Lone Sentry: TM-E 30-451 Handbook on German Military Forces: General Headquarters Engineers: Combat Troops (Fechtende Truppen): Organization of the Field Forces

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CHAPTER II. ORGANIZATION OF THE FIELD FORCES

Section VI. COMBAT TROOPS (FECHTENDE TRUPPEN)

12. General Headquarters Engineers

As the reorganizations of German divisions of 1943 and 1944 have greatly reduced the strength of most types of organic engineer battalions, the General Headquarters engineer units have gained considerably in their importance.

Engineer bridging battalions consisting of four bridging companies and an engineer park company, with a total strength of about 900, may be allotted from the General Headquarters pool.

Various types of bridge columns listed under paragraph 11, sub-paragraph g, are usually allotted to corps.

Various types of engineer battalions, sometimes controlled by regimental staffs, may be employed in the support of the division engineers according to tactical requirements.

The construction engineers belonged formerly to a separate arm of inferior status known as construction troops (Bautruppen). They were reclassified as engineers in the fall of 1943, and included in the designation of their regiments and various types of battalions their new arm: engineers (Pioniere).

For a complete list of identified engineer units see "Order of Battle of the German Army," March, 1945, edition.

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