Panzer tactics

The Waffen-SS did not create its own panzer tactics, but adapted existing army techniques to its own distinctive style of fighting. And the ability of Waffen-SS commanders to form their troops quickly into all-arms battlegroups (kampfgruppen) to deal with sudden crises or overcome difficult tactical challenges, combined with panzer tactics, paid dividends. The tight bonds of friendship between the Waffen-SS officer corps was to their advantage.

Working in kampfgruppen was the norm for the Waffen-SS panzer troops, and no major operation would be undertaken without some sort of regrouping of forces to meet specific objectives. The speed at which Waffen-SS commanders could form and launch kampfgruppen into action was often decisive on the Eastern Front, usually confounding their rigidly hierarchical Red Army opponents, who required detailed orders from higher command before any operation could be undertaken (on the positive side, deliberate planning reduced the strain on inexperienced Soviet junior officers).

Battlegroups

Kampfgruppen were usually formed around a battalion-sized unit. For assaults and counterattacks, the main units that were used to form kampfgruppen were the division's two panzer battalions, its halftrack-mounted panzergrenadier battalion and the reconnaissance battalion. In defensive operations, the two panzergrenadier regiments bore the brunt of the fighting, with assault gun and anti-tank detachments attached to augment their firepower.

Forming a kampfgruppe was a routine event, and there were well-established procedures for it. The divisional commander would first draw up his tactical plan, setting objectives for his regiments. He would then assign divisional assets from his specialist battalions, or elements of other regiments, to specific regimental commanders. The regimental commander, in turn, would divide up his newly assigned assets between his battalion commanders.

The kampfgruppe commander had full tactical command of all the units and equipment assigned to him for the duration of an operation, and only once the mission was completed would they be returned to their parent units for re-assignment. A kampfgruppe was usually named after its commander, which emphasized his instrumental role in its actions. The commander was responsible for all tactical planning and the issuing of operational orders. This meant Waffen-SS battalion and regimental commanders had to be knowledgeable about the all-arms tactics and the capabilities of tanks, infantry, artillery, engineers and anti-tank weapons.

While most kampfgruppen were set up as a result of deliberate planning, a number were formed on an ad hoc basis when communications with higher headquarters were lost. Often during sudden enemy breakthroughs, an assortment of units would find themselves cut off. It would then be the job of the senior commander on the ground to take charge and organize the defence.

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