of offensives and the German forces were driven back into southern Poland. This was a time of constant retreat for the 88th division as the front was pulled back time after time, but after considerable effort the Germans finally managed to stabilize the front by September. Although the 88th avoided encirclement in these battles, it suffered considerable casualties and was down to a 'Kampfgruppe' by mid August. The decimated 88th division was to remain static for over 3 months. It finally met its fate in January 1945, when Soviet armies were unleashed with overwhelming odds and much of Army Group A, of which the 88th division was now a part, was overwhelmed and destroyed. This was the last action of the division; its remnants were listed as fighting with battle group Jauer at the end of January. The division was finally disbanded later in 1945, with its survivors absorbed by other units. Commanding officers Generalmajor Georg Lang, 1 December 1939 – 2 February 1940. General der Infanterie Friedrich Gollwitzer, 2 February 1940 – 10 March 1943. Generalleutnant Heinrich Roth, 10 March 1943 – 5 November 1943. Generalleutnant Georg Graf von Rittberg, 5 November 1943 – 8 January 1945. Generalmajor Carl Anders, 8 January 1945 – 27 January 1945. References Citations Bibliography External links http://niehorster.org/011_germany/40_organ_army/div-inf_6-welle.html http://niehorster.org/011_germany/41_organ_army/41_id_06-welle.html 0*088 Military units and formations established in 1939 1939 establishments in Germany Military units and formations disestablished in 1945