5th Panzer Army

5th Panzer Army
5th Panzer Army
Active
  • 8 December 1942 – 13 May 1943
  • 24 January 1944 – 17 April 1945
Country Nazi Germany
Branch Wehrmacht
TypePanzer
SizeArmy
Engagements
Commanders
Notable
commanders

5th Panzer Army was the name of two different German armoured divisons during World War II. The first division was formed in 1942 during the North African campaign. It surrendered to Allies at Tunis in 1943. The army was formed again in France in 1944 and fought in Western Europe. It surrendered in the Ruhr pocket in 1945.

History

North African Campaign

The 5th Panzer Army was created on 8 December 1942 to defend Tunisia against Allied attacks. The army fought with the Italian First Army. The army was defeated on 13 May 1943, along with its commander Gustav von Vaerst.