Panzer Army Africa


The Panzer Army Africa was a joint German-Italian field army that fought in the North African campaign during World War II. It consisted of one German corps and three Italian corps. In 1943, during the Tunisian campaign, the Panzerarmee Afrika 's name was changed to Army Group Africa, and its composition became the newly-formed German 5th Army plus the Italian 1st Army. During the campaigns in North Africa, the Panzerarmee Afrika was subordinate to the Italian command and to German command headquarters in the Mediterranean.

History

Panzer Group Africa

When the Afrikakorps was formed on 11 January 1941 it was subordinated to the Italian chain of command in Africa. In the middle of 1941 the Oberkommando der Wehrmacht created a larger command structure in Africa, forming a new headquarters, Panzer Group Africa. On 15 August 1941, Panzer Group Africa was activated with newly promoted General der Panzertruppe Erwin Rommel in command. The Panzer Group controlled the Afrikakorps and other units that were sent to North Africa.

Panzer Army Africa

Panzer Group Africa was renamed Panzer Army Africa on 30 January 1942.

German-Italian Panzer Army

Panzer Army Africa was renamed German-Italian Panzer Army and subordinated to the Comando Supremo and to the Oberbefehlshaber Süd in October 1942 during the long retreat after the defeat at the Second Battle of El Alamein during the Western Desert Campaign.

Army Group Africa

In February 1943, the headquarters was expanded and called Army Group Africa to manage the defence of Tunisia during the final stages of the North African Campaign. Army Group Africa included the German Fifth Panzer Army under General Hans-Jürgen von Arnim and the Italian 1st Army under General Giovanni Messe. Command of the Army Group was turned over from Rommel to General von Arnim in March. Both General von Arnim and Messe surrendered on May 1943, and the Army Group Africa was disbanded. Thus, ending the Axis presence in Africa.

Order of battle

Panzer Group Africa