| 42nd Jäger Division | |
|---|---|
 42. Jäger Division Vehicle Insignia | |
| Active | 1939–45 |
| Country |  Nazi Germany |
| Branch | Army |
| Type | Infantry |
| Size | Division |
| Engagements | World War II |
42ndJäger Division (German:42. Jäger-Division) was a light infantry formation of theGerman Army duringWorld War II. It can trace its origins to the187th Infantry Division which was based inAustria until September 1942, when it was redesignated as the187th Reserve Division. The 187th was sent toCroatia and was redesignated the 42ndJäger Division in January 1944.42. Jäger-Division was formed 22 Dec 1943 in Croatia from the187. Reserve-Division. After taking part in OperationMargarthe, (the military occupation ofHungary) in March 1944, and then returned toYugoslavia in May. In July 1944 the division was transferred toItaly where it remained for the rest of the war and surrendered in April 1945.[1][2]
The main purpose of the GermanJäger Divisions was to fight in adverse terrain where smaller, coordinated formations were more facilely combat capable than the brute force offered by the standard infantry divisions. TheJäger divisions were more heavily equipped than their 'mountain' counterparts, but not as well armed as a larger infantry division. In the early stages of the war, they were the interface divisions fighting in rough terrain and foothills as well as urban areas, between the mountains and the plains. TheJägers (meaninghunters in German) relied on a high degree of training and slightly superior communications, as well as their not inconsiderable artillery support. In the middle stages of the war, as the standard infantry divisions were downsized, the Jäger structure of divisions with two infantry regiments, became the standard table of organization.[3]
Adolf Hitler declared that all infantry divisions were to beGrenadier Divisions in 1943 except for his eliteJäger and MountainJaeger divisions.[3]
The division is one of several implicated in theRonchidoso massacre [it],Emilia-Romagna between 28 and 30 November 1944, when 66 civilians were executed.[4][5]
As 187th Division
Austria (October 1939 - August 1942)
As 187thReserve Division
Austria (August 1942 - September 1942)
Croatia (September 1942 - January 1944)
As 42ndJäger Division
Croatia (January 1944 - March 1944)
Hungary (March 1944 - May 1944)
Yugoslavia (May 1944 - July 1944)
Italy (July 1944 - April 1945)[1]