371st Infantry Division

Sep 14, 2012

—

371st Infantry Division

The 371st Infantry Division (371. Infanterie-Division) completed formation in France in May 1942, and then transferred to the Russian front, where it operated in the southern sector. Virtually destroyed at Stalingrad.

Commanders

Generalleutnant Richard Stempel, from 1st April 1942 to 26th January 1943

Generalleutnant Richard Stempel, a German officer, commanded the 371st Infantry Division during the Battle of Stalingrad. Known for his leadership, he faced relentless Soviet offensives. Trapped in the Stalingrad encirclement, he took his own life on 26th January 1943, to avoid capture, marking a sombre end to his military career

Units

669 Infantry Regiment
670 Infantry Regiment
671 Infantry Regiment
371 Reconnaissance Battalion
371 Artillery Regiment
371 Pionier Battalion
371 Anti-Tank Battalion
371 Signal Battalion

Auxiliary unit number 371
Home Station Wein (Wkr. VI)

Locations

History

The 371st Infantry Division, formed in February 1942, was part of the 19th wave of German infantry divisions. Initially deployed to the Eastern Front, it participated in the Battle of Stalingrad under Generalleutnant Richard Stempel’s command. The division faced relentless Soviet offensives and was ultimately destroyed during the encirclement of Stalingrad in January 1943.

Reformed later in 1943, the division was assigned to coastal defence in Italy before moving to Croatia for anti-partisan operations. It subsequently fought in northern Ukraine, Poland, and Upper Silesia, engaging in defensive battles. The division surrendered to Soviet forces in May 1945 near Deutsch-Brod.