The division was involved in many war crimes while stationed in Italy during World War II.[4] Together with the 1st Fallschirm-Panzer Division Hermann Göring the 16th SS Panzergrenadier is estimated to be responsible for about one third of all civilians killed in massacres in Italy during the war.[2] In regards to these war crimes the 16th SS Panzer Reconnaissance Battalion and its commander, Walter Reder, have been identified as one of the main culprits.[5] The division is estimated to have killed up to 2,000 Italian civilians during its time there.[6]