1. Panzer Division Vermacht

The 1. Panzer Division was established in 1935 (one of three; 1., 2., and 3.) as the first of such in history. The tank element was the 1. Panzer Brigade consisting of the 1. and 2. Panzer Regiments. The Division took part in the Austrian and Sudetenland annexations in 1938 and the occupation of Czechoslovakia and the Invasion of Poland in 1939. The 1. PD advanced to the outskirts of Warsaw in 8 days, fighting in that area until the Polish surrender. The majority of the tanks fielded at this time were Pzkw I and Pzkw II as severe shortages of the medium types forced substitutions.

On 10 May 1940, 1. Panzer Brigade was outfitted with 52-Pzkw I, 98 - Pzkw II, 58 - Pzkw III, and 40 Pzkw IV. This was still a disproportionate number of light tanks. 1. PD attacked through the Ardennes across Luxembourg and fought at Sedan before advancing to the North Sea. Initially taking part in the Dunkirk Battle, they were sent South to roll up the rear of the Maginot Line arriving at the Swiss frontier on June 17. After the French Surrender on June 25, 1940, the Division remained in France until September. at which time it was sent to East Prussia for re-organization. In October, the 1, Panzer Brigade was broken up and the 2. Panzer Regiment was transferred to form the new 16. Panzer Division. A second motorized infantry regiment was added in its place.

On June 22, 1941, 1. Panzer Regiment had the following equipment: 43 - Pzkw II, 71 - Pzkw III, and 20 - Pzkw IV. (to be continued)