Introduction
WHO ARE WE
The 116. Panzer-Division Windhund is a dedicated milsim community in Hell Let Loose, focused on historical, tactical gameplay. We emphasize authentic squad formations and combined-arms operations of the German Heer in WWII. Our division fields a full spectrum of forces, including armored units, mechanized infantry, reconnaissance teams, artillery, and snipers.
We provide a space for serious players who want to enjoy the game in a structured, team-focused environment. Here, strategy, coordination, and discipline are just as important as having fun with a committed group of squadmates.
AUTHENTICITY
Realistic ranks, chain of command, and awards recognize dedication and achievement.
BROTHERHOOD
Wearing the [116W] tag signifies your place in a team built on trust, loyalty, and shared effort.
PURPOSE
Every member has a defined role, with opportunities to grow and contribute. Advancement is earned through teamwork, commitment, and tactical skill, reflecting the effort each soldier brings to the division.
Ranks and Structure
All members of the 116. Panzer-Division have the opportunity to advance through the ranks of the unit. Every new recruit begins as an Anwärter, and those who demonstrate exceptional skill, discipline, and dedication as a Grenadier may earn promotion within our Chain of Command.
The title “116. Panzer-Division” represents our Realism Unit. In structure, we are organized as a Division, consisting of Regiments, which are further divided into Battalions, and then into Companies.
Stabsoffiziere
Generalmajor, (GenMaj.)
Serves as the Divisionskommandeur. As Division Commander, the Generalmajor oversees all operations and personnel within the 116. Panzer-Division.
Offiziere
Oberst, (Obst.)
Serves as the Regimentskommandeur. As Regimental Commander, the Oberst leads and coordinates all battalions within his regiment, ensuring tactical cohesion, discipline, and the execution of divisional orders on the front line.
Oberstleutnant, (ObstLt.)
Serves as the Stellvertretender Regimentskommandeur. As Deputy Regimental Commander, the Oberstleutnant supports regimental leadership, coordinates operations between companies, and assumes full command when required.
Major, (Maj.)
Serves as the Bataillonskommandeur. As Battalion Commander, the Major directs company commanders, oversees combat readiness, and ensures that all orders from regimental command are executed effectively in the field.
Hauptmann, (Hptm.)
Serves as the Kompaniechef. As Company Commander, the Hauptmann leads multiple platoons, directs tactical operations, and ensures his company maintains discipline, readiness, and efficiency in combat.
Oberleutnant, (Oblt.)
Serves as Stellvertretender Kompaniechef. As Deputy Company Commander, the Oberleutnant commands several squads in combat and assists the Kompaniechef in leading and coordinating company operations.
Leutnant, (Lt.)
Serves as Zugführer. As Platoon Leader, the Leutnant commands multiple squads, leading them in combat operations and executing orders from company command with precision and discipline.
Unteroffiziere
Stabsfeldwebel, (StFw.)
Serves as Senior Kompaniefeldwebel. Acts as the senior NCO, managing administration, logistics, and discipline.
Oberfeldwebel, (Ofw.)
Serves as Senior Platoon NCO or Deputy Zugführer. Assists the platoon leader and supervises NCOs and enlisted personnel.
Feldwebel, (Fw.)
Serves as Zugführer or Senior Squad Leader. Commands a platoon or squad in the absence of an officer and ensures tactical discipline.
Unterfeldwebel, (Ufw.)
Serves as Gruppenführer. Commands a squad of 9–10 men in combat and coordinates closely with the platoon leader.
Unteroffizier, (Uffz.)
Serves as Assistant Squad Leader or Zugtruppführer. Supports the Gruppenführer and leads small elements in combat.
Mannschaften
Stabsgefreiter, (StGefr.)
Senior enlisted soldier. Acts as section leader or assistant to an NCO, responsible for maintaining discipline and assisting in squad coordination.
Obergefreiter, (OGefr.)
Experienced enlisted soldier. Leads small elements or serves as second-in-command within a squad.
Gefreiter, (Gfr.)
Junior enlisted rank. Demonstrates proven reliability and experience, often assisting the squad leader.
Panzerobergrenadier, (PzOGren.)
Veteran armored infantryman. Supports the Gruppenführer and provides leadership within Panzergrenadier squads.
Panzergrenadier, (PzGren.)
Trained armored infantryman. Operates in conjunction with tanks, executing mechanized infantry tactics.
Oberpanzerschütze, (OPzSchtz.)
Experienced tank crewman or gunner. Assists the Panzerkommandant and mentors junior crew members.
Panzerschütze, (PzSchtz.)
Armored crewman. Operates and maintains vehicle systems under the direction of senior crew.
Oberreiter, (OReit.)
Senior reconnaissance trooper. Serves as lead scout or assistant section leader in recon or cavalry elements.
Reiter, (Reit.)
Mounted or reconnaissance trooper. Performs scouting, communications, and light combat duties.
Panzeroberkanonier, (PzObKan.)
Experienced tank gunner or loader. Maintains and operates the main gun and assists in target acquisition.
Panzerkanonier, (PzKan.)
Junior tank gunner or loader. Responsible for loading and maintaining the tank’s primary weapon.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to use my real name?
No. You don't have to. Most of us just use the name they currently use on Steam.
Do I need to have prior gaming or realism experience to join?
No. Players of all experience levels are welcome in the 116. What matters most is your attitude and commitment. Your Squad Leaders will provide all the training and guidance you need.
Is there a training program?
Not yet. Currently, candidates are not required to complete any formal training. However, a structured training program will be introduced in the future to better prepare new members.
How long does it take to process my application?
If you provide all the requested information in detail, your application will be reviewed and either approved or denied within 48 hours.
Do I have to use my in-game name and unit tag at all times when playing HLL?
While playing Hell Let Loose or participating in another unit’s Discord server, members must always display the unit’s tags. However, you may remove your tags when playing other games or taking part in non–Hell Let Loose Discord servers.
History of the 116
Formation
The 116. Panzer-Division, also known as the Windhund-Division ("Greyhound Division"), was formed in March 1944 in France. It was created by merging remnants of the 16. Panzergrenadier-Division (destroyed at Stalingrad) and the 179. Reserve Panzer-Division. The new unit was placed under the command of General Gerhard Graf von Schwerin. Its insignia, the greyhound, symbolized speed and mobility.
The division’s organization included Panzer-Regiment 16, Panzergrenadier-Regiments 60 and 156, Panzer-Artillerie-Regiment 146, and supporting elements like Panzer-Aufklärungs-Abteilung 116 and Panzerjäger-Abteilung 228.
Normandy Campaign
The division first saw combat during the Allied landings in Normandy (June 1944). In late July, during Operation Cobra, the division fought desperately to halt the American breakout near Saint-Lô. Despite inflicting heavy losses, it was forced to retreat under massive Allied air superiority.
During the battle of the Falaise Pocket (August 1944), the division was nearly annihilated while trying to keep an escape corridor open for German forces. The remnants managed to escape eastward into Belgium but suffered severe attrition.
Retreat through Belgium and Holland
In September 1944, the Windhund-Division was thrown into combat during Operation Market Garden, fighting British and American airborne troops at Nijmegen and Arnhem. The division played a key role in delaying the Allies long enough to prevent a complete breakthrough into northern Germany, though again suffering losses. By late autumn, it withdrew into the Eifel region of Germany, regrouping for the next major offensive.
Battle of the Bulge
In December 1944, the 116. Panzer-Division took part in the Ardennes Offensive (Battle of the Bulge) as part of XLVII Panzer Corps. Its mission was to drive towards the Meuse River through the Ardennes forest. Fighting near Houffalize, Hotton, and Marche, the division advanced but failed to achieve its objectives due to fuel shortages, difficult terrain, and stiff American resistance. By early January 1945, the Windhund was forced back with heavy losses.
Final Battles in the Ruhr
In February–March 1945, the division defended positions along the Roer River against the U.S. Ninth Army. Retreating eastward, it became encircled in the Ruhr Pocket in April 1945. After exhausting its supplies and unable to break out, the remnants of the 116. Panzer-Division surrendered on 21 April 1945 to American forces.
Legacy
Despite its short existence (1944–1945), the 116. Panzer-Division earned a reputation for mobility and toughness under difficult conditions. Its greyhound emblem became well known on the Western Front. The division fought exclusively against Western Allies, from Normandy to the Ruhr, and was ultimately destroyed in combat without ever being redeployed to the Eastern Front.
World War II Campaigns
- Battle of Normandy — Summer 1944
- Operation Cobra (Saint-Lô)
- Operation Market Garden — September 1944
- Battle of Nijmegen & Arnhem
- Battle of the Hürtgen Forest — Autumn 1944
- Battle of the Bulge — December 1944 to January 1945
- Defense of the Roer River Line — February–March 1945
- Battle of the Ruhr Pocket — April 1945
Western Front