THE 5th leichte (light) Division was created in January 1941. Most units and equipment came from 3rd Panzer Division.

It's main units:

• 5 Panzer Regiment
• 8 Machinegewehr Bataillon (Machine-gun)
• 2 Machinegewehr Bataillon
• Autklärungs Abteilung 3 (Reconnaissance)
• I/Panzerjäger Abteilung 33 (Anti-tank)
• I/Panzerjäger Abteilung 39
• I/Artillerie Regt 75
• Luftwaffe Flak - Abteilung 605
• Luftwaffe Flak - Abteilung 606

In the initial attacks on Tobruk it was commanded by Streich.

5 leichte was enlarged and renamed 21st Panzer Division when the DAK became part of Panzergruppe Afrika in August 1941.