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Osprey Elite #255
The 'Grossdeutschland' Division in World War II: The German Army's premier combat unit
Investigates the history and evolving appearance of the 'Grossdeutschland' Division, the German Army's premier combat unit during World War II.
Featuring eight pages of original artwork and carefully chosen photographs depicting personalities, uniforms, insignia and personal equipment, this is the absorbing story of the German Army's elite 'fire brigade' during 1939–45. The unit began its life as an elite guard detachment; expanded to regimental size in 1939, it saw action in France in 1940 and Yugoslavia in 1941 before participating in the Axis invasion of the Soviet Union.
Reinforced to divisional status, 'Grossdeutschland' fought on the Eastern Front in 1942–44, notably at Rzhev in late 1942 and Kharkov in early 1943. Refitted and redesignated a Panzergrenadier-Division, 'Grossdeutschland' played a key role in the battle of Kursk in July 1943, before acting as the Wehrmacht's 'fire brigade' in 1943–44.
In late 1944, 'Grossdeutschland' was expanded to Panzerkorps status, with Panzergrenadier-Division 'Brandenburg' also taking the field. Further units joined the order of battle, the Führerbegleit-Brigade fighting in the Ardennes in 1944–45 before also being redesignated a division. All of these campaigns are covered in this book, which charts the evolving appearance of this elite formation over nearly six years of brutal warfare.
Featuring eight pages of original artwork and carefully chosen photographs depicting personalities, uniforms, insignia and personal equipment, this is the absorbing story of the German Army's elite 'fire brigade' during 1939–45. The unit began its life as an elite guard detachment; expanded to regimental size in 1939, it saw action in France in 1940 and Yugoslavia in 1941 before participating in the Axis invasion of the Soviet Union.
Reinforced to divisional status, 'Grossdeutschland' fought on the Eastern Front in 1942–44, notably at Rzhev in late 1942 and Kharkov in early 1943. Refitted and redesignated a Panzergrenadier-Division, 'Grossdeutschland' played a key role in the battle of Kursk in July 1943, before acting as the Wehrmacht's 'fire brigade' in 1943–44.
In late 1944, 'Grossdeutschland' was expanded to Panzerkorps status, with Panzergrenadier-Division 'Brandenburg' also taking the field. Further units joined the order of battle, the Führerbegleit-Brigade fighting in the Ardennes in 1944–45 before also being redesignated a division. All of these campaigns are covered in this book, which charts the evolving appearance of this elite formation over nearly six years of brutal warfare.
63 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 15, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
June 22, 2025
I've been intrigued with the 'Gross Deutschland' Division of the Wehrmacht ever since I read Guy Sajer's combat memoir, The Forgotten Soldier, in which he spent most of his service with this unit on the Eastern Front from 1943 to war's end in 1945.
This book provides a concise and fully comprehensive account of what developed into one of the German Army's elite units in World War II, seeing action in France, Yugoslavia, and on the Eastern Front. Considerable light is shed on the types of uniforms, weapons, and equipment used by the Grossdeutschland Division. There are also plenty of photos and illustrations to give the reader a full flavor of the unit's experiences, from its origins as a prewar infantry regiment which performed ceremonial functions to a fully equipped Panzerkorps with a vaunted reputation for effectively holding the line under the most severe enemy attacks, protecting neighboring units, which could then make good their escape.
This book provides a concise and fully comprehensive account of what developed into one of the German Army's elite units in World War II, seeing action in France, Yugoslavia, and on the Eastern Front. Considerable light is shed on the types of uniforms, weapons, and equipment used by the Grossdeutschland Division. There are also plenty of photos and illustrations to give the reader a full flavor of the unit's experiences, from its origins as a prewar infantry regiment which performed ceremonial functions to a fully equipped Panzerkorps with a vaunted reputation for effectively holding the line under the most severe enemy attacks, protecting neighboring units, which could then make good their escape.
January 24, 2025
Published in 2024, 'The 'Grossdeutschland Division in World War II' is number 255 in the 'Elite' series of military books published by Osprey. In this volume, a short operational history is given of this important German Army combat unit, together with basic details of uniforms, equipment and commanders, supported by some excellent illustrations. The brief nature of the booklet means that all areas are covered at a basic level, and yet in fairness to the writer he does not shy away from mention of atrocities carried out by the unit. An interesting read.
February 11, 2025
Great Account of one of the Heer premier units
Much is written of the fearsome reputation of the wafer SS units, I always had te opportunity to read about the GD, also his war exploits, even though was not politically indoctrinated as the. waffen, the elan and the combat spirit was equally fearsome. Great reading, along with photographs and extensive research truly recommended.
Much is written of the fearsome reputation of the wafer SS units, I always had te opportunity to read about the GD, also his war exploits, even though was not politically indoctrinated as the. waffen, the elan and the combat spirit was equally fearsome. Great reading, along with photographs and extensive research truly recommended.
October 1, 2025
Good reference
A useful survey of premiere unit of the German Army in WWII. So much echoes. From a battalion, to brigade, to division, to a corps it shows and tells enough to get a feel for the period. Great.
A useful survey of premiere unit of the German Army in WWII. So much echoes. From a battalion, to brigade, to division, to a corps it shows and tells enough to get a feel for the period. Great.
February 26, 2024
Good book on topic
June 26, 2024
Excellent little book, exceeded my expectations. It gives you a brief overview of the division with lots of interesting images without becoming a three volume monster.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews