The Origin of the German 11th Panzer Division It all had to do with a unique relationship between the division and the constabulary regiment and the terribly undermanned condition of the 2nd Constabulary Regiment on the day of the parade. The fact that this situation arose is a most intriguing story of the surrender of a crack German Army fighting division and its eventual role in this impressive show of American armed might. Half the troopers mounted on horseback, most of the musicians, and a portion of the crews in vehicles were veterans of the demobilized German 11th Panzer Division, the Gespensterdivision (Ghost Division). Unbeknownst to Eisenhower, and surely to everybody else outside the 2nd Constabulary Regiment, not every participant in uniform was an American soldier. The Americans in postwar Germany staged many such parades, but this one was unique.

As the last element passed down the Munich street, all observers agreed the parade was a huge success, and the regiment was praised for its performance. Behind the musicians came the regiment’s motorized and mechanized vehicles, all fully manned. He was followed by a platoon of mounted soldiers which trotted in front of a khaki-clad band. At the head of the formation the regimental commander, Colonel Charles Reed, a seasoned cavalryman, rode on a handsome charger. It was an autumn day in October 1946, in Munich, Germany, and he was taking the pass in review of the 2nd Constabulary Regiment. Eisenhower, supreme commander of Allied forces in Europe. Upon the reviewing stand as honored guest was General Dwight D.

How to disband units in panzer corps