Infanterie Ersatz Batterie 107 was a replacement and training unit, meaning its primary function was to train soldiers and supply reinforcements to a parent combat unit rather than directly engaging in frontline combat. However, by tracing the operational history of the Infanterie Regiment 107, to which this Ersatz unit was likely attached, we can determine where the soldiers trained by Ersatz Batterie 107 were deployed.
Parent Unit: Infanterie Regiment 107
Infanterie Regiment 107 was part of the 35th Infantry Division (35. Infanterie-Division), a unit of the Wehrmacht. This division saw significant combat across various theaters of WWII. Here's a summary of its notable campaigns:1. Invasion of Poland (1939):
- The 35th Infantry Division participated in the early stages of WWII during the invasion of Poland, helping to secure Germany's eastern front objectives.2. Western Campaign (1940):
- The division was involved in the invasion of France and the Low Countries, contributing to Germany's swift victory in the West.3. Eastern Front (1941–1945):
- After the launch of Operation Barbarossa, the invasion of the Soviet Union, the 35th Infantry Division was heavily engaged on the Eastern Front. It fought in the central and northern sectors, including:
- The advance toward Smolensk and Moscow during 1941.
- Defensive battles following the Soviet counteroffensive in the winter of 1941–1942.
- Combat during the battles of Rzhev, often referred to as the "Rzhev Meat Grinder," due to the high casualties.
- Later in the war, the division participated in the grueling retreats across Eastern Europe, eventually fighting in defensive actions in East Prussia before being destroyed in early 1945.
The Infanterie Ersatz Batterie 107 would have trained and sent reinforcements to the 35th Infantry Division during these campaigns. Ersatz units were typically based in Germany or nearby occupied territories and rarely saw direct combat. Instead, they ensured that the combat units at the front received trained soldiers to replace losses.