Chapter Two
For the attack against France and the Low Countries, the Germ an Army were divided into three army groups – Army Group A, B and C. The main strike would be given to Army Group A, which would drive its armoured units through the Ardennes, and then swing round across the plains of northern France and then make straight for the Channel coast, thereby cutting the Allied force in half and breaking the main enemy concentration in Belgium, between Army Group A advancing from the south and Army Group B in the north. The task of Army Group B was to occupy Holland with motorized forces and to prevent the linking up of the Dutch army with the Anglo-Belgian force. It was to destroy the Belgian frontier defences by a rapid and powerful attack and throw the enemy back over the line between Antwerp and Namur. The fortress of Antwerp was to be surrounded from the north and east and the fortress of Liege from the north-east and north of the Meuse.
Army Group C, which was the most southern most of the three army groups, was to engage the garrison of the Maginot Line, penetrating it if possible.
Distributed between the three army groups, the Germans deployed twenty-nine divisions under Army Group B in the north and forty-four division, including the bulk of the armour, under Army Group A in the centre. Army Group C with seventeen divisions covered the southern flank and threatened the French position on its eastern flank.
Only two mountain units, the 1.Gebirgs-Division and the newly created 6.Gebirgs-Division saw action on the Western Front. The 1.Gebirgs-Division started the campaign with the 6.Gebirgs-Division taking part during the final operations. Almost as soon as the mountain troops crossed the frontier, they saw evidence of just how badly the French had been hit by the German armoured spearheads. At the line of the Oisne-Aisne Canal, the Gebirgs-Division protected the flank of the Panzer divisions as they drove towards Amiens.
The French, together with colonial forces, confronted the mountain troops and a fierce and bloody battle ensued. The enemy was determined to hold the canal at all costs and the Gebirgs-Division found themselves under heavy bombardment. Yet again, the troops conducted an aggressive defence until they received orders to cross and take the position. Although their contribution was small in France, they still managed to influence some battles by staving off defeat against heavy enemy armour. Such was their stubborn nature that, even when some units were cut off, many mountain troopers continued to fight until they had either secured the area or been killed.
A rifle platoon runs through a village during operations in France, in May 1940. Only two mountain units, the 1.Gebirgs-Division and the newly created 6.Gebirgs-Division saw action on the Western Front. The 1.Gebirgs-Division started the campaign with the 6.Gebirgs-Division taking part during the final operations.
Gebirgsjäger troops pause in their march. This is more than likely a company command group, what the Germans called the ‘Kompanie-Trupp’ (Company Troop). Note the NCO, seen with an unfolded map, probably conferring with his troop the course of the units advance.
By 5 June, the Gebirgsjäger were fast thundering into the flanks of advancing French armour, and the following day they challenged the tanks with their anti-tank guns. With their PaK 3.7cm 35/36 anti-tank guns, the mountain troops held and managed to know out all enemy fighting vehicles. The threat had finally been driven off. Fresh orders re-directed the division’s advance to the Aisne and subsequent orders sent it across the river.
After crossing the river, they were suddenly pulled out of the line and rushed by truck to Lyon. Here, the Gebirgs-Division was given the objective of striking the rear of the French troops defending the Alps against the Italians. Once again, the mountain troops were posed to use their alpine techniques. But the move was immediately halted and the operation cancelled as the Franco-German armistice came into effect on 25 June 1940. Instead, the division was given the duty of guarding the frontier and carrying out the tasks of an army operation.
Following the defeat of France, the Gebirgsjäger eventually returned to their home stations where their force was expanded and bolstered by additional troops and equipment. Within ten months, the German Army were once more embroiled in battle, but this time in the Balkans. Among the divisions committed to operations in the Balkans were four mountain units. The 1.Gebirgs-Division took part in the attack on Yugoslavia and launched an attack from Austria. The 4.Gebirgs-Division attacked from Bulgaria, whilst the 5 and 6.Gebirgs-Division launched a series of deep probing assaults into Greece. Attached to the 18.Gebirgs-Korps, their prime objective was to smash the Greek defensive system known as the Metaxas Line.
On 5 April 1941, both the 5 and 6.Gebirgs-Division marched to their attack positions in the high mountains between Bulgaria and Greece. At times, the steep mountain slopes and appalling snow blizzards tested the ability of the Gebirgsjäger.
The Greek defences posed considerable problems for the mountain troops. Many of their positions were well armed and the soldiers that manned them were determined to prevent the Germans from crossing. Despite a series of heavy bombardments by the Luftwaffe, the Greek strong points held in many places, and the Germans were compelled to take out each emplacement one by one. The opening attacks began well in most places. Along the whole divisional sector, mountain troops were moving into action against a high concentration of enemy fire. Hidden under a freezing blanket of snow, the Greek positions caused a number of casualties among the mountain troops. To make matters worse, the mixture of rain and snow cut down visibility. The cold, coupled with exhaustion, was beginning to affect some of the soldiers. The approach to the enemy emplacements was devoid of cover and littered with barbed wire barricades that protected the extensive trench system. Under a merciless hail of shelling, the Gebirgsjäger crawled forward, pressing themselves to the ground. Occasionally, Greek soldiers would counter-attack, storming out of their trenches in furious bayonet charges. Slowly, the weary mountain troopers began taking one pillbox after another. But still the battle continued in the freezing sleet and snow. Even when the enemy positions were finally captured, the Greeks often moved to the surrounding slopes to mount determined counter-attacks. It took the 5.Gebirgs-Division another four days of bitter fighting before they eventually overran the Greek defences.
A group of NCOs are seen listing to radio broadcasts during the invasion of France. Although it was illegal to listen to foreign radio broadcasts, troops often ignored this in their quest for the latest news on the front lines, and obviously to listen to light entertainment.
A rifle group cross a stream. The group leader, or Gruppenführer, was known as an Oberjäger. He can be seen leading his men forward holding a black leather report/map case.
For the soldiers of the 6.Gebirgs-Division, their assault on the Greek defences was less of a struggle and they managed to punch their way through within a single day. The divisions then linked-up and fought a series of battles southwards, towards Corinth, against a British Expeditionary force. By 26 April, Athens capitulated and the last of the British forces were withdrawn towards the seaports for evacuation. In other parts of the Balkans, the 1 and 4 Gebirgs-Division fought a determined battle against a spirited Yugoslavian force. Despite the dreadful conditions and gallant resistance shown by the Yugoslavian Army, they were no match for the Gebirgsjäger and their Wehrmacht comrades. It took the Germans just 12 days to crush the Yugoslavian force. Both the 1 and 4.Gebirgs-Divisions had played a crucial part in the Yugoslav campaign and were congratulated personally by Hitler for their achievement.
The last major operation undertaken by the mountain troops in the Balkans was the invasion of Crete. Following the Fallschirmjäger’s airborne attack on the island, it was the 5.Gebirgs-Divisions objective to storm Crete in a flotilla of Greek fishing boats. Although British warships intercepted them, causing considerable damage and loss, a second attempt was made by air. The Gebirgsjäger were dropped over Maleme on 22 May. Against stiff British and Commonwealth resistance, joint Fallschirmjäger and Gebirgsjäger forces secured the area. In some places, the fighting was so vicious that hand-to-hand combat ensued with terrible casualties. Undoubtedly, the Gebirgsjager showed their worth during the battle of Crete and fought with skill and tenacity. In fact, their achievements were praised by the Fallschirmjäger commander, Generalmajor Student, for their ‘courage under fire’.
Two photographs, taken in sequence, showing a group of NCO’s leading their platoon forward into action. The majority of these soldiers hold the rank of Oberjäger. During early June, new orders re-directed the Gebirgs division’s advance to the Aisne, and subsequent orders sent it across the river. After crossing the river, they were suddenly pulled out of the line and rushed by truck to Lyon. Here, the Gebirgs-Division was given the objective of striking the rear of the French troops defending the Alps against the Italians.
Three photographs, taken in sequence, showing a motorcycle combination crossing a light wooden pontoon bridge known by the German’s as a Bruckengerat ‘C’ type bridge. The bridge appears to be still in the process of completion as pioneers can be still seen on the bridge working. Note the pontoon boats held in place by ropes attached to the river bank.
Mountain Reconnaissance motorcyclists, of the 1.Gebirgs-Division, use a railway line for navigational purposes. Note the motorcycle combination crew checking the width brackets of the sidecar against the width of the rail line.
Gebirgsjäger officers can be seen being driven across a stream. Like all Heeres vehicles, it has been provided with a registration number plate marked in black on a white six or seven-digit number. The ‘WH’ means it belongs to the ‘Wehrmacht Heer’.
A commander can be seen standing in a Horch cross-country staff car. It appears that he has inspected his unit and is preparing to depart. Note the Heeres command flag attached to the front right of the vehicle. The flag on the left fender is a field marshal’s flag.
This photograph has been taken in sequence to the above image, showing Gebirgstruppen watching the army commander depart after an inspection of their unit. They all wear the familiar standard service uniform and equipment associated with that of the Gebirgsjäger.
Two photographs, taken in sequence, showing a unit on a long march. One Gebirgstruppen can be seen carrying the metal staff flag, which identifies it as part of a battalion or regimental headquarters. The colours are black, white and red with a tactical symbol in black. The infantry cart also carries the same metal staff flag.
Gebirgstruppen, with their horses, cross a stream bound for the front line. The horses are carrying a considerable quantity of equipment which was needed by the mountain troops to sustain them in some of the most inhospitable mountainous areas. The troops often had to carry several day’s rations as well as additional cold weather clothing and climbing equipment.
A Horch cross country staff car crosses a pontoon bridge during its unit’s onward journey. In June 1940, the Gebirgs were given the objective of striking the rear of the French troops defending the Alps against the Italians. In the distance, the mountainous region of the Alps can be seen. However, the move was immediately halted and the operation cancelled as the Franco-German armistice came into effect on 25 June. Instead, the mountain troops were given the duty of guarding the frontier and carrying out the tasks of an army operation.
Gebirgstruppen cross into Yugoslavia and can be seen with their mules. The mules were very hardy animals and were the backbone of the Gebirgsjäger divisions for transporting equipment across some of the most rugged terrain across Europe and the Soviet Union.
A long column of pack animals with their handlers on a mountain road. These animals were able to spend many hours on the march, fully laden with supplies. They not only carried rations and medical supplies, but also carried ammunition and weapons.
Heavily laden mountain troops and mule-handlers are seen trudging along a mountain road. The soldiers wear heavily loaded Bergen-type rucksacks. Unlike standard Wehrmacht soldiers, the troops were also issued with ice axes, hard-lay climbing rope, pitons and piton hammers, carabiners, and avalanche marker cords and flags for use when searching for victims.
Gebirgs mule handlers are seen with their pack animals on a winding road somewhere in the mountainous regions of the Balkans. The animals are well laden with equipment. They are all fitted with special pack harnesses which allowed the mules to carry significant amounts of equipment, in order to sustain the mountain truppen for lengthy periods of time, in some of the most inhospitable terrain.
Mountain troop handlers with their pack animals along a snowy road in the mountains. The mules are wearing the special wicker carrier baskets that contained a number of supplies for sustaining the Gebirgs on their long march.
Gebirgstruppen, on horse drawn transport, along one of the many hazardous mountain roads from Bulgaria into Yugoslavia in April 1941. The steep mountain slopes and appalling snow blizzards tested the ability of the Gebirgsjäger. The 1 and 4.Gebirgs-Divisions had played a crucial part in the Yugoslav campaign.
Ten photographs, taken in sequence, showing Gebirgstruppen with an unidentified artillery piece, probably of foreign design. Due to the severe weather conditions, it often took at least two dozen men just to haul one artillery piece of this size through the snow. This artillery piece is being moved by add-on sledge-like skids, but the snow and terrain are being very problematic. Pulling artillery pieces across the snow not only hindered movement of the unit to the battlefield, but frequently sapped the soldier’s energy, which was already tested due to the amount of miles that had to be covered daily in some of the most perilous terrain. Yugoslavian forces too were also posing a considerable threat in a number of places, and this also was to test the skill and resilience of the German mountain trooper.
A Gebirgs unit moving along a mountain road, which can be seen cleared of snow. These troops that marched and fought in the mountains were self-sufficient and were often in a high state of physical fitness, acclimatized to extreme weather conditions, and were above average marksman.
Troops on a mountain slope pause in their exhausting march. Often the advance through the Balkans was slow and much of the troops that were traversing these mountain slopes were reduced to a crawl. This, in effect, regularly had serious implications to the conduct of fighting.
Two photographs showing a Gebirgs battery on a mountain slope somewhere in Yugoslavia. The guns positioned on the slope are 7.5cm GebG36 Gebirgschüzte. There were four or five of these guns in a mountain battery. These mountain guns were well-liked among its crews. The gun had a split trail and the recoil system was a variable system that automatically shortened the recoil as the elevation increased. The disc wheels were lightweight with solid rubber tyres, though some had wood-spoked wheels. There was no splinter shield due to the fact that the gun was primarily designed for mountain use. With no shield, this helped to keep the weight low and enabled the whole weapon to be broken down into eight loads relatively quickly.
Well-equipped Gebirgstruppe cross one of the many streams that criss-crossed the mountain slopes in the Balkans. Natural obstacles such as this were a constant hindrance to the advancing units achieving their daily objectives.
Gebirgstruppen pause along a mountain range before resuming their march, traversing the slopes towards enemy positions. Although the Yugoslavian forces were thinly stretched along their entire front, a number of units were able to put up considerable resistance. However, with no in-depth defences and few reserves, the mountain troops were able to smash through and drive onto Belgrade.
Company command troops pause in their march and converse with each other before resuming their advance down the mountain slope. It was quite common for Gebirgs unit commanders to lead an advancing column. Behind the commanders, a long column of troops and pack animals and their handlers can be seen navigating the narrow mountain road.
Terrain in Yugoslavia was not well suited for military traffic, especially in the mountain regions. Here, in this photograph, a Gebirgs staff vehicle has become stuck on a mountain road and a number of staff officers and their personnel are seen trying to relieve the vehicle.
Two photographs, taken in sequence, showing heavily equipped troops with heavily loaded pack animals are seen on a march along a mountain road. They pass a stone farm building with corrugated roof, but now probably being utilized by the Gebirgsjäger for shelter or storage.
Five photographs showing mountain troops with captured Yugoslavian troops. Despite the terrible conditions and gallant resistance shown by the Yugoslavian Army, they were no match for the Gebirgsjäger and their Wehrmacht comrades. It took the Germans just 12 days to crush the Yugoslavian force.
Two photographs, taken in sequence, showing a column of Gebirgs motorcycle combinations, which are probably part of a reconnaissance unit operating somewhere in Yugoslavia. The first photograph shows the unit following a railway line. Note the tactical symbol on the motorcycle mudguard indicating that it belongs to the 1.Kompnaie/Gebirgs-Auflarungs-Abteilung 54. The second photograph shows the troops dismounting from their motorcycles preparing to reconnoitre a hilltop castle.
Three photographs showing the 6x30 Sf.14z Scherenfernrohr (scissor binoculars) being used in three different locations on the mountain slopes somewhere in Yugoslavia. These are more than likely a Gebirg artillery forward observation unit. A battery observation post often had two scissor binoculars for engaging an enemy target and searching and plotting for additional enemy positions. Note the tripod-mounted binoculars being used on the slope. The observer can be seen adjusting the range of the binoculars.
A long column of pack animals advance alongside a road kept clear for motorised traffic. These Gebirgsjäger belong to a Sanitation Hospital unit. The wicker carrier baskets display the familiar red crosses on a white background associated with that belonging to a Sanitation unit.
Gebirgs handlers with their pack animals trudge towards the front. Painted on the wicker carrier baskets are the letters ‘K.Tr’ and Tr’. This abbreviation means ‘Trager’ or carrier. Behind these animals, in single column, are heavily equipped Gebirgstruppen.
Gebirgs machine gun troop are seen trudging through a mountain valley. Both leading men carry a spare MG34 barrel for their 7.9mm MG34 machine gun. These troops belong to the XVIII.Gebirgs-Korps which was attached to the 12.Armee. Their objective was to attack Greece via Yugoslavia.
A Gebirgs platoon prepare to move out during a pause in their advance. The platoon leader can be seen armed with an MP40 sub machine gun. The soldiers all wear the standard M36 uniform and special grey heavyweight trousers. On their right sleeve they display the famous Edelweiss. For their main armament, the truppen carry the Mauser 7.9mm Kar98k carbine, the standard issue Wehrmacht’s shoulder weapon.
One of the most effective forms of observation, apart from flying, was to use an observation balloon. Here, in these two photographs, taken in sequence, is an artillery observation battery utilising a balloon in a remote area. With almost non-existence of enemy aircraft, balloon observation could be undertaken with little concern. However, it was still vulnerable to attack as the balloon was hydrogen-filled. Two men can be seen inside the balloon basket, one to record data and relay it to the ground by telephone. The other man was the observer who would keep a lookout for the approach of any enemy aircraft.
Commanders are seen on a mountain slope consulting their notebooks as they report the progress of the advance to the Gebirgs-Division commander, on the right wearing an officers greatcoat.
A rifle group pause in their advance and have a break in a forest during the early phase of operations against Greece. The standard Gebirgstruppen equipment can be seen, comprising of the two, three-pocket cartridge pouches, for the 7.9mm carbine bolt action rifle, bread bag, canteen or field flask and drink cup, mess kit or cook pot, small entrenching tool and carrier, the S84/98 bayonet, M35 steel helmet, and gas mask canister.
A Gebirgs artillery unit during a pause in action along the Yugoslav and Greek frontier, in April 1941. The artillery piece is a 10.5cm le.FH.18 light field howitzer. The gun is well concealed in undergrowth.
Gebirgstruppen traverse across typical mountain terrain as they pass from the Yugoslav frontier into Greece. Much of the advance was often slow due to the winding roads and uneven, rugged terrain. The troops found the advance frustrating at times and this was made worse by enemy resistance, which could regularly hold up entire units for hours fighting on the slopes.
Gebirgstruppen of the 1.Gebirgs-Division have halted in a village and read their divisional weekly newspaper. The officer seated on the motorcycle combination has been decorated with the Iron Cross 2nd Class and the ribbon of the Iron Cross 1st Class.
A Gebirgs machine gun squad use the rocky terrain as cover on the mountain slope. The light 7.92mm MG34 machine gun is on its bipod. The squad is relatively concealed, and their uniforms blend-in well with the local terrain. A light machine-gun troop consisted of a machine gunner (Number 1) and two machine gun riflemen (Numbers 2 and 3) to carry ammunition.
Mountain troops take cover on a grassy mountain slope and use the uneven ground as cover. Positions like this often gave troops good fields of observation and fire, and could dominate an enemy on the higher ground.
A column of Gebirgsgruppen march through a destroyed Greek town, accompanied by pack animals carrying equipment. Both the 5 and 6.Gebirgs-Division took part in the attack against Greece. Fighting was heavy in a number of areas but slowly and systematically the mountain troops fought their way through and were able to overrun the Greek defences.
A good view of a column of mountain troops marching through a Greek hillside town. They all wear the standard issue M36 Wehrmacht tunic and all carry the Mauser 7.9mm Kar98k carbine, the standard issue Wehrmacht’s shoulder weapon.
Gebirgsjäger staff cars have halted somewhere in the Balkans. Three staff officers can be seen conversing whilst watching their unit crossing a wooden bridge. These vehicles were very much ill-suited for uneven terrain and were seldom seen off-road driving.
Two photographs showing a mountain trooper and a mountain motorcycle combination moving through a destroyed captured town. These Gebirgs are more than likely part of a mountain reconnaissance battalion that comprised of a battalion staff, motorcycle company, and heavy company.
Gebirgstruppen, in their natural environment, halt on a mountain slope. They wear their high-capacity Bergen-type rucksacks. Unlike the high leather marching boots issued to the Wehrmacht, all Gebirgsjäger wore low-topped laced marching shoes, which were heavy, sturdy climbing boots and puttees.
A mountain trooper hoists the German national flag from a tall building, somewhere in the Balkans, following the defeat of Yugoslavia. Yugoslavia capitulated on 17 April 1941, 11 days after the invasion commenced. German losses were significantly light, which totaled 151 killed, 392 wounded, and 14 missing.