The 392. (Kroatische) Infanterie-Division was formed on 17 August 1943 at Truppenübungsplatz Döllersheim from Aufstellungsstab Neuhammer. It ended the war as prisoners of the Yugoslav forces in Rijeka (Fiume).

This unit took part in anti-partisan operations in Croatia.

Commanders

Generalleutnant Johann Mickl (13 Aug 1943 - 10 Apr 1945) (KIA) (1)

Area of operations

Croatia & Balkans (Aug 1943 - May 1945)

Nicknames

Blaue Divison (Plava Divizija, Blue Division)
Schachbrett-Division (Chess Board Division)

Holders of high awards

Holders of the German Cross in Gold (2)
- Becherer, Johann, 18.12.1944, Major d.R., Pz.Jg.Abt. 392 (kroat.)
- Bransch, Günther, 28.04.1944, Hauptmann d.R., Aufkl.Abt. 392 (kro
Holders of the Knight's Cross (1)
- Bransch, Günther 09.12.1944 Hauptmann d.R. Kdr Aufkl.Abt 392 (kroat.)

Order of battle

Grenadier-Regiment 846 (kroatische)
Grenadier-Regiment 847 (kroatische)
Artillerie-Regiment 392 (kroatische)
Feldersatz-Bataillon 392
Pionier-Bataillon 392
Panzerjäger-Abteilung 392
Aufklärungs-Abteilung 392
Nachrichten-Abteilung 392Nachschubführer 392

Insignia

Personnel of this division wore German army uniforms and rank insignia with the checkered red/white arm shield of Croatia.

Footnotes

1. Generalleutnant Johann Mickl was severly wounded 9 April 1945 when his column was ambushed by partisans near Senj. He died the following day.

Sources used

Christopher Ailsby - Hitler's Renegades: Foreign nationals in the service of the Third Reich
David Littlejohn - Foreign Legions of the Third Reich, vol 3
Veit Scherzer - Ritterkreuzträger 1939-1945
Georg Tessin - Verbände und Truppen der deutschen Wehrmacht 1933-1945

Reference material on this unit

Franz Schraml - Kriegsschauplatz Kroatien: Die deutsch-kroatischen Legionsdivisionen 369., 373., 392. Infanterie-Division, ihre Ausbildungs- und Ersatzformationen