The 542. Sperr-Division was created on 8 July 1944 as part of the 29th
Aufstellungswelle in
Truppenübungsplatz Stablack. On 15 July 1944, the Division was renamed
542. Grenadier-Division and sent to the Eastern Front as part of
Army Group Centre. On 12 August 1944, the unit was renamed
542nd Infantry Division, and again renamed on 9 October 1944 to
542nd Volksgrenadier Division. The Division was pushed into the
Hel Peninsula during the Soviet
East Prussian offensive and surrendered in April 1945 ==Commanders==