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German Mountain Ski Troops 1939-45: The Elite 63rd Gebirgsjäger Regiment

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German Mountain Ski Troops 1939 45: The Elite 63rd Gebirgsjäger Regiment German Mountain Ski Troops 1939 45 (Elite 63)

The 63rd Gebirgsjäger Regiment was an elite mountain warfare unit of the German Wehrmacht during World War II. The regiment was formed in 1940 and was composed of experienced mountain climbers and skiers. The 63rd Gebirgsjäger Regiment fought in a number of key battles on the Eastern Front, including the Battle of Stalingrad and the Battle of the Caucasus. The regiment was also involved in the fighting in Italy and Norway.

German Mountain & Ski Troops 1939–45 (Elite Book 63)

by Gordon Williamson

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Language	:	English
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The 63rd Gebirgsjäger Regiment was one of the most decorated units of the German Wehrmacht. The regiment was awarded the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross 27 times, more than any other Gebirgsjäger regiment. The regiment was also awarded the German Cross in Gold 12 times.

The 63rd Gebirgsjäger Regiment was disbanded in 1945. However, the legacy of the regiment lives on. The regiment's traditions are now carried on by the Bundeswehr's Gebirgsjäger Brigade 23.

Organization

The 63rd Gebirgsjäger Regiment was organized into three battalions. Each battalion consisted of four rifle companies, a heavy weapons company, and a support company. The regiment also had a regimental headquarters company and a medical detachment.

The rifle companies were the basic fighting units of the regiment. Each rifle company consisted of three rifle platoons and a heavy weapons platoon. The rifle platoons were equipped with the Karabiner 98k rifle, the MP40 submachine gun, and the MG34 machine gun. The heavy weapons platoons were equipped with the MG42 machine gun and the 81mm mortar.

The heavy weapons company was responsible for providing fire support to the rifle companies. The company was equipped with the 105mm howitzer, the 75mm anti-tank gun, and the 20mm anti-aircraft gun.

The support company provided logistical support to the regiment. The company was responsible for transporting supplies, maintaining equipment, and providing medical care.

Equipment

The 63rd Gebirgsjäger Regiment was equipped with a variety of weapons and equipment. The regiment's standard infantry weapon was the Karabiner 98k rifle. The regiment also used the MP40 submachine gun, the MG34 machine gun, and the MG42 machine gun.

The regiment's heavy weapons included the 105mm howitzer, the 75mm anti-tank gun, and the 20mm anti-aircraft gun. The regiment also had a number of specialized equipment, such as skis, snowshoes, and ice axes.

Training

The 63rd Gebirgsjäger Regiment received specialized training in mountain warfare. The regiment's training included skiing, mountaineering, and rock climbing. The regiment also trained in the use of specialized equipment, such as skis, snowshoes, and ice axes.

The regiment's training was conducted in a variety of locations, including the Alps, the Pyrenees, and the Caucasus Mountains. The regiment's training was designed to prepare the soldiers for the challenges of fighting in mountainous terrain.

Combat Operations

The 63rd Gebirgsjäger Regiment fought in a number of key battles on the Eastern Front, including the Battle of Stalingrad and the Battle of the Caucasus. The regiment also fought in the fighting in Italy and Norway.

In the Battle of Stalingrad, the 63rd Gebirgsjäger Regiment was part of the German 6th Army. The regiment fought in the city of Stalingrad for several months, before being surrounded by the Soviet Army. The regiment was eventually destroyed in the fighting.

In the Battle of the Caucasus, the 63rd Gebirgsjäger Regiment was part of the German Army Group A. The regiment fought in the mountains of the Caucasus for several months, before being forced to retreat. The regiment suffered heavy losses in the fighting.

In the fighting in Italy, the 63rd Gebirgsjäger Regiment was part of the German 10th Army. The regiment fought in the mountains of Italy for several months, before being defeated by the Allied forces. The regiment suffered heavy losses in the fighting.

In the fighting in Norway, the 63rd Gebirgsjäger Regiment was part of the German 20th Mountain Army. The regiment fought in the mountains of Norway for several months, before being defeated by the Allied forces. The regiment suffered heavy losses in the fighting.