PANZERKORPS Meaning and
Definition
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Panzerkorps refers to a German term used during World War II to designate a type of military unit within the German Army, specifically the Wehrmacht. The term combines two German words: "Panzer" (meaning "tank") and "Korps" (meaning "corps").
A panzerkorps can be defined as a large-scale combined arms military formation primarily composed of armored or mechanized units. It was one of the key elements of the German Blitzkrieg (lightning war) strategy, which relied on swift and powerful armored forces to rapidly break through enemy defensive lines.
Typically consisting of several divisions, a panzerkorps incorporated a versatile mix of tanks, infantry, artillery, and other supporting elements. It was known for its mobility, firepower, and ability to exploit breakthroughs or conduct envelopment maneuvers. These units played a pivotal role in some of the major battles of World War II, such as the Battle of France, Battle of Kursk, and the Normandy landings.
A panzerkorps was led by a designated corps commander, who held the rank of general or lieutenant general. They were responsible for coordinating and directing the actions of their subordinate units, ensuring proper logistics, and formulating tactical plans. The success of the German panzerkorps relied heavily on the expertise and strategic thinking of its commanders, who were skilled in exploiting the advantages of armored warfare.
In summary, a panzerkorps was a German military formation during World War II that focused on armored warfare and played a crucial role in the German Blitzkrieg strategy. It consisted of several divisions and was led by a corps commander, who oversaw its operations.
Etymology of PANZERKORPS
The word "Panzerkorps" is derived from the German language.
The term "Panzer" (meaning "armor" or "tank") is derived from the word "Panzerkampfwagen", which directly translates to "armored combat vehicle" or "tank". This word was shortened to "Panzer" and became widely used during the era of World War II.
The term "Korps" (meaning "corps") originated from French, specifically from the word "corps" which means "body" or "group". In military terminology, a corps refers to a large organized body of troops, typically consisting of two or more divisions.
When both terms are combined, "Panzerkorps" translates to "Armored Corps" or "Tank Corps".
