Following months of inactivity in Germany, the unit formed XVIII Mountain Corps[1] with the 6th Mountain Division, and in spring 1941 was designated to take part in Operation Marita, the invasion of Greece, as part of the Balkans Campaign.

The unit remained on the Eastern Front until November 1943, during which time it was used primarily for firefighting for the 18th Armee in operations near Mga, Shlisselburg, and Kolpino.

[3] Following its year on the Eastern Front the unit was redeployed to the Gustav Line in December 1943, arriving near Cassino.

The unit fought out the remainder of the war in Italy and the Western Alps before surrendering to American forces near Turin in May 1945.

[5][6] Shortly after the division was also implicated in another massacre in the town of Santhià, on the way to Milan, resulting in 48 deaths.