In early 1940, motorcycle components of the Leibstandarte SS Adolf Hitler under Kurt Meyer were attached to the 227th Infantry Division during the preparations for the invasion of the Netherlands.

Following the victory in France the division performed occupation, security and coastal defense duties along the Normandy coast near Le Havre from July 1940 until December 1941.

In late 1941 the division was transferred to Army Group North on the Eastern Front.

[3] The division defended against the Red Army's main offensive at Sinyavino Heights, the Chernaya and the south shore of Lake Ladoga.

The division suffered heavy casualties in what was called the First Battle of Lake Ladoga from August through September 1942.