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| 278th Infanterie-Division 278th Volksgrenadier Division | |
|---|---|
| 278. Infanterie-Division 278. Volksgrenadier-Division | |
 Vehicle insignia | |
| Active | Feb 1943 – 1945 |
| Country |  Nazi Germany |
| Branch | Army |
| Type | Infantry |
| Size | Division |
| Engagements | World War II |
| Commanders | |
| Notable commanders | Lt GeneralHarry Hoppe |
The278th Infantry DivisionGerman:278. Infanterie-Division was aGerman Army infantry division inWorld War II. Formed in 1940 from older personnel, the first 278th never saw combat and was dissolved after the fall to France. The second 278th was formed in mid 1942 inBelgium and was sent to Army Group CItaly in late 1943.
Serving on coastal defense duties and taking part inanti-partisan operations inIstria while continuing its training. In mid-May 1944, the 278th division received orders to move to the battle area on the Adriatic for operational assignment to the 10th German Army. Facing Lieutenant GeneralWladyslaw Anders’ PolishII Corps, Hoppe's division fought a ferocious defensive battle for the port city ofAncona from mid-June until early July 1944. After halting the Polish attack early in July the 278th Infantry Division faced a renewed attack by the Polish II Corps on July 17. Pushing the Germans beyond theEsino River, Ancona fell to the Poles on the 18th.
It was then assigned toLXXVI Panzer Corps defending theGothic Line. After heavy losses the 278th was formed into a Volksgrenadier Division in early 1945. Later it was transferred to the 1st Parachute Corps defending theBrenner Pass where most of the division was encircled, the remainder later surrendered on the May 2, 1945
The division has been implicated in a number of war crimes in Italy between March and July 1944, with up to seven civilians executed in each incident.[1]
1944