The real HVP 82
Divisional organisation
A medical unit attached to an armoured division was comprised of 2 companies and a transport platoon, with a total of 17 officers, 2 officials, 70 NCOs and 326 enlisted men. The commanding officer was the Divisionarzt (IVb) - equivalent to a Major.
Company organisation
The company was comprised as follows:
- Commanded by a Stabsarzt (equivalent to Captain)
- Staff group, comprising senior doctor and doctor/surgeons
- Pharmacy group, comprising a pharmacist (Heeresbeamte or Army Official) and a medical NCO
- Paymaster
- Support group, comprising transport and a field kitchen
- 1st Platoon whose primary role was as stretcher bearers. They also assisted in medical facilities as corpsmen. Commanded by a doctor.
- 2nd Platoon was the Hauptverbandplatz (main dressing station). This was commanded by a surgeon.
- 3rd platoon was a replacement platoon, supplying additional personal to the other 3. They also received specialist training in chemical warfare. Also commanded by a surgeon
- 4th platoon whose primary role was delousing.
Hauptverbandplatz
We represent this level of the medical system. They were usually sited about 7-10 kilometres behind the front lines. The unit was normally mobile and based in tents, but wherever buildings were available, they were utilised. The HVP was the first opportunity for in depth surgery and longer term care (up to a maximum of 10 days). The diagram below shows how the HVP fits into the medical system.
The HVP was commanded by an Oberarzt (Lieutenant) and had 45 other ranks to support it.