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Subject: Armor Division Makeup
Idaho    8/9/2003 10:16:04 PM
Can anyone tell me the typical WWII US armored division composition? It is my understanding that 1 or 2 retained the original heavy composition, but the rest were converted to the "Combat Command" structure that resulted in a relatively small organization, about 10,000 men versus a WWII infantry division of about 15,000. My reading indicates that there were 2 combat commands that consisted of; 1 armored bn, 1 infantry bn, and 1 artillery bn. The division maintained a smaller 3rd command as a reserve. Can anybody confirm this or clarify the structure? Thanks
 
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Varangian    RE:Armor Division Makeup   8/13/2003 12:07:28 AM
American armored divisions in WWII had 2 distinct TOEs. There was a "heavy" armored format, used by the 2nd and 3rd AD that lasted through the war. There were 2 armored regiments divided into 3 battalions each, plus a battalion of light tanks with support troops, an armored infantry regiment also of 3 battalions (trucks and halftracks), an armored engineer battalion (trucks and halftracks), an armored recon battalion (armored cars, light tanks, and recon troops (usually halftracks), an AT company (TDs and towed 37mm) and an armored artillery brigade of 3 battalions of SPA. Early war would be SP halftracks with 105s, but later using the Priest. There would also be divisional assets and corps level assets available for "plug 'n play", such as independent tank companies or battalions, infantry, and especially TD battalions, both towed and SP. Not to forget the massive artillery available from higher echelons as well, plus signals, engineer (bridging, construction, etc.), and medical. These larger divisions usually operated in 2 Combat Command task forces, but this was not carved in stone, and usually kept a sufficient reserve when necessary. The ratio was 2:1 armor/infantry (less support units). The "regular" armored divisions had 3 armored battalions, 3 armored infantry battalions, an armored engineer battalion, an armored recon battalion (armored cars, light tanks, and HT infantry), a self-propelled anti-tank battalion, (M10s, later M36 and M18s, with armored cars and recon troopers), and a self-propelled artillery brigade. Doctrine was for the regular armored division to form the Combat Commands so famous from WWII. The most powerful were CCA and CCB, with CCR as a reserve unit. Most Combat Commands had a battalion of armor, and a battalion of armored infantry, plus whatever the local conditions required. Also available were the ever present assets from divisional and Corps. Late war was very damaging to the adversaries, as massive artillery or F/Os were available to call in airstrikes, barrages, and particularly TOT--- artillery's way of singing "Rock 'n Roll". There were also many independent tank and TD battalions that were parceled out like potato chips to the divisions, although most TDs went to provide the infantry division with some anti-armor capability These TD battalions also included the towed 3" ATGs. Hope this helps....
 
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Shaka of Carthage    RE:Armor Division Makeup ... Idaho   8/13/2003 1:49:34 PM
I haven't forgotten your question, but to answer it, I need to pull out my notes. As soon as I do that, I will answer you.
 
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AlbanyRifles    WW II Armor Division Makeup    8/14/2003 7:58:40 AM
Idaho, Let me try to give Shaka an unasked-for assist... Per US Army Handbook, 1939-1945 Table of Organization 14 SEP 43 (i.e., the “Light” armor division Tank Battalion x 3 Tank Battalion HHC 2 x M4, 3 x M4 (105mm Howitzer) (Assault Gun PLT) Medium Tank Company x 3 17 x M4. 1 x M4 (105mm Howitzer) Light Tank Company x 1 17 x M5 Tank Battalion Total M4 53 M4 (105mm) 6 M5 17 Division HQ Co 3 x M5 Combat Command HQ x 2 (A, B (Reserve excluded) 3 x M5 6 Total Cavalry Recce Sqdn Light Tank Company 17 x M5 Armored Field Artillery Battalion x 3 Forward Observer Section 3 x M4 Armd FA BNs Total M4 9 Division Totals M4 168 M4 105mm 18 M5 77 This was for all armored division less 2rd Armor and 3rd Armor which kept tank 2 regiments each. Also, T/O for tank battalion was same whether in armor division or separate armor battalion.
 
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Condor Legion    Anal Extraction?    8/14/2003 2:42:18 PM
Sheesh. Albany, I'd love to see your library one day... Y'ALL DON'T LEAVE ME MUCH TA SAY SOMETIMES, CL
 
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AlbanyRifles    Thanks...   8/15/2003 6:58:23 AM
but my wife has put me on a 7 day waiting period between when I want a book and go online to Amazon.com. She drew the line when I started building book shelves in the garage. And most of 'em are on the Civil War! I have no life!
 
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Shaka of Carthage    RE:Thanks... AlbanyRifles   8/15/2003 12:26:01 PM
Btw, thanks for helping with the answer. I understand about the books. I've got ex's, so I gotten a couple of chances to "upgrade" my library (ie have to rebuy the books I really wanted). My passion is Ancient warfare.
 
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Idaho    RE:Thanks...   8/16/2003 9:41:57 AM
Thank you. Your answers are appreciated. Kudo's on the libraries.
 
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Golf33    A further question (or two)   12/10/2003 11:05:31 PM
I notice the reduction in tank battalion strength mentioned from 53 to 41. Does anyone know where these tanks were in the battalion, and what type they were? Does this include the Sherman 105's used as assault guns in Bn HQ AG Pl and in the CHQs? The other question is, does anyone know what the organisation & equipment of the armored engineer battalion and companies was? The sources I have access to like Shelby Stanton and differ widely on this and in any case only give battalion totals, without indicating where in the battalion they might be found. Thanks Steve "Golf33" Long
 
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