| German 7th Panzer Division | |
|---|---|
| Active | 18 October 1939 – 8 May 1945 |
| Country | Nazi Germany |
| Branch | Heer |
| Type | Division |
| Role | Panzer |
| Nickname | "Ghost Division" |
| Engagements | World War II |
| Commanders | |
| Notable commanders |
Erwin Rommel |
| Insignia | |
| 1940 | |
| 1941–1945 | |
| at Kursk | |
The 7th Panzer Division was a German armored formation which participated in the Battle of France. General Erwin Rommel commanded the division, which was nicknamed the "Ghost Division" because of its speed and independent movement, which even the German High Command had difficulty following. After service in France, the division served mainly on the Eastern Front, ending its days in the defense of Germany and surrendering to the British army northwest of Berlin in 1945.
After the successful completion of the invasion of Poland, Hitler allowed Erwin Rommel to choose whatever unit he would like to command. Although Rommel had no practical experience in tank warfare, he asked for a Panzer division and on 15 February 1940 he received command of the 7th Panzer Division. In preparation for the invasion of the low countries, the 7th Panzer Division became part of the 15th Panzer Corps under the command of General Hoth.
The 7th Panzer Division moved with great speed through France and covered vast distances. During the Battle of France, the 7th Panzer Division earned the name of the Ghost Division (German:"Gespensterdivision") because its rapid movements led to few knowing exactly where the Division was, including the German High Command. Rommel had a "lead from the front" attitude and often commanded from the turret of a tank, thus becoming a mere company commander, rather than a division commander issuing orders from his headquarters. He expected all his commanders to lead from the front as well. In addition, he would sometimes deliberately 'lose' communications with the High Command if he felt it necessary. His fearless command of the 7th Panzer Division showed his confidence and understanding of blitzkrieg concepts. The success they experienced and his favor with Hitler prevented any repercussions from the High Command, some of whom criticized Rommel for being difficult to contact and locate. Rommel described the French Campaign in his letters to his wife as "a lightning Tour de France".[1]
During Operation Barbarossa, units of 7th Panzer Division were able to penetrate to within sight of the towers of St Basil's Cathedral next to the Kremlin in the center of Moscow[2]
Swedish Power Metal group Sabaton have a song on their 2008 album The Art of War titled "Ghost Division", which is about the 7th Panzer Division's advance into France 1940.
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