Against heavy losses and a growing number of British AFVs, the Germans were pushed back from the El Alamein lines, and the division saw action in rearguard operations that partially allowed the Germans to retreat back across the border, across the Libyan Desert, all the way to Tunisia. Machine Gun Battalion-- HQ Company (mot) --- 2 x Motorcycle Platoon-- 3 x Company-- Support Company --- Panzerjäger Platoon --- Mortar Platoon-- Support Company --- Pioneer Platoon --- 2 x Panzerjäger Platoon --- Mortar Platoon- 8. The book gives great background info on the 21 Pz Div with the most detail concerning the early battles in N. Africa, which is nice as most accounts can become preoccupied with Alamein. It fought in the Saarpfalz and took part in Operation “Nordwind” in January 1945. 220Holders of the Commendation Certificate of the Commander-in-Chief of the Army for Shooting Down Aircraft (1)- Brass, Helmut, 06.06.1944 [Date of Action] (557), Obergefreiter, 8./Pz.Gren.Rgt. It was destroyed in Tunisia in May 1943. But the book is best for the battles in Africa. The relief would only be temporary. Very handy information was available in the book for whatever project you may have which was related to this subject. Use the Amazon App to scan ISBNs and compare prices. 1. Generalmajor Karl Böttcher (01 Dec 1941 - 18 Feb 1942) Generalmajor Georg von Bismarck (19 Feb 1942 - 31 Mar 1942) m.d.st.F.b. War and misery. The 21st Panzer Division was a German armoured division best known for its role in the battles of the North African Campaign from 1941–1943 during World War II when it was one of the two armoured divisions making up the Deutsches Afrikakorps (DAK). For being handicapped by having only 96 pages, I thought Mr Ellis did a good job though its obvious that he had to skimp at times to fit what he wanted in those 96 pages. The 13-digit and 10-digit formats both work. After continued British pressure, Rommel pulled back even more to positions around El Agheila. This bar-code number lets you verify that you're getting exactly the right version or edition of a book. The offensive slowed as the Germans reached the British position at Gazala. Finally from a model builders perspective, the info on markings on the Divisions vehicles at various time is very welcome. This operation was to be a major reconnaissance of the enemy lines across the border into Egypt but did not actually result in any significant engagement with the British. The Division was halted before being able to reach the actual pass itself. The 21. Twice actually, because the division was extinguished at the end of its career as a part of the Africa Korps under Rommel. 1:  Die Dienststellen, Kommandobehörden u. Truppenteile des Heeres, Oct.35-May.45Gordon Williamson - German Army Elite Units, 1939-45, Heinz-Dietrich Aberger - Die 5. The rest of the division was still en route to Africa, and a second division, the 15th Panzer, would not arrive completely until the end of May. Panzer-Division in NordafrikaChris Ellis - 21st Panzer Division: Rommel's Africa Korps SpearheadWerner Kortenhaus - 21. Reviewed in the United States on August 9, 2014. Schützen Regiment- HQ Company (mot)-- Signals Platoon (mot)-- Motorcycle Platoon-- Panzerjäger Platoon-- Regimental Band- 2. The 21st Panzer Division, published in 2001, is the first in the series. Your recently viewed items and featured recommendations, Select the department you want to search in, 21st Panzer Division: Rommel's Africa Korps Spearhead (Spearhead Series). To get the free app, enter your mobile phone number. 125Holders of the German Cross in Gold (17)Holders of the Honor Roll Clasp of the Heer (5)- Boscolo, Anton, 15.12.1944, Obergrenadier, 6./Pz.Gren.Rgt. 2517 / 13.09.1943, Major, Pz.Jäg.Abt. Panzer Reconnaissance Battalion- 3 x Company (half-track)- Armored Car Company-- Platoon-- Detachment200. Panzerjäger Battalion- Signals Platoon (mot)- 3 x Company (mot)Supply Troops, Staff- Staff- 200. The British position stretched from Gazala to BirHacheim in a ring of heavily mined and fortified lines. Nothing related to 21st panzer division. The German Armed Forces High Command (Oberkommando der Wehrmacht) decided to send a "blocking force" to Libya to support the Italian army, commanded by the future Field Marshal Erwin Rommel. In early January 1942, after being resupplied and refitted, the DAK went on the offensive against the British. The front settled here for the rest of Winter until May 1942, when Rommel once again launched an offensive against the British.