18th Volksgrenadier Division

18th Volksgrenadier Division 18 Volksgrenadier Division.svg 1944 Nazi Germany Standarte Adolf Hitlers.svg 23px Adolf Hitler Nazi Germany Volksgrenadier Division Günther Hoffmann-SchönbornWalter BotschHeinz Kokott 1945 The 18th Volksgrenadier Division (18. Volksgrenadier-Division; 18. VGD) was a volksgrenadier division of the German Army (i.e. Heer) during the Second World War, active from 1944 to 1945. The division was formed in Denmark, in September 1944, by redesignating 571. Volksgrenadier-Division. Under the command of Günther Hoffmann-Schönborn, the new division absorbed elements of the 18th Luftwaffe Field Division. It contained the 293., 294. and 295. grenadier regiments, Panzerjäger-Bataillon 1818, Pionier-Bataillon 1818, Füsilier-Bataillon 1818 and Artillerie-Regiment 1818.Axis History Factbook The division fought in the Ardennes, inflicting on the 106th US Infantry Division the worst defeat suffered by U.S. forces in the European theatre of World War II, when over 8,000 American soldiers surrendered to German troops. On December 21, 18. VGD captured St. Vith, winning a great victory. As the offensive steam came to an end in the Ardennes, the division went on the defensive, and there they would stay. Eventually retreating through Germany until the end of the war, when it surrendered. On February 5, 1945 General Walter Botsch took over command of the division. On March 6, 1945, when Botsch was ordered to take command of the LIIIrd Army Corps, the 18. VGD division was absorbed into the 26. VGD led by Heinz Kokott, Heinrich Himmler's brother-in-law. Knights Cross Holders Wilhelm Drueke December 30, 1944 Gunther Rennhack December 30, 1944 Friedrich Hadenfeldt March 17, 1945 Notes 2 References https://www.axishistory.com/books/150-germany-heer/heer-divisionen/4219-18volksgrenadier-division 18. Volksgrenadier-Division 21 December 2021 Axis History Factbook 2009-01-08 Category:Military units and formations established in 1944 Category:Volksgrenadier divisions Category:Military units and formations disestablished in 1945