History
The 5th Mountain Division (German: 5. Gebirgs-Division) was a mountain infantry (Gebirgsjäger) formation of the German Wehrmacht during World War II. It was established in the Wehrkreis XVIII in October 1940, out of units taken from the 1st Mountain Division and the 10th Infantry Division. The unit surrendered to the U.S. Army near Turin in May 1945.
Following months of inactivity in Germany, the unit formed XVIII Mountain Corps with the 6th Mountain Division, and in spring 1941 was designated to take part in Operation Marita, the invasion of Greece, as part of the Balkans Campaign.
The unit then took part in the invasion of Crete, codenamed Operation Merkur. Here the unit was used in an air-landing role where it fought against British forces which had retreated from Greece. The units role in securing the islands was significant, and in November 1941, the unit returned to Germany for refitting.
Following months of inactivity in Germany, the unit formed XVIII Mountain Corps with the 6th Mountain Division, and in spring 1941 was designated to take part in Operation Marita, the invasion of Greece, as part of the Balkans Campaign.
The unit then took part in the invasion of Crete, codenamed Operation Merkur. Here the unit was used in an air-landing role where it fought against British forces which had retreated from Greece. The units role in securing the islands was significant, and in November 1941, the unit returned to Germany for refitting.
Featured Missions
| Campaign | Mission |
|---|---|
| Battle of Cassino | Across to Olivella |
| Battle of Cassino | Push to Sant'Elia |