The 12.Panzer-Division was formed from the 2.Infanterie-Division (mot) inOctober, 1940, being fully formed in January, 1941.
In July, 1941, the 12.Panzer was moved to the Eastern Front and took part inoperations to encircle Minsk, cross the Dnieper and to take Smolensk. Movedto the Northern Front, 12.Panzer fought in the Battle of Mga, and then sufferedheavy losses during the Soviet Winter counter-offenisive against the Germansin the North near Leningrad.
The 12.Panzer was then withdrwan to Estonia to rest and refit, and then quicklytransfered back to fight again in the numerous battles south of Leningrad. The12.Panzer was transfered to Army Group Center in November, 1942, nearRoslavl.
During the period March-August, 1943, the 12.Panzer took part in operations in andaround Orel, Bryansk, Gomel, and Zhlobin. In the Summer of 1943, the 12.Panzertook part in the German offensive against the Kursk salient, and in the fallof 1943, in defensive operations along the Dnieper in the centralfront.
In February, 1944, the 12.Panzer-Division was once again transfered north totake part in the desperate battles around Leningrad, but was not able to helpstem the massive Soviet offensives against Army Group North. Throughout thenext few months, the 12.Panzer withdrew west through the Baltic region alongwith the rest of the retreating German forces, until it was pushed into theKurland Pocket in September, 1944. Holding out until May, 1945, the 12.Panzer-Divisionsurrendered to the Soviets in May, 1945 when Festung Kurland was forced tolay down its arms.
