5th Light Division
21st Panzer Division
Created as 5th Light Division or 5th Light Afrika Division in Africa in early 1941, from an ad hoc collection of smaller units rushed to support the collapsing Italian army. Reorganized as 21st Panzer Division later the same year. Fought throughout the African campaign, participating in all the major battles, and was greatly worn down by the Battle of El Alamein and the long retreat to Tunisia (1942). It lead the assault at the Battle of Kasserine Pass, but was lost in the general Axis collapse in Africa (1943). Reconstituted in France (1943) and remained there for rehabilitation and garrison duty until the Allied landings at Battle of Normandy (1944), whereupon it was heavily engaged in the fighting at the Normandy beachheads, being the only Panzer division to engage the Allies on the first day. It was greatly weakened in the ensuing battles around Caen, fighting as infantry after the loss of virtually all its tanks. It was relieved for rehabilitation but rushed back to the front after the Allied breakout, fighting to keep a toe-hold in in Alsace and the Saar. It was transferred to the Eastern Front in early 1945, and was captured by the Soviets there shortly before the end of the war.
See also
- 5th Light Infantry Division , (unrelated unit with a confusingly similar name)
References
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