Quote:
Originally Posted by Abbott Shaull
I don't think any Division actually went into with just their authorize strength. Even when they units detached to others and if they were on the line, they had other units attached to replace them...
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Actually, when the divisions didn't have their support elements, the "regular" divisions had been so stripped of any excess that when committed by themselves, the losses outstripped the ability of the division to replace. An example would be the 106th Infantry Division....only attachments it had was a towed tank destroyer battalion, and part of a antiaircraft battalion...and of course, it didn't help that they were grass green!
And then there was the practise by the veteran divisions of laying their hands on anything resembling an automatic weapon. The 2nd Infantry Division had an average of two BARs per squad, and there were some squads that had as many as 4 BARs and a bazooka, well above normal TO&E!! Not to mention helping themselves to German field phones, they were able to wire in every unit, right down to squad level...when the 106th took over the positions, they didn't have the sweet stuff...and it cost them dearly.