The division participated in the invasion of
France (1940) as part of the
1st Army. In July 1940, it was transferred back to
Poland where it was upgraded to 60th Infantry Division (motorized). During this upgrading, it was reduced to two regiments (the Inf.Rgt 92 and Inf.Rgt 244); the other regiment (Inf.Rgt 243) was reassigned. In January 1941, the division was moved to
Romania and, in April, it took part in the invasion of
Yugoslavia and
Greece. This division participated in
Operation Barbarossa, advancing through
Uman and across the
Dnieper River as part of the 1st Panzergruppe (commanded by
General Von Kleist). It took part in the attack and occupation of
Rostov until it was pulled back along with other German troops to the
Mius River. In a series of defensive battles during the winter of 1941–42, it managed to hold its position and then in March 1942 took part in the battles of
Kharkov. Later in 1942, the division took part in the drive on
Stalingrad. During the latter part of 1942, it was involved in the bitter battles for this city, and then in early 1943 was encircled at
Stalingrad, and destroyed. In mid-1943, the division was reformed as a
panzergrenadier formation called
Panzer-Grenadier-Division Feldherrnhalle, as a part of the
Feldherrnhalle organisation. For more information, see also
Panzerkorps Feldherrnhalle. == Commanders ==