- 7th Panzer Division (Germany)
The 7th
Panzer Division was a German armored formation which participated in theBattle of France . GeneralErwin Rommel commanded the division, which was nicknamed the "Ghost Division" because of its speed and independent movement, which even the German High Command had difficulty following.The 7th Panzer Division under Rommel
After the successful completion of the invasion of Poland, Hitler allowed
Erwin Rommel to choose whatever unit he would like to command. Although Rommel had no practical experience intank warfare, he asked for a Panzer division and on15 February 1940 he received command of the 7th Panzer Division. In preparation of the invasion of the low countries, the 7th Panzer Division became part of the 15th Panzer Corps under the command of General Hoth.Timeline - 7th Panzer Division in Belgium and France
*
12 May 1940 - 7th Panzer Division reachesDinant .
*13 May 1940 - CrossesRiver Meuse after heavy fighting.
*15 May 1940 - ReachesPhilippeville and continues Westward passing Avesnes and Le Cateau.
*21 May 1940 - ReachesArras where counter attacked by 2 British Tank Regiments. British tank advance stopped by fearedFlak 88 "Tank Killers".
*5 June 1940 - Positioned nearAbbeville .
*8 June 1940 - Reaches outskirts ofRouen .
*10 June 1940 - ReachesEnglish Channel West of Dieppe.
*17 June 1940 - Reaches Southern outskirts ofCherbourg .
*19 June 1940 - Garrison ofCherbourg surrenders to Rommel.
*25 June 1940 - Fighting ends for 7th Panzer Division in France."Ghost/Phantom Division"
The 7th Panzer Division moved with great speed through
France and covered vast distance. During theBattle of France , the 7th Panzer Division earned the name of the "Gespensterdivision" (German:"Ghost/Phantom Division") because of this speed and because nobody seemed to know where it was, not even the German High Command. Rommel had a "lead from the front" attitude and would sometimes cut communications with High Command if wished not to be disturbed. His behavior showed confidence in theblitzkrieg concept; his success and favor with Hitler would prevent repercussions from his insubordination to the High Command. Nevertheless, Rommel was criticized by staff for being difficult to contact and locate. Rommel described the French Campaign in his letters to his wife as "a lightningTour de France ".Popular Culture
Sabaton has a song called Ghost Division on their The Art of War album, released in 2008. It's lyrics refer to the 7th Panzer DivisionSources
* http://www.achtungpanzer.com/gen1.htm (Achtung Panzer)
* http://members.aol.com/kmitch87/rommel.htm
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