1039. Artillerie-Pak Abteilung
The battalion was formed in June 1944 a bodenständig unit.1 It still remained in Germany on 29 June, when it was located in Saarbrücken.2
The unit was sent to Normandy and on the evening of 9 July it had reached Lisieux.3 On 18 July it was at the 86. Korps4, but it may have arrived earlier.
The battalion was equipped with 8,8 cm AT guns and was organized into three batteries, each with nine guns.5 It also seems that the unit was given at least limited motorization.6
On 17 July 1944, the battalion had 27 combat ready 8,8 cm Pak.7 The battalion was involved in the British Goodwood offensive and was reported to have knocked out 35 enemy tanks on 19 July.8 The battalion commander was killed on this day.9
The lack of mobility probably was a severe handicap during the retreat from Normandy and on 1 September the battalion was assessed to be "zerschlagen".10 It was subsequently disbanded.11
Notes:
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1 |
G. Tessin, Verbände und Truppen der deutschen Wehrmacht und Waffen-SS (Mittler & Sohn, Frankfurt am Main and Biblio Verlag, Osnabrück 1966-1975). |
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2 |
OB West Ia Nr. 5129/44 g.Kdos. 29.6.44, T311, R25, F7029994. |
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3 |
HGr B Ia Tagesmeldung 10.7.44, BA-MA RH 19 IX/9a. |
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4 |
Pz.Gr. West Ia Nr. 479/44 geheim von 18.7.44, Nachtrag zur Tagesmeldung 17.7.44, BA-MA RH 21-5/50. |
|
5 |
OB West Ia/Gen.d.Art. (V.O.Art.) Nr. 1241/44 g.Kdos, T311, R25, F7029576. |
|
6 |
Ibid. |
|
7 |
Pz.Gr. West Ia Nr. 479/44 geheim, 18.7.44, Nachtrag zur Tagesmeldung 17.7, BA-MA RH 21-5/50. |
|
8 |
Ob West Ia Nr. 5898/44 g.Kdos, 22.7.44, T311, R28, F7034689. |
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9 |
Ibid. |
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10 |
Vorläufige Zustandsmeldung der Heeresartillerie beim OB West, Stand 1.9.44, BA-MA RH 11 II/v. 4. |
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11 |
Tessin, op. cit. |