Niels Henkemans @Niels_1944 Twitter profile

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Niels Henkemans

@Niels_1944

4 months

BOOK UPDATE 🥳 Books have arrived at the publisher. Link to order them should be live later today. #Normandy #defendingnormandy #dday80

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Niels Henkemans

@Niels_1944

5 months

Thread #dday80 When talking about the German preparations for the Allied Invasion (AKA D-Day), a lot of attention goes to the (in)famous Panzer Reserve. With 10 Panzer Divisions and 1 Pz.Gren.Div., this force sounds formidable. But it is often overlooked what it actually was...

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Niels Henkemans

@Niels_1944

3 years

Thread: The 2 Dutch gunboats H.N.M.S Soemba and Flores participated in Operation Neptune. Armed with 3 15cm (5.9") guns they earned the nickname 'Terrible Twins' for their operation in the Mediterranean. Getting the Soemba ready for D-Day required a peculiar series of messages...

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Niels Henkemans

@Niels_1944

2 years

Thread Ever noticed that documentaries all seem to use the same German footage? That’s because many weekly newsreels (Die Deutsche Wochenschau) survived the war and are now the prime source of moving footage. Let’s explore the first newsreel for the landings in Normandy. /1

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Niels Henkemans

@Niels_1944

5 months

The level to which these divisions were operational varied wildly on D-Day Many had serious manpower problems (too few officers & NCOs), mobility issues, lack of (formation) training and shortage of weaponry/armor. So let's take a closer look at them...

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Niels Henkemans

@Niels_1944

5 months

Some divisions were good, like the Pz.Lehr. On 1 May it was assessed as Kampfwert I (Combat rating I), the highest possible. This meant it was deemed ready for all offensive operations. Mobility of its combat vehicles was at 90% and those of the support troops was 50%.

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Niels Henkemans

@Niels_1944

3 years

By 1944 a standard German infantry division had about 4.000 horses. Yes, you read that correctly: 4.000 #WW2 #SWW #History

Jonathan Ware

@ReassessHistory

3 years

The Wehrmacht relied on millions of horses well into 1945. Feel free to use these images. #WW2 #SWW #History

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Niels Henkemans

@Niels_1944

7 months

Ladies and Gentlemen, here we go!

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Niels Henkemans

@Niels_1944

5 months

Transport tonnage was fairly okay, at 77% operational and 13% in short term repair.

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Niels Henkemans

@Niels_1944

5 months

By 1 June these percentages had increased even further.

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Niels Henkemans

@Niels_1944

5 months

The 12th SS-Pz.Div. was also considered Kampfwert I on 1 May and 100% mobile.

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Niels Henkemans

@Niels_1944

5 months

This was again confirmed on 1 June.

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Niels Henkemans

@Niels_1944

5 months

Where Pz.Lehr and 12SS where OKW reserve on D-Day. the 21.Pz.Div. was Army Group B reserve and in position around Caen. On 1 May it was considered Kampfwert I and 92% mobile.

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Niels Henkemans

@Niels_1944

5 months

For some reason tonnage is given at a low number compared to other divisions, so let's skip that for now.

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Niels Henkemans

@Niels_1944

5 months

I was quite surprised by the success of my Panzer Reserve thread. Thank you all for sharing, and welcome to my new followers! If you appreciate these deep dives into the Germans in Normandy, you might also enjoy my book series (in progress):

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Niels Henkemans

@Niels_1944

5 months

A number of Panzer divisions were north of the Seine, like the 2.Pz.Div. On 1 May it was Kampfwert I and 100% mobile.

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Niels Henkemans

@Niels_1944

5 months

The situation was different for the 116.Pz., division which, like 2.Pz. was Army Group B reserve. On 1 May it was merely considered Kampfwert III. This meant it was suitable for defense only. Mobility was just 7.5%

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Niels Henkemans

@Niels_1944

5 months

On 1 June it was again considered suitable for all offensive operations.

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Niels Henkemans

@Niels_1944

5 months

On 1 June the mobility numbers were a little lower, but the divisions remained ready for all operations.

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Niels Henkemans

@Niels_1944

5 months

Again, mobility was pretty good.

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Niels Henkemans

@Niels_1944

5 months

The .Pz.Div. was also in the northern sector of .B, but was OKW reserve. On 1 May its condition was such, that only a battlegroup was taken into account as a fighting force. Although 100% mobile, this was only Kampfwert II.

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Niels Henkemans

@Niels_1944

5 months

Transport tonnage was close to that of other Pz.Divs considered to be Kampfwert I.

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Niels Henkemans

@Niels_1944

5 months

This improved towards D-Day, but it was still only considered suitable for limited offensive operations. This would mean it was Kampfwert II at best. Training above platoon level was insufficient.

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Niels Henkemans

@Niels_1944

5 months

The 17.SS-Pz.Gren.Div. was in the southern half of France. It was OKW reserve as well. On 1 May its issues were such that only a battlegroup was taken into account. It was considered Kampfwert II, with only minor elements mobile.

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Niels Henkemans

@Niels_1944

5 months

Mobility had clearly improved quite significantly.

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Niels Henkemans

@Niels_1944

5 months

This hadn't changed by 1 June, when the rest of the division was considered merely ready for local defense operations.

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Niels Henkemans

@Niels_1944

2 years

Thread (well sort of) I frequently get asked for recommendations on English language books about German troops in Normandy. I always struggle with that because there are very few I like. One of my all time favorites is Zetterling's 'Normandy 1944', but its not for everyone...

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Niels Henkemans

@Niels_1944

5 months

The numbers of tonnage don't make sense, but the percentages are likely correct.

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Niels Henkemans

@Niels_1944

3 years

"A report has come in from the Soemba, That their salvoes go off like a Rhumba, Two guns, they sound fine, But the third five point nine, He am bust and refuse to go boomba." A.D. Nicholl, Director of Operations Division (Foreign)

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Niels Henkemans

@Niels_1944

4 years

There seem to be two options in talks about German MGs on the D-Day beaches: 1) All guns MG42s (especially at Omaha) 2) Just old and captured MGs Neither are true. Let’s take a quick look at the available numbers for the 716ID and 352ID. [I’ll ignore the Osttruppen for now]

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Niels Henkemans

@Niels_1944

5 months

Although the division's six Pz.Gren. battalions were supposed to be fully motorised, two had to use bicycle and ad-hoc motorisation for their heavy weapons. The other four battalions had received ad-hoc motorisation.

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Niels Henkemans

@Niels_1944

5 months

There was a total lack of transport tonnage for the supply troops. The issue was so serious that no authorized or available tonnage was even mentioned.

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Niels Henkemans

@Niels_1944

5 months

Even further south were three more panzer divisions, all of the Army Group G reserve. One of these was the 2.SS-Pz.Div. On 1 May only a battle group was taken into consideration. It was Kampfwert II, with only ad-hoc mobility.

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Niels Henkemans

@Niels_1944

5 months

On 1 June the issues were still severe. The battle group was still only Kampfwert II.

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Niels Henkemans

@Niels_1944

5 months

By 1 June the battlegroup was considered Kampwert I, but there remained serious issues in the division.

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Niels Henkemans

@Niels_1944

3 years

Information presented here is based on records held by the NIMH and a 1952 article, which has been reproduced here: Will do a proper thread on the operations of the Terrible Twins in Normandy later. (I have a family connection through an uncle's father)

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Niels Henkemans

@Niels_1944

5 months

The division was particularly weak on armour. Available StuGs, Pz.IVs and Panthers were at 56%, 97% and 37%, respectively. These numbers also shows that the division was using a fair number of StuGs instead of Pz.IVs.

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Niels Henkemans

@Niels_1944

5 months

The division's mobility was nonetheless poor.

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Niels Henkemans

@Niels_1944

5 months

On 1 May the 9.Pz.Div. was still organizing. It was being reconstituted using remnants of the division and the 155.Res.Pz.Div. It only had a battle group available, but did have 100% mobility.

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Niels Henkemans

@Niels_1944

5 months

Transport tonnage remained low. (Total authorized actually 6435, 67435)

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Niels Henkemans

@Niels_1944

5 months

By 1 June the division was considered suitable for limited offensive operations (Kampfwert II)

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Niels Henkemans

@Niels_1944

4 months

It's official now: apparently I really did write a book 😃 #defendingnormandy #dday80 #book

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Niels Henkemans

@Niels_1944

3 years

Thread: German orbats German document can be very interesting, even if you don’t speak German. Their visual OOBs are prob the best example of that, if you know what the symbols mean. Yes, you can look those up online, but how about a crash course in several threads?

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Niels Henkemans

@Niels_1944

3 years

In the end H.N.M.S. Soemba was ready in time for D-Day and engaged German targets from a position between Utah and Omaha Beach

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Niels Henkemans

@Niels_1944

5 months

Thread (on going) With #DDay80 approaching fast, I'll try to address some myths. Let's begin with Omaha Beach, or more precisely the 352.I.D. It's been called everything from elite to poor, but usually such extremes are not based on actual records. This list is.😎

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Niels Henkemans

@Niels_1944

3 years

It is well known that the German military had great difficult replacing losses. This did not only apply to manpower, but also to weaponry. Here are some of the numbers for Normandy. (losses on the left, replacements on the right)

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Niels Henkemans

@Niels_1944

2 years

Spent an excellent Sunday with @HistorianBlood at Overloon. Enjoyed some lovely heavy metal. Even the Germans were so impressed they just let it go 🙃

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Niels Henkemans

@Niels_1944

2 years

#HistoryWritersDay22 I'd hoped #defendingnormandy would have been released by now, but, like for all of you, it is a waiting game right now. Instead I can offer some teasers. Volume 1 (well 1a and 1b) will by organised pretty much like this:

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Niels Henkemans

@Niels_1944

11 months

For those who want to see some German maps. This is 7 July.

Ben Mayne

@BattlefieldBen

11 months

Tonight I will be live with Paul on @WW2TV for ‘Tommies Week’ as I discuss Operation Charnwood. Join us tonight at 7pm (UK time)

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Niels Henkemans

@Niels_1944

5 months

@ourpussports Here you go: Four Panzer Divs. kinda fully ready for action on D-Day. Rest not so much. 😉 The four considered ready for all offensive operations were the 2nd, 21st, Pz.Lehr and 12.SS-Pz.Divs. Three of those on correct side of Seine and in or close to Normandy.

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Niels Henkemans

@Niels_1944

5 months

I hope this overview of some characteristics of the 'Panzer Reserve' helps to better understand what they were really capable of on D-Day. I may expand this thread to address manpower and/or training issues as well. If you like to support me, you can at

Buy Niels_1944 a Coffee. ko-fi.com/niels_1944

Become a supporter of Niels_1944 today! ❤️ Ko-fi lets you support the creators you love with no fees on donations.

ko-fi.com

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Niels Henkemans

@Niels_1944

3 years

Announcement! Time to reveal the title and publisher of my book: 'Defending Normandy' Published by Panzerwrecks. More details and cover to follow!

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Niels Henkemans

@Niels_1944

3 years

"To find any Yard for the Soemba We've searched from the Clyde to the Hoomba But we haven't got room For Van Tromp's ruddy Broom Much less for this useless old Loomba" G.A. Bassett For Director of Dockyards

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Niels Henkemans

@Niels_1944

3 years

It was answered in a series of poems from other commands "This is very grave news from the Soemba, Whose guns are all needed to go boomba, On a fast nearing day - Though we cannot say When exactly will rise the balloonba." R.K. Dickson Director of Plans

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Niels Henkemans

@Niels_1944

3 years

"These ersats-made guns of the Soemba's D.G.D. has said times without numbers, If OPS want nice pops, At the Huns, then these guns, Must be changed for some British made Boombas." V.C. Begg Gunnery and Anti-Aircraft Warfare

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Niels Henkemans

@Niels_1944

3 years

... Though some of the minutes are just on the verge I note with regret no proposals emerge. I can only assume that the Staff and Soemba Have returned with with relief to their usual Sloemba." A.B. Cunningham First Sea Lord

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Niels Henkemans

@Niels_1944

3 years

To continue in Dutch: "Waarom wordt nog niet begonnen Met verwisselen der kanonnen? Rijmpjes maken helpt geen zier Want met pen, inkt en papier Werd geen oorlog ooit gewonnen" Van Holthe Dutch Naval Liaison Off. in Defence of H.N.M.S. "Soemba"

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Niels Henkemans

@Niels_1944

3 years

Then the Dutch joined in as well "After so much backchat it is but right That Soemba should join in this fight Because she loves very much To be rude too, and in Dutch. So no one can read it, serve you right!"

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Niels Henkemans

@Niels_1944

3 years

"It is agreed (in every quarter) That to get results you oughter, Make the boomba under water. As Gun-Boombas aren't my line I suggest she tries a Mine." John Cowie Director of Operations Division (Mining)

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Niels Henkemans

@Niels_1944

3 years

"I hasten to say In no uncertain way That my personal cares Are as few as my hairs. With some satisfaction I note proposed action And pass for notation With gratification." E.M. Evans-Lombe Director of Gunnery and Anti-Aircraft Warfare

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Niels Henkemans

@Niels_1944

3 years

"Best Plans! Where childlike learning sits Remote from worldly cares And leaves to skilled Division its Administry affairs (With apologies to Oriel College)" C.C. Hughes Hallett, Director of Plans (Q)

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Niels Henkemans

@Niels_1944

3 years

"This dreadful affair of the Soemba Is really too hard for a "Plumber" Referred with a laugh Straight back to the Staff for the personal care of E-Loemba*." Olivir Bevir Director of Naval Ordnance *E.M. Evans-Lombe

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Niels Henkemans

@Niels_1944

3 years

Which has been freely translated as "Oh why have you not yet begun The exchange of (above-mentioned) gun? How can rhymes help you when, No ink, paper or pen Have ever a (bally) war won."

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Niels Henkemans

@Niels_1944

3 years

"Soemba has awakened the Staff from repose, I am amazed, all the same, that they do not propose To allocate Soemba with modification (Soft velvet chairs the one stipulation) To the "Overlord" plan for accommodation ...

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Niels Henkemans

@Niels_1944

3 years

Thread: German static divisions in Normandy supposedly had very poor personnel. While true to some extend but as always it's a bit more complicated. Cross-Channel Attack (1951) made a serious attempt for a balanced view. Arguably better than much what has been written since!

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Niels Henkemans

@Niels_1944

1 year

Great example of why it is important to check your sources, and your sources' sources, and your sources' sources' sources. The core material is not always what it has been turned into by others. (and yes, if you come across certain authors there's reason to be extra vigilant)

Stephen Fisher

@SeaSpitfires

1 year

Damn. Drilling into an account I was going to use and now discover I can't. Still, a lesson in always checking historiography. The account is from Spitfire pilot Wing Cdr Glover who was spotting for Warspite on D-Day. He describes turbulence from Warspite's shells! Except...

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Niels Henkemans

@Niels_1944

5 months

By 1 June the division had a mobility of 20-30%. The battlegroup was still Kampfwert II, and the division as a whole was Kampfwert III: suitable for defensive operations.

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Niels Henkemans

@Niels_1944

5 months

Although the division had a fair number of Pz.IVs, no Panthers were yet reported.

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Niels Henkemans

@Niels_1944

2 years

A disadvantage of waiting for your book to come out is not really being able to talk about its content. On the other hand... you at least have time to prepare a number of presentations for when it finally does come out. ;-)

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Niels Henkemans

@Niels_1944

3 years

Update: my book about German troops in Normandy is making good progress and will be announced soon, once we have figured out the photo to go on the cover... Yes, I have a clear favorite, but it may be too expensive to use.🙄Perhaps one of you has a brilliant suggestion?

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Niels Henkemans

@Niels_1944

5 months

Mobility was indeed poor.

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Niels Henkemans

@Niels_1944

5 months

The final Panzer Division in the West was the 11.Pz.Div. Much like the 9th, it was being reconstituted using its own remnants and the 273.Res.Pz.Div. On 1 May its battlegroup was considered Kampwert II.

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Niels Henkemans

@Niels_1944

11 months

For those interested, here's a small overview of when different German years-of-birth started being called up. When you call up more than one year per year you're in a race to the bottom... 🧐 [Ages are simplified and the list only includes years that were called-up in full]

Niels Henkemans

@Niels_1944

3 years

These are the PWs captured up to 30 June (when the Cotentin had been cleared by US forces). The most obvious is the massive presence of men born in 1925-26, making them 17-19 yo. This group amounts to about 19% of all PWs.

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Niels Henkemans

@Niels_1944

5 months

The Panther battalion was not available as it was training at Mailly-le-Camp and basic weapons like MGs were seriously short

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Niels Henkemans

@Niels_1944

3 years

"To the foregoing notes on the Soemba Which imply she is now a back Noemba You must pay no regard, For she's got to bombard (As is very well known to E-Loemba)." E.N. Syfret Vice-Chief of Naval Staff

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Niels Henkemans

@Niels_1944

3 years

One of her guns was out of order. Knowing that replacing it in those busy times would get little priority, A.D. Nicoll decided to make the request as a poem to help move things along. Yes, a poem. (image above is of the Flores, used because it shows the guns very well (NIHM))

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Niels Henkemans

@Niels_1944

3 years

Just learned that the article I wrote with @seanboy_50 is now available to all:

Solving the D-Day Mystery at "Dead Man’s Corner"

Analysis uncovers the true identity of a soldier killed during combat in Normandy and left for several days in his Stuart tank.

warfarehistorynetwork.com

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Niels Henkemans

@Niels_1944

5 months

If you'd like to know more about German armour in Normandy, the talk I did on @WW2TV might be of interest. It also covers armour outside of the Panzer Divisions.

Panzers - German Armoured Units in Normandy on D-Day

Panzers - German Armoured Units in Normandy on D-DayMore Third Reich content on WW2TVhttps://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDG3XyxGI5lCujMWbs-LgTWe18lmGXtOSPart...

www.youtube.com

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Niels Henkemans

@Niels_1944

4 months

It's a great little book to understand the battle. Highly recommended!

Sean

@seanboy_50

4 months

80 years ago #OTD in #Normandy44 began a nasty little scrap in and around Bretteville-l'Orgueilleuse. You can read about it in this little book and follow the battle either here on the ground or using Google Earth. Handy, eh? Up the Johns! #WW2 #DDay80 #ShamelessPlug

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Niels Henkemans

@Niels_1944

1 year

Almost done* with the maps 😬 #defendingnormandy

Niels Henkemans

@Niels_1944

1 year

47 maps and 19 graphics done*. On to Volume Ib 😬 *well, until I hear back from the publisher

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Niels Henkemans

@Niels_1944

3 years

Although I typically post about German forces, I'm actually just as interested in the allies. When studying the fighting on the Cotentin peninsula it quickly becomes clear how costly the campaign was for both sides. Here is a casualty list of the infantry regiments of the US 4ID

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Niels Henkemans

@Niels_1944

3 years

To celebrate my 1 year Twitter anniversary: a thread of threads, posts, and videos. And a big thank you to all my followers, friends and Ko-fi supporters. You’ve made 2021 far better than it otherwise would have been.

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Niels Henkemans

@Niels_1944

3 years

#OTD in 1942 Hitler issued his infamous 'commando order'. All allied personnel involved in 'commando operations' was to be killed This is an Ob.West copy from Russian archives. #WW2 #SWW

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Niels Henkemans

@Niels_1944

4 years

In a few hours I'll be talking about German armor in Normandy on D-Day

WW2TV Paul Woodadge

@WW2TV

4 years

Pick up any book on DDay and you'll find a thorough breakdown of the Allied units. Harder to find is accurate information about the German defenders. Tonight @Niels_1944 will run through just exactly what German Armoured units were in Normandy 7.00pm UK

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Niels Henkemans

@Niels_1944

4 years

Coming in April

WW2TV Paul Woodadge

@WW2TV

4 years

This one will be really good. So many errors to correct and myths to bust with @Niels_1944

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Niels Henkemans

@Niels_1944

8 months

As I wait for the book cover to be announced, I'm fine tuning the 47 maps for Volume 1A #defendingnormandy #panzerwrecks

Niels Henkemans

@Niels_1944

1 year

Almost done* with the maps 😬 #defendingnormandy

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Niels Henkemans

@Niels_1944

1 year

European beaches have plenty of #WW2 history. As does my favorite Dutch beach. Tragically, 6 French commandos lost their lives in the winter of 1944

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Niels Henkemans

@Niels_1944

5 months

Noticed some typos 😬 Sorry about that. #editbutton First message should obviously be "10 mobile divisions, 9 of which were Panzer Divs (1SS, 2SS, 12SS, 2Pz, 9Pz, 11Pz, 21Pz, 116Pz & Pz.Lehr) and 1 was a Pz.Gren.Div. (17SS)"

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Niels Henkemans

@Niels_1944

4 months

Look what was waiting for me... Unboxing video later today. #dday80 #Normandy #book

Niels Henkemans

@Niels_1944

4 months

BOOK UPDATE 🥳 Books have arrived at the publisher. Link to order them should be live later today. #Normandy #defendingnormandy #dday80

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Niels Henkemans

@Niels_1944

4 months

I know many people are still catching up on all the #dday80 content from yesterday. But don't forget that much of the heavy fighting only began on the 7th... Here are some videos I did about that

Knocked out Stug - June 7th Normandy (Sainte-Mère-Église)

Knocked out Stug - June 7th Normandy (Sainte-Mère-Église)Conflict on CameraNiels Henkemans @Niels_1944 joins us to talk about a photo taken of a knocked out ...

www.youtube.com

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Niels Henkemans

@Niels_1944

5 months

@Maynardgcrabbs Despite their best intentions, a lot of scholars are influenced by outdated analysis they trust to be correct. Unless you start digging into the Germans, it's a difficult trap to avoid. Much of our knowledge of the Germans needs to be rebuild. I'm trying to do that with my books

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Niels Henkemans

@Niels_1944

5 months

My publisher has added some sample pages of my book. Check it out to get a better idea of what to expect #defendingnormandy #dday80

Defending Normandy Vol.1A

Defending Normandy Vol.1A: German Chain of Command, LXXXIV. A.K. & Infantry Divisions on the Cotentin by Niels Henkemans. Coming May 2024.

www.panzerwrecks.com

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Niels Henkemans

@Niels_1944

1 year

Book update: The editor *finished* his work on #defendingnormandy . My turn to check & answer his questions. Also means I finally can start to finish maps, graphics and other illustrations. That includes these maps, showing six divisions on 5 June 1944 #WW2 #SWW #DDay #Normandy

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Niels Henkemans

@Niels_1944

2 years

A standard Wochenschau is a mix of homefront news (political, cultural, sports, war effort) and news from the fighting fronts. The propaganda use of these newsreels is obvious, often expressed through bombastic music and narration. Setbacks are downplayed or go unmentioned. /2

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Niels Henkemans

@Niels_1944

4 months

Very special to have been a small part of the process and even more special to be able to attend the ceremony today. Often it looked like this would never work out, but ultimately everything aligned. Welcome home . Nathan B. Baskind. May you rest in peace

Romain Bréget - French Battlefields Guide

@Kormin_

4 months

#Normandy WE DID IT. 80 years after Nathan B Baskind died and was buried in a German mass grave, he is now resting amongst his American comrads in arms, and under a Star of David grave. It was an honor to have been a small part of this incredibly emotional journey.

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Niels Henkemans

@Niels_1944

1 year

(Thread) Since people are asking @ww2tv when my book about German troops on the Cotentin Peninsula will be out, it's only fair I explain what's going on myself... #defendingnormandy #Normandy #WW2

Ask Me Anything 8

Ask Me Anything 8A random AMAhttps://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDG3XyxGI5lByksszEbtGe1Ar2h9I3-OuPlease click subscribe for updates and the bell icon for not...

www.youtube.com

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Niels Henkemans

@Niels_1944

1 year

Famous photo but almost always miscaptioned. There is an account from a soldier who was there when this photo was taken. It wasn't really *near* St.Lô, but close to Carentan. The US public was very familiar with St.Lô so many captions simplified things so people could relate.. 🧐

J&L Historical

@Jason_R_Burt

1 year

In July of 1944, American soldiers race across a dirt road while under heavy German fire near St. Lo, France. 🪖

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Niels Henkemans

@Niels_1944

6 months

There are worse things someone can say about your book 😎

Niels Henkemans

@Niels_1944

7 months

Ladies and Gentlemen, here we go!

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Niels Henkemans

@Niels_1944

4 months

D-day had been long expected by both the Allies and Germans. But, when it finally began, what was the German population told by the weekly newsreel? #dday80

Niels Henkemans

@Niels_1944

2 years

Thread Ever noticed that documentaries all seem to use the same German footage? That’s because many weekly newsreels (Die Deutsche Wochenschau) survived the war and are now the prime source of moving footage. Let’s explore the first newsreel for the landings in Normandy. /1

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Niels Henkemans

@Niels_1944

3 years

Ever wondered what a German Table of Organization and Equipment (TO/E) looks like? Let's take a look. A Kriegsstärkenachweisung (KStN) has a unique number and date. This is KStN 131n of 1 May 1944 which covers a standard infantry company in mid-1944.

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