In January 1942, consolidating the Axis seizure of the island during the Battle of Crete, the 164th was reorganized as Fortress Division Kreta (FDK).

The 164th Infantry Division was formed on 27 November 1939 with Oberst[Note 1] Konrad Haase as its commander.

Reinforced with the experienced 125th Infantry Regiment, it remained here until mid-1942 at which time it was transferred to North Africa to serve with the Panzer Armee Afrika.

During the battle, one of its regiments was instrumental in preventing the capture of the headquarters of Panzer Armee Afrika by advancing Allied infantry.

[3] It spent the final stages of the campaign in Tunisia fighting against Free French troops[5] as part of the 1st Italian Army.