The movement of the Panzer Division was a difficult undertaking and was the subject of scrutiny and careful consideration. For a smooth functioning of the march the Germans stressed: systematic training and practice; attention to detail; care of vehicles and equipment; advanced reconnaissance of routes; precise warning orders; and the issue of detailed march orders. Worked out during the brief adolescence of the Panzer Divisions from 1935-1939, these careful plans were to be rewarded with many successes in the years to come.
In order to secure the march column against enemy attacks, the Germans divided the Panzer column into an Advance Guard (Vorhut), Main Body (Gros), and Rear Guard (Nachhut).
The issue of orders for march and traffic control was the responsibility of the higher command. Movement by road of formations from battalion strength upwards was carried out in the Zone of the Interior at the orders of the Army High Command (OKH) or a headquarters acting on the orders of the Army High Command. In the theatre of war these movements were strictly controlled by Army Headquarters, which issued orders in accordance with instructions from Army High Command or the Army Group. Movements in the areas of military commanders of line-of-communication areas were controlled by orders of the commanders of the relevant areas.
Orders for movement were issued to the formations of fighting troops by the operations group headquarters; those to supply services and units in the line-of-communication area emanated from the supply and administrative group.
The Germans set up a well-organised traffic control service which came under the orders of the operations group. All traffic control services usually wore orange-red brassards. The members of the military police, distinguished by their metal gorgets, also made themselves highly visible to ensure the smooth flow of vehicles.
The Germans allotted to each front line division its own road or sector of advance, usually marked by advance parties. General Headquarters or any other troops directed simultaneously on the same roads were subordinated to the division for the duration of the move. All-weather roads were usually allotted to motorised or armoured divisions, while subsidiary roads were assigned to infantry divisions. Of course Guderian’s work was not merely limited to logistics and movement. The real thought was applied to how these new formations could be used in action.
The Panzer IV (F2) with the short barrelled 75mm infantry support gun.