2nd Naval Infantry Division (Germany)

The 2nd Naval Infantry Division (German: 2.Marine-Infanterie-Division) was formed in March 1945 in the region of Schleswig-Holstein from Kriegsmarine personnel no longer required to crew ships or for shore establishments. The division was deployed in defensive operations in north-west Germany and fought in actions against British forces at Rethem near Verden and Visselhovede. While in withdrawal following operations in the region of Bremen it was defeated and captured by advancing British forces in its home region of Schleswig-Holstein in May 1945. According to author Richard Jackson, it was planned to be part of SS General Felix Steiner's abortive counterattack to relieve Berlin in late April 1945, along with the 7th Panzer Division and 25th Panzergrenadier Division.

Commanders

 * Vizeadmiral Ernst Scheurlen (Kriegsmarine) February 11, 1945 - April 8, 1945
 * Oberst Werner Graf von Bassewitz-Levetzow (Heer) April 8, 1945 - May 8, 1945

Composition

 * Marine-Grenadier-Regiment 5
 * Marine-Grenadier-Regiment 6
 * Marine-Grenadier-Regiment 7
 * Marine-Füsilier-Battalion 2 (formed 3.45)
 * Marine-Artillerie-Regiment 2 (formed March 1945 with 4 battalions (I. - III. leichte, IV. schwere))
 * Marine-Panzjäger-Abteilung 2 (formed 3.45)
 * Marine-Pionier-Battalion 2 (formed 3.45)
 * Marine-Nachrichten-Abteilung 2 (formed 3.45)
 * Marine-Feldersatz-Battalion 2 (formed 3.45)
 * Marine-Versorgungs-Regiment 200 (with units 200 - 203)

References and sources

 * Richard Jackson, 'The Last Battle', (novel), Corgi Books, 1983
 * John Russell, 'No Triumphant Procession-The Forgotten Battles of April 1945', Arms and Armor Press, 1994