Kampfgruppen in WW2

What was a German Kampfgruppe? Let's define the overall concept and give you some historical examples of German Kampfgruppen and their compositions. The kampfgruppe's we'll look at include Kampfgruppe Peiper during the Battle of the Bulge, Kampfgruppe Spindler at Arnhem, and Kampfgruppe Edelsheim at Stalingrad.

Check out the pinned comment below for more information, notes, links, and sources.

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[TheImperatorKnight]

*NOTES, LINKS and SOURCES*

What are your thoughts on Kampfgruppen? An effective, innovative concept, or a desperate necessity for desperate times? Let me know!

I personally don’t think enough has been written on this subject (in English at least). I’ve scoured the internet in search of information, and most of the books I have, or can get my hands on, do not give details on this topic. Even Wikipedia fails to provide much information on Kampfgruppen. I would love to give you a detailed background on how the Kampfgruppe concept came into being and why, but no, I simply don’t have enough information to do that. I guess it’s another reason to learn German.

I know that I messed up Pieper’s kampfgruppe (it should have the “Armoured” circle symbol). A little too late to go back and fix now :)


*LINKS*







*(Selected) SOURCES / BIBLIOGRAPHY*

Caddick-Adams, P. “Snow & Steel: The Battle of the Bulge 1944-1945.” Arrow Books, 2014.
Glantz, D. House, J. “The Stalingrad Trilogy, Volume 1. To the Gates of Stalingrad. Soviet-German Combat Operations, April-August 1942.” University Press of Kansas, 2009.
Glantz, D. House, J. “The Stalingrad Trilogy, Volume 2. Armageddon in Stalingrad: September-November 1942.” University Press of Kansas, 2009.
Hastings, M. “ Armageddon: The Battle for Germany 1944-45.” Pan Books, 2005.
Kershaw, R. “It Never Snows in September: The German View of Market Garden and the Battle of Arnhem 1944.” Ian Allan Publishing, 2007.
Lucas, J. “Battle Group! German Kampfgruppen Action of World War Two.” Arms and Armour Press, 1994.
Mark, J. “Death of the Leaping Horsemen: The 24th Panzer Division in Stalingrad 12th August - 20th November 1942.” Stackpole Books, Kindle 2003.
Playfair, I. The Mediterranean and Middle East, Volume III, British Fortunes reach their Lowest Ebb [September 1941 to September 1942]. The Naval & Military Press LTD 1960. Ed. 2004.


Thanks for watching, and supporting!

[Amy-gzko]

"A kampfgruppe, within a kampfgruppe, within a kampfgruppe."

*K A M P F G R U P P - C E P T I O N*

[solblumia]

When no one wants you in their kampfgruppe, so you make your own one man kampfgruppe :(

[kevinpascual]

I think Kampfgruppens represent the pinnacle of German tactical strategy in combination with the independence they gave their field commanders. But as you pointed out in earlier videos, tactical victories may not always be on par with the overall grand strategy.

[Dadtrap]

It's a small thing, but I absolutely love the blue background on the German unit markers!

[morningstar]

I think the beauty of the kampfgruppen especially early war is that its streamlined, organic, dynamic, made to order. No excess baggage, no fat. Under a charismatic leader morale and a sense of purpose would have been infectious. Thanks as ever TIK, great stuff.

[Solsys]

A theory I have is that Allied & Soviet structures were more heavily determined by logistics, while the Germans had the heritage of their Reichswehr years, in which improvisation (and flexibilty, even clandestinity) was a common occurence.

[sebastianioancio]

In my opinion, the Kampfgruppen were a very innovative concept. They proved the ability of their commanders to properly assess the situation at the frontline and act promptly. Very often, Kampfgruppe leaders would be able to specifically pinpoint the exact elements they would need in order to complete their tasks. This can be seen in instances such in Fallschrimjäger Regiment 6's preparation for the defence of the Netherlands, when von see Heydte attached a battery of flak units to help out. Moreover, I believe in the actions around Kharkov SS Kampfgruppe Thule of the Das Reich division the commander specifically attached a battalion of halftracks in order to plug the gaps in German defences and carry out counterattacks. Even in Normandy, such things occurred when smaller pander elements were added to Kampfgruppen formed from the Hitlerjugend division. Although the Wallonien SS division was forced to carry out desperate defences around Stargard in Pomerania at the end of the war, the Kampfgruppe formed still afforded to be picky with its troops because the commander took the volunteers who would be willing to carry out almost suicidal counterattacks. I'm sorry if my main focus has been on SS divisions, however it is my main area of research in the German army. Lastly, I believe the Kampffruppen were an innovative idea because they are still used today by, for example, the American forces when detachments too small for a task force and similar units to Kampfgruppen are handpicked by commanders to carry out very specific tasks.

[alexandrunistor]

Awesome video as allways ! Very detailed and well presented ! Love it ! Keep up the good work !

[billd.iniowa]

I like using Kampfgruppen for making up miniature wargaming scenarios. You can pick and choose your forces and not be confined to strict doctrinal formations. It also allows a narration for meeting engagements, which are my favorite type of game. Static defense scenarios dont allow for much movement by the defender.

[JPGraafland]

Another excellent video TIK Keep it up!

[ocolor]

Really great vid, as always. You're making the worst day of the week something to look forward to.

Would you mind if I added some German subtitles to this video so that some more people can see and understand it?

[ethantanner]

I think that the kampfgruppe is actually an innovative solution to problems, that were undercut by the failure to coordinate the makeup of the unit. By having a near desperate mix of units, it made the cooperation between the units more difficult. This is esspecially important when facing an enemy unit that is well organized and not made up of various units. This is esspecially noticable at the end of the war.

[Sir.suspicious]

I always admired the Kampfgruppen, as soon as I saw it was your latest video I almost fell overy chair. Great video as always, altough I heard many kampfgruppen didn't had much success

[richardmiller]

Great video TIK. The Germans really knew what they were about as this practice is prevalent nowadays, with British army battle-groups and U.S Regimental combat teams.

[jemc]

Excellent video TIK. Have always been fascinated by Kampf Gruppens. Thanks for the break down.

[boog]

Great video as always! Now, who is that one dislike, speak up and explain yourself, please.

[caravan]

Well done. I enjoy these on a Monday and always learn something new.

[draugsvoll]

I highly doubt you are running out of topics for videos, but just in case you are: I would really like to see an in-depth video on the Moscow counteroffensive :) great stuff as always!

[frankvandergoes]

Correct the Kampfgruppe Spindler which numbered 134 men NO TANKS was instrumental in stopping 1st Airborne at Arnhem about time this was recognized.