The division operated in the Saar region as part of the 1st Army reserves.[1] After the German capture of Warsaw it was transferred to occupied Poland, where it served as a frontier guard in the south of the German-Soviet demarcation line to prevent Soviet attacks during the timespan in which the main German forces were pinned down in the west.[2] On 8 June 1940, it was organizationally part of the Oberost group (Grenzabschnittskommando Süd), along with the 228th and 311th Infantry Divisions.[3] It served as part of XXXIV Army Corps.[1] By 25 June 1940, it had been moved to Gen. z.b.V. II in Hanover to prepare for dissolution.[4]
The 231st Infantry Division was disbanded on 31 July 1940,[2] at Ohrdruf, Thuringia.[1] During its entire lifespan, it had not once seen combat.[2]
Noteworthy individuals
Hans Schönhärl, first and only divisional commander of the 231st Infantry Division.[2]
References
^ abcdTessin, Georg (1977). "231. Infanterie-Division". Die Landstreitkräfte 201-280. Verbände und Truppen der deutschen Wehrmacht und Waffen-SS im Zweiten Weltkrieg 1939-1945 (in German). Vol. 8. Osnabrück: Biblio Verlag. pp. 142–146. ISBN3764810971.
^ abcdeMitcham, Samuel W. (2007). "231ST INFANTRY DIVISION". German Order of Battle: 1st-290th Infantry Divisions in WWII. Stackpole Books. p. 296. ISBN9780811746540.
^Schramm, Percy E. (2005) [2003]. Kriegstagebuch des OKW. Vol. 1 (Studienausgabe ed.). Augsburg: Verlagsgruppe Weltbild GmbH. p. 1123.
^Schramm, Percy E. (2005) [2003]. Kriegstagebuch des OKW. Vol. 1 (Studienausgabe ed.). Augsburg: Verlagsgruppe Weltbild GmbH. p. 1125.