Formed in late 1940 in the further expansion of the German army it was committed to the campaign against Russia, and spent 3 years on the eastern front.

On 1 September these forces attacked out of the bridgehead striking into the rear of the Russian XXX Front, as a part of the huge encirclement operation around Kiev.

After the great battle, the Soviet resistance in the southern Russia lessened and the forces under Army Group South were able to push eastwards on a broad front.

After a long period of rest, the division joined the summer offensive, advancing with the 17th Army to the Caucasus, passing through the Rostov-on-Don, Mozdok, Nalchik, and Ordzhonikidze.

Due to the impending threat of envelopment after the Battle of Stalingrad Army Group A had to quickly return to the line of the Mius-Front, and Taganrog, where the division remained on the defensive until the end of July 1943.