The 9th SS Panzer Division, commonly known as the 9th SS Panzer, was a German armored division that served during World War II. Created in 1943, it was initially named the 9th SS Panzer Division Hohenstaufen as it was formed from the cadre of the earlier SS Division Hohenstaufen.
As a Waffen-SS division, it was part of the Schutzstaffel (SS), an elite paramilitary organization under the control of the Nazi Party. The 9th SS Panzer Division played a significant role in several major battles on the Eastern Front, including the Battle of the Bulge and the Battle of Kursk.
The division consisted of highly trained and fanatically loyal soldiers, known for their brutal tactics and extreme discipline. It was equipped with heavy tanks, artillery, and other armored vehicles that made it a formidable force on the battlefield.
The term "9th SS Panzer" refers specifically to this military unit within the German armed forces. The "9th" indicates its numerical designation within the SS Panzer Divisions, while "Panzer" signifies its armored capabilities. The division regularly collaborated with other German military units and functioned under the overall command of the German High Command (OKW).
Although the 9th SS Panzer fought on behalf of the Nazi regime, it is important to note that this definition aims to provide neutral information regarding the formation, actions, and role of this division during World War II.
