The Waffen-SS (4): 24. to 38. Divisions, & Volunteer Legions

Osprey Men at Arms #420

by Gordon Williamson, Stephen Andrew (Illustrator)

In the last years of World War II, 1944–45, the Waffen-SS formed many nominal 'divisions' from a motley range of sources, whose battlefield value was as varied as their backgrounds. The best were built around existing Western European volunteer regiments; some, raised from Central Europeans and Russians, were strong in numbers but weak in morale; some were of negligible size, scraped together from remnants and trainees; and some were sinister 'anti-partisan' gangs, assembled from the military dregs of the Eastern Front. Illustrated with rare photographs from private collections and meticulous colour artwork, this final title in our sequence details their organisation, uniforms and insignia, and summarises their battle records.

Genres: Nonfiction, War

48 pages, Paperback

First published March 25, 2004

About the author

Gordon Williamson (born 1951) is a military history writer and author based in the United Kingdom. Williamson spent seven years with the Military Police in the British Territorial Army and resides in Scotland. Williamson's works focus primarily on German military forces during the Second World War.

Williamson has worked with several publishers but is perhaps best known for his continuing partnership with Osprey Publishing, with whom he has produced over 40 books.

Reviews

[Sean Chick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chronicles late war SS divisions many of which, including the 29th and 33rd divisions, were among the most murderous outfits ever raised for combat. The units discussed here are, with a few exceptions, anything but elite.