What was Army Group Centre, and how many distinct formations bore this name during World War II?

Army Group Centre (German: Heeresgruppe Mitte) was the designation for two distinct strategic German Army Groups that operated on the Eastern Front during World War II. These formations were crucial components of the German war effort against the Soviet Union.

When was the first Army Group Centre officially created, and what directive mandated its formation?

The first Army Group Centre was officially created on December 18, 1940, when Adolf Hitler issued Führer Directive 21, ordering German forces to prepare for an attack on the Soviet Union in 1941. The establishment of army groups was a key element of Germany's military strategy for large-scale invasions.

Who was the first commander of Army Group Centre, and when was he relieved of command?

The first commanding officer of Army Group Centre was Field Marshal Fedor von Bock. He was relieved of command on December 18, 1941, following the failure of the Battle of Moscow. The initial command structure was critical for the success of the invasion plans.

Who succeeded Fedor von Bock as commander of Army Group Centre, and under what circumstances?

Field Marshal Günther von Kluge replaced Fedor von Bock as commander of Army Group Centre on December 19, 1941. Command changes often reflected the fortunes of war and strategic objectives.

Who succeeded Günther von Kluge as commander of Army Group Centre after he was injured?

Field Marshal Ernst Busch succeeded Günther von Kluge as commander of Army Group Centre after Kluge was injured in October 1943. Busch commanded the army group until he was replaced by Field Marshal Walter Model in June 1944.

Who took command of Army Group Centre after Walter Model was transferred to the Western Front?

After Walter Model was transferred to the Western Front in August 1944, Ferdinand Schörner took command of Army Group Centre. Schörner commanded the army group until his desertion in May 1945.

What were the primary army-level formations assigned to Army Group Centre at the commencement of Operation Barbarossa on June 22, 1941?

At the commencement of Operation Barbarossa on June 22, 1941, Army Group Centre's primary army-level formations included Panzer Group 2 (commanded by Guderian), Panzer Group 3 (commanded by Hoth), the 4th Army (commanded by von Kluge), and the 9th Army (commanded by Strauss). These formations represented the core combat power for the central thrust of the invasion.

What was the initial strategic objective of Army Group Centre during Operation Barbarossa?

The initial strategic objective of Army Group Centre during Operation Barbarossa was to defeat the Soviet armies in Belarus and occupy Smolensk. Operation Barbarossa was the codename for Germany's invasion of the Soviet Union.

What operational method was intended for Army Group Centre's advance during Operation Barbarossa, and what was the expected timeline for victory?

Army Group Centre planned for a rapid advance using Blitzkrieg operational methods, commanding two panzer groups for this purpose. A quick and decisive victory over the Soviet Union was expected by mid-November. Blitzkrieg tactics relied on rapid, coordinated advances of armored and motorized units.

What key battles and decisions, such as the Battle of Smolensk and the Lötzen decision, delayed the German advance towards Moscow?

Bitter fighting in the Battle of Smolensk and the Lötzen decision delayed the German advance for two months. The German advance was further postponed when Hitler ordered the conquest of Ukraine to be prioritized before the offensive against Moscow. Delays in military campaigns can significantly alter strategic outcomes and the overall course of a war.

What was the codename for the German offensive aimed at capturing Moscow in late 1941?

The German offensive aimed at capturing Moscow in late 1941 was known as Operation Typhoon. The Battle of Moscow was a critical turning point in the early stages of the Eastern Front.

Who commanded the 2nd Army and the 2nd Panzer Army, respectively, as part of Army Group Centre's order of battle in October 1941?

In October 1941, as part of Army Group Centre's detailed order of battle for the attack on Moscow, the 2nd Army was commanded by von Weichs, and the 2nd Panzer Army was commanded by Guderian. Understanding the command structure helps in analyzing military operations.

What major Soviet operations did Army Group Centre face around Rzhev in 1942, and what was the German response?

In 1942, Army Group Centre faced continuing Soviet attacks around Rzhev. The German Ninth Army successfully repelled these attacks and stabilized its front, despite significant partisan activity in its rear areas. The Rzhev salient was a heavily contested area throughout much of the Eastern Front.

What was the strategic objective of Operation Blue, and how did it affect Army Group Centre's resources?

Operation Blue, launched in June 1942, aimed at capturing the oilfields in the southwestern Caucasus. This operation primarily involved Army Group South, and other German army groups, including Army Group Centre, were required to transfer troops and equipment to support it. Operation Blue was a major German offensive in the summer of 1942.

What was Operation Mars, launched in November 1942, and how did it impact the broader strategic situation on the Eastern Front?

Operation Mars was a large Soviet offensive launched in November 1942, concurrently with Operation Uranus (the counteroffensive against Stalingrad). While Operation Mars was repulsed with heavy Soviet losses, it effectively pinned down German units that could have been deployed to the fighting around Stalingrad, thus impacting the broader strategic situation. Concurrent operations could either support or detract from each other's objectives.

What was Operation Büffel, and what was its purpose in early 1943?

Operation Büffel was launched in early 1943 to forestall possible Soviet spring offensives by evacuating the Rzhev Salient. Its purpose was to shorten the German frontline and consolidate defenses. Tactical withdrawals, like shortening a salient, were often necessary to consolidate defenses.

What were some of the major anti-partisan operations conducted in the rear areas of Army Group Centre, and what were their general outcomes?

Major anti-partisan operations in the rear of Army Group Centre included Operation Bamberg (March-April 1942), Operation Frühlingsfest (April-May 1944), and Operation Kormoran (May-June 1944). These operations resulted in thousands of deaths, including civilians, and the confiscation of agricultural produce. Anti-partisan warfare was a significant and brutal aspect of the conflict on the Eastern Front.

What was the order of battle for Army Group Centre in January 1944, during the Wotan Line defensive campaign?

In January 1944, the order of battle for Army Group Centre consisted of the 3rd Panzer Army, 2nd Army, 4th Army, and 9th Army. Defensive campaigns often involved establishing fortified lines to slow down enemy advances.

What deception campaign did the Red Army employ in the spring of 1944 to mislead the Wehrmacht regarding their summer offensive?

In the spring of 1944, the Red Army carried out a deception campaign, known as maskirovka, to convince the Wehrmacht that the main Soviet summer offensive would be launched further south. This led the German High Command to move armored units south, away from Army Group Centre. Deception tactics were crucial for Soviet strategy.

What was the codename of the major Soviet offensive launched on June 22, 1944, which led to the destruction of Army Group Centre?

The major Soviet offensive launched on June 22, 1944, was codenamed Operation Bagration. This operation resulted in the near-complete destruction of the 850,000-strong Army Group Centre. Operation Bagration was one of the largest Soviet offensives of World War II.

What was the estimated scale of German casualties during Operation Bagration, and how is this defeat characterized?

It is estimated that over 450,000 Germans were killed, wounded, or captured during Operation Bagration, including 57,000 captured east of Minsk. This defeat is characterized as the greatest German defeat of the entire war in terms of casualties. Operation Bagration was a devastating blow to the German war effort on the Eastern Front.

Who commanded Army Group Centre as of June 28, 1944, and who took command later in August 1944?

Walter Model was the commander-in-chief of Army Group Centre as of June 28, 1944. He was replaced by Georg Hans Reinhardt on August 16, 1944. Tracking command changes is important for understanding the leadership during critical phases of the war.

What was the approximate Soviet superiority in troops, artillery, and tanks against Army Group Centre at the start of the Vistula-Oder Offensive in January 1945?

At the start of the Soviet Vistula-Oder Offensive on January 12, 1945, the Soviet forces facing Army Group Centre outnumbered the Germans by approximately 2:1 in troops, 3:1 in artillery, and 5.5:1 in tanks and self-propelled artillery. The Vistula-Oder Offensive was a massive Soviet operation that pushed deep into German territory.

How did Hitler reorganize the army groups on January 25, 1945, and what was the new designation for Army Group Centre?

On January 25, 1945, Hitler reorganized three army groups. Army Group A became Army Group Centre, and the existing Army Group Centre was renamed Army Group North. This reorganization occurred as the war situation changed and fronts shifted.

What were the approximate casualty figures for Army Group Centre between January and February 1945?

Between January and February 1945, Army Group Centre sustained approximately 140,000 casualties, including 15,000 dead, 77,000 wounded, and 48,000 missing. These figures highlight the intense fighting and losses sustained by German forces in the final months of the war.

What major Soviet campaign, starting with the battle of Oder-Neisse, led to the fall of Berlin and the end of the war in Europe?

The final Soviet campaign of the war in the European theater, which led to the fall of Berlin and the end of the war in Europe, began with the battle of Oder-Neisse. This campaign involved overwhelming Soviet force against the remaining German units. The Battle of Berlin was the final major offensive of the European theater.

Who commanded Army Group Centre as of January 17, 1945, during the lead-up to the Battle of Berlin?

Ferdinand Schörner was the commander-in-chief of Army Group Centre as of January 17, 1945. Schörner was one of the last commanders of Army Group Centre.

Until when did some elements of Army Group Centre continue to resist, and what Soviet offensive forced their final surrender?

Some elements of Army Group Centre continued to resist until May 11, 1945. Their final surrender was forced by the overwhelming Soviet force deployed in the Prague Offensive to liberate Czechoslovakia. Resistance continued even after Germany's general surrender in some isolated pockets.

Who commanded Army Group Centre during its final days of resistance and surrender?

Ferdinand Schörner commanded Army Group Centre during its final days of resistance and surrender. His actions during the final surrender are noted in historical accounts.

When did Ferdinand Schörner desert his command, and where did he go?

Ferdinand Schörner deserted his command on May 8, 1945, and flew to Austria. Desertion by high-ranking officers was a sign of the collapse of the German command structure.

What was the tenure of Fedor von Bock as commander of Army Group Centre?

Fedor von Bock served as the commander of Army Group Centre from its formation on June 22, 1941, until December 19, 1941, a period of approximately 180 days. Understanding the duration of command provides insight into the stability and leadership of the army group.

What was the tenure of Günther von Kluge as commander of Army Group Centre?

Günther von Kluge served as the commander of Army Group Centre from December 19, 1941, until he was injured in October 1943, serving for approximately 1 year and 297 days. Kluge commanded the army group during a critical period, including the initial invasion and the attack on Moscow.

What was the tenure of Ernst Busch as commander of Army Group Centre?

Ernst Busch served as the commander of Army Group Centre from October 29, 1943, to June 28, 1944, a period of 243 days. Busch commanded during a period of intense defensive fighting.

What was the tenure of Walter Model as commander of Army Group Centre?

Walter Model commanded Army Group Centre from June 28, 1944, to August 16, 1944, serving for 49 days. Model's command was relatively brief but occurred during a period of significant Soviet offensives.

What was the tenure of Georg-Hans Reinhardt as commander of Army Group Centre?

Georg-Hans Reinhardt commanded Army Group Centre from August 16, 1944, to January 17, 1945, a period of 154 days. Reinhardt commanded during the period leading up to the destruction of the army group in Operation Bagration.

What was the tenure of Ferdinand Schörner as commander of Army Group Centre?

Ferdinand Schörner commanded Army Group Centre from January 17, 1945 (or January 25, 1945, for the redesignated Army Group A), until May 11, 1945, serving for 114 days. Schörner commanded during the final, catastrophic phase of the army group's existence.

What were the main army-level formations listed for Army Group Centre in August 1941?

In August 1941, the order of battle for Army Group Centre included the 3rd Panzer Group, 9th Army, 2nd Army, and Panzer Group Guderian (which was the 2nd Panzer Group with additional units. The order of battle evolved as operations progressed and units were reassigned.

What was the purpose of Operation Büffel in early 1943?

Operation Büffel, launched in early 1943, involved the evacuation of the Rzhev Salient. Its purpose was to shorten the German frontline and consolidate defenses, thereby forestalling possible Soviet spring offensives. This operation was a strategic withdrawal to shorten defensive lines.

What was the approximate number of German casualties during Operation Bagration, and how did this compare to other German defeats?

Operation Bagration resulted in an estimated 450,000 German casualties (killed, wounded, or captured), making it the greatest German defeat of the entire war in terms of casualties. This devastating blow significantly impacted the German war effort on the Eastern Front.

What was the order of battle for Army Group Centre in May 1945?

In May 1945, the order of battle for Army Group Centre included the 1st Panzer Army, 4th Panzer Army, 7th Army, 17th Army, and Army Group Ostmark. This reflects the fragmented state of German forces at the very end of the war.

What was the order of battle for Army Group Centre in January 1945, prior to the Vistula-Oder Offensive?

In January 1945, the order of battle for Army Group Centre included the 3rd Panzer Army, 2nd Army, and 4th Army. This was shortly before the Soviet Vistula-Oder Offensive began.

What was the order of battle for Army Group Centre in February 1945, during the Defence of the Reich campaign?

In February 1945, Army Group Centre's order of battle consisted of the 1st Panzer Army, 4th Panzer Army, and the 17th Army (Wehrmacht). This reflects the ongoing fighting and reorganizations during the Defence of the Reich campaign.

What was the order of battle for Army Group Centre in July 1944, following Operation Bagration?

In July 1944, the order of battle for Army Group Centre included the 3rd Panzer Army, 2nd Army, 4th Army, and 9th Army, with some units listed as 'z. Vfg.' (zur Verfügung, meaning 'at disposal'). This was shortly after the devastating impact of Operation Bagration.

What was the order of battle for Army Group Centre in September 1943, during the Wotan Line defensive campaign?

In September 1943, Army Group Centre's order of battle included the 3rd Panzer Army, 2nd Army, 4th Army, and 9th Army. This period was characterized by defensive operations along the Wotan Line.

What was the order of battle for Army Group Centre in May 1942?

In May 1942, the order of battle for Army Group Centre included the 2nd Panzer Army, 3rd Panzer Army, 4th Army, and 9th Army. This reflects the composition of the army group during the Rzhev operations.

What was the order of battle for Army Group Centre in February 1943?

In February 1943, Army Group Centre's order of battle consisted of the 2nd Panzer Army, 3rd Panzer Army, 4th Army, and 9th Army. This was during the period following Operation Büffel and before the expected Soviet spring offensives.

Army Group Centre Wiki: The Crucible of the East: Army Group Centre's Campaigns

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Formation and Command

Genesis of an Army Group

Army Group Centre, designated Heeresgruppe Mitte in German, represented a critical strategic formation within the Wehrmacht during World War II. Its existence was formally established by Adolf Hitler's Führer Directive 21 on December 18, 1940, which outlined the preparations for the invasion of the Soviet Union, codenamed Operation Barbarossa. This directive mandated the creation of three primary army groups for the offensive, with Army Group Centre positioned to spearhead the central thrust.

Leadership Cadence

The command structure of Army Group Centre saw several notable figures at its helm throughout its operational lifespan. Field Marshal Fedor von Bock initially led the army group, assuming command upon its formation. Following the setbacks at the Battle of Moscow, he was relieved on December 19, 1941. His successor, Field Marshal Günther von Kluge, commanded the group until his injury in October 1943. Subsequently, Field Marshal Ernst Busch took command, later succeeded by Field Marshal Walter Model in June 1944. Model's transfer to the Western Front led to Ferdinand Schörner assuming command in August 1944, holding it until Germany's final surrender.

Strategic Mandate

Initial Objectives

Upon its inception for Operation Barbarossa, Army Group Centre's primary strategic objective was the decisive defeat of Soviet forces stationed in Belarus. This was to be achieved through rapid advances employing Blitzkrieg tactics, supported by two dedicated panzer groups. The anticipated timeframe for a swift victory over the Soviet Union was by mid-November 1941. The army group's operational scope also included providing support to Army Group North and Army Group South, with the Pripyat River serving as a key boundary marker.

Reorganizations and Renaming

The complex and fluid nature of the Eastern Front necessitated several reorganizations. In mid-1944, as Army Group North became trapped in the Courland Pocket, it was renamed Army Group Courland. Concurrently, the original Army Group Centre was redesignated as Army Group North. A second iteration of Army Group Centre was subsequently formed by renaming Army Group A, effectively replacing the first iteration's designation.

Campaign and Operational History

Operation Barbarossa (1941)

The launch of Operation Barbarossa on June 22, 1941, marked the beginning of Army Group Centre's extensive involvement. Its initial mission was to annihilate Soviet armies in Belarus and capture Smolensk. The army group commanded two panzer groups, facilitating a swift advance. However, prolonged and intense fighting, particularly during the Battle of Smolensk and the Lötzen decision, significantly delayed the German offensive. A subsequent directive from Hitler to conquer Ukraine first further postponed the advance on Moscow.

Attack on Moscow (Operation Typhoon)

By October 1941, the German forces were poised for the assault on Moscow under Operation Typhoon. The order of battle at this critical juncture involved multiple armies and panzer groups, including the 2nd Army, 2nd Panzer Army, 4th Army, Panzer Group 4, and the 9th Army, supported by various corps. Despite initial gains, the harsh Russian winter and determined Soviet resistance ultimately halted the German advance, leading to a strategic failure to capture the Soviet capital.

Rzhev Operations and Central Russia (1942-1943)

Throughout 1942 and into 1943, Army Group Centre was heavily engaged in defensive battles around Rzhev. Despite significant Soviet attacks, the German Ninth Army managed to stabilize the front lines, albeit with considerable partisan activity in its rear. The year 1942 saw fierce fighting, including Operation Mars in November, launched concurrently with Operation Uranus at Stalingrad. While these operations repulsed Soviet advances and inflicted heavy losses, they also tied down crucial German forces. In early 1943, Operation Büffel aimed to shorten the front line by evacuating the Rzhev Salient, anticipating further Soviet offensives.

Defensive Campaigns (1943-1944)

Following the strategic shift after Stalingrad, Army Group Centre faced continuous pressure. The period included the Battle of Kursk (Operation Citadel) in July 1943, where the army group maintained its positions. Subsequent defensive campaigns along the Wotan Line in late 1943 and into early 1944 saw the army group holding its ground against persistent Soviet assaults. During this time, extensive anti-partisan operations were conducted in the rear areas, often resulting in severe civilian casualties.

Order of Battle

The composition and strength of Army Group Centre evolved significantly throughout the war. Below are key snapshots of its order of battle at various critical junctures:

June 1941 (Operation Barbarossa)

At the commencement of Operation Barbarossa, Army Group Centre was a formidable force, comprising Panzer Group 2, Panzer Group 3, the 4th Army, and the 9th Army. These formations were further broken down into numerous corps and divisions, representing the spearhead of the German invasion.

Order of battle of Army Group Centre, 22 June 1941
Army-level formations	Primary subordinates	Secondary subordinates
Army group reserves: 537th Signals Regiment
Panzer Group 2 (Guderian)	XXIV Panzer Corps (Geyr von Schweppenburg)	1st Cavalry Division, 3rd Panzer Division, 4th Panzer Division, 10th Mot. Infantry Division, 267th Infantry Division
	XLVI Panzer Corps (von Vietinghoff)	2nd SS Panzer Division Das Reich
	XLVII Panzer Corps (Lemelsen)	17th Panzer Division, 18th Panzer Division, 29th Infantry Division, 167th Infantry Division
	XII Army Corps (Schroth)	31st Infantry Division, 34th Infantry Division, 45th Infantry Division, 255th Infantry Division
Panzer Group 3 (Hoth)	V Army Corps (Ruoff)	5th ID, 35th ID
	VI Army Corps (Föster)	6th ID, 26th ID
	XXXIX Panzer Corps (Schmidt)	7th Pz, 20th Pz, 14th Mot.Div., 20th Mot.Div.
	LVII Panzer Corps (Kuntzen)	12th Pz, 19th Pz, 18th Mot.Div.
4th Army (von Kluge)	VII Army Corps (Fahrmbacher)	7th ID, 23rd ID, 258th ID, 268th ID, 221st Sec.Div.
	IX Army Corps (Geyer)	137th ID, 263rd ID, 292nd ID
	XIII Army Corps (Felber)	17th ID, 78th ID
	XLIII Army Corps (Heinrici)	131st ID, 134th ID, 252nd ID, 286th Sec.Div.
9th Army (Strauss)	VIII Army Corps (Heitz)	8th ID, 28th ID, 161st ID
	XX Army Corps (Materna)	162nd ID, 256th ID
	XLII Army Corps (Kuntze)	87th ID, 102nd ID, 129th ID, 403rd Sec

October 1941 (Attack on Moscow)

As the offensive against Moscow intensified, the order of battle reflected the concentration of forces. Key components included the 2nd Army, 2nd Panzer Army, 4th Army, Panzer Group 4, and the 9th Army, supported by various corps, indicating the critical nature of this phase.

October 1941 detailed order of battle

2nd Army (von Weichs)
- LIII Army Corps (Weisenberger)
- LXIII Army Corps (Heinrici)
- XIII Army Corps (Felber)
2nd Panzer Army (Guderian)
- XXXIV Army Corps (Metz)
- XXXV Army Corps (Kempfe)
- XLVIII Panzer Corps (Kempff)
- XXIV Panzer Corps (Geyr von Schweppenburg)
- XLVII Panzer Corps (Lemelsen)
4th Army (von Kluge)
- VII Army Corps (Fahrmbacher)
- XX Army Corps (Materna)
- IX Army Corps (Geyer)
Panzer Group 4 (Hoepner), Subordinated to 4th Army
- XII Army Corps (Schroth)
- XL Army Corps (Stumme)
- XLVI Panzer Corps (von Vietinghoff)
- LVII Panzer Corps (Kuntzen)
9th Army (Strauss)
- XXVII Army Corps (Wager)
- V Army Corps (Ruoff)
- VIII Army Corps (Heitz)
- XXIII Army Corps (Schubert)
3rd Panzer Group (Hoth), Subordinated to 9th Army
- LVI Panzer Corps (Schaal)
- XLI Panzer Corps (Reinhardt)
- VI Army Corps (Forster)

July 1943 (Operation Citadel)

During the pivotal Battle of Kursk (Operation Citadel), Army Group Centre maintained a significant presence, comprising the 2nd Panzer Army, 3rd Panzer Army, 2nd Army, 4th Army, and 9th Army, reflecting its continued importance in the central sector.

July 1943 order of battle: 2nd Panzer Army, 3rd Panzer Army, 2nd Army, 4th Army, 9th Army

The Annihilation of Army Group Centre

Operation Bagration (June 1944)

The strategic deception campaign orchestrated by the Soviet High Command successfully misled the German military leadership, leading to the redeployment of armored units away from Army Group Centre. On June 22, 1944, the third anniversary of Operation Barbarossa, the Soviets launched Operation Bagration. This massive offensive involved 185 divisions, 2.3 million soldiers, and thousands of tanks, overwhelming the 850,000-strong Army Group Centre. The ensuing assault resulted in the near-complete destruction of the army group, with estimated German casualties exceeding 450,000 killed, wounded, or captured. This marked the most devastating German defeat of the war.

Polish and Slovak Campaigns (Early 1945)

Following the catastrophic losses of Operation Bagration, the remnants of Army Group Centre were engaged in defensive actions in Poland and Slovakia. The Soviet Vistula-Oder Offensive, commencing January 12, 1945, faced significantly outnumbered German forces. By January 25, 1945, Hitler ordered a renaming of army groups; the force designated "Army Group Centre" at the start of the offensive was renamed "Army Group North," while Army Group A became the new "Army Group Centre." This second iteration fought in the defense of Slovakia, Bohemia-Moravia, and parts of Germany.

Defence of the Reich and Berlin (Spring 1945)

In the final months of the war, the reconstituted Army Group Centre was deeply involved in the desperate defense of the Reich. Between January and February 1945, the group sustained approximately 140,000 casualties. As the Soviet forces advanced towards Berlin, Army Group Centre, under Ferdinand Schörner, formed part of the defensive line along the Neisse River. The final Soviet offensive culminated in the Battle of Berlin, leading to the collapse of German resistance in Europe.

Surrender

Final Resistance and Capitulation

By May 7, 1945, as German Chief-of-Staff General Alfred Jodl negotiated the final surrender, communication with Ferdinand Schörner, commander of Army Group Centre, had been lost since May 2. Schörner had expressed intent to fight westward and surrender to American forces. On May 8, 1945, despite orders for his troops to observe the surrender, Schörner deserted his command and fled to Austria, where he was arrested by American forces. Elements of the army group continued resistance until May 11, 1945, particularly during the Prague Offensive, where they were ultimately compelled to surrender or face annihilation.

Commanders

Leadership Tenure

The command of Army Group Centre changed hands multiple times, reflecting the intense and often unsuccessful campaigns on the Eastern Front. The following table details the notable commanders and their periods of service:

No.	Commander	Took Office	Left Office	Time in Office
1	Generalfeldmarschall Fedor von Bock (1880–1945)	22 June 1941	19 December 1941	180 days
2	Generalfeldmarschall Günther von Kluge (1882–1944)	19 December 1941	12 October 1943	1 year, 297 days
3	Generalfeldmarschall Ernst Busch (1885–1945)	29 October 1943	28 June 1944	243 days
4	Generalfeldmarschall Walter Model (1891–1945)	28 June 1944	16 August 1944	49 days
5	Generaloberst Georg-Hans Reinhardt (1887–1963)	16 August 1944	17 January 1945	154 days
6	Generaloberst Ferdinand Schörner (1892–1973)	17 January 1945 (Heeresgruppe A) / 25 January 1945	11 May 1945	114 days

Related Formations

Associated Units

Army Group Centre operated within a broader military context. Its activities were often coordinated with or influenced by other major formations and related entities:

Army Group South
Army Group North
Army Group Centre Rear Area Command
Police Regiment Centre

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References

A full list of references for this article are available at the Army Group Centre Wikipedia page

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Historical Context and Accuracy

This document has been generated by an Artificial Intelligence, drawing upon historical data from Wikipedia. It is intended for educational and analytical purposes, providing a structured overview of Army Group Centre's role in World War II. While efforts have been made to ensure accuracy and adherence to the source material, historical interpretations can vary, and the information presented may not encompass all nuances or complexities of the events described.

This is not military strategy advice. The content is for informational purposes only and should not be interpreted as guidance for military operations or strategic planning. Always consult primary sources and scholarly historical analyses for comprehensive understanding.

The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.

Army Group Centre

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Formation and Command 📜

📅 Genesis of an Army Group

👨‍✈️ Leadership Cadence

Strategic Mandate 🎯

🗺️ Initial Objectives

🔄 Reorganizations and Renaming

Campaign and Operational History ⚔️

💥 Operation Barbarossa (1941)

🏛️ Attack on Moscow (Operation Typhoon)

🇷🇺 Rzhev Operations and Central Russia (1942-1943)

🛡️ Defensive Campaigns (1943-1944)

Order of Battle 📊

1️⃣ June 1941 (Operation Barbarossa)

2️⃣ October 1941 (Attack on Moscow)

3️⃣ July 1943 (Operation Citadel)

The Annihilation of Army Group Centre 💥

🔥 Operation Bagration (June 1944)

🇵🇱 Polish and Slovak Campaigns (Early 1945)

🇩🇪 Defence of the Reich and Berlin (Spring 1945)

Surrender 🏳️

🕊️ Final Resistance and Capitulation

Commanders 🎖️

📜 Leadership Tenure

Related Formations 🔗

➡️ Associated Units

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

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📜 Historical Context and Accuracy

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Formation and Command

Genesis of an Army Group

Leadership Cadence

Strategic Mandate

Initial Objectives

Reorganizations and Renaming

Campaign and Operational History

Operation Barbarossa (1941)

Attack on Moscow (Operation Typhoon)

Rzhev Operations and Central Russia (1942-1943)

Defensive Campaigns (1943-1944)

Order of Battle

June 1941 (Operation Barbarossa)

October 1941 (Attack on Moscow)

July 1943 (Operation Citadel)

The Annihilation of Army Group Centre

Operation Bagration (June 1944)

Polish and Slovak Campaigns (Early 1945)

Defence of the Reich and Berlin (Spring 1945)

Surrender

Final Resistance and Capitulation

Commanders

Leadership Tenure

Related Formations

Associated Units

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Historical Context and Accuracy