Army Group South

Army Group South formed in 1939, leading Germany’s invasion of Poland under Gerd von Rundstedt’s command. It coordinated multiple armies, achieving significant victories. The group later reorganized for Operation Barbarossa, targeting Soviet Ukraine. Its formation marked a pivotal step in Germany’s military strategy, reflecting its ambitions during World War II.

Commanders

Generalfeldmarschall Gerd von Rundstedt, 1st Sept 1939 to 26th October 1939

Generalfeldmarschall Gerd von Rundstedt, 1st September 1939 to 26th October 1939

Generalfeldmarschall Gerd von Rundstedt commanded Army Group South during the invasion of Poland, achieving decisive victories in 1939. He led successful operations in Ukraine during Operation Barbarossa, capturing Kiev and inflicting heavy Soviet losses. Rundstedt later commanded Army Group A in France, showcasing strategic brilliance and shaping Germany’s early wartime successes.

Generalfeldmarschall Gerd von Rundstedt, 22nd June 1941 to 1st December 1941

Generalfeldmarschall Walter von Reichenau, 1st Dec 1941 to 12th January 1942

Generalfeldmarschall Walter von Reichenau, 1st December 1941 to 12th January 1942

Generalfeldmarschall Walter von Reichenau commanded Army Group South during Operation Barbarossa, leading successful advances into Soviet Ukraine in 1941. He issued the Severity Order, promoting atrocities against civilians and collaborating with SS Einsatzgruppen. Reichenau suffered a fatal heart attack in 1942, ending his controversial military career and leaving a dark legacy.

Generalfeldmarschall Fedor von Bock, 12th January 1942 to 9th July 1942

Generalfeldmarschall Fedor von Bock commanded Army Group South during Operation Barbarossa, leading advances into Soviet Ukraine in 1941. He captured Kiev, inflicting heavy Soviet losses and securing critical resources. Bock later criticized Hitler’s strategic decisions, leading to his dismissal. His leadership reflected both military competence and tensions within Germany’s high command.

Generalfeldmarschall Maximilian von Weichs, 9th July 1942 to 12th Feb 1943

Generalfeldmarschall Maximilian von Weichs, 9th July 1942 to 12th February 1943

Generalfeldmarschall Maximilian von Weichs commanded Army Group South during Operation Barbarossa, leading advances into Soviet Ukraine in 1941. He directed operations targeting key cities and resources, showcasing strategic competence. Von Weichs later commanded Army Group F in the Balkans, overseeing German retreats. His leadership reflected adaptability and challenges during World War II.

Generalfeldmarschall Erich von Manstein, 12th February 1943 to 30th March 1944

Generalfeldmarschall Erich von Manstein commanded Army Group South, leading successful counteroffensives like the Third Battle of Kharkov in 1943. He emphasized mobile warfare and strategic flexibility, achieving significant victories against Soviet forces. Manstein later clashed with Hitler over military decisions, reflecting his independent thinking and tactical brilliance during World War II.

Generaloberst Johannes Frießner, 23rd September 1944 to 28th December 1944

Generaloberst Johannes Frießner commanded Army Group South in 1944, leading defensive operations against relentless Soviet offensives. He faced overwhelming challenges during the Second Jassy-Kishinev Offensive, resulting in significant losses. Frießner later authored memoirs detailing his wartime experiences, reflecting his strategic insights and the difficulties of commanding under dire circumstances.

General der Infanterie Otto Wöhler, 28th December 1944 to 6th April 1945

General der Infanterie Otto Wöhler commanded Army Group South in 1944, leading defensive operations against relentless Soviet offensives. He directed strategic retreats and regrouping efforts, showcasing resilience under challenging conditions. Wöhler later faced conviction for war crimes, reflecting the controversial aspects of his military career and the complexities of wartime leadership.

Generaloberst Lothar Rendulic, 7th April 1945 to 30th April 1945

Generaloberst Lothar Rendulic commanded German forces in Finland, Norway, and the Balkans during World War II. He led operations against Yugoslav partisans, including the failed raid to capture Tito. Rendulic faced war crimes charges after the war, resulting in imprisonment. His career reflected both military competence and controversial actions.

Active

1st September to 26th October 1939
22nd June 1941 to 9th July 1942
9th February 1943 to 4th April 1944
23rd September 1944 to 1st April 1945

Engagements

Invasion of Poland
Operation Barbarossa
- Battle of Brody
- Operation München
- Battle of Uman
- Battle of Kiev
- First Battle of Kharkov
- Crimean Campaign
- Battle of Rostov
Second Battle of Kharkov
Operation Blue
- Battle of Voronezh
Third Battle of Kharkov
Battle of Kursk
- Operation Citadel
- Belgorod-Kharkov offensive
Battle of the Dnieper
- Battle of Kiev
Dnieper-Carpathian offensive
- Zhitomir-Berdichev offensive
- Kirovograd offensive
- Korsun-Cherkassy pocket
- Rovno-Lutsk offensive
- Kamenets-Podolsky pocket
- Uman–Botoșani offensive
Battle of Debrecen
Budapest offensive
- Siege of Budapest
- Operation Konrad
Operation Spring Awakening
Vienna offensive

Army Composition

2nd Army (Hungarian)
3rd Army (Hungarian)
3rd Army
4th Army
6th Army
11th Army
17th Army

History

Army Group South began its operations in 1939, leading the invasion of Poland alongside Army Group North. It achieved significant victories, capturing key cities and defeating Polish forces. The group played a crucial role in the rapid German advance, showcasing effective coordination and military strategy during the campaign.

In 1941, Army Group South spearheaded Operation Barbarossa, advancing into Soviet Ukraine as part of Germany’s invasion of the Soviet Union. It captured Kiev, inflicting heavy losses on Soviet forces. The group aimed to secure Ukraine’s resources and support Germany’s broader objectives on the Eastern Front.

During 1942, Army Group South participated in Case Blue, targeting the Caucasus oilfields and advancing toward Stalingrad. It split into Army Groups A and B, focusing on different objectives. The group faced fierce Soviet resistance, leading to significant challenges and eventual setbacks.

In 1943, the reformed Army Group South engaged in defensive operations across Ukraine, countering Soviet offensives. It participated in battles like the Third Battle of Kharkov, delaying Soviet advances temporarily. The group faced mounting pressure as Soviet forces gained momentum on the Eastern Front.

By 1944, Army Group South operated in Romania, defending against Soviet offensives during the Second Jassy-Kishinev Offensive. It suffered heavy losses, retreating and regrouping for further operations. The group’s effectiveness diminished as the war progressed, reflecting Germany’s declining position.

In 1945, Army Group South participated in the defence of Hungary and Austria, engaging in battles like Operation Spring Awakening. It retreated into Austria, surrendering to Allied forces in May 1945. The group’s operational history highlights its significant role and ultimate downfall during World War II.