The Deutsches Afrika Korps (often just Afrika Korps or DAK) was the corps-level headquarters controlling the German Panzer divisions in Libya and Egypt's Western Desert during World War II.
Organization
The DAK was formed on February 19, 1941, after OKW decided to send an expeditionary force to Libya to support the Italian army, which had been routed by the British 8th Army's Operation Compass. The force, commanded by Erwin Rommel, initially consisted of the 5th Panzer Regiment. These elements were organized into the 5th Light Division. In spring, it was joined by the 15th Panzer Division.
On October 1, 1941, the 5th Light Division was redesignated as the 21st Panzer Division. During summer 1941, OKW created Panzer Group Afrika under Rommel, with the DAK under Ludwig Cruewell. Panzer Group Afrika was redesignated Panzer Army Afrika on January 30, 1942.
Campaigns and Defeat
After defeat at El Alamein and the Allied invasion of western North Africa, OKW created the 5th Panzer Army in Tunisia. On February 23, 1943, Panzer Army Afrika was redesignated as the 1st Italian Army. The remnants of the DAK retreated into Tunisia and surrendered on May 13, 1943.
Notable Units
- 5th Light Division (later 21st Panzer Division)
- 15th Panzer Division
- 90th Light Division (originally Afrika zbV Division)
- 164th Light Afrika Division
- Ramcke Parachute Brigade
Historical Postscript
After the surrender, three German divisions were reconstituted in western Europe: the 15th reformed as 115th Panzergrenadier Division, the 21st Panzer Division reformed under its own name, and the 90th Light became the 90th Panzergrenadier Division.