Army Group B was one of three German army groups that participated in the Battle of France during the Second World War.
Under the command of General Fedor von Bock, it played a crucial role in executing the German invasion plan, known as Fall Gelb (Case Yellow), in May 1940.
Unlike Army Group A, which spearheaded the decisive breakthrough through the Ardennes, Army Group B was tasked with drawing Allied forces into Belgium by launching a powerful offensive in the Low Countries.
German Panzers from Army Group B advancing through Northern France on the 15th May 1940. In the summer of 1940, Army Group B’s tanks thundered through northern France, executing a swift and relentless advance. Panzers smashed through enemy defenses, encircling retreating Allied forces as dust and fire filled the air. With Blitzkrieg precision, they pushed ever closer to Paris, sealing France’s fate in weeks.
...instrumental in the swift and overwhelming German victory...
This deception successfully lured the British Expeditionary Force (BEF) and French forces northward, exposing their flank to the rapid thrust of Army Group A.
Comprising several panzer and infantry divisions, Army Group B swiftly overran the Netherlands and parts of Belgium, contributing to the encirclement of Allied forces at Dunkirk.
Its operations were instrumental in the swift and overwhelming German victory, leading to the fall of France in June 1940.
Key Objectives
Army Group B would playe a critical role in the German invasion of France, executing a strategic diversionary attack to draw Allied forces away from the decisive breakthrough point.
Commanded by General Fedor von Bock, its main objective was to invade the Low Countries—Belgium and the Netherlands—to lure British and French forces northward, exposing their flank to Army Group A’s surprise attack through the Ardennes.
The Key Army Group B Personnel were:
- General Fedor von Bock – Commander of Army Group B, overseeing operations in Belgium and the Netherlands.
- General Kurt Student – Led airborne forces in the Netherlands, crucial to capturing key objectives.
- General Walther von Reichenau – Commanded the 6th Army, the main force of Army Group B.
...prompting them to move their best forces...
The German plan, known as Fall Gelb (Case Yellow), involved a feint by Army Group B while Army Group A executed the main thrust through the Ardennes.
Army Group B’s assault was designed to convince the Allies that the primary German offensive was occurring in Belgium, prompting them to move their best forces, including the British Expeditionary Force (BEF) and French First Army, into Flanders.
This would leave the Ardennes lightly defended, allowing Army Group A’s panzers to break through.
...would overwhelm Dutch and Belgian defences...
Army Group B planned to launch a swift offensive into the Netherlands and Belgium on the first day of the operation – 10th May 1940.
The paratrooper assault on Fort Eben-Emael and other strategic Belgian defences would allow for rapid progress.
German airborne troops would seize key bridges and fortifications, facilitating the advance of mechanized and infantry units.
By employing Blitzkrieg tactics—combining air support, rapid mechanized movement, and shock assaults—Army Group B would overwhelm Dutch and Belgian defences.
Army Group B’s ultimate success would help isolate Allied forces at Dunkirk, which would help lead to the eventual fall of France in June 1940.
The Commanders
Army Group B was commanded by Generaloberst Fedor von Bock, an experienced and disciplined officer who played a key role in Germany’s early Second World War victories.
He, along with several notable subordinates, helped shape the force that would execute the northern thrust of the German invasion of France in May 1940.
Bock was a Prussian military officer with a career dating back to the German Empire. Having served in the First World War, he remained in the Reichswehr during the interwar period and rose through the ranks.
By 1939, he commanded Army Group North during the invasion of Poland, demonstrating his ability to execute large-scale operations.
A strict, by-the-book leader, von Bock was known for his unwavering discipline and commitment to carrying out orders, even if he personally disagreed with them.
His leadership of Army Group B was marked by meticulous planning and adherence to the broader German strategy.
General Fedor von Bock commanded Army Group B during the Invasion of France in 1940.
https://www.ww2incolor.com/gallery/german-forces/18484/generalfeldmarschall-fedor-von-bock
...emphasizing speed and coordination...
A key subordinate, General Walther von Reichenau led the 6th Army, the main force within Army Group B.
He was a strong supporter of Hitler and a proponent of Blitzkrieg tactics, emphasizing speed and coordination between tanks, infantry, and air support.
His aggressive leadership style contributed to Army Group B’s rapid advances in Belgium. General Kurt Student was a pioneer of airborne warfare, leading the Fallschirmjäger (paratroopers).
His forces played a crucial role in seizing key bridges and fortifications in Belgium, most notably the daring assault on Fort Eben-Emael.
These commanders' experience and leadership helped Army Group B achieve its objectives, paving the way for the fall of France.
Notable Units
During the Battle of France in 1940, Army Group B consisted of several key formations, including powerful infantry and mechanized divisions.
These units played a crucial role in the northern offensive through Belgium and the Netherlands, drawing Allied forces away from the German main thrust in the Ardennes.
The 6th Army, under General Walther von Reichenau, was the primary formation of Army Group B. It led the assault into Belgium, tasked with securing key positions and drawing Allied forces into battle.
...to execute a rapid conquest...
The 6th Army included elite divisions such as:
- 4th Panzer Division – Equipped with Panzer III and Panzer IV tanks, this division played a key role in rapid armored advances.
- 3rd and 4th Infantry Divisions – Well-trained and experienced from the Polish campaign, these divisions provided the backbone of Army Group B’s advance.
- 18th Army – The Drive Through the Netherlands
Led by General Georg von Küchler, the 18th Army focused on the Netherlands. It was reinforced by airborne troops and mechanized units to execute a rapid conquest.
Key formations included the 22nd Air Landing Division which specialised in capturing key Dutch airfields, ensuring German control of the skies. Additionally the 9th Panzer Division – A mobile armoured force - was tasked with breakthrough operations against Dutch defences.
...crucial to Army Group B’s success...
Notably, the Fallschirmjäger, under General Kurt Student, were crucial to Army Group B’s success.
These airborne units were specially trained in parachute assaults and elite infantry tactics.
Their most famous operation would be on the first day of the invasion, with a daring assault on Fort Eben-Emael, where small teams of German paratroopers would neutralise one of Belgium’s strongest fortresses within hours.
...provided both mobility and firepower...
Army Group B relied on a range of advanced equipment to execute its Blitzkrieg tactics effectively.
The Panzer III and IV tanks, armed with 37mm and 75mm guns, provided both mobility and firepower, allowing German forces to push through enemy defenses with speed and precision.
Junkers Ju 52 transport planes played a vital role in airborne operations, delivering Fallschirmjäger paratroopers to key strategic locations, such as Dutch airfields and Belgian fortifications.
An improvised ‘self-propelled’ 3.7 cm Pak 36 somewhere in France or Belgium during the summer of 1940. The recipe seems simple enough: A ‘doorknocker’, a captured Renault UE tankette, a piece of wood, and some leather straps to keep everything in place. The idea sounded good enough for the new ‘Panzerjäger’ to be produced by the hundreds (700 built it seems). Renamed a Selbstfahrlafette für 3.7 cm Pak36 auf Renault UE(f), it served mainly on the Russian front, where, at least during 1941/42, the Pak 36 was still very effective in dealing with Soviet armoured cars, and light/medium tanks at ranges of up to 1500 m (depending on the opponent).
...securing control of the battlefield...
In the skies, the Messerschmitt Bf 109 fighters ensured German air superiority over the Low Countries, engaging enemy aircraft and securing control of the battlefield.
Meanwhile, the infamous Stuka dive bombers (Ju 87) delivered devastating precision strikes, destroying fortifications, disrupting enemy movements, and supporting advancing ground troops.
Together, these weapons formed the backbone of Army Group B’s success, allowing for rapid advances and overwhelming firepower against Allied forces.Experience and Effectiveness
Many of Army Group B’s units were battle-hardened from the Polish campaign, making them highly effective in executing the Blitzkrieg strategy.
Their rapid, coordinated movements overwhelmed Dutch, Belgian, and French forces, playing a crucial role in the German victory in France.
The Sixth Army
Army Group B’s 6th Army was commanded by Generaloberst Walther von Reichenau, a highly experienced officer and strong advocate of Blitzkrieg tactics.
A career military man, Reichenau had served in the First World War and later became one of Hitler’s favored generals due to his loyalty and aggressive leadership style.
He played a key role in modernizing the German Army and emphasized rapid, coordinated attacks using mechanized and infantry forces.
Assisting him as Chief of Staff was Generalmajor Friedrich Paulus, a meticulous planner who later commanded the 6th Army at Stalingrad. Together, they helped shape the 6th Army’s effective operations during the Battle of France.
...a keen understanding of mechanized warfare...
Army Group B’s formidable force was composed of experienced and battle-hardened formations, each led by skilled and determined commanders.
At the helm of XVI Corps stood General of Cavalry Erich Hoepner, a seasoned strategist with a keen understanding of mechanized warfare.
His corps included the powerful 3rd Panzer Division, commanded by Generalmajor Horst Stumpff, and the equally formidable 4th Panzer Division, initially led by Generalmajor Ludwig Radlmeier before Generalmajor Johann Joachim Stever took command on June 8, 1940.
Supporting these armored spearheads was the 4th Infantry Division, under Generalleutnant Erick-Oskar Hansen, and the 33rd Infantry Division, led by Generalmajor Rudolf Sintzenich.
...the experienced General of Infantry...
Elsewhere, IV Corps, under the experienced General of Infantry Viktor von Schwedler, oversaw divisions such as the 15th Infantry Division, commanded by Generalmajor Ernst-Eberhard Hell, and the 205th Infantry Division, under Generalleutnant Ernst Richter.
Meanwhile, XI Corps, led by Generalleutnant Joachim von Kortzfleisch, directed the movements of the 7th Infantry Division, commanded by Generalmajor Eccard Freiherr von Gablenz, along with the 211th Infantry Division, under Generalmajor Kurt Renner, and the 31st Infantry Division, led by Generalleutnant Rudolf Kaempfe.
...fielded seasoned formations...
Further strengthening Army Group B’s ranks, IX Corps, under General of Infantry Hermann Geyer, and XXVII Corps, led by General of Infantry Alfred Wäger, fielded seasoned formations such as the 253rd Infantry Division, commanded by Generalleutnant Fritz Kühne, and the 269th Infantry Division, once again under the command of the formidable Generalmajor Ernst-Eberhard Hell.
Each of these units played a crucial role in Army Group B’s sweeping advance through Belgium and the Netherlands, executing lightning-fast assaults that overwhelmed Allied defenses and paved the way for the stunning German victory in France.
The Eighteenth Army
In 1940, General of Artillery Georg von Küchler commanded the 18th Army, a key formation within Army Group B tasked with the invasion of the Netherlands.
A disciplined and methodical officer, Küchler was a veteran of the First World War and had risen through the ranks during the interwar years.
Known for his strict adherence to orders and tactical expertise, he played a crucial role in coordinating the rapid German advance.
Under his leadership, the 18th Army executed a swift and overwhelming campaign in the Netherlands, combining airborne assaults and mechanized thrusts to force Dutch surrender within days.
...ready to exploit gaps in enemy lines...
Army Group B’s powerful assault force was a carefully assembled mix of elite divisions, hardened infantry, and fast-moving armored units, each led by seasoned commanders.
At the forefront, Major General Kurt Feldt commanded the 1st Cavalry Division, a mobile force ready to exploit gaps in enemy lines.
Supporting this drive was X Corps, under the battle-hardened General Christian Hansen, which fielded divisions such as the 227th and 207th Infantry Divisions, ensuring steady advances through enemy defenses.
Among the most feared formations was the SS "Adolf Hitler" Reinforced Regiment, led by the ruthless Sepp Dietrich, along with the SS "Der Führer" Reinforced Regiment, detached from the SS "Verfügungstruppe" Division—a force under the experienced SS-Gruppenführer Paul Hausser.
Their fanaticism and aggressive tactics made them a formidable force on the battlefield.
Information
Elsewhere, XXVI Corps, commanded by General Albert Wodrig, spearheaded the push with the 256th and 254th Infantry Divisions, while the 9th Panzer Division, under the daring Major General Alfred Ritter von Hubicki, brought speed and firepower to the offensive.
On the 13th May, Lieutenant General Rudolf Schmidt activated XXXIX Corps, adding further weight to the German advance.
Behind the front lines, a formidable reserve force stood ready. The 208th, 225th, and 526th Infantry Divisions could be deployed as needed, while the Air Landing Corps, controlled by the Luftwaffe, provided an airborne strike capability.
Elite units like the 7th Air Division and 22nd Air Landing Infantry Division were prepared to seize key enemy positions from the skies.
Together, these forces formed the backbone of Army Group B’s lightning-fast invasion, crushing opposition and paving the way for Germany’s swift victory in France.
Support from the Air
The success of Army Group B during the invasion of France in 1940 was heavily dependent on Luftwaffe air support, which provided crucial assistance in both the early stages of the offensive and the subsequent encirclement of Allied forces.
Commanded by Generalfeldmarschall Albert Kesselring, the Luftwaffe was instrumental in executing the Blitzkrieg strategy, ensuring rapid mobility and overwhelming firepower in support of Army Group B’s ground forces.
Key air support units included Jagdgeschwader (fighter wings), such as Jagdgeschwader 26 and Jagdgeschwader 53, which provided air superiority over the battlefield by engaging Allied aircraft and preventing their interference with ground operations.
The Messerschmitt Bf 109 and Bf 110 fighters were the primary aircraft for these missions, engaging in dogfights and protecting German bombers and ground troops.
...employed to attack key targets...
For close air support, the Stuka dive bombers (Junkers Ju 87) played a critical role.
These slow but highly accurate aircraft were employed to attack key targets, including fortifications, transport hubs, supply lines, and concentrations of enemy troops.
Their precision bombing disrupted Allied communications and command structures, sowing chaos behind enemy lines.
The Luftwaffe’s logistics were vital to the success of these operations.
With forward airfields established across Belgium and the Netherlands, German air support could respond rapidly to shifting battlefronts.
...a vital part of Army Group B’s success...
The air transport capabilities of the Junkers Ju 52 were also crucial for deploying Fallschirmjäger (paratroopers), enabling airborne assaults on key targets, such as Fort Eben-Emael in Belgium.
These airborne operations were a vital part of Army Group B’s success, allowing German forces to capture strategic locations quickly and limit Allied movement.
Overall, the coordinated use of air superiority, precision bombing, and airborne operations helped Army Group B maintain momentum, crush resistance, and prevent the Allies from reinforcing their positions.
The Luftwaffe’s strategy was seamlessly integrated with the ground offensive, making it an essential element of the German victory in France.
