Introduction

To the readers;

The intention of these documents is to provide potential Steel Panthers scenario designers an
understanding and ability to create historical and realistic scenarios. Additionally, E-Mail games can now
be “based” real force distributions instead of spur of the moment and ad hov creations. There are three
take aways:

1. Realistic force creations

2. New tactical opportunities
3. New units creations

REALISTIC FORCE CREATIONS

Most nationalities utilized triangular formations. The different forms were dependent upon units available,
strength of units and operational goals. Almost all armies used battalion sized unit formations as their
minimum size. Steel Panthers limits this important characteristic with formation sized parameters.

I am not recommending playing regimental sized battles, but true battalion sized battles are currently
impossible with the limits on unit numbers. An example of an realistic operational unit would be an
American Regimental Combat Team.

Please refer to the RCTs organization.

Normally the RCT would have two advancing formations with a third in reserve. Each advancing
formation would be a battalion of infantry and 1 or 2 companies of engineers. The artillery battalion and
battery would be with the reserve formation. The armored company would be split between the
advancing formations. This basic formation (one of the advancing columns) requires: 1 or 2 platoons of
tanks, 2 or 3 sections of off board artillery (maybe on board), 1 or 2 platoons of engineers with trucks,
roughly 28 infantry squads with supporting heavy weapons. The divisional motor pool would provide
transportation for the infantry - some on the tanks and the rest in trucks. This may seem like a lot of units
but it is only roughly 400 points!! (120 for the tanks, 40 for the artillery, 32 for the engineers, 16 for their
trucks, 84 for the infantry, 36 for their trucks, and 70 for misc. (like a company from the Recon battalion -
ACs)). This would be a standard formation used in SP. Yet, this type of formation is impossible to
achieve with the unit number limitation.

1
NEW TACTICAL OPPORTUNITIES

If players could create this type of formation, tactics would be dramatically different. Effective flanking
maneuvers, thrusts ,etc. could be staged. You could afford to be aggressive because you could have
some on board reserve to accomplish the mission if you make a mistake or miscalculation. Now, if a
tactical mistake is made, you are essentially up a creek.

My goal was not to compliant, but provide an easy reference source to truly challenge other players in
games. With unit formation charts, players can simulate an armored attack against an infantry unit and
know what possible units would be available. Again it changes tactics. If you know the enemy will not
have tanks, your selection of forces is going to be different. You might choose slow moving SP artillery
units to “blast” at bunkers, etc. versus fast moving mobile tanks because you do not have to worry about
an armored counter attack.

Thus, challenges would be what type of engagement, the year and month, the nationalities, and the unit
type (Armor division versus an infantry or Armored infantry). This will create “unbalances” in player
formations strengths. Armored units will have force advantages over infantry. This is what real military
commanders hoped to achieve when attacking.

So how to make the game “fair”? Simple, negotiate point reallocations before the game; such as the
infantry division defender has a 25% point bonus or the armor attacker has 25% penalty. Again these
point reallocations change your tactics. It is not enough to capture two of the three objective areas, but
as the armored commander you must assault all three to win.

My goal is to provide the resources to create circumstances like these, allowing different tactical plays.
Unit structures and organizations create limits for force selections. In turn these limits provide different
opportunities for tactics based on unit types. Indeed you’ll be faced with the same chooses actual
commanders had or the lack of chooses dependent on you perspective.

NEW UNITS CREATIONS

Furthermore, anyone using Spedit can now create additional units based on realistic structures. For
example, I have integrated (with the editor) the 4th platoon of the standard German infantry company into
the other three platoons. This is realistic, the heavy weapons rarely operated alone, and it allows a large
group (pool) of men to transport (carry) the heavy weapons. So their movement rates are not
dramatically different than infantry (now they are so slow without motorized transport).

2
NATIONALITIES COMPLETED

I have researched four force structures:

1. German
2. American
3. British (still being cleaned up)
4. Russian (still being cleaned up)

FREE AND PUBLIC INFORMATION

These documents are not commercial in nature and the information found in them is freely
available in public libraries, etc. I highly recommend reading the reference sources listed. Most of the
stories and accounts are dramatic and compelling. Any copyright infringement is unintentional and this
documents distribution is free. My sole request is: if you create scenarios with these charts, I’d love to
play them.

Please include this preface and the reference sources with any distribution.

CONCLUSION

I do not plan to update or revise the documents - the compilation took too much time. I would appreciate
receiving corrections or adjustments. Again these charts and tables are from multiple sources, which
sometimes had slightly different organizations and unit strengths. Additionally, I have rough draft forms
of the British and Russian forces. Once I clean them up, I post ‘em.

Have fun. Thanks.

S. Sheckells
SSHECKE277@AOL.com

3
 REFERENCE SOURCES

The Second World War: A Military History

Basil Collier, William Morrow & Company, 1967.

The German Army in the West.

Siegfeid Westphal, 1950.

The Ardennes: The Battle of the Bulge. US Army in World War II.
Hugh Cole, Department of the Army, 1965

The Last Offensive: European Theatre of Operations. US Army in World War II.
Charles McDonald, Department of the Army, 1965.

Hitler’s Last Gamble: The Battle of the Bulge, December 1944-January 1945.
Trevor N. Dupuy, Harper Perennial, 1994.

Soviet Military Operational Art: In Pursuit of Deep Battle.

David M. Glantz, Frank Cass, 1991.

The Russian version of above - sorry I do not write nor speak Russian. I had the help of several Russian
friends with some translations.

Red Storm on the Reich: The Soviet March on Germany, 1945.

Christopher Duffy, Da Capo Press, 1993.

World War II Organization and Equipment Series.

Enola Games, Navwar , 1982.

Hitler’s Greatest Defeat: The Collapse of Army Group Centre, June 1944.
Paul Adair, Arms and Armour, 1994.

The Screaming Eagles: A history of the 101st Airborne Division.

Leonard Rapport and Arthur Northwood, Jr., 101st Airborne Division Press, 1948.

4
 American Units

1. There are three types of formations:

 Organizational: The “paper” strength a unit has.

 Operational: A time period assessment of unit (based on reality). Operational is how the
forces were grouped and typically engaged the enemy in the field.
 Field: Snapshot of unit’s current strength. For example: an unit should have 5 tanks in a
platoon per company operating with 2 other companies. But recent losses in fighting has field
forces at 4 tanks per platoon with only 2 companies (the third was too badly damaged).

2. The formations specified have optimums unit numbers. Most units functioned at 80% to 90% of
their optimum. Even the American units were understrength. However, unlike the Germans, they did
not have to consolidate units and re-form unit structures. There formations stayed the same but with
less “working” or operating personnel.

3. Organizational is what was supposed to be on paper. How an army thought it would operate.
Additionally the organizational set up defines how an army replenishes itself. Thus most units are
assigned to a division. Normally new units (replacements or replenishment of people and material)
are sent to a division to be assigned to the formation needing the resources. Note: new “units” ,like
new divisions, are formed at higher levels (like the US “creating” new divisions for WW II) or are
“created through re-organization” from the remnants of other units (like the German as the war
continued).

4. Americans operated in triangular formations. There would be two operational formations with a
reserve force. The operational groups (Regimental Combat Teams, Combat Commands, etc.) also
operated in triangular positions. The groups tended to be combined arms formations with a armored
element, infantry, and artillery element. The armored element did not necessarily mean tanks. It
could be TDs, ACs, etc.

5. The Americans, unlike the Germans, used TDs in a defensive role rather than in an offensive
role. Consequently, most of the advancing formation’s armored elements were tanks (light, medium,
heavy), ACs, or even SP artillery. The TD formations and units were for screening and counter-attack
prevention.

6. Usually tanks were not “mixed”. However, the Americans were converting Shermans into Jumbos.
Thus in tank battalions, you would find Jumbo platoons operating with normal Shermans. Note both
units have similar speeds. That is the real issue. Units with differing speeds did not operate together.
It is bad news on a battlefield to have one tank doing 17 and another doing 13. They will be unable
to support each other - hence the enemy can divide and conquer.

7. A brigade is an independent battalion or regiment. Units would be designed as a brigade to

indicate an independence from a division. In other words, an Assault Gun Brigade could be assigned
to a corp. or army and not be consigned to a division. Therefore could be replenished from the corp.’s
or army’s resources not the division’s. Additionally it could operate more freely and be shifted where
it was needed within the corp..

5
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

AMERICAN ORGANIZATIONAL UNITS

AMERICAN

1. Infantry
2. Infantry Divisions
Infantry Division
Airborne Division
3. Infantry Regiments
Infantry Regiment 1943 - 1945
Parachute Infantry Regiment 1943 - 1945
Glider Infantry Regiment 1943 - 1944
Glider Infantry Regiment 1944 - 1945
Armored Infantry Regiment 1943 - 1944
4. Regimental Combat Teams
5. Infantry Battalions
Infantry Battalion
Parachute or Glider Battalion
Armored Infantry Battalion
Ranger Battalion
6. Armored Division
Armored Division 1943 - 1944 (Heavy)
Armored Division 1944 - 1945 (Light)

7. Armored Battalions
Light Tank Battalion 1943 - 1944
Medium Tank Battalion 1943 - 1944
Armored battalion 1944 - 1945
8. Armored Combat Commands
9. Cavalry Groups (Recon)
Armored Cavalry Squadrons
Mechanized Cavalry Squadrons
Cavalry Squadrons

6
10. Engineering Combat Battalions
Armored Engineering Battalions
Mechanized Engineering Battalions
Motorized Engineering Battalions
Parachute Engineering Battalions

11. Anti Tank Battalions

Self Propelled - Tank Destroyers
Towed - Anti Tank
12. Artillery Battalions
Self Propelled
Parachute Artillery Battalion (Towed)
Heavy Artillery (Towed)
Medium Artillery (Towed)
Light Artillery (Towed)
Mixed Artillery Battalion (Towed)

13. Anti Aircraft Battalions

Light AA Battalion (Infantry or Airborne)
Armored Light AA Battalion
Heavy AA Battalion

7
 American Infantry 1944 and 1945

There are four types of infantry:

1. Infantry (foot soldiers)

2. Airborne (parachute or glider)
3. Armored Infantry
4. Ranger (foot)

The former two had divisional structure, while the third was a component of an Armored Division, and the
fourth a specialized unit.

8
 Infantry Divisions

Infantry Division:

Armored Components Infantry Artillery Attached Misc.

(Possible)
1st Infantry Regiment 1 Artillery Brigade 1 SP AT Battalion 1 Engineering
1 Cavalry Company (3 Infantry Battalion) (1 Heavy Battalion) Battalion
(1 Artillery Battery) (3 Light Battalions)
(Recon) (1 Towed AT Company)
1st Infantry Regiment 1 Towed AT 6 Truck Companies
(3 Infantry Battalion) Battalion
(1 Artillery Battery)
(1 Towed AT Company)
1st Infantry Regiment 1 SP Artillery
(3 Infantry Battalion) Battalion
(1 Artillery Battery)
(1 Towed AT Company)
1 Anti Aircraft
Battalion
1 Artillery Battalion
3 Batteries or Companies
equal
1 Artillery Battalion
1 Towed AT Battalion
9 Infantry Battalion 5 Artillery 1 Towed AT
Battalions Battalion

Airborne Division:

Armored Infantry Artillery Attached (Possible) Misc.

Components
1st Parachute Regiment 1 Artillery Brigade 1 SP AT Battalion 1 Parachute
(3 Parachute Battalions) (1 Medium (Para) Engineering Battalion
Battalion)
(2 Light (Glider) Battalions)
2nd Parachute Regiment 1 Anti Aircraft 1 Towed AT
(3 Parachute Battalions) Battalion Battalion
1st Glider Regiment 1 SP Artillery
(3 Glider Battalion) Battalion
1 Parachute Artillery
Battalions
1 or 2 Heavy Artillery
Battalion
9 Infantry Battalion 4 Artillery
Battalions
• This is the formations for the 101st and 82nd Airborne Divisions. The 17th Airborne had 2 parachute
and 2 glider regiments with two battalions versus the 3 battalions set up for the above two.

9
 American Infantry Regiments 1943 - 1945

Infantry Regiment 1943 - 1945:

Armored Motorized Foot Infantry Artillery Anti Tank Misc.

Infantry Infantry
3 Battalions 1 Towed Artillery 1 Towed Anti Tank 1 Infantry HQ
Battery Company Company

Parachute Infantry Regiment 1943 - 1945:

Armored Motorized Foot Infantry Artillery Anti Tank Misc.

Infantry Infantry
3 Battalions 1 Parachute HQ
Company

Glider Infantry Regiment 1943 - 1944:

Armored Motorized Foot Infantry Artillery Anti Tank Misc.

Infantry Infantry
2 Battalions 1 Glider HQ
Company

Glider Infantry Regiment 1944 - 1945:

Armored Motorized Foot Infantry Artillery Anti Tank Misc.

Infantry Infantry
3 Battalions 1 Glider HQ
Company

Armored Infantry Regiment 1943 - 1944:

Armored Motorized Foot Infantry Artillery Anti Tank Misc.

Infantry Infantry
3 Battalions 1 Armored HQ
Company
• The “lighter” Armored Divisions had 3 Armored Infantry Battalions not organized “under” a regimental
command. Thus the concept of an Armored Infantry Regiment ceased.

10
 Regimental Companies:

Company HQ Unit Platoon 1 Platoon 2 Platoon 3 Platoon 4

Infantry HQ (1) sqd AMMO (1) sqd ENG (1) Eng Sqd INTEL (1) sqd RECON (2) Recon
sqd
Company
Parachute HQ (1) sqd AMMO (1) sqd INTEL (1) sqd
Company
Glider HQ (1) sqd AMMO (1) sqd INTEL (1) sqd
Company
Armored Infantry (1) sqd AMMO (1) sqd INTEL (1) sqd
HQ Company
Towed AT (1) sqd (3) 57mm AT guns (3) 57mm AT guns
(3) trcks (3) trcks
Company
Towed Artillery (1) sqd (6) 105mm Art (6) 105mm Art
(6) trcks (6) trcks
Battery

11
 Regiment Combat Team

Armored Motorized Foot Infantry Artillery Anti Tank Misc.

Infantry Infantry
1 Armored 3 Battalions 1 Towed Light 1 Towed Anti Tank 1 Infantry HQ
Company Artillery Battalion Company Company
1 Towed Artillery 1 Engineering
Battery Company

• The Armored companies could be a SP TD (Self Propelled Tank Destroyer) Company, a Light Tank
Company (Recon), or even a Medium Tank Company on loan from an Armored Division. Typically
they were SP TD companies or Light Tank companies.

Anti Tank units are Towed or SP (Self Propelled). I will use TD (Tank Destroyer) to indicate SP
units and AT (Anti Tank) to indicate towed guns.

American Company Designations:

• Since all Regimental formations had 3 battalions the companies had sequential
alphanumeric designations.
• The heavy weapons companies were integrated with the other three companies or served
with the HQ unit. Rarely do you see them listed or accounted for separately. Additionally the
heavy weapons platoon operated with the other platoons. It was rarely encountered alone.

Regiment Battalion Company or Troop

1ST A
B
C
D - Heavy
2ND E
F
G
H - Heavy
3RD I
J
K
L - Heavy

12
 American Infantry Battalions 1943 - 1945

Infantry Battalion:

Battalion Company HQ Unit Platoon 1 Platoon 2 Platoon 3 Platoon 4 Platoon 5

HQ (1) sqd INTEL (1) sqd AMMO (1) sqd ENG (1) Eng sqd AT (3) 57mm gun
(3) trcks
A Rifle (3) sqds (3) sqds (3) sqds HVY (2) 30cal
MMG
B Rifle (3) sqds (3) sqds (3) sqds HVY (2) 30cal
MMG
C Rifle (3) sqds (3) sqds (3) sqds HVY (2) 30cal
MMG
D - Heavy (1) sqd (3) 50cal HMG (3) 60mm Mtr (3) Baz Teams
Wpns

Infantry Unit Strength Chart

Unit Inf. Eng. MMG HMG 60mm AT AT 75mm

Sctns Sctns Mtr Tms Guns
Platoon 3
Company 9 2
Battalion 31 1 6 3 3 3 3

Parachute or Glider Infantry Battalion:

Battalion Company HQ Unit Platoon 1 Platoon 2 Platoon 3 Platoon 4 Platoon 5

HQ (1) sqd INTEL (1) sqd ENG (3) Eng
sqd
A Rifle (3) sqds (3) sqds (3) sqds HVY (1) 50cal HMG
(2) 30cal MMG
B Rifle (3) sqds (3) sqds (3) sqds HVY (1) 50cal HMG
(2) 30cal MMG
C SMG (3) sqds (3) sqds (3) sqds HVY (1) 50cal HMG
(2) 30cal MMG
D - Heavy (1) sqd (3) 50cal HMG (3) 30cal MMG (3) 60mm Mtr (3) Baz Teams
Wpns

Infantry Unit Strength Chart

Unit Inf. Eng. MMG HMG 60mm

Sctns Sctns Mtr
Platoon 3
Company 9 2 1
Battalion 33 3 9 6 3

13
 American Infantry Battalions 1943 - 1945

Armored Infantry Battalion:

Battalion Company HQ Unit Platoon 1 Platoon 2 Platoon 3 Platoon 4 Platoon 5

HQ (1) sqd INTEL (1) sqd AMMO (1) sqd
(1) HT (1) HT (1) HT
AT Comp (1) sqd (3) 57mm AT (3) 57mm AT (3) 57mm AT (3) M8 Assault
(1) HT (3) trck (3) trck (3) trck guns
A SMG (3) sqds (3) sqds (3) sqds HVY (3) 50cal
(1) 50cal HMG (1) 50cal HMG (1) 50cal HMG HMG
(3) HT (3) HT (3) HT (1) 60mm Mtr
(2) HT
B SMG (3) sqds (3) sqds (3) sqds HVY (3) 50cal
(1) 50cal HMG (1) 50cal HMG (1) 50cal HMG HMG
(3) HT (3) HT (3) HT (1) 60mm Mtr
(2) HT
C SMG (3) sqds (3) sqds (3) sqds HVY (3) 50cal
(1) 50cal HMG (1) 50cal HMG (1) 50cal HMG HMG
(3) HT (3) HT (3) HT (1) 60mm Mtr
(2) HT
D - Heavy (3) 50cal (3) 30cal MMG (3) 81mm Mtr (3) Baz Teams (3) Baz Teams
Wpns HMG (3) trck (3) trck (3) HT (3) HT
(3) trck
• These units were always attached to Armored Divisions. They did not operate a independent
Divisional type like Panzergrenadiers.

Infantry Unit Strength Chart

Unit Inf. MMG HMG 60mm 81mm Baz AT 57mm HTs Trcks
Sctns Mtr Mtr Tms Guns
Platoon 3 1 3 3
Company 9 6 1 9 11
Battalion 31 3 21 3 3 6 9 37 18

14
 American Infantry Battalions 1943 - 1945

Ranger Battalion:

Battalion Company HQ Unit Platoon 1 Platoon 2 Platoon 3 Platoon 4 Platoon 5

HQ (1) sqd INTEL (1) sqd AMMO (1) sqd
(1) trck (1) trck (1) trck
AT Comp (3) Baz (3) Baz (3) Baz Teams (3) Baz
Teams Teams Teams
A SMG (3) sqds (3) sqds (3) sqds HVY (3) 30cal (2) Baz Teams
(1) 30cal MMG (1) 30cal MMG (1) 30cal MMG MMG
(1) 60mm Mtr
B SMG (3) sqds (3) sqds (3) sqds HVY (3) 30cal (2) Baz Teams
(1) 30cal MMG (1) 30cal MMG (1) 30cal MMG MMG
(1) 60mm Mtr
C SMG (3) sqds (3) sqds (3) sqds HVY (3) 30cal (2) Baz Teams
(1) 30cal MMG (1) 30cal MMG (1) 30cal MMG MMG
(1) 60mm Mtr
D - Heavy Wpns (3) 50cal HMG (3) 30cal MMG (3) 60mm Mtr (6) Baz Teams
E - Service (2) trck (4) trcks (4) trcks (4) trcks (4) trcks
F - Service (2) trck (4) trcks (4) trcks (4) trcks (4) trcks

• These units were assault troops. They were not intended for prolonged mobile attacks, but quick
static assaults. Their truck companies were used for transportation not mobile attacks! They were
“hard core” foot soldiers. Essentially, they served the function of British commandos.
• They would equipped with flame-throwers, satchel charges, etc.. Their equipment was like an
engineer, but significantly more varied.
• Note: I could not find specific Ranger Battalion organization. However the above is “constructed”
from various descriptions.

Infantry Unit Strength Chart

Unit Inf. MMG HMG 60mm Baz HTs Trcks

Sctns Mtr Tms
Platoon 3 1
Company 9 6 1 2
Battalion 30 21 3 6 18 39

15
 Armored Divisions 1943 - 1945

Armored Division 1943 - 1944:

> Heavy Armored Division

Armored Components Infantry Artillery Attached (Possible) Misc.

1st Armored Regiment 1 Armored Infantry 3 SP Artillery 1 SP Engineering
(1 Lt. Tank Battalion) Regiment Battalions Battalion
(2 Med. Tank Battalion) (3 Armored Infantry Battalion)
2nd Armored Regiment 1 Anti Aircraft
(1 Lt. Tank Battalion) Battalion
(2 Med. Tank Battalion)
1 Cavalry Battalion
1 SP TD Battalion
8 Armored Battalions 3 Infantry Battalions 4 Artillery
Battalions
• Was called a “Heavy” Armored Division. Most Armored Divisions were re-organized into the “Light”
Armored Divisions by September of 1944. The two exceptions were the 2nd and 3rd Armored
Divisions.

Armored Division 1944 - 1945:

> Light Armored Division

Armored Components Infantry Artillery Attached (Possible) Misc.

1st Armored Battalion 1st Armored Infantry 3 SP Artillery 1 SP Engineering
Battalion Battalions Battalion
2nd Armored Battalion 2nd Armored Infantry 1 Anti Aircraft
Battalion Battalion
3rd Armored Battalion 3rd Armored Infantry
Battalion
1 Cavalry Battalion
1 SP TD Battalion
5 Armored Battalions 3 Infantry Battalions 4 Artillery
Battalions

16
 Armored Battalions 1943 - 1944

Light Tank Battalion 1943 - 1944:

Battalion Company HQ Unit Platoon 1 Platoon 2 Platoon 3 Platoon 4

HQ (1) sqd INTEL (1) sqd COMMO (1)
(1) trck (1) trck sqd
(1) trck
A HQ (2) M5 (5) M5s (5) M5s (5) M5s
B HQ (2) M5 (5) M5s (5) M5s (5) M5s
C HQ (2) M5 (5) M5s (5) M5s (5) M5s
D - Service (3) trcks (3) trcks (3) trcks

Armored Unit Strength Chart

Unit Inf. M5s Trcks

Sctns
Platoon 5
Company 17
Battalion 3 51 12

Medium Tank Battalion 1943 - 1944:

Battalion Company HQ Unit Platoon 1 Platoon 2 Platoon 3 Platoon 4

HQ (1) sqd INTEL (1) sqd COMMO (1) sqd
(1) trck (1) trck (1) trck
A HQ (2) M4 (5) M4 (5) M4 (5) M4
B HQ (2) M4 (5) M4 (5) M4 (5) M4
C HQ (2) M4 (5) M4 (5) M4 (5) M4
D - Service (3) trcks (3) trcks (3) trcks

Armored Unit Strength Chart

Unit Inf. M5s Trcks

Sctns
Platoon 5
Company 17
Battalion 3 51 12

17
 Armored Battalions 1944 - 1945

Tank Battalion 1943 - 1944:

> Medium Tank Battalion 1944

Battalion Company HQ Unit Platoon 1 Platoon 2 Platoon 3 Platoon 4

HQ (1) sqd INTEL (1) sqd COMMO (1) sqd
(1) trck (1) trck (1) trck
Art (3) SP 105mm (3) SP 105mm
A HQ (2) M4 (5) M4 (5) M4 (5) M4
B HQ (2) M4 (5) M4 (5) M4 (5) M4
C HQ (2) M4 (5) M4 (5) M4 (5) M4
D - Light HQ (2) M5 (5) M5 (5) M5 (5) M5
• The M4 Shermans were being converted to Jumbos in the divisional maintenance shops. At any one time roughly 1/3 of all the
M4s can be considered the Jumbo.

Armored Unit Strength Chart

Unit Inf. M5 M4 SP 105mm Trcks Total

Sctns
Platoon 5 5 3
Company 17 17 6
Battalion 3 17 51 6 3 68

18
 Armored Combat Commands

Combat Command Alpha (A)

Armor Infantry Artillery Anti Tank Misc.

1 Armored 1 Armored 1 SP Artillery 1 SP Engineering
Battalion Infantry Battalion Battalion Company

Combat Command Bravo (B)

Armor Infantry Artillery Anti Tank Misc.

1 Armored 1 Armored 1 SP Artillery 1 SP Engineering
Battalion Infantry Battalion Battalion Company

Combat Command Reserve (R)

Armor Infantry Artillery Anti Tank Misc.

1 Armored 1 Armored 1 SP Artillery 1 SP Engineering
Battalion Infantry Battalion Battalion Company
1 TD Battalion 1 Anti Aircraft
Battalion
1 Cavalry
Battalion

19
 Cavalry Groups

• Mechanized cavalry or Cavalry units were Reconnaissance units. They employed light armor with
mobile infantry.
• The units were attached to other commands and served as ancillary or auxiliary forces i.e. they were
not the core of a unit such as armor or infantry. Consequently a Cavalry Group (regiment would be
attached to a corp. or army sized unit. A Cavalry Squadron (Battalion) would be attached to a
divisional or greater sized unit. The Squadrons were dispersed to augment other forces. In other
words, a Cavalry Troop (company) could be assigned to a Combat Command or a Regimental
Combat Team.
• The majority of the duties were not Recon but mobile reserves and or screening forces.
• The units were supposed to mostly armored cars, but gun equipped half tracks can be frequently
found in the units.
• The units were not well service designed (as far as I know). However, if a cavalry unit was part an
armored division it was typically a Armored Cavalry Squadron or predominately armored cars (the
armor divisions needed fast Recon units not more light tanks). A Mechanized Cavalry Squadron was
typically assigned to infantry divisions or groups. It had additional Light Tank components to “beef
up” the infantry.

Designation:

Cavalry Group Regiment

Squadron Battalion
Troop Company

Cavalry Groups

Armor Infantry Artillery Misc.

1st Cav Squadron
2nd Cav Squadron
• Groups were composed of 2 maybe 3 squadrons.

20
 Armored Cavalry Squadron

Armored Cav Squadron

Battalion Company HQ Unit Platoon 1 Platoon 2 Platoon 3 Platoon 4

HQ (1) sqd INTEL (1) sqd COMMO (1) sqd
(1) HT (1) HT (1) HT
A HQ (2) M8 (5) M8 (5) M8 (5) M8
B HQ (2) M8 (5) M8 (5) M8 (5) M8
C HQ (2) M8 (5) M8 (5) M8 (5) M8
D HQ (2) M8 (5) M8 (5) M8 (5) M8
E - Light HQ (1) sqd (3) sqd (3) sqd (3) sqd
(1) HT (3) HT (3) HT (3) HT

Armored Unit Strength Chart

Unit Inf. M8 HT Total

Sctns
Platoon 3 5 3
Troop 10 17 10
Squadron 13 68 13 68

21
 Mechanized Cavalry Squadron

Mech. Cav Squadron

Battalion Company HQ Unit Platoon 1 Platoon 2 Platoon 3 Platoon 4

HQ (1) sqd INTEL (1) sqd COMMO (1) sqd
(1) trck (1) trck (1) trck
Assault Gun (4) M8 Ass guns (4) M8 Ass guns (4) M8 Ass guns
Light Tank (2) M5 (5) M5 (5) M5 (5) M5
Company
A HQ (2) M4 (5) M4 (5) M4 (5) M4
B HQ (2) M4 (5) M4 (5) M4 (5) M4
C Light HQ (1) sqd (3) sqd (3) sqd (3) sqd
(1) HT (3) HT (3) HT (3) HT

Armored Unit Strength Chart

Unit Inf. M5 M8 Ass M4 Ht Total

Sctns Guns
Platoon 3 5 4 5 3
Troop 10 17 12 17 10
Squadron 10 17 12 17 10 46

22
 “Motorized” Cavalry Squadron

Cavalry Squadron

Battalion Company HQ Unit Platoon 1 Platoon 2 Platoon 3 Platoon 4

HQ (1) sqd INTEL (1) sqd COMMO (1) sqd
(1) trck (1) trck (1) trck
Assault Gun (4) M8 Ass guns (4) M8 Ass guns (4) M8 Ass guns
Light Tank (2) M5 (5) M5 (5) M5 (5) M5
Company
A HQ (2) M4 (5) M4 (5) M4 (5) M4
B HQ (2) M4 (5) M4 (5) M4 (5) M4
C HQ (2) M4 (5) M4 (5) M4 (5) M4
• This squadron type usually was attached to a large parent unit type such as a corps, army, etc. not a
division.

Armored Unit Strength Chart

Unit Inf. M5 M4 M8 Ass Trcks Total

Sctns guns
Platoon 5 5 4
Troop 17 17 12
Squadron 17 51 12 80

23
 Engineering Combat Battalions

• There were four types of Engineering Combat Battalions:

1. Armored - Equipped with half-tracks

2. Mechanized - Equipped with half-tracks
3. Motorized - Equipped with trucks
4. Parachute - Equipped with trucks (equipment was glider deployed)

• All engineering units were motorized the difference is in what they utilized. Engineering units not
“titled” (armored, parachute, etc.) can be assumed to be motorized. Actually, you probably will never
see a Motorized Engineering Battalion designation. The engineering units were that by default.
However, to designate half-tracked equipped units attached to infantry units (which were typically
truck transported) an engineering unit would be labeled mechanized. In summary:

Engineering Unit Parent Unit (Typical) Transportation

Armored Armored Divisions Half-track
Mechanized Infantry Division or Corps Half-track
Motorized Infantry Division or Corps Truck
Parachute Airborne Truck

• Engineering units considered themselves unique because of their extensive training, mobility, heavy
equipment and weapons, and the ability to “do it all”. When things got tough they called in the
engineers. Consequently the engineering units were often used as assault troops spearheading the
advances (albeit in small numbers).

• Engineering Combat Groups were assigned to large parent units and consisted of 2-3 engineering
battalions, bridging (heavy, light, medium, etc.) companies, and support units. Essentially they could
be considered Engineering brigades or regiments, but they never operated alone or as whole units.
Their forces were piece-mealed to those sectors, units etc. that needed support. As a result,
engineering units, unlike infantry and armor, were found in company sized units augmenting “local”
forces.

24
 Engineering Combat Battalions

Armored Engineering Battalion

Battalion Company HQ Unit Platoon 1 Platoon 2 Platoon 3 Platoon 4

HQ (1) sqd INTEL (1) sqd COMMO (1) sqd
(1) Trck (1) trck (1) trck
A (3) sqds (3) sqds (3) sqds (3) 50cal HMG
(3) HTs (3) HTs (3) HTs
B (3) sqds (3) sqds (3) sqds (3) 50cal HMG
(3) HTs (3) HTs (3) HTs
C (3) sqds (3) sqds (3) sqds (3) 50cal HMG
(3) HTs (3) HTs (3) HTs
D - Service HQ (2) trck (4) trck (4) trck (4) trck (4) trck
• The service company (D) had light weight equipment for demolition, roadblocks, communication wiring, etc. It was not an assault
or attack company.

Vehicle and Infantry Unit Strength Chart

Unit Eng. 50cal HTs Trcks

Sctns HMG
Platoon 3 3
Company 9 3 9
Battalion 30 9 27 25

Mechanized Engineering Battalion

Battalion Company HQ Unit Platoon 1 Platoon 2 Platoon 3 Platoon 4

HQ (1) sqd INTEL (1) sqd COMMO (1) sqd
(1) Trck (1) trck (1) trck
A (3) sqds (3) sqds (3) sqds (3) 50cal HMG
(3) HTs (3) HTs (3) HTs
B (3) sqds (3) sqds (3) sqds (3) 50cal HMG
(3) HTs (3) HTs (3) HTs
C (3) sqds (3) sqds (3) sqds (3) 50cal HMG
(3) HTs (3) HTs (3) HTs
D - Service HQ (2) trck (4) trck (4) trck (4) trck (4) trck
• The service company (D) had light weight equipment for demolition, roadblocks, communication wiring, etc. It was not an assault
or attack company.

Vehicle and Infantry Unit Strength Chart

Unit Eng. 50cal HTs Trcks

Sctns HMG
Platoon 3 3
Company 9 3 9
Battalion 30 9 27 25

25
 Engineering Combat Battalions

Motorized Engineering Battalion

Battalion Company HQ Unit Platoon 1 Platoon 2 Platoon 3 Platoon 4

HQ (1) sqd INTEL (1) sqd COMMO (1) sqd
(1) Trck (1) trck (1) trck
A (3) sqds (3) sqds (3) sqds (3) 50cal HMG
(3) trcks (3) trcks (3) trcks
B (3) sqds (3) sqds (3) sqds (3) 50cal HMG
(3) trcks (3) trcks (3) trcks
C (3) sqds (3) sqds (3) sqds (3) 50cal HMG
(3) trcks (3) trcks (3) trcks
D - Service HQ (2) trck (4) trck (4) trck (4) trck (4) trck
• The service company (D) had light weight equipment for demolition, roadblocks, communication wiring, etc. It was not an assault
or attack company.

Vehicle and Infantry Unit Strength Chart

Unit Eng. 50cal HTs Trcks

Sctns HMG
Platoon 3
Company 9 3
Battalion 30 9 52

Parachute Engineering Battalion

Battalion Company HQ Unit Platoon 1 Platoon 2 Platoon 3 Platoon 4

HQ (1) sqd INTEL (1) sqd COMMO (1) sqd
(2) jeeps (1) trck (1) trck
A Parachute (3) sqds (3) sqds (3) sqds (3) 30cal HMG
B Parachute (3) sqds (3) sqds (3) sqds (3) 30cal HMG
C Glider (3) sqds (3) sqds (3) sqds (2) 50cal HMG
(6) jeeps (6) jeeps (6) jeeps (2) jeeps
D Glider (3) sqds (3) sqds (3) sqds (2) 50cal HMG
(6) jeeps (6) jeeps (6) jeeps (2) jeeps
E - Service HQ (2) trck (2) trck (2) trck (2) trck
• The service company (E) had light weight equipment for demolition, roadblocks, communication wiring, etc. It was not an assault
or attack company. The service company was glider.

Vehicle and Infantry Unit Strength Chart

Unit Eng. 30cal 50cal Jeeps HTs Trcks

Sctns HMG HMG
Platoon 3 6
Company 9 20
Battalion 39 6 4 42 10

26
 Anti Tank Battalions

Originally (1943) the American AT units towed. They were copying the German and British organizational
styles. Additionally, the few AT guns that were SP were not as effective as the towed guns.
Consequently, most AT units were towed. The SP AT units were separate battalions operating from a
Corp. or Army parent structure.

However North African experiences (space, lots of space) proved SP AT units were needed and critical.
Towed AT units were not effective in forward operations (attacking, assaulting, etc.). Thus the American
command began to upgrade AT units to SP AT units. From my understanding AT (towed) or even TD
(Tank Destroyer - SP AT) units were generally defensive weapons. They functioned as screen forces,
stopping forces, delaying forces, counter attack (retake not advance) forces, etc.. This was counter to the
German use of TD units (offensive and defensive weapons). Granted the Germans were increasingly
utilizing TDs because of their lack of tanks, but their TD (not open topped) also functioned as assault
guns.

The Americans seemed to use SP Artillery in assault gun roles, I believe, because their operations were
offensive in nature. Advancing on semi-fixed positions with large tank reserves suits SP artillery. The
Germans had to use vehicles that could fulfill multiple roles (TD, Assault Gun, etc.). The Germans did not
have the luxury of “specialized” role vehicles (they were developed but production was very limited).

In either case, the American AT units were AT (Towed Anti Tank with infantry) or TD (Tank Destroyers -
Self Propelled Anti Tank with armored or mechanized (armored infantry) forces).

27
 Anti Tank Battalions

Tank Destroyer Battalion

>Armored Anti Tank and Self Propelled Battalions

Battalion Company HQ Unit Platoon 1 Platoon 2 Platoon 3 Platoon 4

HQ (2) M18
TD comp A (2) M18 (4) M18 (4) M18 (4) M18
TD comp B (2) M18 (4) M18 (4) M18 (4) M18
TD comp C (2) M10 (4) M10 (4) M10 (4) M10
• The TDs could be M10 (Wolverines), M18 (Hellcats), or the M36s. Most TD units had a mixture of M10 / M18 or M18 / M36
combinations. The M18s were very fast and allowed flexible TD deployment. They tended to have a support role.

Vehicle Unit Strength Chart

Unit M18 M10

Platoon 4 4
Company 14 14
Battalion 28 14

Anti Tank Battalion

>Towed Infantry Anti Tank Battalions

Battalion Company HQ Unit Platoon 1 Platoon 2 Platoon 3 Platoon 4

HQ (1) sqd (2) 57mm AT
(1) trck (2) trck
AT comp A (2) sqd (3) 57mm AT (3) 57mm AT (3) 90mm AT
(2) trck (3) trck (3) trck (3) trck
AT comp B (2) sqd (3) 57mm AT (3) 57mm AT (3) 90mm AT
(2) trck (3) trck (3) trck (3) trck
AT comp C (2) sqd (3) 57mm AT (3) 57mm AT (3) 90mm AT
(2) trck (3) trck (3) trck (3) trck
AT comp D (2) sqd (3) 37mm AT (3) 37mm AT (3) 37mm AT
(2) trck (3) jeeps (3) jeeps (3) jeeps

Vehicle Unit Strength Chart

Unit Inf Sqd 37mm 57mm 90mm Trck Jeep Total

Platoon 3 3 3 3 3
Company 2 9 6 3 11 9
Battalion 9 9 14 9 38 9 32

28
 Artillery Battalions

Self Propelled Artillery Battalion

>Armored Self Propelled Field Artillery Battalion

Battalion Company HQ Unit Section 1 Section 2 Section 3 Section 4

HQ (1) sqd (1) trck
Battery 1 (1) sqd (1) trck (2) SP 105mm (2) SP 105mm (2) SP 105mm
Battery 2 (1) sqd (1) trck (2) SP 105mm (2) SP 105mm (2) SP 105mm
Battery 3 (1) sqd (1) trck (2) SP 105mm (2) SP 105mm (2) SP 105mm
Service (1) sqd (1) trck (2) trck (2) trck (2) trck
• These units were assigned to armored divisions
• The third battery could be SP 155mm artillery.
• The service company carried ammunition and supplies.

Gun and Vehicle Unit Strength Chart

Unit SP 105mm Trck

Section 2
Battery 6 1
Battalion 18 11

Parachute Artillery Battalion

>Towed Airborne Field Artillery Battalion

Battalion Company HQ Unit Section 1 Section 2 Section 3 Section 4

HQ (1) sqd (1) jeep
Battery 1 (1) sqd (1) jeep (2) 75mm Art (2) 75mm Art
(2) jeeps (2) jeeps
Battery 2 (1) sqd (1) jeep (2) 75mm Art (2) 75mm Art
(2) jeeps (2) jeeps
Battery 3 (1) sqd (1) jeep (2) 75mm Art (2) 75mm Art
(2) jeeps (2) jeeps
Service (1) sqd (1) jeep (4) jeeps (4) jeeps
• These units were assigned to airborne divisions
• The third battery could be SP 155mm artillery.
• The service company carried ammunition and supplies.

Gun and Vehicle Unit Strength Chart

Unit Inf sqd 75mm Jeeps

Section 2 2
Battery 1 4 5
Battalion 5 12 25

29
 Artillery Battalions

Heavy Field Artillery Battalion

>Towed Heavy Field Howitzer Battalion

Battalion Company HQ Unit Section 1 Section 2 Section 3 Section 4

HQ (1) sqd (1) trck
Battery 1 (1) sqd (2) M5 (2) 240mm Art (2) 240mm Art
(2) M5 (2) M5
Battery 2 (1) sqd (2) M5 (2) 240mm Art (2) 240mm Art
(2) M5 (2) M5
Battery 3 (1) sqd (2) M5 (2) 155mm Art (2) 155mm Art
(2) M5 (2) M5
Service (1) sqd (2) trck (4) trck (4) trck
• These units were assigned to infantry corps..
• M5s are tractors like prime movers.
• The service company carried ammunition and supplies.

Gun and Vehicle Unit Strength Chart

Unit Inf sqd 240mm 155mm M5 Trck Total

Section 2 2 2
Battery 1 4 4 6
Battalion 5 8 4 18 11 12

Medium Field Artillery Battalion

>Towed Medium Field Howitzer Battalion

Battalion Company HQ Unit Section 1 Section 2 Section 3 Section 4

HQ (1) sqd (1) trck
Battery 1 (1) sqd (2) 155mm Art (2) 155mm Art
(2) trck (2) trck (2) trck
Battery 2 (1) sqd (2) 155mm Art (2) 155mm Art
(2) trck (2) trck (2) trck
Battery 3 (1) sqd (2) 105mm Art (2) 105mm Art
(2) trck (2) trck (2) trck
Service (1) sqd (2) trck (4) trck (4) trck
• These units were assigned to infantry corps..
• The service company carried ammunition and supplies.

Gun and Vehicle Unit Strength Chart

Unit Inf sqd 155mm 105mm Trck Total

Section 2 2 2
Battery 1 4 4 6
Battalion 5 8 4 29 12

30
 Artillery Battalions

Light Field Artillery Battalion

>Towed Light Field Howitzer Battalion

Battalion Company HQ Unit Section 1 Section 2 Section 3 Section 4

HQ (1) sqd (1) trck
Battery 1 (1) sqd (2) 105mm Art (2) 105mm Art
(2) trck (2) trck (2) trck
Battery 2 (1) sqd (2) 105mm Art (2) 105mm Art
(2) trck (2) trck (2) trck
Battery 3 (1) sqd (2) 75mm Art (2) 75mm Art
(2) trck (2) jeeps (2) jeeps
Service (1) sqd (2) trck (4) trck (4) trck
• These units were assigned to infantry corps..
• The service company carried ammunition and supplies.

Gun and Vehicle Unit Strength Chart

Unit Inf sqd 105mm 75mm Jeeps Trck Total

Section 2 2 2 2
Battery 1 4 4 4 6
Battalion 5 8 4 4 25 12

Mixed Field Artillery Battalion

>Towed Field Artillery Battalion

Battalion Company HQ Unit Section 1 Section 2 Section 3 Section 4

HQ (1) sqd (1) trck
Battery 1 (1) sqd (2) 155mm Art (2) 155mm Art
(2) trck (2) trck (2) trck
Battery 2 (1) sqd (2) 105mm Art (2) 105mm Art
(2) trck (2) trck (2) trck
Battery 3 (1) sqd (2) 75mm Art (2) 75mm Art
(2) trck (2) trcks (2) trcks
Service (1) sqd (2) trck (4) trck (4) trck
• These units were assigned to infantry corps..
• Commonly assigned as the organic artillery units for infantry divisions. The other were attached units.
• The service company carried ammunition and supplies.

Gun and Vehicle Unit Strength Chart

Unit Inf sqd 155mm 105mm 75mm Trck Total

Section 2 2 2 2
Battery 1 4 4 4 6
Battalion 5 4 4 4 29 12

31
 Anti Aircraft Battalions

Light AA Battalion
>Towed Infantry or Airborne Light Anti Aircraft Battalion

Battalion Company HQ Unit Section 1 Section 2 Section 3 Section 4

HQ (1) sqd (2) jeeps
Battery 1 (1) sqd (4) M1 (4) M1 (4) M55 (4) M55
(2) trck (4) trck (4) trck (4) trck (4) trck
Battery 2 (1) sqd (4) M1 (4) M1 (4) M55 (4) M55
(2) trck (4) trck (4) trck (4) trck (4) trck
Battery 3 (1) sqd (4) M1 (4) M1 (4) M55 (4) M55
(2) trck (4) trck (4) trck (4) trck (4) trck
Battery 4 (1) sqd (4) M1 (4) M1 (4) M55 (4) M55
(2) trck (4) trck (4) trck (4) trck (4) trck
Service (1) sqd (2) trck (4) trck (4) trck (4) trck
• M1s were 40mm AA guns.
• M55s are quad 50 cal AA guns.

Gun and Vehicle Unit Strength Chart

Unit Inf sqd M55 M1 Trck Total

Section 2 2 2
Battery 1 16 16 8
Battalion 6 32 32 54 64

Armored Light AA Battalion

>Self Propelled Light Anti Aircraft Battalion

Battalion Company HQ Unit Section 1 Section 2 Section 3 Section 4

HQ (1) sqd (2) jeeps
Battery 1 (1) sqd (2) trck (4) M16 (4) M16 (4) M15 (4) M15
Battery 2 (1) sqd (2) trck (4) M16 (4) M16 (4) M15 (4) M15
Battery 3 (1) sqd (2) trck (4) M16 (4) M16 (4) M15 (4) M15
Battery 4 (1) sqd (2) trck (4) M16 (4) M16 (4) M15 (4) M15
Service (1) sqd (2) trck (4) trck (4) trck (4) trck
• M16s were SP quad 50 cal AA guns.
• M15s were SP 37mm AA gun with 2 50 cal AA.

Gun and Vehicle Unit Strength Chart

Unit Inf sqd M15 M16 Trck Total

Section 2 2 2
Battery 1 16 16 8
Battalion 6 32 32 54 64

32
 Anti Aircraft Battalions

Heavy AA Battalion
>Towed Heavy Anti Aircraft Battalion

Battalion Company HQ Unit Section 1 Section 2 Section 3 Section 4

HQ (1) sqd (2) jeeps
Battery 1 (1) sqd (2) trck (2) 90mm AA (2) 90mm AA
Battery 2 (1) sqd (2) trck (2) 90mm AA (2) 90mm AA
Battery 3 (1) sqd (2) trck (2) 90mm AA (2) 90mm AA
Battery 4 (1) sqd (2) trck (2) 90mm AA (2) 90mm AA
Service (1) sqd (2) trck (4) trck (4) trck
• All 90mm AA guns had trucks

Gun and Vehicle Unit Strength Chart

Unit Inf sqd 90mm Trck Total

Section 2 2
Battery 1 4 6
Battalion 6 16 34 16

33