The seal of the Deutsches Afrikakorps.

The German Africa Corps (German: Deutsches Afrikakorps, DAK listen (help· info)) was the corps-level headquarters controlling the German Panzer divisions in Libya and Egypt during the North African Campaign of World War II. Since there was little turnover in the units attached to the corps, the term is commonly used to refer to the headquarters plus its attached combat units. Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ... Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ... Image File history File links De-Deutsches Afrikakorps-pronunciation. ... A corps (plural same as singular; a word that migrated from the French language, pronounced IPA: (cor), but originating in the Latin corpus, corporis meaning body) is either a large military unit or formation, an administrative grouping of troops within an army with a common function (such as artillery or... Panzer IV Ausf. ... Symbol of the Polish 1st Legions Infantry Division in NATO code A division is a large military unit or formation usually consisting of around ten to twenty thousand soldiers. ... During World War II, the North African Campaign, also known as the Desert War, took place in the North African desert from September 13, 1940 to May 13, 1943. ... Combatants Allied powers: China France Great Britain Soviet Union United States and others Axis powers: Germany Italy Japan and others Commanders Chiang Kai-shek Charles de Gaulle Winston Churchill Joseph Stalin Franklin Roosevelt Adolf Hitler Benito Mussolini Hideki Tōjō Casualties Military dead: 17,000,000 Civilian dead: 33,000...

Organization

THEY WERE A BUNCH OF HOMOS WHO HAD BUTTSEX ALL DAY. THEY DIED HORRIBLY AND ALL LOST TO ARFICA. The Africa Corps was formed on February 12, 1941, after the German Armed Forces High Command (OKW) had decided to send an expeditionary force to Libya to support the Italian army, which had been routed by an Allied counteroffensive, Operation Compass. The German expeditionary force, commanded by Erwin Rommel, at first consisted only of the 5th Panzer Regiment and various other small units. These elements were organized into the 5th Light Division when they arrived in Africa in February. In the spring the 5th Light Division was joined by the 15th Panzer Division, though it did not arrive until after Rommel had made a counter-offensive and re-taken most of Cyrenaica and gone back over to the defensive. At this time the Africa Corps consisted of the two divisions plus various smaller supporting units, and was officially subordinated to the Italian chain of command in Africa (though Rommel had conducted his offensive without any authorization). February 12 is the 43rd day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... For the movie, see 1941 (film). ... The command flag for the Chief of the High Command of the German Armed Forces (1938 - 1941) The command flag for a Generalfeldmarschall as the Chief of the High Command of the German Armed Forces (1941 - 1945) The Oberkommando der Wehrmacht or OKW (Wehrmacht High Command, Armed Forces High Command... Expeditionary Force is a generic name sometimes applied to a military force dispatched to fight in a foreign country. ... In general, allies are people or groups that have joined an alliance and are working together to achieve some common purpose. ... Combatants Western Desert Force Italian Tenth Army Commanders Richard OConnor Rodolfo Graziani Pietro Maletti † Strength 50,000 soldiers 120 guns 275 tanks 100,000 soldiers 1,600 guns 600 light tanks Casualties 494 dead 1,225 wounded 3,000 dead 115,000 captured 400 tanks 1,292 guns Operation... Erwin Johannes Eugen Rommel ( ) (15 November 1891 – 14 October 1944) was one of the most distinguished German field marshals of World War II. He was the commander of the Deutsches Afrika Korps and also became known by the nickname “The Desert Fox” (Wüstenfuchs,  ) for the skillful military campaigns he... Panzer IV Ausf. ... British regiment A regiment is a military unit, consisting of a variable number of battalions - commanded by a colonel. ... 5th Light Division 21st Panzer Division Created as 5th Light Division or 5th Light Afrika Division in Africa in early 1941, from an ad hoc collection of smaller units rushed to support the collapsing Italian army. ... 33rd Infantry Division 15th Panzer Division 15th Panzergrenadier Division History This unit was created as the 33rd Infantry Division in 1936, and mobilized in 1939, but it did not take part in the invasion of Poland. ... The Roman Empire ca. ...

Rommel in Africa - Summer 1941.

On October 1, 1941, the German 5th Light Division was redesignated 21st Panzer Division, still attached to the Africa Corps. Rommel in Africa - Summer 1941 This work is copyrighted. ... Rommel in Africa - Summer 1941 This work is copyrighted. ... Erwin Johannes Eugen Rommel ( ) (15 November 1891 – 14 October 1944) was one of the most distinguished German field marshals of World War II. He was the commander of the Deutsches Afrika Korps and also became known by the nickname “The Desert Fox” (Wüstenfuchs,  ) for the skillful military campaigns he... is the 274th day of the year (275th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... For the movie, see 1941 (film). ... The 21st Panzer Division was a German armoured division best known for its role in the Battles of El Alamenein (1942) and Normandy (1944) during World War II. Created as 5th Light Division or 5th Light Afrika Division in Africa in early 1941, from an ad hoc collection of smaller...

During the summer of 1941 OKW invested more command structure in Africa by creating a new headquarters called Panzer Group Africa (Panzergruppe Afrika). On August 15 Panzer Group Africa was activated with Rommel in command, and command of the Africa Corps was turned over to Ludwig Crüwell. The Panzer Group controlled the Africa Corps plus some additional German units that were sent to Africa, as well as two corps of Italian units. (A German "group" was approximately the equivalent of an army in other militaries, and in fact Panzer Group Africa was redesignated as Panzer Army Africa (Panzerarmee Afrika) on January 30, 1942.) As the number of German armed forces committed to the North Africa Campaign of World War II grew from the initial commitment of a small corps the Germans developed a more elaborate command structure and placed the now larger Afrika Korps, with Italian units under this new German command structure... August 15 is the 227th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (228th in leap years), with 138 days remaining. ... Ludwig Crüwell (March 20, 1892 - September 25, 1958), German General known for his involvement with the Afrika Korps. ... This article or section is in need of attention from an expert on the subject. ... As the number of German armed forces committed to the North Africa Campaign of World War II grew from the initial commitment of a small corps the Germans developed a more elaborate command structure and placed the now larger Afrika Korps, with Italian units under this new German command structure... January 30 is the 30th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... 1942 (MCMXLII) was a common year starting on Thursday (the link is to a full 1942 calendar). ...

After the defeat at El Alamein and the Allied invasion in Morocco and Algeria Operation Torch, OKW once more upgraded its presence in Africa by creating the XC Army Corps in Tunisia on November 19, 1942, and then creating a new 5th Panzer Army headquarters there as well on December 8, under the command of Colonel-General Hans-Jürgen von Arnim. El Alamein is a town in northern Egypt on the Mediterranean Sea coast. ... In general, allies are people or groups that have joined an alliance and are working together to achieve some common purpose. ... Combatants United States United Kingdom Free French Forces Vichy France Commanders Dwight Eisenhower Andrew Cunningham François Darlan Strength 73,500 60,000 Casualties 479+ dead 720 wounded 1,346+ dead 1,997 wounded Operation Torch (initially called Operation Gymnast) was the British-American invasion of French North Africa in... is the 323rd day of the year (324th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... 5. ... is the 342nd day of the year (343rd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Hans-Jürgen von Arnim (4 April 1889 - 11 September 1962), was a German colonel-general of cavalry, serving during World War II. He was born in Ernsdorf, Germany in 1889, the son of General Sixt von Arnim. ...

Hans-Jürgen von Arnim, commander of Army Group Africa from March to May 1943.

On February 23, 1943 Panzer Army Africa, (now called the German-Italian Panzer Army,) was redesignated as the Italian 1st Army and put under the command of an Italian general, while Rommel was placed in command of a new Army Group Africa (Heeresgruppe Afrika) created to control both the Italian 1st Army and the 5th Panzer Army. The remnants of the Africa Corps and other surviving units of the 1st Italian Army retreated into Tunisia. Command of the Army Group was turned over to von Arnim in March. On May 13 remnants of the Africa Corps along with all other remaining Axis forces in North Africa surrendered. Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ... Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ... Hans-Jürgen von Arnim (4 April 1889 - 11 September 1962), was a German colonel-general of cavalry, serving during World War II. He was born in Ernsdorf, Germany in 1889, the son of General Sixt von Arnim. ... As the number of German armed forces committed to the North Africa Campaign of World War II grew from the initial commitment of a small corps the Germans developed a more elaborate command structure and placed the now larger Afrika Korps, with Italian units under this new German command structure... February 23 is the 54th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1943 (MCMXLIII) was a common year starting on Friday (the link will display full 1943 calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... The Italian First Army was an Italian field army of World War II that fought on the North African Front. ... As the number of German armed forces committed to the North Africa Campaign of World War II grew from the initial commitment of a small corps the Germans developed a more elaborate command structure and placed the now larger Afrika Korps, with Italian units under this new German command structure... May 13 is the 133rd day of the year (134th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ...

Terminological notes

Observing enemy positions.

Strictly speaking the term Africa Corps refers only to the corps headquarters and its attached units, though it is commonly used by amateur writers, the news media and veteran Allied soldiers, as a name for all the German units in North Africa before the retreat to Tunisia. The most notable of those other units were the Afrika zbV ("special purpose") Division, which was created as an infantry division and slowly upgraded to a fully motorized division, and then redesignated as the 90th Light Afrika Division; the 164th Light Afrika Division, also an infantry division; and the Ramcke Parachute Brigade (named after its commander Gerhard Ramcke). There were also eight Italian divisions under Rommel's command in Panzer Army Afrika, including two armored divisions, two motorized divisions, three infantry divisions, and Folgore parachute division. The army was supported by a number of smaller units from both the German and Italian armed forces. Image File history File links Observe(Afrika). ... Image File history File links Observe(Afrika). ... Infantry of the Royal Irish Rifles during the Battle of the Somme in World War I. Infantry are soldiers who fight primarily on foot with small arms in organized military units, though they may be transported to the battlefield by horses, ships, automobiles, skis, bicycles, or other means. ... Division zbV Afrika 90th Light Infantry Division 90th Light Afrika Division 90th Panzergrenadier Division Created in August 1941 as Division zbV Afrika, from units already in Africa under the control of . ... 164th Infantry Division Fortress Division Kreta Fortress Brigade Kreta 164th Light Afrika Division Created as 164th Infantry Division in November 1939. ... The Ramcke Parachute Brigade was an organization of four battalions of Luftwaffe Fallschirmjäger (paratroopers), plus supporting units, under the command of Hermann Ramcke during World War II. It was sent to North Africa in 1942 to bolster Axis forces in the Western Desert. ... Please wikify (format) this article as suggested in the Guide to layout and the Manual of Style. ... Panzer Group Afrika Panzer Army Afrika German-Italian Panzer Army Panzer Group Afrika (German Panzergruppe Afrika)1 was established in September 1941 to control the German mechanized forces in North Africa during World War II. Erwin Rommel was placed in command, handing command of the Afrika Korps over to Ludwig...

The designation "Light" (German: Leichte) did not refer to a standardized table of organization and equipment (TOE) for the various German divisions that bore that designation. For instance, the 5th Light Division had an organization very similar to the 21st Panzer Division, whereas the 164th Light Afrika Division was at first a partially motorized infantry division and never had any tanks at all. Various German divisions in Africa occasionally reorganized or re-equipped without a change of name, or conversely were redesignated with a new name without any substantial reorganization.

Historical postscript

The Axis forces in Africa surrendered on May 12, 1943. However, three of the German divisions that had fought in the Western Desert were reconstituted in Europe. The 15th Panzer Division was reconstituted as the 15th Panzergrenadier Division, the 90th Light Division was reconstituted as the 90th Panzergrenadier Division, and the 21st Panzer Division was reconstituted under its own name May 12 is the 132nd day of the year (133rd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1943 (MCMXLIII) was a common year starting on Friday (the link will display full 1943 calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... 33rd Infantry Division 15th Panzer Division 15th Panzergrenadier Division History This unit was created as the 33rd Infantry Division in 1936, and mobilized in 1939, but it did not take part in the invasion of Poland. ... Division zbV Africa 90th Light Infantry Division 90th Light Africa Division 90th Panzergrenadier Division Created in August 1941 as Division zbV Africa, from units already in Africa under the control of . ...

Africa Corps marching songs

Unloading Panzer IIIs for the Africa Corps.

Heiß über Afrikas Boden die Sonne glüht.

Unsere Panzermotoren singen ihr Lied!

Deutsche Panzer im Sonnenbrand,

Stehen zum Kampf gegen Engeland

Es rasseln die Ketten, es dröhnt der Motor,

Panzer rollen in Afrika vor.

Translation Image File history File links Download high resolution version (800x1106, 177 KB) Summary Panzer IIIs being offloaded in North Africa during World War II. From World War 2 Pictures in Color (specifically here. ... Image File history File links Download high resolution version (800x1106, 177 KB) Summary Panzer IIIs being offloaded in North Africa during World War II. From World War 2 Pictures in Color (specifically here. ... The Panzerkampfwagen III (PzKpfw III), more commonly referred to as the Panzer III, was a tank developed in the 1930s by Nazi Germany and used extensively in World War II. It was designed to fight other armoured fighting vehicles, serving alongside the infantry-support Panzer IV. It soon became obsolete... For other uses, see Heat (disambiguation) In physics, heat, symbolized by Q, is energy transferred from one body or system to another as a result of a difference in temperature. ... A world map showing the continent of Africa Africa is the worlds second-largest and second most-populous continent, after Asia. ... “Sol” redirects here. ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ... Harry Belafonte singing, photograph by C. van Vechten Singing is the act of producing musical sounds with the voice, which is often contrasted with speech. ... A song is a relatively short musical composition. ... “Deutschland” redirects here. ... Soldiers from U.S. 3d Armored Cavalry Regiment provide overwatch for other troops with their M1 Abrams main battle tank in Biaj, Iraq. ... Generally, a battle is an instance of combat in warfare between two or more parties wherein each group will seek to defeat the others. ... Motto (French) God and my right Anthem No official anthem - the United Kingdom anthem God Save the Queen is commonly used England() – on the European continent() – in the United Kingdom() Capital (and largest city) London (de facto) Official languages English (de facto) Unified  -  by Athelstan 927 AD  Area  -  Total 130...

Hot over African ground, the sun is glowing.

Our panzer engines sing their song!

German panzers in the blazing sun,

As they stand in battle against England.

The tracks rattle, the engine roars,

Panzers roll in Africa.

2nd Song: "Unser Rommel" ("Our Rommel")^[1]
1.
A world map showing the continent of Africa Africa is the worlds second-largest and second most-populous continent, after Asia. ... Panzer IV Ausf. ... Motto (French) God and my right Anthem No official anthem - the United Kingdom anthem God Save the Queen is commonly used England() – on the European continent() – in the United Kingdom() Capital (and largest city) London (de facto) Official languages English (de facto) Unified  -  by Athelstan 927 AD  Area  -  Total 130...

Wir sind das deutsche Afrikakorps

Des Führers verwegene Truppe

Wir stürmen wie die Teufel hervor

Versalzen dem Tommy die Suppe

Wir fürchten nicht Hitze und Wüstensand

Wir trotzen dem Durst und dem Sonnenbrand

Marschieren beim Takt unserer Trommel

Vorwärts, vorwärts

|:Vorwärts mit unserem Rommel!:|

Translation of verse 1

We are the German Africa Corps

The Führer's daring troops

We assault like the Devil

Oversalt the Tommy's soup

We fear neither heat nor desert sand

We resist the thirst and the blazing sun

March to the beat of our drum

Forwards, forwards

|:Forwards with our Rommel!:|

Africa Corps graveyard.

2.
Nazi propoganda poster. ... Image File history File links Download high resolution version (1000x669, 137 KB) Summary German graveyard from the North African campaign during World War II. From World War 2 Pictures in Color (specifically here. ... Image File history File links Download high resolution version (1000x669, 137 KB) Summary German graveyard from the North African campaign during World War II. From World War 2 Pictures in Color (specifically here. ...

Die Briten fürchten uns wie die Pest

Sie sitzen auf glühenden Kohlen

Wir rächen Deutsch-Ost und rächen Südwest

Das einst sie uns feige gestohlen

Sind Churchhill und Roosevelt auch Wut entbrannt

Wir werfen die Feinde in jedem Land

Es schlägt Generalmarsch die Trommel

Vorwärts, vorwärts

|:Vorwärts mit unserem Rommel!:|

Translation of verse 2

The Brits fear us like the plague

They are on tenterhooks

We revenge German East (Africa) and revenge South-West (Africa)

Which once were dastardly stolen from us

Let Churchill and Roosevelt be inflamed with rage

We beat the enemies in every country

The drum beats 'get ready'^{Generalmarsch[›]}

Forwards, forwards

|:Forwards with our Rommel!:|

3.
German East Africa (German: Deutsch-Ostafrika) was Germanys colony in East Africa, including what is now Burundi, Rwanda, and Tanganyika, the mainland part of present Tanzania. ... Flag German South-West Africa (black), other German colonies in red Capital Windhoek (from 1891) Political structure Colony Governor  - 1898-1905 Theodor von Leutwein  - 1905-1907 Friedrich von Lindequist  - 1907-1910 Bruno von Schuckmann  - 1910-1915 Theodor Seitz Historical era The Scramble for Africa  - Established 7 August, 1884  - Genocide 1904...

Mit uns im Kampf und im Siege vereint

Marschieren Italiens Scharen

Bis einst die Sonne des Friedens uns scheint

Und wieder gen Deutschland wir fahren.

Doch wenn mich die feindliche Kugel fand

So lasset mich ruhen im Wüstensand

Und rühret noch einmal die Trommel

Vorwärts, vorwärts (disputed line)

|:Vorwärts mit unserem Rommel!:|

Translation of verse 3

In battle and in victory united with us

Italy's cohorts are marching

Until one day the sun of peace will shine for us

And we will return to Germany.

But if the enemy's bullet meets me

Than let me rest in the desert sand

And beat the drum once again.

Forwards, forwards (disputed line)

|:Forwards with our Rommel!:|

See also

General von Arnim's staff car at the Eastbourne Redoubt.

• Army Group Africa
• Panzer Army Africa
• Fliegerführer Afrika
• Western Desert Campaign
• North African Campaign
• First Battle of El Alamein - 1-27 July 1942
• Second Battle of El Alamein - 23 October-4 November 1942
• László Almásy
• Operation Salaam
• Hans von Luck
• Hans-Jürgen von Arnim
• Panzer Division
• Armored warfare
• Afrika Korps (game)
• Heer
• Eastbourne Redoubt (Home of General Hans-Jürgen von Arnim's Steyr 1500A Africa Corps Staff Car, which was captured by the Royal Sussex Regiment)

Image File history File links Download high-resolution version (1024x776, 369 KB) Harveyqs I, the creator of this work, hereby release it into the public domain. ... Image File history File links Download high-resolution version (1024x776, 369 KB) Harveyqs I, the creator of this work, hereby release it into the public domain. ... // Eastbourne Redoubt was built at what is now Royal Parade, Eastbourne, East Sussex, England between 1804 and 1810 to support the associated Martello Towers. ... As the number of German armed forces committed to the North Africa Campaign of World War II grew from the initial commitment of a small corps the Germans developed a more elaborate command structure and placed the now larger Afrika Korps, with Italian units under this new German command structure... As the number of German armed forces committed to the North Africa Campaign of World War II grew from the initial commitment of a small corps the Germans developed a more elaborate command structure and placed the now larger Afrika Korps, with Italian units under this new German command structure... This unit, as part of Luftflotte 2, acted in the Mediterranean and Libya in North African areas during 1941-1942. ... The Western Desert Campaign was the primary early theatre of the North African Campaign of World War II. It is sometimes referred to as the Egypt-Libya Campaign. ... During World War II, the North African Campaign, also known as the Desert War, took place in the North African desert from September 13, 1940 to May 13, 1943. ... The First Battle of El Alamein 1–July 27, 1942 was a battle of the Western Desert Campaign of World War II, fought between the German–Italian Afrika Korps commanded by Erwin Rommel and the British Eighth Army, commanded by Claude Auchinleck. ... For the Battle of Alam Halfa, which is also often termed the Second Battle of El Alamein, see Battle of Alam Halfa Combatants British Eighth Army: United Kingdom Australia New Zealand South Africa India Panzer Army Africa: Nazi Germany Fascist Italy Commanders Bernard Montgomery Erwin Rommel Strength 220,000 men... Statue of Count László Almásy at the Hungarian Geographical Museum in Érd. ... Operation Salaam was a 1942 World War II covert operation under the command of the Hungarian aristocrat and desert explorer László Almásy. ... Hans von Luck (July 15, 1911 - 15 January 1997) was a Colonel in the German Army during the World War II. He was a close associate of Field Marshal Erwin Rommel. ... Hans-Jürgen von Arnim (4 April 1889 - 11 September 1962), was a German colonel-general of cavalry, serving during World War II. He was born in Ernsdorf, Germany in 1889, the son of General Sixt von Arnim. ... Panzer Division is the German term for armored division. ... Armoured warfare in modern warfare is understood to be the use of armoured fighting vehicles as a central component of the methods of war. ... Afrika Korps game Afika Korps is a wargame published by the Avalon Hill game company in 1964 and then re-released in 1965 and 1977. ... The German Army (German: Heer, [IPA: heɐ]  ) is the land component of the Bundeswehr (Federal Defence Forces) of the Federal Republic of Germany. ... // Eastbourne Redoubt was built at what is now Royal Parade, Eastbourne, East Sussex, England between 1804 and 1810 to support the associated Martello Towers. ... Hans-Jürgen von Arnim (4 April 1889 - 11 September 1962), was a German colonel-general of cavalry, serving during World War II. He was born in Ernsdorf, Germany in 1889, the son of General Sixt von Arnim. ... The Royal Sussex Regiment, a regiment in the British Army , was formed in 1881 from the 35th (Royal Sussex) Regiment of Foot and the 107th Regiment of Foot (Bengal Light Infantry) . // [edit] History [edit] 1st Battalion 1881 - 1914 Following its formation the 1st Battalion was sent to the Sudan...

References

1. ^ Song text and MP3(not identical at the ending of the third verse) of Unser Rommel Retrieved 2007-02-12

• Cooper, Matthew (1990). The German Army 1933-1945. Scarborough House. Chelsea, MI, USA. ISBN 0-8128-8519-8.
• von Mellenthin, Major General F. W. [1956] (1971). Panzer Battles: A Study of the Employment of Armor in the Second World War, First Ballantine Books Edition, New York: Ballantine Books. ISBN 0-345-24440-0. 
• Rommel and the Africa Corps

Panzerschlachten (Panzer Battles) is the German language title of Major General F. W. von Mellenthins autobiography of his service in the Panzer arm of the Heer during World War II. The most prominent English language version is Panzer Battles: A Study of the Employment of Armor in the Second... Ballantine Books, founded in 1952 by Ian Ballantine, is a major book publisher and is currently owned by Random House. ...

Further reading

• Editor Major-General Alfred Toppe Desert warfare:German experiences in World War II, written with the assistance of nine German commanders who served in North Africa, the manuscript (translated by Mr. H. Heitman) represents a collaborative attempt to determine "as many factors as possible which exerted a determining influence on desert warfare."
• Hans von Lucks memoirs Panzer Commander: The Memoirs of Colonel Hans von Luck include chapters from his time in North Africa under Rommel.