The 180th Division, also designated Commander of Reserve Troops X/II, was formed in Bremen in Wehrkreis X on 25 November 1939.

[2] In March 1940, the division consisted of the following elements:[1] In January 1942, Gilbert was replaced as divisional commander by Herbert Lemke.

In December 1943, the division consisted of the following elements:[1] On 18 September 1944, the codeword Alarm Küste was given out to German forces in response to several Allied paratrooper landings in the Netherlands, collectively known as Operation Market Garden.

[1] The 180th Division was successful in slowing the Allied XXX Corps long enough to secure German victory at the Battle of Arnhem.

[2] Between 1st and 8th of January 1945, a reinforced company of about 150 soldiers successfully crossed the Maas River at Well and occupied the Dutch town of Wanssum in Operation Schneeman or Snowman.

Reestablishing the front caused British casualties and reminded the Allies that the Germans were still capable of offensive feints.

[1] After participating in combat against the 2nd British Army in the Battle of Wesel, the 180th Infantry Division was crushed in Operation Varsity in March 1945.