12 February 1943

12 February 1943 Reception and preparation of a refitting division Annex 42

Corps Headquarters, Ia 326/43, top secret. Reference: corps Ia 58/43 of 8 January.

1. A partial divisional formation of approximately 3,000 men will shortly arrive; organisation follows. 2. It must establish its own operational readiness by 1 April and prepare to be brought up to full divisional strength.

3. Accommodation is shown on the map; the blue-framed area is intended for the first partial formation. The 716th Division reconnoitres accommodation for regimental headquarters and the 1st and 2nd Infantry Battalions; the 709th Division for the 3rd Battalion, artillery battalion and engineer company. Aim for barracks-style accommodation using fixed cooking facilities. The Caumont camp is available. If the indicated places cannot accommodate the troops, propose alternatives or additions; the area may be expanded moderately. Report reconnaissance results by 25 February.

4. Ascertain whether suitable ground for exercises and live firing by at least company-strength forces exists or can be provided near the reception centres. Former French garrison training grounds no longer maintained may sometimes be used. Identify suitable training grounds outside these areas too. Avoid taking valuable agricultural land out of cultivation. Reconnoitre in cooperation with the responsible military-administration offices. Submit proposals on 1:80,000 maps by 25 February, identifying current use and crop plans.

5. Army has approved the proposed reception organisation. Armoured Artillery Regiment 1 supplies the personnel, vehicles and field kitchens previously required of the 165th Division. Cadres for the 13th and 14th Companies are cancelled. The 709th, 716th and 319th Divisions provide a cadre for an engineer company according to the appended personnel table [some small figures are unclear].

6. On alarm, the detachments initially remain with the refitting formation. If withdrawal of reinforced regiments or the 716th Division is ordered, all detachments return to their parent units except those from the 319th Division. 7. Armoured Artillery Regiment 1 reports its formation timetable by 25 February.

Original source image | Source PDF page 152 | Entry dated 12 February 1943

T-314 Roll 1604, T314_R1604_English_Translation.docx. 12 February 1943 | Source PDF pages 151–153. Selected island-related text; document or report date governs placement.