Question about German WW2 OOB

[Ratzki]

I know that Aufklarungs are recon troops and Jagers are light infantry, but Fusiliers turned up at about the same time as the infantry divisions were renamed Grenadier divisions. What was the Fusiliers function? I can't seem to find a clear answer.

[sPzAbt653]

Fusilier: An historic German term often used to refer to heavy infantry units, original referring to the type of weapon carried of the same name. During WWII used to name infantry formations with some recon abilities that replaced an infantry division's recon battalion mid-war when the Germans reduced the number of standard infantry battalions in their divisions from 9 to 6.
Sorry but can't tell you were I got this from, I had it in one of my scenario notes.
Wiki also has a full page on Fusilier's by country.

[Ratzki]

Yes, thanks. I have seen them listed as the 7th Battalion in a two Regiment Division. So they must act as a dual role recon/Infantry Battalion depending on the need. Their equipment seems to be similar to a standard Infantry Battalion.

[Poopyhead]

In 1943 the Wehrmacht established Fusilier battalions that consisted of infantry and recon companies. The title was largely a traditional listing and the title was removed in 1945.

[rico21]

I found no trace of German units bearing the name of riflemen during the Second World War.
The German infantry units are organized around the use of machine guns, the term fusilier seems to me to be an anglicism on forums that do not cite the sources confirming this term.

[Ratzki]

According to a website i was browsing the Fusilier battalion came into being in 43 and they were issued bicycles and had pretty much the same equipment that an infantry battalion was given. This backs up what has been stated above, thanks guys.

[rico21]

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q ... Jrn3EAQrTp

[MrRoadrunner]

Wiki does have this:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fusilier#Germany

In World War II the elite German Division Großdeutschland contained a regiment titled Panzerfüsiliere ('Armoured Fusiliers'), to maintain the old German traditions. This was again titular, as in organisation, appearance and tactical use they were essentially Panzergrenadiere. The modern German Army has no fusiliers.

RR

[sPzAbt653]

the term fusilier seems to me to be an anglicism on forums that do not cite the sources confirming this term.

Here's a pretty good source, Niehorster :

[rico21]

Thanks for sharing [&o]

BUT

Attached looks like an anglicism [:D]

[sPzAbt653]

You better call Prussia and tell them.