The 132.Infanterie-Division first saw action in the Balkans Region on anti-partisan and security operations, moving through the areas of Marburg/Drau-Cilli-Agram-Banja Luka to the area of Sarajevo. The Division was relieved by the 718.Infanterie-Division in late May of 1941. After security duties in the occupied areas of the Balkans, the Division was transferred to the Eastern Front in preparation for the planned attack on the Soviet Union.
During the Invasion of the Soviet Union the 132.Infanterie-Division advanced through Lemberg, Ostrog/Rowno, Shitomir, and other areas until it arrived in the area of Kiev. It took part in the fighting at Jusefowka, Berejaslaw, and Jerkowzy, and later paused near the region of Cherson-Perekopat the start of the Crimea. After taking part in the advance into the Crimea in November of 1941, the Division’s main service was during the siege of the Soviet fortress of Sevestapol at the southwestern base of the Crimean Peninsula. The Division took part in not only the siege but also the assault into the city itself and helped to crush the Russian defenses and take the vitally important city. The 132.Infanterie-Division fought in the Crimea from November 1941 until September of 1942, when it was transferred to Armeegruppe Nord.
After seeing action in the Crimea region, in September of 1942, the 132.Infanterie-Division was shifted to the Leningrad Front where it became a part of the 18.Armee, which was attempting to break through the lines around the city. It fought in the Mga positions, at Gaitolowoand Tschernaja. It help positions against the Pogostje Pocket, and fought at Smerdynia as well. Unlike Sevestapol though, Leningrad held and in 1944 the 132.Infanterie-Division was eventually forced into a series of withdrawals and retreats, finally ending the War in the Kourland Pocket, trapped by the rapidly advancing Soviets until its surrender in May of 1945.
