Panzer Lehr only existed for a little over a year from its formation in
late 1943. In this time the Panzer Lehr division proved it self to be one of
the top armoured units in the German Army. Created from some of the best and
most experienced Panzer soldiers of world war 2. The title 'Lehr' indicates an
elite evaluation and demonstration unit. it was formed at the suggestion of
Generalinspekteur der Panzertruppe, General Oberst Heinz Guderian. The
division was built around a strong cadre of men, who had served as
instructors in the armies general tank training schools. Most had seen
extensive combat on the eastern front. Guderain insured that these highly
experienced troops were issued with only the best equipment, including a full
compliment of the excellent panther tank, also it was one of the only units to
utilise the jagdpanther. Generalleutnant Fritz Bayerlin, who proved himself in
North Africa (under Rommel) was chosen by Guderain to lead the Panzer Lehr as
he was one of his most trusted subordinates.
The division was fully motorised, and its infantry were true Panzergrenadiers,
all transported in armoured half-tracks instead of the more usual mix of
half-tracks and 'soft skin' trucks. Panzer Lehr saw little action during its
first posting in Hungary, but on the 6th June 1944, the allied troops landed in
Normandy. Panzer Lehr went into action on the 8th June, two days after D-day in
support of the 1st SS Panzer corps in the defence of Caen, before being
switched to fight the Americans in St Lo. Weeks of fighting took its toll on
Panzer Lehr, and the division was pulled out of the line and reformed and
reequipped at Sennelager. In November 1944 Panzer Lehr joined Manteuffel's 5th
Panzeranzerarmee which took part in the battle of the Bulge, most famously in
the battle of Bastogne.
With the failure of the Ardennes offensive Panzer Lehr fought defensive
actions on the Maas line in the Netherlands and early in March 1945 was
used in an attempt to smash the American Rhine bridgehead at Remagen.
The Panzer Lehr ended its days trapped in the Ruhr Pocket at the end of
March after a valiant struggle. Finally surrendering to the allies at the end
of April 1945.
As part of Kompanie 1, we portray Panzergrenadier-Lehr-Regiment 902, which was
the first part of the Lehr division to see action on the 8th June 1944.
Famously reaching the French coast before being forced back by overwhelming
allied odds.
Panzer Lehr is the newest German unit in Kompanie 1 and we are looking to
recruit more members.
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