Heer (1935–1945)
Formation and Early Years (1935–1939)
The German Army, known as Heer, was officially established in its modern form on March 16, 1935, following the dissolution of the Reichswehr under the Treaty of Versailles. The Heer was a critical component of the Wehrmacht, the unified armed forces of Nazi Germany.
The Heer's formation was a direct response to the increasing militarization of Europe and the perceived threat from the Soviet Union. It was designed to be a modern, mechanized force capable of rapid offensive operations. The Heer was initially composed of infantry, artillery, and cavalry units, but quickly expanded to include armored and motorized divisions.
World War II (1939–1945)
Invasion of Poland (1939)
The Heer's first major operation was the Invasion of Poland in September 1939. This marked the beginning of World War II and demonstrated the effectiveness of the Heer's Blitzkrieg tactics, which emphasized speed, surprise, and encirclement.
Western Front (1940–1944)
In 1940, the Heer launched its campaign against France and the Low Countries. The rapid defeat of these countries further established the Heer's reputation for speed and efficiency.
However, the Heer's subsequent invasion of the Soviet Union in 1941 marked a turning point. The vast distances, harsh weather, and determined Soviet resistance stretched the Heer's resources and capabilities to their limits.
Eastern Front (1941–1945)
The Eastern Front was the largest and deadliest theatre of World War II. The Heer suffered heavy casualties and was gradually pushed back by the Red Army. Key battles included the Battle of Stalingrad and the Battle of Kursk, both of which resulted in significant German losses.
Structure and Organization
The Heer was organized into several different types of units, including infantry divisions, panzer divisions, and motorized divisions. Each division was composed of several regiments or brigades, which were further divided into battalions and companies.
The Heer's high command, known as the Oberkommando des Heeres (OKH), was responsible for strategic planning and coordination. The OKH was led by the Chief of the General Staff, who was the highest-ranking officer in the Heer.
Equipment and Tactics
The Heer was equipped with a wide range of weapons and vehicles, including rifles, machine guns, artillery, tanks, and aircraft. The Heer's tactics evolved throughout the war, with an increasing emphasis on combined arms warfare and the use of armored units in deep penetration operations.
Legacy
The Heer's legacy is complex and controversial. While it was undoubtedly a formidable fighting force, it was also deeply implicated in the atrocities of the Nazi regime. The Heer's role in World War II continues to be a subject of extensive historical research and debate.