2nd Infantry Division Motorized 1921-1945 Illustrated (Wehrmacht Infantry Divisions)

The division incorporated the 4th and 5th (Prussian) Infantry Regiments of the Reichswehrs 2nd Infantry Division, though it took nothing of the previous division’s command structure. Originally known as the Wehrgauleitung Stettin, it recruited its personnel mainly from Pomerania and East Prussia, and was known unofficially as the Pommerische or Pomeranian Division.
Soon after its creation it was given the cover name of Artilleriefûhrer II to disguise its real function. Once Hermann Goring formally announced the establishment of the Wehrmacht in October 1935, the formation officially became known as the 2nd Infantry Division. In 1937, the division was reorganized to become one of the Wehrmacht’s first motorized divisions, becoming known as the 2.Infanterie-Division (mot) in October 1937. Although not fully mobilized, the division took part in the occupation of Czechoslovakia in March 1939. It formed part of the XIV Armeekorps under General Gustav von Wietersheim, and served alongside the 13th Motorized Infantry Division and the 17th Infantry War in Poland. In August 1939, the 2nd Motorized Infantry Division was brought up to full strength ready for the attack on Poland. Based in Pomerania, it was assigned with the 20th Motorized Division to Guderian’s XIX Corps in von Kluge’s Fourth Army. Guderian had first call on the motorized infantry divisions, as only they had the mobility to support the 3rd Panzer Division, which was the corps’ spearhead.