Following training at the famous Grafenwohr training area (still in use today) the regiment moved into the area of operations for the Western front. The Rgt took up quarters around Montabaur (inc. Westerburg,Wilmenrod,Berzahn,Wirges,Sinsahn and Bannerscheid.
Training continued in this area and the Rgt was rapidly becoming an effective fighting force. In the November of 1939 Sturm-Pionier battalion 43 was attached to GD, this was a combat proven(Poland) fighting unit.
In January 1940 GD moved again, this time to the Mosel region (Zell,Neef,Biebern and Puller). Around this time GD adopted the now famous tactical vehicle symbol of the white "Stahlhelm" (Steel helmet). Training continued and became more specialised towards GDs upcoming task on the opening of hostilities in the west, namely to smash through the Luxembourg and Belgian border fortifications. Obslt Garski and elements of 11.Kp.III/GD and Sturm.Pionier 43 were sent to Crailsheim to prepare for airborne landings behind the lines, codenamed "NIWI". (These were parially successful and the Garski and the small unit later returned to GD).
On the 4th April Sturm Batterie 640 arrives with its six StuG assault guns and is incorporated in the IV./GD as the 16th Kompanie.
Assault boat crossings and bunker demolition were now on the training menu, not to mention Infantry/Armour exercises with assault guns. As May approached GD was ready.
On the evening of the 9th May 1940 GD was on the move towards the jumping off points for the opening attacks on the Western front.
"Comrades! We are setting out against the enemy. Every officer, NCO and Grenadier will do his duty to the upmost. Forward to the enemy! With God.
Long live the Fuhrer Long live Grossdeutschland
