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The 1944 Grenadier Gruppe
1944 Grenadier Gruppe (1944 Rifle Squad) |
| The
Rifle Squad is the smallest unit of infantry consisting of a squad
leader, assistant squad leader, a light machinegun, and the riflemen. The experienced squad went into the attack
well spread out, supporting each other with mutually fire, in
particular with the squads light machinegun. They penetrated enemy
positions tightly grouped while firing the SMG's and machine gun,
throwing grenades and shouting. More than just a battle unit, the
Gruppe was a unit sworn to accept its fate. Every member of the Gruppe
knew every other member and shared in his joys and sorrows, developing
true Kameradschaft. The 1944 nine man rifle squad operated like one large machinegun team. The most experienced Grenadier is placed behind the machinegun and the rest of the squad operates around this formidable weapon. With the help of all squad members, the MG gunner is to create a situation of firepower superiority (not an impossible task at 1200 rounds a minute) and the rest of the squad can then advance and neutralize the opposition. Combined with rifles, submachine guns, grenades, and more, the 1944 Gruppe is a formidable force.  Each Gruppe is composed of nine men: (from left to right)
|
Insignia |
There are two pieces of unique insignia (Waffenfarbe) that every member of the Grenadier Gruppe will have:
 The picture here shows the white-piped shoulder boards and the generic late-war collar tab. The breast eagle is worn by all members of the infantry division. |
Gruppenfüher (Squad Leader) |
| The
Squad Leader is a very demanding position and is usually held
by the most experienced member, as is obvious by his rank of Unteroffizier or
Unterfeldwebel, cccasionally held held by a particularly capable Obergefreiter
or Stabsgefreiter and even a well tested Gefreiter.
His responsibilities include achieving the battle tasks given to him
and his men, fire control of the squads light machine gun and as the
situation permits the riflemen as well. The Squad Leader is also in charge of maintaining the readiness,
and effectiveness of all weapons and equipment of the men under his
command. He is a fixed point in any criticle situtation and a comrade among comrades. The Gruppenführer
is equipped in order to maintain command and control of the Gruppe and
is expected to lead by example in the field. If he proves himself well
on good days and bad then the whole Gruppe was good; and if not, then
his men usually will fail as well. In addition to all the
normal gear carried by a Grenadier he also will be carrying a map
case,
binoculars, compass, command whistle, field torch, and possibly also a
signal pistol. He is also well armed with a submachine gun, a pistol
and grenades. Rank:
 Unteroffizier Liebgot is carrying a map case, ammunition pouches for a Gewehr-43, a stick grenade, and the lanyard to the command whistle is visible on his front right breast pocket. He is decorated with the Close Assault Badge and the War Merit Cross 2nd Class.  And here he is carrying an MP-40 and ammunition pouch, a map case, a stick grenade, and a pistol. |
Truppenfüher (Troop Leader or Deputy Squad Leader) |
| The Truppenführer
is the second in command for the squad, is the assault troop section
leader and assistant to the group
leader. His responsibilities include keeping the rifle section
together, makes sure all orders are carried out, and maintaining
contact with adjacent sections and the platoon commander. He will have
a lot of the same equipment as the Gruppenfüher. The Truppenführer can be expected to command the Gruppe and should start obtaining the additional equipment. Rank:
 The Obergefreiter seen here is carrying a map case, binoculars and an ammunition pouch for an MP-40. He is also wounded as indicated by the wound tag.  The Truppenführer in this photo is carrying a captured MP-717(r) and a stick grenade. |
Maschinengewehrschütze (machine gun Operator) |
| The importance of the machine gun operator is evident when you consider his rank
was usually Gefreiter, Obergefreiter or Stabsgefreiter. He was also the sharpest-shooting man. The gunner fires in both offensive and defensive operations using either the bipod mount or on the move firing from the hip. In addition to the light machine gun and the same equipment carried by the Grenadier, the MG gunner will also be carrying the MG tool kit pouch. Attached to the outside of the pouch is a small asbestos pad used to change out a hot barrel in order to maintain firing without damaging the gun. The spare barrel may also be slung across the MG gunners back or carried by the assistant. The gunner is also equipped with a pistol for personal defense. Needless to say, the high rate of fire of the MG-34/42 requires a lot of ammunition. The MG gunner will carry a 100 round strand around his neck and a 50 round assault drum attached to the gun. Rank:
 The machine gunner here is carrying an MG-34, a 100 round belt of ammunition around his neck, and a grenade can be seen stuffed into his belt. |
Maschinengewehrschützehalfe (Assistant machine gunner) |
| The
assistant machine gunner is a very important position.
Originally two MG assistants (Gunners B and C), one of the
positions was removed during the manpower reduction from a
10 to 9 man squad in late '43. The new tactical philosophy meant
that all members of the
squad are now considered to be assistants to the machine gunner.
The job of directly assisting the MG gunner will be
placed upon any one or two of the Grenadiers. Additionally all other
members of the squad are expected to help by carrying ammunition and
should be
capable of operating the machine gun in emergencies. There are no rank or equipment requirements for this position, however it does require some experience with the light machine gun as the assistant needs to be able to move in sync with the gunner and use it in emergencies. His responsibilities include reloading the belts, helping to clear obstacles, changing the barrel, carrying the weapon, and setting up the bipod or tripod. He will also carry additional rounds of ammunition along with the spare barrel. Prior to the '44 Gruppe, the assistant gunner(s) would carry a pistol instead of a rifle. |
Grenadier oder Schütze (Rifleman) |
| The core of every Gruppe are the Riflemen and is the assault section of the Gruppe. The Grenadiers role is to support and
protect the squads light machine gun. Each Grenadier should be trained in the
use of the machine gun in the event he is required to assist in
its use as the Maschinengewehrschützehalfe, or in order to take over the gun should the operator go down. Rank:
  The Grenadier pictured here is wearing his full compliment of equipment and is carrying a Mauser 98k.  This experienced Grenadier (Iron Cross 2nd Class and Close Combat Clasp) is seen here carrying a G-43 automatic rifle with telescopic site.  The same Grenadier is shown here demonstrating the use of the Gewehrgranatgerat during a training exercise. |
References:Infanteriedivision 44 n.A. (German T.O.E. for 1944) The German Infantry Handbook by Alex Buchner der Ersta Zug World War II Infantry Tactics: Squad and Platoon by Dr. Stephen Bull German Infantryman 1933-40 by David Westwood die 216./217. Niedersaechsische Infanterie-Division 1929-1945 by Martin Jenner |