Götz von Berlichingen
The division was raised near Poitiers, France as the "Panzer-Grenadier-Division "Götz von Berlichingen"" in October 1943. It was formed from scratch, with the majority of its original cadre coming from replacement units and conscripts, many of whom were Romanian Germans and French volunteers. After September 8, 1943, around five hundred Italian volunteers, coming from units deployed in France were enlisted in "Götz von Berlichingen". The division was granted the honour-title "Götz von Berlichingen". Obersturmbannführer Otto Binge oversaw the formation of the division, with the newly promoted Brigadeführer Werner Ostendorff taking command in January 1944. The "Götz von Berlichingen" was placed under the LXXX Army Corps, a part of Generalfeldmarschall Gerd von Rundstedt's "Heeresgruppe D".