When was the II SS Panzer Corps active?

The II SS Panzer Corps was active from July 1942 until the end of World War II on May 8, 1945. This period covers its formation and entire operational history.

Which country did the II SS Panzer Corps belong to?

The II SS Panzer Corps belonged to Germany. The flag icon associated with Germany in the source material is the flag used by Nazi Germany from 1935 to 1945.

What branch of the German military was the II SS Panzer Corps part of?

The II SS Panzer Corps was part of the Waffen-SS, which was the combat arm of the Nazi Party's SS organization. The Waffen-SS was distinct from other SS branches focused on policing and security.

What type of military formation was the II SS Panzer Corps?

The II SS Panzer Corps was a Panzer corps, a type of large military formation primarily composed of armored (tank) units. These formations were designed for rapid offensive operations.

What was the primary role of the II SS Panzer Corps?

The primary role of the II SS Panzer Corps was in armored warfare. This involved utilizing tanks and other armored vehicles for offensive actions, breakthroughs, and exploiting enemy weaknesses.

What was the organizational size of the II SS Panzer Corps?

The II SS Panzer Corps was organized at the corps level. A military corps is a substantial formation, typically comprising multiple divisions and supporting units, capable of independent operations or integration into larger army groups.

What were the major engagements the II SS Panzer Corps participated in during World War II?

The II SS Panzer Corps participated in numerous significant engagements throughout World War II. These included Case Anton, the Third Battle of Kharkov, the Battle of Kursk, the Kamenets-Podolsky pocket breakout, the Battle of Normandy, Operation Market Garden, the Battle of the Bulge, Operation Spring Awakening, and operations against Yugoslav Partisans.

What was the II SS Panzer Corps and what was its general function?

The II SS Panzer Corps was a German Waffen-SS armored corps that saw extensive combat service during World War II. It operated on both the Eastern and Western Fronts, playing a significant role in major offensives and defensive battles.

On which fronts did the II SS Panzer Corps operate during World War II?

The II SS Panzer Corps operated on both the Eastern Front, engaging Soviet forces, and the Western Front, fighting against Allied armies. Its deployment across these major theaters highlights its strategic importance.

Who commanded the II SS Panzer Corps during the Third Battle of Kharkov and the Battle of Kursk in 1943?

The II SS Panzer Corps was commanded by Paul Hausser during the Third Battle of Kharkov and the Battle of Kursk in 1943. Hausser was a prominent Waffen-SS commander.

Who commanded the II SS Panzer Corps on the Western Front in 1944?

Wilhelm Bittrich commanded the II SS Panzer Corps on the Western Front in 1944. He took over command during a critical period of fighting in France.

When was the II SS Panzer Corps formed, and what was its initial designation?

The II SS Panzer Corps was formed in July 1942 and was initially designated as the SS Panzer Corps. It was later renamed in June 1943 after the I SS Panzer Corps was established.

Which SS divisions were initially part of the SS Panzer Corps upon its formation?

Upon its formation as the SS Panzer Corps, it was intended to command the SS Division "Leibstandarte SS Adolf Hitler," SS Division "Das Reich," and SS Division "Totenkopf." These were some of the premier Waffen-SS armored formations.

Where was the SS Panzer Corps sent in August 1942, and what actions did it undertake during Case Anton in November 1942?

In August 1942, the SS Panzer Corps was sent to northern France. It later participated in Case Anton, the occupation of Vichy France in November 1942, during which it captured Toulon.

In early February 1943, which Army Group and front was the II SS Panzer Corps attached to, and what battle did it participate in?

In early February 1943, the corps was attached to Army Group South in Ukraine and participated in the Third Battle of Kharkov. This battle was a critical engagement on the Eastern Front.

When was the corps officially renamed II SS Panzer Corps, and why?

The corps was officially renamed II SS Panzer Corps in June 1943. This renaming occurred concurrently with the creation of the I SS Panzer Corps, establishing a numerical designation for the two formations.

What role did the II SS Panzer Corps play in Operation Citadel in July 1943?

In July 1943, the II SS Panzer Corps took part in the failed Operation Citadel, spearheading the attack by the 4th Panzer Army in the southern sector of the front. This was a major German offensive aimed at regaining the initiative on the Eastern Front.

Which battle involved the corps' three SS divisions at the edge of the German penetration during Operation Citadel?

The Battle of Prokhorovka involved the corps' three SS divisions at the edge of the German penetration into the salient during Operation Citadel. This battle is often cited as one of the largest tank battles in history.

After Operation Citadel was cancelled, where was the II SS Panzer Corps ordered to go?

After Operation Citadel was cancelled due to its failure, the II SS Panzer Corps was ordered to the Italian front in August 1943. This redeployment was part of Germany's response to the Allied invasion of Sicily and Italy.

Which division of the II SS Panzer Corps was transferred to the Italian front, and what operations did it undertake? Which divisions remained on the Eastern Front?

Only one division, the Leibstandarte SS Adolf Hitler, was transferred to the Italian front with the corps personnel, where it participated in operations to disarm Italian troops. The remaining combat divisions, the Das Reich and Totenkopf, stayed on the Eastern Front to counter Soviet offensives.

What operations did the II SS Panzer Corps conduct in Yugoslavia between September and November 1943, and what were their stated objectives?

Between September 20 and November 20, 1943, the II SS Panzer Corps conducted operations against Yugoslav Partisans. These operations aimed to establish a connection with Army Group F in the Balkans and to secure communications lines east and northwards from Trieste and Rijeka.

What were the reported total losses of the II SS Panzer Corps during the Yugoslav operations, according to its medical department?

According to the corps headquarters' medical department, the II SS Panzer Corps suffered total losses of 936 men during its operations against Yugoslav Partisans between September and November 1943.

What were the reported casualties and arrests of partisans and civilians during the first phase of operations against partisans in Istria?

According to Croat authors, during the first phase of operations against partisans on the Istrian peninsula (Unternehmen Istrien), approximately 2,000 partisans and 2,000 civilians were killed by German forces. An additional 1,200 individuals were arrested, with about 400 transported to concentration camps.

In November 1943, which division returned to the Soviet Union, and where did the rest of the corps remain?

In November 1943, the Leibstandarte division returned to the Soviet Union. The corps headquarters and remaining elements stayed in the region encompassing Slovenia, Istria, and Northern Italy.

In January 1944, where was the II SS Panzer Corps ordered to refit?

In January 1944, the II SS Panzer Corps was ordered to the Alençon area of France to refit and reorganize its units. This was a period of rebuilding after previous campaigns.

What major Soviet offensive in March 1944 led to the encirclement of the 1st Panzer Army, and what was the significance of this event?

The Soviet Dnieper-Carpathian offensive in March 1944 led to the encirclement of the entire 1st Panzer Army in the Kamenets-Podolsky pocket. This encirclement was the largest catastrophe facing the Wehrmacht since the Battle of Stalingrad and threatened the collapse of the entire southern sector of the Eastern Front.

What reinforcements did Hitler provide to de-blockade the 1st Panzer Army, and which corps was sent?

Faced with the potential collapse of the front, Adolf Hitler yielded to Field Marshal Erich von Manstein's demands and provided powerful reinforcements. The entire II SS Panzer Corps, comprising the 9th and 10th SS Panzer Divisions, was sent from France in April 1944.

Who commanded the reinforcements sent to de-blockade the 1st Panzer Army, and what was this force called?

The reinforcements sent to de-blockade the 1st Panzer Army were commanded by Paul Hausser himself and were collectively referred to as the "Hausser Attack Group." This marked Hausser's return to command in a critical Eastern Front battle.

What directive did the transfer of the II SS Panzer Corps from France to the East violate?

The transfer of the II SS Panzer Corps from France to the East violated Führer Directive 51. This directive had previously prohibited any transfers of forces from the Western to the Eastern Front, highlighting the severity of the situation in Ukraine.

After rescuing the 1st Panzer Army, what other relief operation did the corps participate in?

After successfully rescuing the majority of the 1st Panzer Army, the II SS Panzer Corps participated in attempts to relieve the trapped German garrison of the 4th Panzer Army in the town of Tarnopol. Hitler had declared Tarnopol a fortress (*Festung*).

What was the outcome of the relief operation for the trapped German garrison in Tarnopol?

The relief operation for Tarnopol ultimately failed. The Red Army had prepared strong defenses, and despite the efforts of the II SS Panzer Corps, the garrison could not be relieved.

Where was the II SS Panzer Corps moved after its operations in Ukraine failed to relieve Tarnopol?

After the failed relief attempt at Tarnopol, the II SS Panzer Corps was moved into the reserve of the newly created Army Group North Ukraine. This allowed the corps to regroup and prepare for future operations.

When was the II SS Panzer Corps ordered back to the Western Front to participate in the Battle of Normandy?

In mid-June 1944, the II SS Panzer Corps was ordered back west to take part in the Battle of Normandy. It arrived on the invasion front in late June 1944, facing the Allied forces that had landed on D-Day.

Against which British army group did the corps engage in heavy fighting during the Battle for Caen?

During the Battle for Caen, the II SS Panzer Corps engaged in heavy fighting against the British 21st Army Group. This was a crucial and brutal phase of the Normandy campaign.

Who took command of the II SS Panzer Corps during the fighting in Normandy?

SS-Obergruppenführer Wilhelm Bittrich took command of the II SS Panzer Corps during the fighting in Normandy. He assumed command during this critical period of the Western Front campaign.

In which major encirclement battle did the corps participate in August 1944?

In August 1944, the II SS Panzer Corps participated in the battles in and around the Falaise pocket. This was a major Allied victory that resulted in the encirclement and destruction of significant German forces in Normandy.

What Allied operation, launched on September 17, 1944, involved the II SS Panzer Corps?

The Allied operation launched on September 17, 1944, was Operation Market Garden, an airborne offensive aimed at capturing the Rhine bridge at Arnhem. The II SS Panzer Corps was involved in fighting against Allied forces during this operation.

Which Allied divisions did the II SS Panzer Corps fight against during Operation Market Garden in Arnhem and Nijmegen?

During Operation Market Garden, the II SS Panzer Corps fought against the British 1st Airborne Division in the Battle of Arnhem and also against the U.S. 82nd Airborne Division and the British XXX Corps in Nijmegen.

What was the outcome of the counteroffensive in early October against the Allied salient on the island?

The II SS Panzer Corps suffered heavy losses during the counteroffensive in early October against the Allied salient on the island. This engagement was part of the efforts to push back the Allied advance.

In preparation for the Ardennes Offensive, which army group was the II SS Panzer Corps placed under?

In preparation for the Ardennes Offensive, the II SS Panzer Corps was placed in reserve of the 6th Panzer Army. This army was tasked with spearheading the northern thrust of the offensive.

When was the corps committed to the Ardennes Offensive, and near which town?

The corps was committed to the Ardennes Offensive on December 21, 1944, near St. Vith. This marked its entry into the major German winter offensive on the Western Front.

After the northern assault stalled, where was the corps transferred to participate in the attack?

After the initial northern assault of the Ardennes Offensive stalled, the II SS Panzer Corps was transferred south to take part in the attack on Bastogne. This repositioning aimed to support the offensive's objectives.

Which U.S. Airborne divisions did the corps' divisions fight against during the Battle of the Bulge?

The corps' divisions suffered heavy losses fighting against the U.S. 82nd and 101st Airborne Divisions during the Battle of the Bulge. These engagements were part of the fierce resistance encountered by the German offensive.

After the failure of the Ardennes Offensive, where did the corps see action against U.S. forces?

After the failure of the Ardennes Offensive, the II SS Panzer Corps returned to defensive actions, seeing combat against U.S. forces in the Eifel region. This marked the final stages of its involvement in the Western Front's defense.

In February 1945, where was the II SS Panzer Corps ordered to go, and for what purpose?

In February 1945, the II SS Panzer Corps was ordered to Hungary to participate in an offensive aimed at recapturing Budapest and securing the Hungarian oilfields. This was one of the last major German offensives on the Eastern Front.

What offensive did the corps participate in near Lake Balaton in March 1945?

The corps participated in Operation Spring Awakening, which was launched near Lake Balaton on March 6, 1945. This was the final major offensive operation undertaken by the German military in World War II.

After the failure of Operation Spring Awakening, which other SS corps retreated with the II SS Panzer Corps towards Vienna?

After the failure of Operation Spring Awakening, the II SS Panzer Corps retreated towards Vienna alongside the I SS Panzer Corps and the IV SS Panzer Corps. These were remnants of German armored forces attempting to withdraw from the Soviet advance.

When and to whom did the elements of the II SS Panzer Corps surrender?

Elements of the II SS Panzer Corps surrendered to the U.S. Army on May 8, 1945. This marked the final capitulation of German forces in Europe.

Who was the first commander of the II SS Panzer Corps, and during what period did he serve?

The first commander of the II SS Panzer Corps was SS-Obergruppenführer Paul Hausser. He served from its formation on June 1, 1942, until June 28, 1944.

Who succeeded Paul Hausser as commander of the II SS Panzer Corps, and during what period did he serve?

Wilhelm Bittrich succeeded Paul Hausser as commander of the II SS Panzer Corps. He served from July 10 or August 1, 1944, until May 9, 1945.

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Corps Overview

Active Service

The II SS Panzer Corps served actively from July 1942 until the final cessation of hostilities on 8 May 1945.

National Affiliation

This formation was part of the armed forces of Nazi Germany. (Link opens in new tab)

Branch and Type

It operated under the banner of the Waffen-SS as a specialized Panzer corps, focusing on armoured warfare.

Operational Scope

The corps saw significant action on both the Eastern and Western Fronts during World War II, participating in numerous critical campaigns.

Historical Trajectory

Formation and Early Actions (1942-1943)

Initially formed as the SS Panzer Corps in July 1942, it comprised elite SS divisions like "Leibstandarte SS Adolf Hitler", "Das Reich", and "Totenkopf". After initial deployment in northern France and participation in Case Anton, the corps was transferred to Army Group South in Ukraine. Under the command of SS-Obergruppenführer Paul Hausser, it played a role in the Third Battle of Kharkov in early 1943. The corps was officially renamed II SS Panzer Corps in June 1943, preceding Operation Citadel.

Eastern Front Engagements (1943)

During July 1943, the corps spearheaded the 4th Panzer Army's assault in the southern sector of Operation Citadel, culminating in the intense Battle of Prokhorovka. Following the operation's cancellation, elements were ordered to the Italian front, while others remained to counter Soviet advances. Between September and November 1943, the corps engaged Yugoslav Partisans in operations across Istria and Slovenia, securing lines of communication.

Redeployment and Eastern Front Crisis (1944)

After refitting in France in early 1944, the corps was critically redeployed to the Eastern Front in April. It played a pivotal role in de-blocking the encircled 1st Panzer Army in the Kamenets-Podolsky pocket, a significant achievement against overwhelming Soviet forces. Subsequently, it participated in the failed relief attempt of Tarnopol before being moved to reserve under Army Group North Ukraine.

Western Front Battles (1944-1945)

Arriving in Normandy in late June 1944, the corps engaged British forces in the Battle for Caen. Under the command of SS-Obergruppenführer Wilhelm Bittrich, it fought defensively during the Falaise pocket battles and retreated across France. In September 1944, it was heavily involved in countering Operation Market Garden, fighting fiercely at Arnhem and Nijmegen, suffering substantial losses. The corps participated in the Ardennes Offensive (Battle of the Bulge) in December 1944, attacking towards Bastogne before returning to defensive actions in the Eifel region.

Final Campaigns and Surrender (1945)

In February 1945, the corps was transferred to Hungary for Operation Spring Awakening near Lake Balaton. Following the offensive's failure, it retreated towards Vienna. Elements of the corps eventually surrendered to the United States Army on 8 May 1945, marking the end of its operational history.

Command Structure

Key Leadership

The corps was led by distinguished officers during its existence:

SS-Obergruppenführer Paul Hausser: Commanded from 1 June 1942 to 28 June 1944. He led the corps during critical battles on the Eastern Front and early engagements in the West.
SS-Gruppenführer / Obergruppenführer Wilhelm Bittrich: Assumed command from 10 July/1 August 1944 until 9 May 1945. He oversaw the corps' operations during the intense fighting in Normandy, the Battle of the Bulge, and the final campaigns in Hungary.

Major Engagements

Eastern Front

The corps participated in pivotal battles on the Eastern Front, including:

Third Battle of Kharkov (1943)
Operation Citadel (1943)
Battle of Prokhorovka (1943)
Operations against Yugoslav Partisans (1943)
Relief of Kamenets-Podolsky pocket (1944)
Relief of Tarnopol (1944)
Operation Spring Awakening (Hungary, 1945)

Western Front

The II SS Panzer Corps saw intense combat on the Western Front:

Battle of Normandy (1944)
Battle for Caen (1944)
Falaise Pocket (1944)
Operation Market Garden (1944)
Battle of Arnhem (1944)
Battle of Nijmegen (1944)
Battle of the Bulge (Ardennes Offensive) (1944-1945)
Eifel Region defensive battles (1945)

Unit Composition

Key Formations

The II SS Panzer Corps commanded various elite divisions throughout its service. Notable components included:

Third Battle of Kharkov (February–March 1943)

1st SS Panzergrenadier Division "Leibstandarte SS Adolf Hitler"
2nd SS Panzergrenadier Division "Das Reich"
3rd SS Panzergrenadier Division "Totenkopf"
Elements of 167th Infantry Division

Operation Citadel (July 1943)

1st SS Panzergrenadier Division "Leibstandarte SS Adolf Hitler"
2nd SS Panzergrenadier Division "Das Reich"
3rd SS Panzergrenadier Division "Totenkopf"
Elements of 167th Infantry Division

September 1943

1st SS Panzergrenadier Division "Leibstandarte SS Adolf Hitler"
24th Panzer Division
44th Infantry Division
71st Infantry Division
162nd Turkestan Division

October 1943

44th Infantry Division
71st Infantry Division
162nd Turkestan Division

September–November 1944

502nd Heavy SS Panzer Battalion
9th SS Panzer Division "Hohenstaufen"
10th SS Panzer Division "Frundsberg"

Battle of the Bulge (December 1944)

2nd SS Panzer Division "Das Reich"
9th SS Panzer Division "Hohenstaufen"

Operation Spring Awakening (March 1945)

2nd SS Panzer Division "Das Reich"
9th SS Panzer Division "Hohenstaufen"
44th Infantry Division
23rd Panzer Division

References & Sources

Primary Documentation

Archival materials provide direct insight into the corps' operations:

German Documents, Publication T354, roll 606: II. SS Panzerkorps, June-December 1943. National Archives.

Secondary Accounts

Scholarly works offer detailed analysis:

Mitcham, Samuel W. (2000). The Panzer Legions. Stackpole Books. ISBN 978-0-8117-3353-3.
Liedtke, Gregory. (2015). "Lost in the Mud: The (Nearly) Forgotten Collapse of the German Army in the Western Ukraine, March and April 1944". The Journal of Slavic Military Studies.
Buttar, P. (2020). The Reckoning: The Defeat of Army Group South, 1944. Bloomsbury Publishing.
Ziemke, E. (2002). Stalingrad to Berlin: The German Defeat in the East. Center of Military History, United States Army.

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References

Istrapedia (Croat.)

Buttar, P. The Reckoning: The Defeat of Army Group South, 1944. Bloomsbury Publishing, 2020, pp. 245-246.

Gregory Liedtke (2015). Lost in the Mud: The (Nearly) Forgotten Collapse of the German Army in the Western Ukraine, March and April 1944. The Journal of Slavic Military Studies, p. 227.

Karl-Heinz. The Eastern Front 1943â1944: The War in the East and on the Neighbouring Fronts. Oxford University Press, 2017, p. 439.

Ziemke, E., F. Stalingrad to Berlin: The German Defeat in the East. Center of Military History, United States Army, Washington, D. C., 2002, p. 280.

Gregory Liedtke (2015). Lost in the Mud: The (Nearly) Forgotten Collapse of the German Army in the Western Ukraine, March and April 1944. The Journal of Slavic Military Studies, p. 227.

Gregory Liedtke (2015). Lost in the Mud: The (Nearly) Forgotten Collapse of the German Army in the Western Ukraine, March and April 1944. The Journal of Slavic Military Studies, p. 235.

A full list of references for this article are available at the II SS Panzer Corps Wikipedia page

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Historical Context & Disclaimer

Important Considerations

This page presents information regarding the II SS Panzer Corps, a military formation of Nazi Germany during World War II. The content is derived from historical records and academic sources, aiming for factual accuracy within its educational context.

This is not an endorsement or glorification of any military actions or ideology associated with the depicted entity. The information is provided solely for historical understanding and research purposes. Users should approach this content with critical awareness of the historical period and the nature of the subject matter.

The creators of this page are not responsible for any interpretations or actions taken based on the information provided herein. Always consult multiple reputable historical sources for a comprehensive understanding.

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Corps Overview ℹ️

🗓️ Active Service

🇩🇪 National Affiliation

⚔️ Branch and Type

🗺️ Operational Scope

Historical Trajectory ⏳

🚀 Formation and Early Actions (1942-1943)

🔥 Eastern Front Engagements (1943)

🔄 Redeployment and Eastern Front Crisis (1944)

💥 Western Front Battles (1944-1945)

📉 Final Campaigns and Surrender (1945)

Command Structure 🎖️

👨‍✈️ Key Leadership

Major Engagements 💣

🗺️ Eastern Front

🇫🇷 Western Front

Unit Composition 🧱

📜 Key Formations

Third Battle of Kharkov (February–March 1943)

Operation Citadel (July 1943)

September 1943

October 1943

September–November 1944

Battle of the Bulge (December 1944)

Operation Spring Awakening (March 1945)

References & Sources 📚

🔗 Primary Documentation

📖 Secondary Accounts

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Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Corps Overview

Active Service

National Affiliation

Branch and Type

Operational Scope

Historical Trajectory

Formation and Early Actions (1942-1943)

Eastern Front Engagements (1943)

Redeployment and Eastern Front Crisis (1944)

Western Front Battles (1944-1945)

Final Campaigns and Surrender (1945)

Command Structure

Key Leadership

Major Engagements

Eastern Front

Western Front

Unit Composition

Key Formations

References & Sources

Primary Documentation

Secondary Accounts

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Historical Context & Disclaimer

Important Considerations