Explore the hierarchy of the German Chain of Command in Western Europe June 6, 1944

German-Chain of Command World War 2

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A chart showing the German Command in Western Europe on June 6, 1944.

  • Adolf Hitler was Führer and commander in chief of the armed forces.
  • OKM (Navy High Command) reported to Adolf Hitler and was led by Karl Dönitz.
  • Navy Group West reported to OKM and was led by Theodor Krancke.
  • Surface fleet and coastal batteries reported to Navy Group West.
  • Panzer Group West reported to Adolf Hitler and was led by Leo Geyr von Schweppenburg who was to deliberate in concert with the OBW.
  • 1st SS Panzer Corps reported to Panzer Group West and was led by Josef Dietrich.
  • Panzer Lehr Division and the 12th SS Panzer Division or “Hitler Youth” reported to 1st SS Panzer Corps.
  • OKW (Armed Forces High Command) reported to Adolf Hitler, including Wilhelm Keitel the chief of staff, and Alfred Jodl the chief of operations.
  • OBW (Commander in Chief West) reported to OKM and was led by Gerd von Rundstedt.
  • Army Group B reported to OBW and was led by Erwin Rommel. Awarded the title of field marshal, was entitled to appeal personally to Hitler with pressing tactical concerns.
  • 7th Army (Normandy and Brittany) reported to Army Group B and was led by Friedrich Dollmann.
  • 84th Corps (Normandy), 25th Corps (Brittany), 74th Corps (Brittany) all reported to the 7th Army.
  • 15th Army (Pas-de-Calais) reported to Army Group B and was led by Hans von Salmuth.
  • 21st Panzer Division, 352nd Infantry Division, 716th Infantry Division, 709th Infantry Division, and 243rd all reported to 84th Corps.
  • OKL (Air Force High Command) reported to Adolf Hitler and was led by Hermann Göring.
  • 3rd Air Fleet reported to OKL and was led by Hugo Sperrle.
  • Fighter and bomber wings as well as the antiaircraft batteries reported to 3rd Air Fleet.
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