7th Panzer Division (Bundeswehr) 7th Panzer Division (Bundeswehr) The 7th Panzer Division or Westphalian Panzer Division ( or "Westfälische Panzerdivision") was a major formation in the German Army ("Heer") within the German Armed Forces or "Bundeswehr" whose headquarters was for many years in Lippstadt und Unna and, finally in Düsseldorf. Until its dissolution in 2006 it was seen as the "backbone of the Army" or the "spearhead of the German Army". The majority of new weapon systems were introduced by this formation. Many Inspectors of the Army ("Inspekteur des Heeres") were once divisional commanders of the 7th Armoured Division. Its last commander was Wolf-Joachim
7th Armoured Division (France) being the first large unit equipped with the new, light-weight Panhard EBR armoured cars and AMX-13 tanks. In early 1956 the division was transferred to French North Africa, where its soldiers served as infantry supporting French operations in the Algerian War. In late 1956 the division was hurriedly reunited with its tanks and armoured cars to take part in Operation Musketeer, the invasion of Egypt by Franco-British forces. It then returned to Algeria where it remained until 1961. The division was transferred to Metropolitan France, with its headquarters at Besançon, forming part of I Corps. The division was renamed, becoming