1st Flak Division
1st Flak Division (1st) Air Defense Command Berlin | |
---|---|
Flak | |
Role | Anti-aircraft warfare |
Size | Division |
Garrison/HQ | Berlin |
Engagements | Bombing of Berlin in World War II Battle of Berlin |
Commanders | |
Notable commanders | Otto Sydow |
The 1st Flak Division (German: 1. Flak-Division) was a Flak division of the German Luftwaffe in World War II. Its primary and most noteworthy function throughout the war was the defense of the air space of the city of Berlin.
History
The staff of the 1st Flak Division was created in Berlin (Luftgau III) on 1 July 1938 under the name "Air Defense Command Berlin" (Luftverteidigungs-Kommando Berlin). On 1 August 1939, the name was specified into "1st Air Defense Command Berlin" (Luftverteidigungs-Kommando Berlin Nr. 1).[1]: 67 The initial head of the Air Defense Command staff was a Major General named Braun, who was in August 1938 replaced by Gerhard Hoffmann.[2]
At the outbreak of war on 1 September 1939, 1st Air Defense Command consisted of elements of Flak Regiment 12, Flak Regiment 22, Flak Regiment 32, Flak Regiment 52 and Flak Regiment General Göring, spread across the various boroughs of Berlin. The overall HQ was in Berlin-Dahlem, the staffs of Flak Regiment 12, Flak Regiment 22 and Flak Regiment General Göring were positioned at Berlin-Lankwitz, Brandenburg an der Havel and Magdeburg, respectively.[3]: 22
On 1 September 1941, the Air Defense Command Berlin was renamed "1st Flak Division" (Flak-Division 1).[1]: 67 On the same day, commander Prellberg was replaced by Ludwig Schilffarth. Schilffarth was in turn replaced by Max Schaller on 20 January 1943, who was succeeded by Erich Kressmann on 18 February 1944 and by Kurt von Ludwig on 5 November 1944.[2]
Between 1940 and 1945, the 1st Flak Division was the principal defender against the Allied bombing raids against Berlin. The flak defenses of the city were powerful; by 24 January 1944, Berlin was defended by 440 heavy anti-aircraft guns and 400 light anti-aircraft guns, which were supported by 245 searchlights. Additionally, the city was guarded by flak towers, making it one of just three cities equipped with these dedicated anti-aircraft buildings (next to Vienna and Hamburg).[4]: 30–32
On 2 February 1945, in the face of the rapidly approaching
References
- ^ ISBN 3764808713.
- ^ ISBN 9780811734370.
- ^ a b Girbig, Werner (1970). Im Anflug auf die Reichshauptstadt: Die Dokumentation der Bombenangriffe auf Berlin – stellvertretend für alle Deutschen Städte. Motorbuch Verlag.
- ISBN 9781472835192.
- ISBN 9780160019623.
- ISBN 9783790902846.
- ISBN 9781472811448.