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| SS-Panzergrenadier-Division Das Reich during 'Zitadelle' |
The so-called classic Waffen-SS Divisions – Leibstandarte SS, Das Reich, Totenkopf and Wiking – began receiving small quantities of ethnic German replacements by the spring of 1942. The classic divisions were able to maintain a degree of quality, and the divisions reached a comparable level, because their experienced cadre carried on the traditions established in the pre-war
SS-VT. The Waffen-SS were created to act as elite formations for use at the decisive points of the front. This became true of the first six Waffen-SS divisions, as well as the later-formed SS-Panzer and Panzergrenadier divisions. The military advisor and former Generaloberst Heinz Wilhelm Guderian, founder of the German armoured forces and their chief in battle, at the same time Chief of staff of the German Army wrote in 1953 to disperse the clouds of lies and calumnies piled up around the multinational Waffen-SS:
Our Honour is our Loyalty. This was the motto according to which the Waffen-SS was trained, and it was the motto according to which it fought. It was loyal to the oath and brave to self-sacrifice. Whoever saw them in battle is bound to confirm that. After the collapse this formation faced exceptionally heavy and unjust charges but they never forgot loyalty to themselves and to all those who performed their duty for Germany. Their exemplary conduct during hard post-war years in POW-camps and before Tribunals their unshaken attitude, comradeship and helpfulness prove it. Guderian was one of the few generals who had a consistent track record of opposing Hitler. Credit:
Waffen-SS Encyclopedia. Top clip: soldiers of the Leibstandarte SS being relieved by their replacements during a guard mounting ceremony at the Reich Chancellery in 1939. Middle image: Waffen-SS officers playing out every imaginable tactical battle scenario. Most likely officers from the Leibstandarte SS. FU. Bottom image: Tiger tanks of the elite SS-Panzer-Regiment 2 Das Reich in the Belgorod Oblast during the
Kursk offensive in July 1943. Photo likely by SS-Kriegsberichter Hermann Grönert or possible
Fritzel Zschäckel. Commons: Bundesarchiv.
Apart from the above-mentioned Waffen-SS divisions, the Hohenstaufen and Frundsberg, and the Hitlerjugend also belongs to the 'classic' divisions. All these divisions were characterised by extremely high unit morale and combat ability, as well as commitment to the Crusade against Bolshevism. While several other formations (e.g. the Nordland and Nord divisions) could also be considered elite, they are generally not referred to as classic SS Divisions. In spite of heavy casualties, these units retained their reputations as crack formations until the end of the war.
ReplyDeleteProbably the most highly motivated combatant to take the field in WWII, the West European Waffen-SS soldier was the cutting edge of Germany's military might. Wherever the enemy breached the lines, orders went out for the Waffen-SS. Both friend and foe agreed that the elite divisions of the Waffen-SS possessed fighting qualities equalled by few.
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ReplyDeleteThe first Waffen-SS divisions were not overrated, the LSSAH, Das Reich, Totenkopf, and Wiking were a self proclaimed elite, chosen from the best physical specimens and given intense training, but since people often forget the existence of the later, not to mention the Eastern European ones, the organization itself is.
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