6th German Army
The 6th German Army formed on 10th October 1939, by redesignating the 10th Army after the Polish campaign. It participated in the invasions of Belgium and France, achieving significant victories. The army later spearheaded Operation Barbarossa, advancing into Soviet territory. Its defeat at Stalingrad marked a turning point in World War II.
Commanders
Generalfeldmarschall Walter von Reichenau, 1st Dec 1941 to 1st January 1942
Generalfeldmarschall Walter von Reichenau commanded the 6th German Army, leading successful campaigns in Poland, Belgium, and France during World War II. He issued the infamous Severity Order, promoting atrocities against civilians on the Eastern Front. Reichenau suffered a fatal heart attack in 1942 while serving in the Soviet Union, ending his controversial career.
Generalfeldmarschall Friedrich Paulus, 1st January 1942 to 31st January 1943
Generalfeldmarschall Friedrich Paulus commanded the 6th German Army, leading its advance to Stalingrad during Operation Barbarossa in 1942. He faced encirclement by Soviet forces, resulting in the army’s surrender and catastrophic losses. Paulus later criticized the Nazi regime while in Soviet captivity, marking a significant shift in his wartime legacy.
Generaloberst Karl-Adolf Hollidt, 6th March 1943 to 22nd November 1943
Generaloberst Karl-Adolf Hollidt commanded the 6th German Army after its reformation in 1943, focusing on defensive operations. He led his troops during the retreat from the Dnieper, facing severe losses and challenging conditions. Hollidt was later convicted of war crimes, including the deportation of civilians, and served imprisonment after the war.
General der Artillerie Maximilian de Angelis, 22nd Nov 1943 to 19th Dec 1943
General der Artillerie Maximilian de Angelis commanded the 6th German Army in 1944, focusing on defensive operations in Romania. He faced overwhelming Soviet offensives, leading his troops through challenging retreats and regrouping efforts. De Angelis later endured imprisonment for war crimes, reflecting the controversial aspects of his military career and legacy.
Generaloberst Karl-Adolf Hollidt, 19th December 1943 to 25th March 1944
Generaloberst Karl-Adolf Hollidt commanded the 6th German Army after its reformation in 1943, focusing on defensive operations. He led his troops during the retreat from the Dnieper, facing severe losses and challenging conditions. Hollidt was later convicted of war crimes, including the deportation of civilians, and served imprisonment after the war.
General der Panzertruppe Sigfrid Henrici, 25th March 1944 to 8th April 1944
General der Panzertruppe Sigfrid Henrici briefly commanded the 6th German Army in 1944, focusing on defensive operations. He led his troops during the retreat from Romania, facing overwhelming Soviet offensives and challenging conditions. Henrici later surrendered to Soviet forces in 1945, enduring captivity until his release in 1955, marking his wartime legacy.
General der Artillerie Maximilian de Angelis, 8th April 1944 to 17th July 1944
General der Artillerie Maximilian de Angelis commanded the 6th German Army in 1944, focusing on defensive operations in Romania. He faced overwhelming Soviet offensives, leading his troops through challenging retreats and regrouping efforts. De Angelis later endured imprisonment for war crimes, reflecting the controversial aspects of his military career and legacy.
General der Artillerie Maximilian Fretter-Pico, 17th July to 22nd Dec 1944
General der Artillerie Maximilian Fretter-Pico commanded the 6th German Army in 1944, focusing on defensive operations in Hungary. He led his troops during the retreat from Romania, facing overwhelming Soviet offensives and challenging conditions. Fretter-Pico later surrendered to Allied forces in 1945, marking the end of his military career.
General der Panzertruppe Hermann Balck, 23rd Dec 1944 to 8th May 1945
General der Panzertruppe Hermann Balck commanded the 6th German Army in 1944, emphasizing mobile warfare and tactical flexibility. He led his troops during critical operations in Hungary, showcasing exceptional leadership under challenging conditions. Balck’s innovative strategies earned him recognition as one of Germany’s most skilled commanders, reflecting his significant military contributions.
Active
- 10th October 1939 to 2nd February 1943
- 5th March 1943 to 9th May 1945
Engagements
- Battle of Belgium
- Battle of France
- Case Yellow
- Case Red
- Operation Barbarossa
- Battle of Uman
- Battle of Kiev (1941)
- First Battle of Kharkov
- Second Battle of Kharkov
- Case Blue
- Operation Fischreiher
- Battle of Voronezh
- Battle of Kalach
- Battle of Stalingrad
- Operation Fischreiher
- Donbass Offensive (July 1943)
- Donbass Offensive (August 1943)
- Battle of the Dnieper
- Melitopol Offensive
- Dnieper–Carpathian Offensive
- Nikopol–Krivoi Rog Offensive
- Bereznegovatoye–Snigirevka Offensive
- Odessa Offensive
- Battle of Romania
- Second Jassy-Kishinev Offensive
- Budapest Offensive
- Siege of Budapest
- Operation Konrad
- Operation Spring Awakening
- Vienna Offensive
Army Composition
- 648th Army Signal Regiment
- 2nd Nebelwerfer Regiment
- 30th Nebelwerfer Regiment
- 51st Mortar Regiment
- 53rd Mortar Regiment
- 91st Air Defence Regiment
- 243rd Assault Gun Battalion
- 245th Assault Gun Battalion
- 45th Army Engineer Battalion
- 225th Army Engineer Battalion
- 294th Army Engineer Battalion
- 336th Army Engineer Battalion
- 501st Army Engineer Battalion
- 605th Army Engineer Battalion
- 652nd Army Engineer Battalion
- 672nd Army Engineer Battalion
- 685th Army Engineer Battalion
- 912nd Army Engineer Battalion
- 921st Army Engineer Battalion
- 925th Army Engineer Battalion
- IV Army Corps
- VIII Army Corps
- XI Army Corps
- XIV Panzer Corps
- LI Army Corps
- Luftwaffe
- 9th Flak-Division
- Jagdgeschwader 3
History
The 6th German Army began its operations in 1939, participating in the invasion of Poland and later the Low Countries. It achieved significant victories during the Battle of Belgium, linking up with paratroopers and destroying fortifications at Eben Emael. The army played a crucial role in the breakthrough of Paris defenses, advancing rapidly.
In 1941, the 6th Army spearheaded Operation Barbarossa, advancing into Soviet territory as part of Army Group South. It captured key cities, including Kiev, and inflicted heavy losses on Soviet forces. Under General Friedrich Paulus, the army achieved a major victory at the Second Battle of Kharkov in 1942.
The 6th Army’s advance continued with Case Blue, aiming to capture the Caucasus oilfields. It reached Stalingrad, engaging in one of history’s most brutal battles. Despite initial successes, Soviet counterattacks encircled the army, cutting off supplies and reinforcements. The army faced devastating losses during the Battle of Stalingrad.
In 1943, the 6th Army reformed after its destruction at Stalingrad, participating in battles across Ukraine. It engaged in defensive operations during the Dnieper-Carpathian Offensive, facing relentless Soviet advances. The army suffered heavy casualties but managed to delay Soviet progress temporarily.
By 1944, the 6th Army operated in Romania, subordinated to Army Group Dumitrescu. It faced near-total destruction during the Second Jassy-Kishinev Offensive. The army’s remnants retreated, regrouping for further operations in Hungary and Austria during the war’s final months.
In 1945, the 6th Army participated in the defence of Budapest and Operation Spring Awakening. It retreated into Austria, surrendering to U.S. forces on May 9, 1945. The army’s operational history reflects its significant role and ultimate downfall during World War II.
Gallery
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