schvenkt, marsh Same as US Army. Called on right foot foot. Next left foot, front row performs movement. Next left foot, second row performs movement, etc… Command execution depends on size of marching unit. Right flank, march! Rechts, um! reschts, oom Same as US Army. While in march, everyone performs a right face. Called on right foot. Turn on left next foot. Left flank, march! Links, um! links, oom

Same as US Army. While in march, everyone performs a left face. Called on left foot. Turn on next right foot. About, face! Ganze Abteilung, Kehrt! or Kehrt, um! gantseh ab-ty-loong, kay’ert or kay’ert, oom Opposite as US Army. Bring left toe to outside right heel. Swing around in one movement. Keep body rigid.

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IN FORMATION/MARCHING (continued)

English German Pronunciation Forward, march! Im gleichschritt, marsch! im glyshritt, marsh Same as US Army. Step off with left foot. Cadence is Eins-Zwei-Drei-Vier. Left foot falls on Eins and Drei. Right foot falls on Zwei and Vier.

Half-step march! Im halber Schritt, marsch! im halb-er schritt, marsh Forward march in half steps. Go to full step when given command “Marsch!” Double-time march! Im Laufschritt, marsch! im lauf-shritt, marsh

Running while in formation. Keep in step. Route Step, March! Ohne Tritt, Marsch! ohneh trit, marsh Staying in formation, but do not have to stay in step or keep silent. In combat column, March! In Reihe, Marsch! in ree-uh, marsh While in basic formation with two or more Gruppen. Unit forms a single file line from static position. Erste Gruppenführer leads, once last member passes the Zweite Gruppenführer, he follows, and so on.

Detachment, halt! Abteilung, halt! ab-tie’loong, halt Same as US Army. Called on either foot (preferably left). Once called, stop marching on next step. (Say to yourself, “Step, Stop!”)

Fall out! Wegtreten! vayg-tray-tin Execute “Kehrt, um!” and walk away. Eyes, right/left! Augen, rechts /links! ow’gen, rechts/links In march or static. Snap head 45 degrees to right/left keeping body rigid. If in inspection, follow inspecting officer until your eyes are front, then keep them there. Ready, front! Augen gerade, aus! ow’gen ge-rah-deh, ows Snap head forward keeping body rigid Roll call, muster, or inspection Appell! ah-pel

Action depends on specific situation. Left shoulder, arms! Das Gewehr, über! das ge’vair, oober Shouldered to left rather than right like US Army. From Ab position. Weapon brought up with right hand (to chin level) in front of chest, catch with left hand right below the right hand (weapon 1 foot from body aligned with tunic buttons, bolt to the right). Drop left hand to butt of weapon while rotating the rifle 90 degrees counterclockwise moving it to your left shoulder. Heel of weapon should be pulled to body slightly below belt line, left elbow slightly out. Weapon should be nearly vertical. Once weapon is placed, right hand snaps back to right thigh. Order arms! Gewehr, ab! ge’vair, ab Rifle at your right side, on ground, with bottom of buttplate next to your right toe. Right hand fingers extended, hand around top barrel. From “Das Gewehr, über” lower weapon with left hand while rotating it, grab upper part of weapon with right hand, swing weapon out to right side, with upper right arm parallel with ground, then place rifle on ground next to right toe.

Present, arms! Präsentiert das Gewehr! pray’sen-teert das ge’vair Only given from ”Das Gewehr, über.” Keep fingers extended. Rotate weapon 180 degrees clockwise. Right hand on lower sight. Left hand above trigger guard, fingers extended, thumb going up under bolt near your body. Top barrel band should be level with and centered to left eye. Sling arms! Gewehr, umhängen! ge’vair, oom-haehng’en Casual movement to sling weapon on right shoulder.

Unsling arms! Gewehr, abnehmen! ge’vair, ab-nay’min Casual movement to unsling weapon, going back to Ab position.

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IN THE FIELD

English German Pronunciation Indian File! Schützenreihe! shuh’zen-rye’uh The Schützenreihe is the formation in which the squad in all in one column. It is used for all approaches and general movement in the field.

Skirmish Line! Schützenkette! shuh’zen-ket’uh The Schützenkette is the formation in which the squad is all in one row. It is used to get the group into firing positions for offensive actions. Halt! Halt! halt At this command, immediately stop, remain standing with rifles at order arms. Wait where you are for orders. Lay Down! Hinlegen! hi'n’leg’en At this command, immediately stop where you are and lay down. Be prepared to open fire. Wait for orders Take Cover! Volle Deckung! fol'uh, deck’ung Seek individual cover. Be prepared to engage the enemy on command. Wait for orders. Take positions! Stellung! shtel'ung Assume the Schützenkette position as required. Wait for orders. Assemble! Sammeln! sahm’eln The squad will assemble in the Reihe formation (not the Schützenreihe) behind their squad leader. Fire at will! Feuer Frei! foy'er, fry To the right/left! Zu dem rechts/links! tsu, dem, rechts/links Fall Back! Zurück! tsu'rook Move Forward! Vorwärts! for'varts

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The Gruppe in Combat

The following is a partial translation from a War-time German manual as to the

responsibilities of the soldiers in the Gruppe, as translated by Dan Aikins [Ref.

1].

General Principles

The Gruppenführer is the captain of his team. The Gruppe is the primary, basic

unit put into battle. There is no such thing as the division of the Gruppe into

Trupps with different assignments.

The Feuerkampf (firefight) is conducted in the framework of the Gruppe. When the

situation requires commencing fire, the Gruppenführer, as a rule, positions himself

by the MG and directs its fire. The Gewehrschützen (riflemen) may open fire early

when good prospects present themselves; at the latest when the enemy is deployed

for a breakthrough. Ideally, the Gewehrschützen wait for the command to fire from

either the Gruppenführer or the Truppführer, or after the MG has begun to fire.

The part of the Gruppe that doesn’t take part in the firefight is held back under

cover when the terrain permits, and when it won’t affect the cohesion of the

Gruppe.

As a rule, commencing fire is ordered/controlled by the Gruppenführer. The

Gewehrschützen usually conduct the firefight on their own, unless the fire of all

the riflemen is concentrated upon a single target by the Gruppenführer.

Examples for Opening Fire

MG & Gewehrschütze Separately

“MG: Geradeaus, Schornstein! - rechts davon im Acker, Schützen!

Visier 400! - Stellung! Feuerfrei!”

(“MG: the chimney/smokestack straight ahead! To its right in the field!

Sights at 400 meters!- Into position! Fire at will!”)

During the firefight the committing the riflemen becomes necessary:

“Schuetzen! Stellung! Marsch! Marsch! Feuer Frei!”

(“Riflemen! Into Position! Double-time, March! Fire at will!”)

The Entire Gruppe simultaneously

“Halbrechts im Waldrand Schützen!

Ganze Gruppe: Visier 450! MG: 100 Schuss! Stellung! Feuer Frei!”

(Right oblique into the treeline!

Entire Group: sights 450 meters! MG: 100 rounds! Into position! Fire at will!”)

“Ganze Gruppe! Stellung! Marsch! Marsch! Feuerfrei!”

(Entire Group! Into position! Double-time, March! Fire at will!”)

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General Combat

In order to insure accurate operation of the MG, insure the belt is perfect during

preparing the MG to fire. Every Schütze checks his own weapon and ammunition

during fire-pauses. The fire readiness of the MG is ensured by having the bolt in

the forward position, the drum hung or belt loaded.

All means for increasing fire-effectiveness must be used. Surprise and flanking

fire from all ranges (distances) against all targets is especially effective. This

multiplies the fire-effectiveness and frazzles the nerves of the foe.

The MG and Gewehrschützen should

always strive to pop-up by surprise

and aggressively come into action.

The victor is he who lays down the

most accurate fire on his opponent

the quickest. The MG and riflemen

then disappear as soon as the

intention of the fire is accomplished

(Never lay around as an inactive

target!). When necessary, change

positions under cover/concealment.

Preparations for opening fire are

always made under any available

cover.

The soldier engages the targets

ordered against widely dispersed

targets, the portions of the target

most directly opposite (in his

front). When the choice of target is

left to the soldier, he again

generally engages the targets most

directly opposite his position. Every

soldier must know the unit’s battle

mission and what the commander’s

intent is. Under the most opportune conditions, the beaten zone of fire will also

cover targets not specifically included in the unit’s combat mission, if engaging

the targets promises especially good results, and the combat situation permits it.

The rear sights are set to the determined distance. The soldier can determine the

accuracy of his fire from the behavior of the enemy and from observing where the

rounds are striking. After moving forward, the sights are of course readjusted.

Fire Discipline in All Types of Combat

The aim of the firefight is achieving fire superiority through the strong

application of fire discipline. This is expressed through the selection of

individual fighting positions, preparation of the fire positions (camouflage,

cover, and concealment) the correct range selection of the sights, choice of proper

targets, opening fire, and assignment of fire sectors. Fire discipline is therefore

the prerequisite to the successful firefight. It must also be enforced after

strenuous exertions (marching/fighting).

After fire superiority is achieved, the Gruppenführer will direct the Gruppe to

advance or flank to wipe out the enemy.

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Requirements

In order join our unit, each new Rekrut is required to first become a member of the

WWII History Center Museum. The money you pay to join goes to support the Museum

and the WWII Reenacting Corps, to help put on reenacting events, and to cover

insurance costs. Also, the WWIIHC plays a fundamental part in the basis of our

reenacting units. The Museum sponsors several events a year – events in which

reenactors “bring to life” what the Museum stands for. The mutual support between

our reenacting units and the WWII History Center is crucial.

Next, to become a full member in our unit, each Rekrut must obtain Tier I of the

Uniform and Equipment Requirements.

Uniform and equipment requirements are discussed in the following sections.

Uniform and Equipment

Those wishing to volunteer for the World War II History Center's German Army

reenacting unit will need to acquire the following list of minimum requirements in

order to participate as a reenacting volunteer. Authenticity is important for the

hobby and for our unit, but we strongly encourage that you do not use original

items while reenacting. They are a part of history; using these items to reenact

with could damage or destroy them. On the other hand, poor quality reproduction

items are not acceptable either. There are several dealers online who sell quality

reproduction items, but there are also several vendors who are not highly

recommended. Please ask questions to your Unit Commander or Comrades for help

obtaining uniform items or equipment. Also, if you are planning on buying post War

items (i.e. – East or West German), it must be approved by the Unit Commander

first. If you have items or equipment that is not authentic or an approved

reproduction, the Unit Commander has the authority to deny its use at events.

Don’t waste your money on something if you are not sure if it will pass or not –

ask questions!

The following list details the basic item requirements to become a member of the

352.Inf-Div. Once these items have been obtained, you will be promoted to

Grenadier, and will be a full member of our unit.

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Uniform and Equipment Tier Level Requirements

TIER I – BASIC IMPRESSION

Mauser K98k Rifle (Gewher)

It doesn’t have to be German, but it does have to be

of the same Mauser design (e.g. – Most Czech and Yugo

models are okay). These can be found at most gun

shows. The rifle might or might not have a site

cover – this is not necessary. Your rifle will need

a cleaning rod and needs to have the bayonet

attachment. If the rifle does not have a bayonet

attachment, then it is not an infantry rifle.

Steel Helmet (Stahlhelm)

M40 or M42. Try to not buy an M35. It can be field

grey (light green) or depot green (dark green). Do

not get a black helmet.

Helmet Decals

These are optional items, but are not recommended.

Orders were issued early in the War to remove the

National Colors decal first, then orders came to

remove both decals all together. Most young Soldaten

in the 352nd Infantry Division would not have had

helmet decals.

Tunic (Feldbluse)

M40, M42 or M43. Do not buy an M35 or an M44. M35's

are reserved for Division Cadre, and we already have

enough Soldaten with the M35. Yes, it is a good

looking uniform, but it wasn't standard issue and was

only worn by officers and Alte Hasse by mid-1944.

M44's were only used very late in the War.

Trousers (Feldhose) M37 or M43. M43 trousers are recommended because you

can either use suspenders or a belt.

Trouser Suspenders or

Trouser Belt

(Feldhosenträger oder

Feldhosengürtel)

This is dependent on what type of trousers you get.

Service Shirt (Diensthemd)

These can be a bit pricey for what they are, so East

or West German sleeping shirts are acceptable. They

should be green or white. The white shirts may or

may not have a collar (a collar is recommended,

though).

Low Boots with Army Gaiters

(Schnürschuhe mit Heer

Gamaschen)

German reproduction boots, rough outer leather,

leather sole, heel iron and hobnails required. No

post-war models accepted. No Swedish low boots.

Boots may be dyed black or brown. Gaiters should be

green or brown canvas with leather straps.

Enlisted Man Belt with Army

Buckle

(Leibriemen mit

Koppelschloss)

Black leather belt with the "Got mit uns" Army belt

buckle.

Enlisted Man Collar Tabs

(Litzen)

The collar tabs can either be generic mid or late war

(colorless stripes) or infantry (white stripes).

Enlisted Man Infantry Shoulder

Boards (Infanterie

Schulterklappen)

White piped, field grey shoulder boards (not bottle

green).

Enlisted Man Late War Army Breast

Eagle (Reichsadler am Brust) Mid to late War design.

TIER II – COMPLETE IMPRESSION

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This is a list of the equipment required for you to participate in a public

display, a public battle or a tactical reenactment. Once you obtain these items

you will be promoted to the rank of Grenadier (private).

Y-Straps

(Koppeltragegestell)

Black leather, not webbing. Do not get post-war

straps - most of them have padding and are of the

wrong design.

Tunic Belt Hooks

(Feldblusegurthaken)

One set of four hooks. This is an optional

item. Some people like the hooks because it helps

distribute the weight of your gear and keep your belt

from sliding down. Other people don't like them

because they dig into your side.

Field Cap (Feldmütze)

Either the M38 side cap (or overseas cap) and/or the

M43 field cap. The M38 requires the cap eagle and

cockdale, and you can get white infantry soutache if

you like. The M43 requires the late war trapezoid

eagle/cockdale combination. (Do not get the crooked-

wing eagle cap patch).

Gas Mask Can with Straps

(Tragebüchse)

Having the gas mask is nice, but not necessary. In

fact, the empty gas mask can is a great water-proof

place to store a lot of stuff (food, camera, farby

stuff, etc…)

Entrenching Tool with

Carrier

(Kleines Schanzzeug mit

Schanzzeugtasche)

Standard or folding entrenching tool. The standard E-

Tool is recommended.

K98 Bayonet with Frog

(Seitengewehr mit

Seitengewehrtasche)

The bayonet does not have to be original. They

bayonet frog needs to be black leather.

K98 Ammo Pouches

(Patronentasche)

Two black leather pouches with white stitching – holds

60 rounds (12 5-round clips).

Mess Kit with Utensils

(Kochgeshirr mit Geshirr)

Ask before buying this item – There are several post-

war models of mess kits around – some are more

acceptable than others. Utensils can be war-time

models or post-war.

Breadbag (Brotbeutel) Best to ask before buying this. There are several bad

copies out there.

Canteen with Cover, Cup and

Straps

(Feldflasche mit Abdeckung,

Trinkbecher und Riemen)

M31 Canteen, preferred 0.8L but if that is not

possible, the 1L version will be okay. These are

getting hard to find, so some post-war converted

models are acceptable – ask before buying.

Shelter Quarter (Zeltbahn) Splinter camo, reversible pattern. Do not get

the SS Zelts, which are Oak Leaf pattern.

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TIER III – OPTIONAL ADVANCED ITEMS

The items listed here are completely optional to buy, but will enhance your

impression and the impression of the unit as a whole. Starred items (*) require

commander approval before you can use them as a part of your impression with

the 352.Infanterie Division. It’s the small things that really make your

impression believable and immersive not only for you, but for those around you.

M35 Tunic (Feldbluse) These tunics are pre-war tunics, and are reserved for

the Cadre and leadership of the Division.

HBT

Uniform (Fischgrätmuster

Uniform)

HBTs are lighter uniforms that are much more

comfortable in the warmer months. A good idea,

especially for our part of the country. The

temperature in Kansas in summer is about 15-20° F

hotter than it was in summer in northern Europe.

Walking-Out Belt with

Buckle

Having an extra belt and buckle for a walking-out

uniform is very helpful, as it can be a real pain

taking all the gear and equipment off of your combat

belt.

Collar Blind (Kragenbinde)

Small piece of cotton material that goes around the

inside of your tunic collar and protects your neck

from getting scratched up.

Great Coat (Übermantel) M40 or M43 . A heavy duty large coat that keeps you

very warm.

Cold Weather Gear To include wool gloves (Handschuhe), a toque (Toque)

and a scarf (Schal).

Camouflage Smock/Parka *

(Tarnhemd/Tarnanzug)

This can be either splinter pattern with a hood, or

white for winter battles. Several Soldaten can wear

winter camo, but only one Soldaten per ten may wear a

camo smock at an event.

Helmet

Cover (Tarnhelmüberzug)

This could be the splinter camo cover (only one per

ten men allowed), chicken wire, a rubber band or a

bread bag strap.

Jackboots (Marschstiefel)

The Jackboots (originally brown, but dyed black, with

rough outer leather, leather soles, heel iron and

hobnails) may be obtained after you already have the

low boots. The boots must be dyed black. No post-war

boots accepted (post-war boots are smooth, shiny

leather and they do not have heel irons or hobnails

and often have rubber soles).

M38 Gas Mask (Gasmaske) A great addition to fill that gas mask container!

A-Frame with Assault

Pack (Gefechtsgepäck und

Beutel)

A-Frames are pretty easy to find. A good replica

assault pack is not. Ask if you need help finding the

right assault pack.

M34 Tornister Pack with

Tornister Straps (Tornister

mit Riemen)

This is the standard small bag issued to all infantry

soldiers (the one with the fur) and is used to carry

much of the soldier’s personal items for long

marches.

Rucksack (Rucksack)

War-time model preferred. If you get post-war models,

you can bring them to events to carry your stuff, but

you won’t be able to use them in the event. Try and

keep them out of sight. It’s much better to have a

post-war rucksack or large duffle bag that looks close

to war-time to hide all your farby stuff in rather

than just have all of your farby stuff laying

around.

Extra Equipment Straps

(Trageriemen)

for your field blanket, your overcoat, and other

random gear.

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Army Blanket

(Manschaftsdecken)

These can be post-war – they just need to be of the

same basic style and color as what the Germans might

have had access to. They do not need to be stamped

like the originals.

Esbit Stove with Fuel

Tablets

A great little stove used to heat up cans of food or

to heat up a cup of water. It is fueled with small

tablets.

First Aid Package

(Verbandpäckchen)

In most tunics, there’s a small pocket inside on the

right side near the bottom. This little pocket holds

a small first aid package. It’s a small detail, but

it will come in handy if there really is an injury in

the field.

Butter Dish (Fettdose) A good dish that is waterproof and holds butter, lard,

peanut butter, etc...

Extra Zeltbahns

The more the unit has, the better. It takes 4 Zelts

to make a small tent (2-man tent) and 8 Zelts to make

a large tent (6-8 man tent).

M33 Field Phone with Como

Wire (Feldfernsprecher 33)

Our unit already has two phones and over a quarter of

a mile of wire, but the more phones, the better we can

operate in the field.

Army Soldier's Book with

Cover

(Heer Soldbuch mit Einband)

Filling out your Soldbuch is a lengthy and somewhat

difficult task, but you can get help from the Division

Cadre, and there are services that can do it for

you. Leutnant Runge has 352.Infanterie-

Division stamps for the book.

Dog Tag with Cord

(Erkennungsmarken)

Preferably, the tag needs to be zinc, but aluminum or

steel are acceptable. Tag printing is available – ask

Leutnant Runge for details. You can also get a

leather tag cover.

Barracks Items Such as the blue checkered bed sheets, period towels

and clothing bags.

Assorted Personal Items

(Persönliche Gegenstände)

such as song book, prayer book, postcards, pictures,

letters, skat cards, etc…

Wooden Crates (Holzkisten)

Can be bought or built on your own (for much

cheaper). These are great to carry your gear in and

look good in camp. Ask Leutnant Runge

or Unterfeldwebel Kepley about how to build your own

crates.

Ammo Cans (Munitionskiste)

Steel 8mm ammo cans for the machine guns. There are

post-war copies that are close. Try not getting the

7.62mm versions, because 8mm rounds won’t fit in them

laying down. Having a lot of these, especially if we

have a machine gun, would make sense, and they are

great for holding all of your ammo and other items.

Dummy Grenades

(Stielhandgranate)

Fake stick grenades or hand grenades can be used at

events. Some of these fake grenades can be made to

smoke or pop with small fireworks.

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Other Weapons

Other weapons may be purchased and used, so long as

Documents

We represent the 1.Zug (Platoon), 5.Kompanie (Company), II. Bataillon (Battalion) of Grenadier Regiment 916 of the 352.Infanterie-Division. The 352.ID was a regular army infantry division