This list covers the regiments of the Belgian Army from 1939 to 1945, from mobilization to the ensuing Battle of Belgium and the Battle of France, along with Free Belgian regiments till 1945. This article is based on one source, which covers up every detail on the 18 day campaign (1940) in the Belgian Perspective.
Divisions
22 divisions form the basis of the Belgian Army. A division at full strength had three infantry regiments, an artillery regiment, an engineer battalion, and some transmission troops. Additional arms may include Quartermaster companies, tanks, and signal units. Three Divisions form a Corps.
Divisions
Original Six Divisions of 1914
1st Infantry Division
2nd Infantry Division
3rd Infantry Division
4th Infantry Division
5th Infantry Division
6th Infantry Division
Divisions formed in the Mobilization process of 1938-1939
7th Infantry Division
8th Infantry Division
9th Infantry Division
10th Infantry Division
11th Infantry Division
12th Infantry Division
13th Infantry Division
14th Infantry Division
15th Infantry Division
16th Infantry Division
17th Infantry Division
18th Infantry Division
1st Cavalry Division
2nd Cavalry Division
Ardennes Hunter Divisions/Chasseurs Ardennais
Formed in 1934, they were specifically supposed to hold the Ardennes against attack. There were only two Divisions.
1st Division Ardennes Hunters, also known as 1st Division Chasseurs Ardennais
2nd Division Ardennes Hunters, also known as 2nd Division Chasseurs Ardennais
Group Ninitte
Group Ninitte was a special group of regiments that acted as a flexible reserve and defense force.
Infantry 1940
Before World War II began, the Belgian Army had only 19 regiments, of which most were regiments of the line. In the ensuing mobilization process of the 1930s, each regiment was split, or reinforced, to form 3 more regiments. There was a traditional distinction between the Line Infantry, Foot Hunters, Carabiners, and Grenadiers, but all uniforms remained the same. (Besides the badges)
The Infantry Regiments were divided among 18 Infantry Divisions, two Cavalry Divisions, Several Corps, and Group Ninitte.
Field Army
Most of these regiments saw combat in World War I, and were split to form other regiments. These regiments were well equipped as they were the first to enter combat.
Line Regiments
1st Line Regiment (3rd Infantry Division), under Colonel Louis Barthélemy
2nd Line Regiment (12th Infantry Division), under Colonel Devloo
3rd Line Regiment (1st Infantry Division), under Captain Victor Defonseca
4th Line Regiment (1st Infantry Division), under Colonel Arthur De Cae
5th Line Regiment (2nd Infantry Division), under Colonel R. Carion
6th Line Regiment (2nd Infantry Division), under Colonel H. Godeau
7th Line Regiment (4th Infantry Division), under Colonel M. Gondry
8th Line Regiment (9th Infantry Division), under Colonel V. Vermeulen
9th Line Regiment (6th Infantry Division), under Colonel A. Bouha
10th Line Regiment (Formed the Ardennes Hunters)
11th Line Regiment (4th Infantry Division), under Colonel Louis Horckmans
12th Line Regiment (3rd Infantry Division), under Colonel Yvan Gerard
13th Line Regiment (8th Infantry Division), under Colonel Adrian Labio
14th Line Regiment (11th Infantry Division), under Colonel E. Hennequin
Foot Hunters
The Foot Hunters are a variant for a ‘Jager’ Regiment.
1st Regiment Foot Hunters (5th Infantry Division), under Colonel L. Dagois
2nd Regiment Foot Hunters (5th Infantry Division), under Colonel Georges Lescornez
3rd Regiment Foot Hunters (10th Infantry Division), under Colonel A. Sthouse
Grenadiers and Carabiners
Grenadiers, like all other armies in the world, consist of strong forces in the army. Carabiners fight quick skirmishes with the enemy to allow regular infantry to join the front. Carabiner-Cyclists also have cycles to increase mobility, allowing them to cooperate with cavalry, unlike most infantry. The Carabiner-Cyclists are also considered as cavalry.