3rd Infantry Division (mot)

The 3rd Infantry Division (mot) (3. Infanterie-Division (mot.)) was an active division mainly recruited in Prussia. As such it took part in the Polish campaign and the Battle of France, without winning any special distinction. Motorized in autumn, 1940. Fought in Russia from the beginning, at first in the centre and subsequently in the southern sector, where it was virtually destroyed at Stalingrad.

Commanders

Generalleutnant Helmuth Schlömer 1st April 1942 to 15th January 1943

Generalleutnant Helmuth Schlömer commanded the 3rd Infantry Division (mot) during World War II, showcasing strategic leadership. He participated in key campaigns, including Operation Barbarossa and the Battle of Stalingrad. Schlömer earned the Knight’s Cross with Oak Leaves for his military achievements and later joined the National Committee for a Free Germany.

Units

103 Panzer Battalion
8 Infantry Regiment (mot)
29 Infantry Regiment (mot)
53 Motorcycle Reconnaissance Battalion (mot)
3 Artillery Regiment (mot)
3 Pionier Battalion (mot)
3 Anti-Tank Battalion (mot)
3 Signal Battalion (mot)
Auxiliary unit number 3
Home Station Frankfurt/Oder (Wkr.III)

Auxiliary unit number 3
Home Station Frankfurt/Oder (Wkr.III)

Locations

History

The 3rd Infantry Division (mot) was formed in 1940, specializing in motorized infantry operations during World War II. Initially deployed to the Eastern Front, it participated in Operation Barbarossa, advancing through Ukraine and engaging in battles like Smolensk.

The division played a significant role in the Battle of Stalingrad, enduring relentless Soviet attacks and harsh conditions. Encircled during Operation Uranus, it was destroyed in January 1943. Reformed later as the 3rd Panzergrenadier Division, it continued fighting on the Italian and Western Fronts until surrendering in 1945, reflecting the challenges faced by German motorized divisions.