18th Luftwaffe Field Division
| 18.Luftwaffen-Feld-Division 18th Luftwaffe Field Division | |
|---|---|
18. Luftwaffe division had no specific insignia, so used the Luftwaffe symbol has their insignia. | |
| Active | 1943-1945 |
| Disbanded | September 1944 |
| Country | Nazi Germany |
| Branch | Luftwaffe |
| Type | Infantry |
| Role | Field Division |
| Size | 7,000 – 8,000 |
| Part of | Luftwaffe/Wehrmacht |
| Garrison/HQ | Bordeaux, France |
| Nickname(s) | Mockingly "Göring’s Grenadiers" |
| Colors | Luftwaffe blue-grey |
| Mascot(s) | Luftwaffenadler |
| Engagements | World War II |
| Insignia | |
| Identification symbol | Luftwaffe Eagle |
The 18th Luftwaffe Field Division (German: 18. Luftwaffen-Feld-Division) was an infantry division of the Luftwaffe branch of Nazi Germany's Wehrmacht during the Second World War. It was set up on 1 December 1942 from surplus Luftwaffe personnel and was deployed in France from February 1943 to September 1943. On September 20, 1943, the division was transferred to the army and renamed Field Division 18 (L).[1][2]
History
Formation
The division was officially established on 1 December 1942 in Bordeaux, France. It was formed from excess Luftwaffe ground personnel under a broader directive to create Luftwaffe field divisions to bolster the shrinking manpower of the German Army.
Deployment
Upon formation and training in southwestern France, the 18th Luftwaffe Field Division was assigned to coastal defense and occupation duties in France under Luftflotte 3 command. Unlike some Luftwaffe field divisions sent to the Eastern Front, the 18th remained stationed in France throughout its existence.
1944-1945
Transfer to the Wehrmacht
In May 1944, as part of the reorganization of Luftwaffe field divisions, the division was transferred to Heer (Army) command, being redesignated as the 18. Feld-Division (L). This transfer aimed to improve operational efficiency by placing ground combat units under Army control.
Disbandment
Later in 1944, the division was effectively disbanded, with its personnel and remaining assets absorbed into other Wehrmacht units as the German forces reorganized under the pressure from Operation Overlord. By the end of 1944, the division no longer existed as an independent unit.
Summary
- The division was formed in December 1942 and initially served under Luftwaffe command in France.
- In May 1944, like many Luftwaffe Field Divisions, it was transferred to Heer (Army) control and redesignated 18. Feld-Division (L).
Some sources say it was disbanded or absorbed later in 1944, but others list it as remaining active until the German surrender in May 1945, mostly in a reduced, restructured form.
Organization
The division’s standard structure included:
- 2 Jäger (infantry) regiments
- 1 Artillery battalion
- Reconnaissance company
- Anti-tank company
- Engineer company
- Signals and support units
Insignia
The division wore standard Luftwaffe field division insignia, which included:
- Luftwaffe blue-grey uniforms
- Shoulder boards with green piping (Jäger infantry branch color)
- Luftwaffe Hoheitsabzeichen (eagle national emblem) on the left sleeve
- Standard Luftwaffe collar tabs, often blue-grey with or without gull devices
No unique divisional insignia or nickname was recorded for the 18th Luftwaffe Field Division.
| Period | Status |
|---|---|
| Dec 1942 – May 1944 | Active Luftwaffe Field Division |
| May 1944 – Late 1944/45 | Transferred to Heer control; diminished or absorbed |
| May 1945 | Officially ceased with Germany’s surrender |