Early Operations in Europe
Throughout the German sweep through Western Europe Wittmann served in the LSSAH as a reconnaissance driver with the rank of sergeant. The invasion of the Low Countries and France was known as Fall Gelb – Case Yellow – and the initial duty of Wittmann’s regiment was a link-up with German paratroopers in the Netherlands. Wittmann’s regiment was the vanguard of the German ground attack in Holland, after which it was transferred to France.
During the Battle of France the LSSAH engaged troops of the British and French armies and were near the trapped Allies in Dunkirk when the German High Command ordered their advance to a stop. The LSSAH assaulted a British artillery position in defiance of the orders, eliminating it, and for doing so their commanding officer, Sepp Dietrich, was decorated with the Knight’s Cross.
After the German advance continued Wittmann’s regiment was involved in the massacre of British and French prisoners of war at Wormhoudt, although there is no evidence of Wittmann being personally involved, or even aware of the crime. Following the fall of France the LSSAH reformed and enlarged while stationed at Metz. During preparations for the invasion of England Heinrich Himmler inspected the division, and presented it with new colors. As it became evident that there would be no invasion of England the division shifted to Bulgaria to prepare for the invasion of Greece.
In Greece Wittmann commanded an assault gun platoon against both Greek and British units. The Germans encountered strong resistance as they attempted to outflank the retreating Allied army, but by April 20 the Greek army was defeated. The Germans had another opportunity to capture an entire British army similar to the one they had missed at Dunkirk.
In Greece, Wittmann’s abilities as the leader of an assault gun platoon were evident, and his courage in combat was conspicuously displayed against British and Greek troops, leading him to be awarded the Iron Cross Second Class. The LSSAH was sent north to join the forces assembling as Army Group South in preparation for the invasion of the Soviet Union, Operation Barbarossa.