"Hungarian Reserve Division (Bagration 1944)" Topic

HI,

I'm looking for the TO&E of a Hungarian Reserve Division at the time of Operation Bagration (Summer 1944), and more precisely that of the 5th Reserve-Division (5. Tartalékos Hadosztály) which was rushed to Baranovichi to help to consolidate the frontline behind Minsk.

It was my understanding that Hungarian Reserve Divisions were Infantry Division less 1 infantry regiment (out of 3, but temporarily) and 1 artillery battalion (out of 4), and most of its support battalion (recon, engineers) reduced to a single company at the front was the rest was being raised & trained in Hungary.
From that, I'm trying to recreate the 5th RD's OOB at Baranovichi …

Niehorster gives a TO&E for the 5th RD matching this organization, but as of August 1943 only.
link
Almost one year later, I would expect some of its missing elements to have been formed and sent to the front too?

Osprey's "The Royal Hungarian Army in WW2" (I know Osprey isn't the most reliable source, but the Hungarian army doesn't provide a great choice of literature in English) also confirm the Reserve Division's structure as that of an Infantry Division less 1 artillery (and 1 labor battalion).
link
But since it gives a description of a regular Infantry Division, it is easy to draw a picture of a Reserve one … yet it doesn't match Niehorster on two points: from March 1944, an ID had both 1 field replacement battalion and 1 assault gun platoon added. But they don't seem to have a counterpart in a RD one.

So … could someone confirm (or correct) that the 5th RD at Baranovichi in July 1944 would be organized according to Niehorster's August 1943 organization, but in full?
And then:
* did it have a field replacement battalion?
* did it have an assault gun platoon? (please say yes, I want to paint Zrinyi! :)
* what were the guns operated by its artillery battalions?
* does somebody know the composition of a divisional headquarter/escort company?

I think Niehorster is as close as your going to get. When I can I'll look over what I have and post anything worth mentioning.

Off the top of my head, I would doubt that the division was anywhere near full strength or had any Zrinyi (they were issued to assault bat's). I wouldn't be surprised if they did get some German loaners (Hetzter, etc).

Yes, I'm afraid my hopes about Zrinyi are ill-placed. Actually, I didn't expect to have any, until I found the reference I've linked below …

But I'll take anything you can find. Thanks.

Regarding Hetzer, I know the 1st Cavalry (Hussars) Division got some to replace its lost tanks, but I wouldn't think the 5th Reserve got any in time for Baranovichi. But I'll be glad to be proven wrong … :)

I had a quick look at Bob Mackenzies book on Eastern front axis Allies.

As with catavars reply, I'd be amazed if the division was at full strength. The reserve division establishment was a reduced one, so unless they were converted to a normal one, they were never going to get an extra artillery battalion etc.

Guns were generally 100mm and 105mm imported howitzers, (three batteries of four per Bn). Possibly a few 149mm.

But this establishment being made in mid-1943, even by a slow process they might have been brought to, if not full, maybe more strength by Summer 1944?

If you haven't already, contact On Military Matters (609-466-2329 or email militarymatters@att.net). I recall seeing a variety of books about WWII Hungarian army and air force in the shop.

Also, have you looked at Nafziger's OOBs? He has an OOB for just about everything.

And you might also try MicroMark in UK…Here's a list of OOBs that were on MagWeb. No Reserve Division, but MM likely has more.

H1: Hungary Infantry Division 1943-45 East Europe
H2: Hungary Corp and Army Support 1940-45 East Europe
H3: Hungary 1st Armoured Division 1943-45 East Europe
H4A: Hungary Rapid Corps June – Nov 1941 East Europe
H5: Hungary Mountain Brigade 1939-45 East Europe
H6: Hungary Light Infantry Division 1941-1943 E. Europe
H7: Hungary 1st Armored Division October 1942 – March 1943 East Europe
H8: Hungary Cavalry Brigade 1939-June 1941 East Europe
H12: Hungary H12 Divisional Support and Notes for Hungarian Rapid Corps June-November 1941 Russia

I didn't know MicroMark.
I have find anything on Hungarian Reserve Division … but on several other stuffs. Thanks. :)

I haven't found anything of note on the 5th other than it was there. As far as them being reinforced, from what I've read, I think the Hungarians would have given priority to equip divisions for the defense of Hungary rather than a division stuck somewhere in Russia. Just my opinion of course.