561st Volksgrenadier Division

The 561st Volksgrenadier Division (German: 561. Volksgrenadier-Division) was a division of the Wehrmacht active during World War II. When it was formed in July 1944, it was originally designated as the 561st Grenadier Division.

561st Volksgrenadier Division 561. Grenadierdivision
561. Volks-Grenadier Division Vehicle Insignia
Active	July - October 1944
Country	Nazi Germany
Branch	Army
Type	Grenadier
Size	Division

History

The 561st Grenadier Division was raised in July 1944 and placed under the leadership of Major General Walter Gorn on 21 July 1944. The division was sent to occupy the central sector of the Eastern Front, which was rapidly diminishing due to the successes of the Soviet's Red Army. In October 1944, the division was re-designated the 561st Volksgrenadier Division. In January of 1945 The 561st division took part in the Battle of Königsberg and eventually surrendered after the Soviet troops were victorious.

See also

• List of German divisions in World War II

Commanding officers

The following officers commanded the 561st Volksgrenadier Division:

• Generalmajor Walter Gorn: 21 July 1944
• Colonel Felix Becker: 1 March 1945 – end of war

References

Bibliography

• Mitcham, Samuel W. Jr. (2007). German Order of Battle 291st–999th Infantry Divisions, Named Infantry Divisions, and Special Divisions in WWII. Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania: Stackpole Books. ISBN 978-0-8117-4844-5.

External links

• Axis History Database