17th German Army

The 17th German Army formed on 20th December 1940, as part of the Wehrmacht’s preparations for Operation Barbarossa. Commanders structured it under Army Group South, assigning critical roles in the southern sector. The army’s initial tasks included advancing into Ukraine, encircling Soviet forces, and securing key objectives during the Eastern Front campaign.

Commanders

General der Infanterie Carl-Heinrich von Stülpnagel, 22nd Feb to 5th Oct 1941

General der Infanterie Carl-Heinrich von Stülpnagel, 22nd February 1941 to 5th October 1941

General der Infanterie Carl-Heinrich von Stülpnagel commanded the 17th German Army during Operation Barbarossa, leading critical offensives in Ukraine. Commanders assigned him strategic objectives, including the Battle of Uman, which resulted in significant Soviet troop captures. Stülpnagel’s leadership showcased his tactical expertise and contributed to Germany’s early successes on the Eastern Front.

Generaloberst Hermann Hoth, 6th October 1941 to 20th April 1942

Generaloberst Hermann Hoth commanded the 17th German Army during Operation Barbarossa, leading critical offensives in Ukraine and the Caucasus. Commanders assigned him strategic objectives, including encircling Soviet forces and securing key territories. Hoth’s leadership showcased tactical expertise, significantly contributing to Germany’s early successes on the Eastern Front during World War II.

Generaloberst Hans von Salmuth, 20th April 1942 to 1st June 1942

Generaloberst Hans von Salmuth briefly commanded the 17th German Army in 1942, leading operations during the Eastern Front campaign. Commanders assigned him critical objectives, including countering Soviet offensives and maintaining strategic positions. Salmuth’s leadership demonstrated tactical expertise, contributing to the army’s efforts despite the challenging conditions of the Eastern Front.

Generaloberst Richard Ruoff, 1st June 1942 to 24th June 1943

Generaloberst Richard Ruoff commanded the 17th German Army during its operations in the Caucasus, focusing on strategic objectives. Commanders assigned him critical tasks, including securing the Kuban Bridgehead and countering Soviet advances. Ruoff’s leadership emphasized tactical planning and coordination, contributing to the army’s efforts during challenging phases of the Eastern Front campaign.

Generaloberst Erwin Jaenecke, 24th June 1943 to 1st March 1944

Generaloberst Erwin Jaenecke commanded the 17th German Army during World War II, focusing on the Eastern Front campaigns. He advocated for the evacuation of Sevastopol in 1944, opposing Hitler’s orders, which led to his dismissal. Jaenecke faced a Soviet court-martial for war crimes and endured imprisonment until his release in 1955.

Generalfeldmarschall Ferdinand Schörner, 2nd March to 31st March 1944

Generalfeldmarschall Ferdinand Schörner, 2nd March 1944 - 31st March 1944

Generalfeldmarschall Ferdinand Schörner led the 17th German Army briefly in 1944, emphasizing strict discipline and aggressive tactics. He gained notoriety for his ruthlessness and unwavering loyalty to Nazi ideology. Schörner later commanded various army groups, becoming Hitler’s final Commander-in-Chief. Post-war, courts convicted him of war crimes, leading to imprisonment in multiple countries.

Generaloberst Erwin Jaenecke, 31st March 1944 to 30th April 1944

General der Infanterie Karl Allmendinger, 1st May 1944 to 25th July 1944

General der Infanterie Karl Allmendinger commanded the 17th German Army in 1944, focusing on evacuating Sevastopol under challenging conditions. He led his troops across the Black Sea to Romania, facing significant losses in men and material. After his dismissal, Allmendinger remained in the Führerreserve until the war’s end, avoiding further assignments.

General der Infanterie Friedrich Schulz, 25th July 1944 to 30th March 1945

General der Infanterie Friedrich Schulz commanded the 17th German Army in 1945, focusing on defensive operations against advancing Soviet forces. He implemented strategic withdrawals to preserve his troops and maintain cohesion under immense pressure. Schulz received the Knight’s Cross with Oak Leaves and Swords for his leadership, reflecting his military achievements.

General der Infanterie Wilhelm Hasse, 30th March 1945 to 7 May 1945

General der Infanterie Wilhelm Hasse commanded the 17th German Army in 1945, leading defensive operations in Silesia against Soviet forces. He sustained severe injuries during combat and succumbed to his wounds in Soviet captivity. Hasse received the Knight’s Cross with Oak Leaves for his leadership, reflecting his dedication and military achievements.

Active

20th December 1940 to 7th May 1945

Engagements

Operation Barbarossa
Battle of the Caucasus
Kuban Bridgehead
Strait of Kerch
Battle of Bautzen

Army Composition

IV Corps
- 24th Infantry Division
- 71st Infantry Division
- 262nd Infantry Division
- 295th Infantry Division
- 296th Infantry Division
XXXXIX Mountain Corps
- 68th Infantry Division
- 257th Infantry Division
- 1st Mountain Division
LII Corps
- 101st Light Infantry Division
- 97th Light Infantry Division
- 100th Light Infantry Division
Hungarian Fast Corps
- 1st Hungarian Motorized Brigade
- 2nd Hungarian Motorized Brigade
- 1st Hungarian Cavalry Brigade
Slovakian Expeditionary Group
- Slovakian Mobile Brigade
- 1st Slovakian Infantry Division
- 2nd Slovakian Infantry Division

History

The 17th German Army advanced through Ukraine during Operation Barbarossa, capturing key territories and encircling Soviet forces in major battles. Commanders prioritized strategic objectives, including the Battle of Uman, which resulted in the capture of approximately 100,000 Soviet troops. The army’s operations significantly contributed to Germany’s early successes on the Eastern Front.

In 1942, the 17th Army participated in Case Blue, providing flank protection for the 1st Panzer Army during the drive towards the Caucasus. Commanders coordinated efforts to secure critical areas, including Rostov-on-Don, while countering Soviet resistance. The army’s adaptability and determination allowed it to sustain operations under challenging conditions.

By 1943, the 17th Army faced increasing pressure, retreating to the Kuban Bridgehead and eventually withdrawing from the Caucasus. Commanders directed defensive operations to delay Soviet advances, emphasizing strategic planning. The army’s resilience marked its operational history, despite mounting challenges and eventual setbacks during the war.